We finished celebrating Sarah’s birthday with a meal at a local taverna last night. A couple of the dishes were very good, the rest average, but the wine flowed and we had a great time.

Both of us woke with slightly thick heads and discussed plans for the day. We both decided against staying in Kalo Nero. The spot was good, shops and restaurants were near by, but the quantity of stray dogs meant that we were unlikely to have a relaxing day, given Mabel’s antipathy towards other canines.

The overall plan at the moment is to slowly make our way round the coast of the Peloponnese, going inland occasionally to visit sites of specific interest and either wildcamping or stopping on campsites as the mood takes us. We therefore decided to head south and check out a couple of wildcamping spots.

First we stopped at LIDL. We have the process of leaving the dogs down to a fine art now. We put their bedding mats on the dashboard to prevent damage and then just leave them to do what they wish. We left them behind as we wandered into the familiar surroundings of LIDL. LIDL feels like an old friend when you slip through its doors, whichever country you are in, but the contents of each LIDL vary considerably in each nation. In Greece, for instance, we noticed a huge area devoted to yoghurt and varieties of Feta cheese, but the most fascinating country specific offering was a whole skinned goat shrink wrapped in the frozen goods section, complete with head, eyes and tongue!

I was making my way down the chilled goods section, when there was suddenly a very load crash as an 8 foot tower of margarine and similar products fell from a distribution pallet, just six inches to my right. Another half foot and it could have been a very embarrassing end to my life, buried under a pile of butter substitutes! I displayed the famous British sangfroid as staff members apologised profusely.

We completed our shop and then drove an uneventful 30 miles or so along the coast road. Two lanes all the way. No hairpins, no lilliputian villages to squeeze through. The perfect antidote to the last few days.

Voidokilia Beach

We finally arrived at a large area of waste ground when the tarmac ran out. This was the parking area for Voidokilia Beach (36.966735, 21.662063). This is the most beautiful beach we have found so far in seven weeks of travelling. The sea comes through two large rock buttresses to form a small bay surrounded by a perfect semi-circle of soft sand. We took some chairs and enjoyed some time on the beach, the dogs sporting their sun hats we purchased at an English village fete last year. They caused much amusement among some of the few other occupants of the beach. Sarah was brave enough to walk out into the bay and have a lengthy swim, the dogs were not keen to join her.

Sarah having a swim.

Mabel and Melek looking stylish in their sun hats!

Next to Basil is a large brackish lake and marsh area, which has had a number of bird spotters in attendance today. Before we take off tomorrow I think my birding lens will be coming out to try to add to my, so far, pathetic library of bird photographs from this trip.

There is a sign in our parking area, covered in graffiti, which we think states that camping is not allowed and campers will be the subject of a fine. I know many people have wildcamped here and there are three other motorhomes here at the moment. I hope this rule is not enforced in the off season. It is very remote and I cannot see we are doing anyone any harm at this time of year, so we’re crossing our fingers and staying put for the night.

Basil’s spot for the night