Last evening Sarah and I were caught unawares in hilarious fashion. Most unexpectedly, after several weeks of unbroken sunshine, we received a few spots of rain. No problem. The awning was out, protecting the chairs, so we sat tight in Basil. Within a few minutes the few spots of rain turned into an all out mediterranean thunderstorm, with torrential rain and very high winds.
Looking out through Basil’s window, we saw our awning beginning to lift off the ground, unanchored as it was. In our defence, Basil’s awning winds out from his side on two sturdy arms, and so although we would normally anchor it if we were, for instance, in windy Cornwall, in benign conditions, such as we experience in Greece there is little point, especially when we are only staying in one place for two or three days.
Anyway there was not choice for it. We had to get the awning in, and fast. We both dashed out in the torrential rain, first quickly winding in the awning and then putting away our outside chairs. By the time we had finished we might as well have been for a swim. We were saturated.
The storm soon passed and after a good nights sleep, we were up indecently early to go on our walk. We wanted to get started before the heat built and also to get going before Melek had a chance to pull a sickie.
The walk was the first proper circular walk we have managed in 11 weeks away. In Britain we would go walking, when we are in Basil, probably every third day on average, with the wonders of Ordnance Survey. There is no such mapping available in Greece, even their road maps are apparently inaccurate.
After only 300 metres on the road, we headed up a dirt track into the hills. Almost immediately we were “greeted” by three dogs, off the leash and not happy to see us. It’s a good job Sarah and I are confident with dogs, because the three together were intimidating. Circling us and trying to come in from the side or behind. Luckily Sarah found me a stick and the man with the stick managed to keep them at bay until we were out of their territory.
The track went unremittingly upwards at a steep incline. The steepest parts had been concreted with diagonal lines scarring the surface, to give purchase to 4x4s. We gained height quickly and were soon experiencing some beautiful views over Kato Gatzea and the Aegean.
After about 40 minutes climbing we reached our goal, which was a narrow guage railway which runs through the hills. We had been advised at the campsite that it was safe to walk along the line, but Sarah was apprehensive as it goes against everything we are taught about railways. Our fears were allayed when coming towards us along the railway track we saw a car!! In fact it was the only car we saw using the railway track, but it had provided us with reassurance.
The Railway
The walk along the railway was very pleasant. Of course virtually flat and with fantastic views over the olive groves and the sea. Even Melek seemed happy to be along for the walk.
Sarah and Mabel on the trek
There was one section that I was not too happy about. We reached a gap between two concrete piers where there were no sleepers. The gap was only 3 or 4 metres, but the drop was probably 10 to 20 metres. Sarah cooly walked across with one leg braced against each track and Mabel followed on one track, completely oblivious to the danger.
The Chasm of Doom
I hate heights. I always have and always will. It doesn’t stop me climbing belltowers or castle walls, but if there is no barrier between me and a big drop, I am not a happy bunny. Even worse Melek would need carrying across. After 37 years together Sarah knows all my fears and foibles, and so like the hero she is she skipped back and forth across the gap to take first Melek and then my camera. I then started across with one leg on either track a la Sarah. I quickly decided that was not going to work. So I am not ashamed to say, I went down on all fours and crawled across with one hand and knee on the left hand track and the other hand and knee on the other. Strangely, in this demeaning position I lost my fear. As I crawled across I could look into the abyss with equanimity! I was just praying that there was nothing worse in front of us.
Railway View
We walked about 3 miles along the railway and then, thanks to Google maps, found the correct track down to sea level. On reaching the main road we treated ourselves to a Magnum each and a cold drink. The walk in total was only 5 or 6 miles, but it felt good to stretch our legs and Melek, providing he was regularly tanked up with water, was as good as gold.
View from Railway
Back at camp, we relaxed for the afternoon with Sarah going for another snorkel. Peace on this site is occasionally disturbed by a German gentleman, who seems to be a long term resident and who has brought all his power tools with him on holiday! From time to time whining and whirring noises emanate from his pitch and we have seen him sitting at his outside table with sparks flying. I don’t know if this is a hobby or he is fixing things for fellow Germans on site, but we could do without it. This afternoon we again heard noises from his direction and when we investigated we saw he had brought his own electric lawnmower with him. What is wrong with the man! The last thing I want to be doing on my travels is mowing the lawn. He should pull himself together.
Mad German mowing this lawn when on holiday – photo courtesy Sarah’s iPhone
I have had a chat this afternoon with the sole other British couple on site. I always discuss the same topics with fellow Brits: how long have you been away for; where have you been; where are you going etc. It’s not high flown conversation but it’s nice hear a familiar accent from time to time.