Thursday 22 November 2012
Paladian building, Vicenza.
It’s Thursday, it must be Vicenza!
But first: last night we sat outside on a bench and used the hotel’s wifi. For the first time we have found wifi we can use for more than 10 minutes, so we updated the website. Not completely up to date because it became chilly as the evening progressed. Watch this space.
Vicenza is a large city but difficult to find if you do not take the paying motorway. Our beloved Jane, inside our SatNav, often became confused. Eventually we found the Aire we were looking for, parked up and caught a bus to the city centre. A kind man told us that if we put our parking ticket in the machine and paid the €8.40 we could use the ticket on the bus. Hopefully it will let us out of the car park in the morning.
The city is another one worth visiting, especially if you are interested in architecture. Mr Andrea Palladian designed many of the buildings and his distinctive style can be found on many of the important buildings.
What do Italians eat? This is becoming serious. In the town centre we could only find coffee shops, exclusive clothes, bookshops and more coffee shops. Even on the bus route back to the Aire we did not see one shop that sold food. A bit like yesterday’s adventure, looking for food.
For the last few days we’ve been planning to go back to Venice. We, being Judit.
Today the decision is to head down south and explore down there.
Yesterday we heard from Barry and Margaret that one of the Italy-Greece ferries caught fire entering Patras harbour. All escaped without harm. But it surely means that the ferry timetables will be messed up. Their websites were useless. So like last time we will just turn up at the door and ask for a ticket.
Friday 23 November 2012
Ferrara bread.
At last we’ve started moving south and the roads are getting less crowded by the minute. Today we “did” Ferrara. Not where they make cars and not where they make those luxury chocolates. It’s a lovely medieval city with an amazing brick built castle. We found an art exhibition (free) in the castle but the rooms in the castle need tickets. Along with the expensive Aire they seem to be trying to get every penny from tourists.
On the way we stopped at LIDL. It’s just a feeling, but things seem cheaper than in the UK. When we have a minute we will try to detail the receipt.
Diesel is costing anything from €1.64 to €1.72 a liter. That’s £1.32 to £1.38 a liter. Similar to the UK.
Another observation of our short time in Italy... it has a sweet smell of cow manure almost everywhere. It’s the time of year, of course.
A further comment, about traffic lights. In some areas the pedestrian crossings will turn red if you are driving a little too fast towards them... sneaky.
On the way we stopped at LIDL. It’s just a feeling, but things seem cheaper than in the UK. When we have a minute we will try to detail the receipt.
Diesel is costing anything from €1.64 to €1.72 a liter. That’s £1.32 to £1.38 a liter. Similar to the UK.
Another observation of our short time in Italy... it has a sweet smell of cow manure almost everywhere. It’s the time of year, of course.
A further comment, about traffic lights. In some areas the pedestrian crossings will turn red if you are driving a little too fast towards them... sneaky.
Saturday 24 November 2012
Ferrara Jewish quarter.
Fairly early start so we walked around the town again, this time visiting the Jewish Quarter. We also invested in some burger looking things in a local butchers. Hopefully they are not normal burgers as they cost about €8.
The road to Comacchio was generally straight and a considerable length of the road was an avenue of plane trees. Very impressive. The part of Comacchio we saw was almost deserted, being mainly holiday flats. However we found a decent Night Stop next to the closed beach bars.
But being lunchtime we plodded on to Casalborsetti where there was a proper Aire. Leaving Bessy for an hour or so we meandered along the beach and the marina. The locals were catching fish in large (very large) nets on poles. I should say attempting because all we saw were stickleback sized fish. Maybe they’ve caught them all as in Greece.
The road to Comacchio was generally straight and a considerable length of the road was an avenue of plane trees. Very impressive. The part of Comacchio we saw was almost deserted, being mainly holiday flats. However we found a decent Night Stop next to the closed beach bars.
But being lunchtime we plodded on to Casalborsetti where there was a proper Aire. Leaving Bessy for an hour or so we meandered along the beach and the marina. The locals were catching fish in large (very large) nets on poles. I should say attempting because all we saw were stickleback sized fish. Maybe they’ve caught them all as in Greece.
Sunday 25 November 2012
During the evening and overnight the world became very foggy with about 50 meters visibility. Interestingly the fog horn started sounding. They’ve all been scrapped in the UK in favour of more modern technology.
Despite the fog we drove back north to Comacchio and had a walk around the lovely little town. Everybody was out on the streets having a good chat and a smoke. Yes, they smoke a lot in Italy and cigarettes are freely available. None of that nonsense in the UK of hiding them from view.
The small canals were particularly beautiful. One bridge was a delight of brickwork being actually three bridges in one. The local children were practicing Christmas songs in the Duomo/Cathedral. Not one song was Italian, but fun nevertheless.
Eventually we found the tourist information office where a pretty young lass pointed us to the lakes of the Po estuary. We became bird watchers. But the first beasts we saw were large rat-like creatures. They were not beavers, but may have been coypu or just very large water rats. On the lakes we were able to see lots of birds but recognise only flamingo, cormorant, heron and a few ducks.
We then drove south to Ravenna. Judit wants to look at some famous mosaics. The so-called Sosta (our new word for Aire) was just a large boring car park next to a very busy road. We then tried another Sosta on the coast and that was no more than a dirt car park... nothing else.
Fed up with duff data we headed back to last nights stop where we are waiting for the man to arrive to switch on the electricity. The place is OK but the system is a bit over complicated.
Observation. The Italians certainly over design road junctions and they can be very complicated regarding who has priority. Second observation: not all junctions are complex. One was very simple. We were heading down a two-lane road with a housing estate on the right. There was one No Entry sign which appeared to be for the side street into the estate. BUT, 100 meters further on there was a No Entry sign each side of the road. Maybe we were about to enter an autoroute on the Exit slip-road, maybe not, but a smart 15-point turn and we were off. Psychologically this was crazy and bloody dangerous. But we survived.
Despite the fog we drove back north to Comacchio and had a walk around the lovely little town. Everybody was out on the streets having a good chat and a smoke. Yes, they smoke a lot in Italy and cigarettes are freely available. None of that nonsense in the UK of hiding them from view.
The small canals were particularly beautiful. One bridge was a delight of brickwork being actually three bridges in one. The local children were practicing Christmas songs in the Duomo/Cathedral. Not one song was Italian, but fun nevertheless.
Eventually we found the tourist information office where a pretty young lass pointed us to the lakes of the Po estuary. We became bird watchers. But the first beasts we saw were large rat-like creatures. They were not beavers, but may have been coypu or just very large water rats. On the lakes we were able to see lots of birds but recognise only flamingo, cormorant, heron and a few ducks.
We then drove south to Ravenna. Judit wants to look at some famous mosaics. The so-called Sosta (our new word for Aire) was just a large boring car park next to a very busy road. We then tried another Sosta on the coast and that was no more than a dirt car park... nothing else.
Fed up with duff data we headed back to last nights stop where we are waiting for the man to arrive to switch on the electricity. The place is OK but the system is a bit over complicated.
Observation. The Italians certainly over design road junctions and they can be very complicated regarding who has priority. Second observation: not all junctions are complex. One was very simple. We were heading down a two-lane road with a housing estate on the right. There was one No Entry sign which appeared to be for the side street into the estate. BUT, 100 meters further on there was a No Entry sign each side of the road. Maybe we were about to enter an autoroute on the Exit slip-road, maybe not, but a smart 15-point turn and we were off. Psychologically this was crazy and bloody dangerous. But we survived.
Monday 26 November 2012
Famous mosaics of Classe.
Back down south to Classe again after spending €1.50 on electric and a sneaky free watering can of water.
Judit had a good time admiring the mosaics in the cathedral. The road south was in a bit of a state and very busy. We tried McDonalds for internet and were told that we must be Italian Telecom users. Maybe we are doing something wrong.
Our first idea for a stop was at Pesaro but the Sosta (or Aire) was absolutely packed with cars, plus three gypsy motorhomes, with washing hanging on the fences. The other factors against were the railway along one side and the rubbish recycling centre on the other. Onwards.
Lonely Planet does not give a mention to Fano. So here is what we found. A lovely quiet little town with a massive harbour full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. The town was clean and tidy with an excellent beach. People were pleasant and the Sosta is quiet. So there.
Judit had a good time admiring the mosaics in the cathedral. The road south was in a bit of a state and very busy. We tried McDonalds for internet and were told that we must be Italian Telecom users. Maybe we are doing something wrong.
Our first idea for a stop was at Pesaro but the Sosta (or Aire) was absolutely packed with cars, plus three gypsy motorhomes, with washing hanging on the fences. The other factors against were the railway along one side and the rubbish recycling centre on the other. Onwards.
Lonely Planet does not give a mention to Fano. So here is what we found. A lovely quiet little town with a massive harbour full of fishing boats and pleasure craft. The town was clean and tidy with an excellent beach. People were pleasant and the Sosta is quiet. So there.
Tuesday 27 November 2012
Fano.
We like Fano so much we had another walkabout. There’s a lovely medieval centre to the town with an old clock tower, central square with fountain, lots of nice shops, and real shops such as barbers and ships chandlers. That’s where we bought some more Loo Blue... can’t be too careful.
Our trip south took us past Ancona and along the coast to Fermo. The whole trip was through built up areas like one long row of shops. The sea was on our left but invisible because of the railway line and shops.
The last 100 meters to the Sosta at Fermo was hard to find so we parked on the gravel next to the beach. Within 30 minutes another MH arrived and parked behind us. Our new friends are Corrie and Geoff who are also heading for Greece. While chatting we saw some men come and put up the height barrier we had just driven through. A quick chat in Ian’s best Italian told us that we are OK for the night and they will remove the barrier in the morning. Corry and Geoff will be round later after dinner.
Our trip south took us past Ancona and along the coast to Fermo. The whole trip was through built up areas like one long row of shops. The sea was on our left but invisible because of the railway line and shops.
The last 100 meters to the Sosta at Fermo was hard to find so we parked on the gravel next to the beach. Within 30 minutes another MH arrived and parked behind us. Our new friends are Corrie and Geoff who are also heading for Greece. While chatting we saw some men come and put up the height barrier we had just driven through. A quick chat in Ian’s best Italian told us that we are OK for the night and they will remove the barrier in the morning. Corry and Geoff will be round later after dinner.
Wednesday 28 November 2012
There have to be low days after a lovely evening chatting with Geoff and Corrie. First of all it was raining and it lashed down all day. Second, we spotted a launderette and when trying to park close to the kerb there was a bang. The tree next to us had a bulge in it and the awning drove into it... honest.
Then the launderette did not wash things clean. The machine was making a hell of a din so the nice lady fiddled with some hi-tech buttons and we seem to have had half a wash.
Onwards to the south. The road was really busy and we were held up for ages at lights and junctions. Eventually we decided to give up on our plan to negotiate Italy on non-toll roads. We headed for the motorway. At last I could drive in 4th and 5th gear. We hopped off after a good hour to a Sosta in a small village. The mountain road was a nightmare of loops and turns and when we got there the sosta was down a very narrow track overgrown with olive trees. We abandoned that idea having had one “tree moment” today.
But to get to the next Sosta proved to be a real adventure of hairpins and loops. We found the road was closed by a big crane and several JCBs. It looked like the road had collapsed so we had to detour. The detour took another hour of hairpins and little villages. But we found the sosta, or should we say, the road to it... down a road that went under a low bridge. Would you believe 2.04 meters high.
Enough is enough so we drove down a side road to Via Morge beach. Lovely name. Let’s hope its OK.
Then the launderette did not wash things clean. The machine was making a hell of a din so the nice lady fiddled with some hi-tech buttons and we seem to have had half a wash.
Onwards to the south. The road was really busy and we were held up for ages at lights and junctions. Eventually we decided to give up on our plan to negotiate Italy on non-toll roads. We headed for the motorway. At last I could drive in 4th and 5th gear. We hopped off after a good hour to a Sosta in a small village. The mountain road was a nightmare of loops and turns and when we got there the sosta was down a very narrow track overgrown with olive trees. We abandoned that idea having had one “tree moment” today.
But to get to the next Sosta proved to be a real adventure of hairpins and loops. We found the road was closed by a big crane and several JCBs. It looked like the road had collapsed so we had to detour. The detour took another hour of hairpins and little villages. But we found the sosta, or should we say, the road to it... down a road that went under a low bridge. Would you believe 2.04 meters high.
Enough is enough so we drove down a side road to Via Morge beach. Lovely name. Let’s hope its OK.
Thursday 29 November 2012
It was OK. We had a full moon and a clear sky. The beach looked lovely with the waves crashing on the shore after the stormy weather. In the morning the view was like a watercolour and the sun shining like it was trying to make up for yesterday.
First stop was at a small filling station as we were running on vapours. They took VISA. Somehow Judit managed to insert only 3 numbers (and one was wrong) and did not press the green button. Payment seemed to have been made. Anyway, after several telephone calls the man said that the card had been accepted and the money paid. How strange.
Another observation. Italian roads are possibly worse than Hungarian. Not a kilometer goes by without a bang or rumble. The strips joining sections of a bridge are possibly the worst; sometimes with a gap or a drop/step of several inches. When asphalt is put down over a hole it never seems to be rolled and so the bump is as bad as the hole.
The road to Vieste is long and winding and seems to take forever, but the sun was shining all day. Until we got to Vieste and then it rained and the wind blew.
First stop was at a small filling station as we were running on vapours. They took VISA. Somehow Judit managed to insert only 3 numbers (and one was wrong) and did not press the green button. Payment seemed to have been made. Anyway, after several telephone calls the man said that the card had been accepted and the money paid. How strange.
Another observation. Italian roads are possibly worse than Hungarian. Not a kilometer goes by without a bang or rumble. The strips joining sections of a bridge are possibly the worst; sometimes with a gap or a drop/step of several inches. When asphalt is put down over a hole it never seems to be rolled and so the bump is as bad as the hole.
The road to Vieste is long and winding and seems to take forever, but the sun was shining all day. Until we got to Vieste and then it rained and the wind blew.
Friday 30 November 2012
Ian’s Birthday !
Last night we celebrated with a meal out. Not easy because we followed the advice of Lonely Planet for two good restaurants. Both were down long dark passages and both were closed. Finally we found a place that was open. A bit run down... but open. We were the only clients but we had a good trough on lamb chops and chips and pork chops and salad. Washed down with a local white (not bad) and a beer. €43.
The Night Stop was quiet and we had a good kip.
In the morning we headed for Bari with the intention of checking out the ferries to Greece. Geoff and Corrie had told us that there was a Sunday sailing during the day, thus negating the need for a cabin.
The non-paying road was pretty good until the SatNav wanted us to go up a grotty lane instead of the wide road under a bridge. We took the wide road and 200 meters later found that this was a narrow lane through the vineyards. Two dirty great trucks came the other way and that involved some reversing until we could find a wide enough spot... wing mirrors in. After 40 minutes we eventually got back to the correct road.
The rest of the way was OK. We found a LIDL and stocked up on odds and sods, including whisky at €4.90 a bottle and vermouth at €1.90. A cafe across the road looked good for internet and the man said yes.Off we trotted to try it out. We ordered a couple of coffees and then found out that the man did not know the password!
Onwards to Bari where we booked for the Sunday sailing. It saves buying a cabin at around €200. But still cost just over €200.
However we parked in the lurking area for the ferry and went for a walk around. To our surprise the area of Bari near the port is really very attractive with an absolute maze of narrow streets and passages. And we found a cafe near one of the churches that had free wifi. At last we were able to receive and send a few emails. Ian also downloaded the American Grand Prix. It took 10 minutes to do that, but later it is nowhere to be found on the Mac. Mumble, grumble.
Now we are back in the port making dinner... and no Grand Prix.
Last night we celebrated with a meal out. Not easy because we followed the advice of Lonely Planet for two good restaurants. Both were down long dark passages and both were closed. Finally we found a place that was open. A bit run down... but open. We were the only clients but we had a good trough on lamb chops and chips and pork chops and salad. Washed down with a local white (not bad) and a beer. €43.
The Night Stop was quiet and we had a good kip.
In the morning we headed for Bari with the intention of checking out the ferries to Greece. Geoff and Corrie had told us that there was a Sunday sailing during the day, thus negating the need for a cabin.
The non-paying road was pretty good until the SatNav wanted us to go up a grotty lane instead of the wide road under a bridge. We took the wide road and 200 meters later found that this was a narrow lane through the vineyards. Two dirty great trucks came the other way and that involved some reversing until we could find a wide enough spot... wing mirrors in. After 40 minutes we eventually got back to the correct road.
The rest of the way was OK. We found a LIDL and stocked up on odds and sods, including whisky at €4.90 a bottle and vermouth at €1.90. A cafe across the road looked good for internet and the man said yes.Off we trotted to try it out. We ordered a couple of coffees and then found out that the man did not know the password!
Onwards to Bari where we booked for the Sunday sailing. It saves buying a cabin at around €200. But still cost just over €200.
However we parked in the lurking area for the ferry and went for a walk around. To our surprise the area of Bari near the port is really very attractive with an absolute maze of narrow streets and passages. And we found a cafe near one of the churches that had free wifi. At last we were able to receive and send a few emails. Ian also downloaded the American Grand Prix. It took 10 minutes to do that, but later it is nowhere to be found on the Mac. Mumble, grumble.
Now we are back in the port making dinner... and no Grand Prix.
Saturday 1 December 2012
We have a need for LPG for cooking and heating because there are very few LPG stations in Greece. After a lot of meandering around Bari we were directed to one about 8 Km from the town on the Brinidisi Autoroute. Because they took Visa we also topped up the diesel.
From our cheeky parking spot we walked into town and called at the cafe again to check for emails. The back passages looked really good in daylight. Another fascinating spot is St Nic’s church where they have his body after stealing it from the Turks! And a miraculous granite column that has apparently bled twice!
The rest of the day was spent lurking at the Port.
From our cheeky parking spot we walked into town and called at the cafe again to check for emails. The back passages looked really good in daylight. Another fascinating spot is St Nic’s church where they have his body after stealing it from the Turks! And a miraculous granite column that has apparently bled twice!
The rest of the day was spent lurking at the Port.
Sunday 2 December 2012
Can you spot Bessy... she's there?
The day of departure. Off we went to the head of the queue, as directed, to be sent back to get the boarding pass... duh. Once on board we were squeezed into a very narrow spot behind the funnel. The next 3 hours were spent watching giant articulated lorries being squeezed into very narrow spaces. That meant Bessy was surrounded by dozens of trucks. The Superfast ferry was very new and well appointed. Trouble was, in the quiet area for sleeping in aircraft seats, the Italians were noisy.
Food was basic and not cheap. A slice of chicken and some chips easily became €15.
Once into the middle of the Adriatic the weather deteriorated and Judit became seasick, halfway through dinner! But after the obvious, we settled down for the rest of the journey, arriving at around midnight. By the time we had disembarked (quite quickly really) and found the Night Stop it was about 01-00 am.
Food was basic and not cheap. A slice of chicken and some chips easily became €15.
Once into the middle of the Adriatic the weather deteriorated and Judit became seasick, halfway through dinner! But after the obvious, we settled down for the rest of the journey, arriving at around midnight. By the time we had disembarked (quite quickly really) and found the Night Stop it was about 01-00 am.
Monday 3 December 2012
Two motorhomes on Drepano's Beach.
We both had a bad night, coughing and spluttering.
Our neighbours are Corrie and Geoff again. Lovely to see them and have a chat. In the morning we went looking for a suitable wifi coffee shop and found one almost next door to Goodies, the Greek equivalent of McDonalds. The Anatoli Cafe was clean and tidy and very welcoming. But very smoky and Ian’s cough started again.
Then we looked for LIDL but apparently we did not go far enough out of town. But the local supermarket was fine and we bought a few groceries.
Back at the beach we spent some time chatting and tea drinking with Corrie and Geoff. From their window we were amazed to see three ponies gallop past us. Explain that.
It is still very windy with vicious showers.
Our neighbours are Corrie and Geoff again. Lovely to see them and have a chat. In the morning we went looking for a suitable wifi coffee shop and found one almost next door to Goodies, the Greek equivalent of McDonalds. The Anatoli Cafe was clean and tidy and very welcoming. But very smoky and Ian’s cough started again.
Then we looked for LIDL but apparently we did not go far enough out of town. But the local supermarket was fine and we bought a few groceries.
Back at the beach we spent some time chatting and tea drinking with Corrie and Geoff. From their window we were amazed to see three ponies gallop past us. Explain that.
It is still very windy with vicious showers.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
A glorious sunny day with a temperature of 20°C in the shade. Corrie and Geoff went looking for a harbour for their boat... and found one just 15 Km away. We did the washing and then spent some time just sunbathing and watching the world go by.
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Ian collects water where possible.
The weather changed in the night. We had electric storms and thunder that made Bessy shake as if we’d gone over 2 or 3 sleeping policemen. On top of that was hail and a ferocious wind. It woke us at 04-00 and lasted until 09-00.
Once the major showers stopped we had another look for LIDL and found it well out of town to the north. They have started selling a luxury range which is very welcome as Christmas is coming. Whole pheasants, salmon, deer and quail plus a whole range of other nice things.
After LIDL we took Bessy for a drive to charge up batteries and to find the harbour Corrie and Geoff like. It’s very nice and peaceful. Luckily the baker was open so we bought a couple of spinach and cheese pies. The UK has Cornish pasties and Greeks have spinach and cheese pies. In between there is no such thing.
In the evening we were lucky with the weather as storms were breaking around us. Geoff and Corrie had a fire pit and built a lovely warming fire while we watched the sun set over Corfu. Lots of laughter while smoke blew into our eyes.
Once the major showers stopped we had another look for LIDL and found it well out of town to the north. They have started selling a luxury range which is very welcome as Christmas is coming. Whole pheasants, salmon, deer and quail plus a whole range of other nice things.
After LIDL we took Bessy for a drive to charge up batteries and to find the harbour Corrie and Geoff like. It’s very nice and peaceful. Luckily the baker was open so we bought a couple of spinach and cheese pies. The UK has Cornish pasties and Greeks have spinach and cheese pies. In between there is no such thing.
In the evening we were lucky with the weather as storms were breaking around us. Geoff and Corrie had a fire pit and built a lovely warming fire while we watched the sun set over Corfu. Lots of laughter while smoke blew into our eyes.
Thursday 6 December 2012
Ian sent a text to Jo asking for news about Charlotte. Reply: no news.
We left Geoff and Corrie at Drepano’s Beach and started our southward journey. They may meet up with us at Finikunda. We hope so as we’ve really enjoyed their company.
Our first stop was Parga; a delightful little town with it’s own castle, windy streets and holiday makers. Today is the day they celebrate St Nicholas who is, of course, Father Christmas.
Chatted to a couple of locals and they are coping with the economy problems. They feel that crime is no worse than it has been.
While strolling around town Judit found a hole in the road and fell over, luckily just a bit of gravel rash on her hands and knees.
The weather has been very changeable for this last few days; alternating from shirtsleeve order to staying inside. This morning Ian photographed two tornadoes. just before another giant storm hit us.
Our stop for the evening is in the marina at Preveza, and it’s cool and raining steadily. We don’t want to waste gas heating the motorhome as it’s as rare as hen’s teeth in the south of Greece.
Best part of the day: Jo telephoned to say that Charlotte’s MRI scan was clear. Joy all round.
We left Geoff and Corrie at Drepano’s Beach and started our southward journey. They may meet up with us at Finikunda. We hope so as we’ve really enjoyed their company.
Our first stop was Parga; a delightful little town with it’s own castle, windy streets and holiday makers. Today is the day they celebrate St Nicholas who is, of course, Father Christmas.
Chatted to a couple of locals and they are coping with the economy problems. They feel that crime is no worse than it has been.
While strolling around town Judit found a hole in the road and fell over, luckily just a bit of gravel rash on her hands and knees.
The weather has been very changeable for this last few days; alternating from shirtsleeve order to staying inside. This morning Ian photographed two tornadoes. just before another giant storm hit us.
Our stop for the evening is in the marina at Preveza, and it’s cool and raining steadily. We don’t want to waste gas heating the motorhome as it’s as rare as hen’s teeth in the south of Greece.
Best part of the day: Jo telephoned to say that Charlotte’s MRI scan was clear. Joy all round.
Friday 7 December 2012
Goat on Krioneri cliff.
A peaceful night in the marina of Preveza and then a walkabout. The shops were busy. We had a coffee and a catch up with some emails and then bought some spinach pies for lunch. A local chandlers was able to sell us some toilet pink.
We then headed south through the “immersed tunnel” and then followed the coast road. It was a bit rough in parts but the changing scenery made up for it. All the way we could see really heavy rain just off the coast and so far we’ve been lucky.
Our Night Stop at Krioneri is from PJ, we think, but there is a sign banning caravans and cars plus some big rocks across the road. There was a gap just wide enough so here we are. We had a good time watching the local goats scrambling up a near vertical cliff and then had a walk around the village. It seems to be mainly tourist bars and tavernas.
We then headed south through the “immersed tunnel” and then followed the coast road. It was a bit rough in parts but the changing scenery made up for it. All the way we could see really heavy rain just off the coast and so far we’ve been lucky.
Our Night Stop at Krioneri is from PJ, we think, but there is a sign banning caravans and cars plus some big rocks across the road. There was a gap just wide enough so here we are. We had a good time watching the local goats scrambling up a near vertical cliff and then had a walk around the village. It seems to be mainly tourist bars and tavernas.
Saturday 8 December 2012
Flooded football pitch near Ionian Beach.
A lovely spot to wake up in. But we want to be down south, and we need LPG... or AutoGas as it is known. We already had data that there is an AutoGas station at Aha (really) near Patras. However we’d not been travelling long before we spotted an AutoGas just a few Km before the north side of the Patras bridge. The nice guy told us that there is also an AutoGas station at Methoni; started last June.
The bridge crossing cost €13.50 but it saves time. We have time, but we keep forgetting!
When we turned up at Ionian Beach campsite the weather was OK. Just a little overcast. But 20 minutes later the storm hit. We are now parked on the edge of the beach watching thunderstorms, heavy rain showers and large breaking waves. It’s so windy we have the “windy wobbles”. Hope nobody gets seasick!
The bridge crossing cost €13.50 but it saves time. We have time, but we keep forgetting!
When we turned up at Ionian Beach campsite the weather was OK. Just a little overcast. But 20 minutes later the storm hit. We are now parked on the edge of the beach watching thunderstorms, heavy rain showers and large breaking waves. It’s so windy we have the “windy wobbles”. Hope nobody gets seasick!
Sunday 9 December 2012
Just one more leg before Finikunda. The sun was shining after last nights blasts. We had thunder storms for 20 hours. We counted 20 flashes a minute. Plus very heavy winds and rain that actually got through the door rubbers.
On our way south we wanted to stop at a LIDL but the ones in Pyrgos and Kyparissia were closed. It looks like we’ll have to take a day out and go to Kalamata.
Camping Finikes is just the same except the trees have more leaves than February when we were last here. Ari the guard dog is just as friendly.
Rod quickly booked us in and gave us the keys for our own toilet and shower.
On our way south we wanted to stop at a LIDL but the ones in Pyrgos and Kyparissia were closed. It looks like we’ll have to take a day out and go to Kalamata.
Camping Finikes is just the same except the trees have more leaves than February when we were last here. Ari the guard dog is just as friendly.
Rod quickly booked us in and gave us the keys for our own toilet and shower.
