Life in the Slow Lane

Day 141-148

With the 'Lesser Known Sites of Greece' out of the way, we again became anxious to return to the brilliant coastal waters that Greece is so famed for.

From Vikos Gorge, we made our way back the way we came through the winding and narrow mountain passes back towards Ioannina. Although never wanting to go the same way we came, we intended on visiting an ancient Greek theatre on the way. Unfortunately, archeological sites within Greece often have limited opening hours and despite arriving at 3:35pm we were disappointed to find an empty car park and a sign saying closed (at 3:30pm).

With that little disappointment soon forgotten, we trucked it west along the A2, a remarkably well built and empty Greek motorway (is that where all those Euro's went Greece?), finally arriving just below Igoumenitsa.

And that is where the following photos begin......

Our first wild camp spot on the west coast of Greece (Sagiada Cove). We were so caught up in the beauty of the place that we really only took this photo. What we had though was a small cove about 300m downhill from the main road. Someone had manicured a garden, complete with running water. We also had some great company for 3 nights in fellow wild campers from Yorkshire, UK - Nicholas, Alison and Hal. Great times!

A storm about to make it's way in over Sagiada Cove. We were treat with a couple of great storms of the three nights we were there. Although fairly close, they weren't dangerously close (or so we kept telling ourselves) and we sat outside enjoying the lighting and thunder crash across the water near Corfu.

Stopped in the town of Vlicho, which was a largish marina area on the island of Lefkada. We had stopped there on our search for 'Auto Gas' and with some serious weather coming in decided to stay in the safety of town. Take a look at the shot videos below to see.
 

The aftermarth of the storm that struck that morning. We were lucky to be in a protected bay, unlike this town we passed later that morning that received the strong southerly winds face on. I think this was a guys garage.....but can't be sure.

Our plan on the morning of the storm was to make our way to a beach called Port Katsiki, however, there were a number of trees down over the road and this one finally prevented us from going any further.

Trees were not the only casualty of the storm, as this telephone box soon found out.

Making an attempt to get down to the beach (given the now sunny weather), however, we were again stopped by a rather large tree across our path. 

Who could believe that a massive storm hit only three hours earlier?

We finally found a secluded beach on the island of Lefkada. We were also in a bit of luck as the place had some running water for Claire to do the clothes washing. Note - I do offer to help but am apparently no good at clothes washing. Suffice to say I do not argue the case.

Waiting for the next load of washing to be done.

Unfortunately this 'Suvlaki' hut had closed down for the summer.

One of the closed 'Kantinas' on our secluded beach. Despite the idilic beach setting in the afternoon, we were again hit with strong winds that night. The strength of the winds were so fierce they shook the van uncontrollably and we had to move it into a sheltered cove before the plates and glasses were thrown fromt the cupboards. 

With Jesus endorsing this wine from Bulgaria, how could we possibly say no? It was actually quite good and a shame we didn't buy a case. 

Despite the storm a day earlier, Greece found some long forgotten hard work and efficiency and managed to clear the road for us to get through to this stunning place - Port Katsiki. 

Another small inlet on the other side of Port Katsiki - also known as Port Katsiki's slightly disabled cousin.

We perched our van at the top of the cliff, just at the end of these steps that clung on to the steep cliffs that led down to the beautiful turquoise waters.

Thanks to the Greek Fire Brigade for all their efforts in clearing the road so we could spend a couple of days in this amazing location.

Sun starting to drop over Port Katsiki.

A block of land we discovered 'For Sale' on our ride up the cliff. We're still yet to enquire about the price, but I could imagine it would go for a fair bit.

The land for sale, with 270 degree views.

View from the top of the cliff, looking down to our wild camp spot in Port Katsiki.

Apparently Greece has snakes. This guy doesn't look as though he could cause too much damage, but we stopped trampling around in the bush in thongs after seeing him on the road.

The ride back down the cliff.

Off to do some spearfishing.

The result of an hour and a half chasing fish around the sea.

Fish always look a lot bigger underwater. This guy only served as entree.

Moving on from Port Katsiki, we made our way further south down the west coast. This was just a lunch spot, but the picture is worth a mention in the blog I think.

Not far after our lunch stop, we eyed another spot not far off the road which appeared to be an old beach bar with a couple of huts and room for Maxi. The beach was alright as well. 

Coming out empty handed.

One of the old beach bars that overlooked the amazing waters. We had the place completely to ourselves as well!

Watching another day come to the end. Not long after this shot (and putting the camera in the back pocket), two dolphins popped up just in front of us as silhouttes in the sunset. Talk about cliched

Making our way around Greece so slowly, that we got stuck behind this fella.