A room with a view. As we spotted the mountain across the valley, we knew what we wanted to do.
The editor managed to get her cold and sore throat back again so she sent me to check out the town of Kirra, to scout, if you will...actually, if I will although I did not have the will to object so I could not say to her 'I won't'. We are so fond of Delphi that comes the revolution, we think we'll be able to hide out in the mountains. With a clean and attractive town above and below mountains, it's a great place to grab provisions and enjoy luxury before returning to our hiding places high-up.
The oracle of Delphi used to give talks up in the mountains. During the period in Delphi, we traced the steps of the populous that traveled far and wide to listen to these messages and predictions. Not much has changed over the centuries, has it? The first hike commenced in the town, dropped down 1,800 feet, passed over a canal alongside the village of Christos, reached sea level and then weaved through the olive groves before arriving at the coastal town of Kirra, on the Corinthian Gulf. This region is reputed to have the largest olive plantations in the country. I spent twelve miles on the track and did see enough olive trees to keep the editor well-stocked—she likes the fruit (vegetable), I don't.
There was not much to see in town other than a few locals drinking coffee, smoking and talking, something we've seen much of so it was no reason to hang around. I did pick near-ripened oranges from the trees along the sidewalk, made friends with a stray dog and then tried to unfriend it when it became rather robust, before returning back to Delphi. Although it wasn't a difficult hike, the warm weather and long distance left me weary and with sore feet and tired muscles. The views of the surrounding mountains and sea to the south with a sea of trees everywhere else was delightful on the eye.
The following hike was behind the town, a climb up the back mountain on an ancient pathway. This took us to one of the peaks and then along the mountain top where we came across settlements. The climb was terrific and afforded us views of the antiquities from high above. This included the stadium, the theatre, the Temple of Apollo and other relics of the age.
Early morning, Kirra lights up, by foot, 'only' 6 miles to go and many olives to eat along the route.
On return from Kirra, a view of Delphi above the cliffs
A view of part of the olive groves or plantations.
Looking towards Kirra and the gulf, after sunset, enjoying the memory of the earlier journey.
We suppose 'wetback' is the appropriate term as he goes wondering. (Don't worry, Mom, I won't catch a cold.)
The gymnasium is below on the left. On the mountain to the right is the major hike we undertook two-days later.
In the early stages of the climb, a view of the ancient stadium. The Roman lions are resting while the Hellenes prepare for fun and games.
Much higher and a lovely perspective of an earlier age, this time the gymnasium. (The treadmills are over on the side.)
Each morning, Jen and I would lift a few 'stones' each.
The final turn as we reach the highest point of the ancient path.
Something he saw scared him into 'taking off' or his daily adrenaline rush--beats coffee.
This time, looking down on the town of Delphi.
Jenni takes the path of the followers of the Oracle of Delphi.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
On a visit to Meteora, the editor has her eye a holiday home perched on a monolith. "Not a good habit for Jenni as we view the incredible monasteries and nunnery," according to Brother Jeffrey.
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