For travelers, this time of the year is ideal in Greece. The accommodation is easily available, extremely well-priced and quiet. Unfortunately, the weather is changing and it appears to our inexperienced local knowledge, it could get cold and wet quickly. This is not too bad in of itself. However, when up in the mountains, the situation is exacerbated, particularly as we are climbing three major mountains in the days ahead. There are always compensations, however. The autumn days are the best for us because of at least two reasons, the changing colors and coolness. We, together with all others, inhabit a world of true wonder, a glorious planet.
There are times, often in fact, in which we see hardship for the retail outfits including food, hospitality and others. It really is tough for people to stand at their store fronts and almost plead for passersby to give them their custom. As sad as it is, we believe Greece is the forerunner for some difficult times ahead for the rest of the nations. 'Often wrong but we call it as we see it'.
A sad aspect we have come across recently and which was explained to us by someone in the know is the issue of abandoned domestic animals. Regarding dogs, we've noticed a few over the period on mountain trails. Every time we saw an animal, we knew it was only a matter of moments before the owner would appear, trudging up the trail—it always happens that way. However, it never did. It seems there are a number of dogs living on the mountains that have to fend for themselves. We understand some of the dogs, should they take a liking to a person, will happily lead them up to a peak. On the Mount Olympus trail, we actually saw this in action. A little later we came across two puppies sheltering on a tree stump and huddled together. The only food we could offer were some energy bars to these poor things.
"Uh! Uh! You're not climbing up today!" The Castle of Platamon, in the same town. "There has to be a door, gate, drawbridge...Trojan Horse?"
'Are you being served?' "And where would Madam like to take her tea?" (I could think of a few places.)
Another town perched on the hills overlooking the Aegean.
For cat lovers and Jonna, Jenni couldn't resist. A single mother and a few fathers in the mix, perhaps.
Who doesn't admire a nice curve, even on a dull day? We spent 3 days, not sufficient, in the town of Paralía Skotínis.
Truth be told, other than the two major cities, we've left the small towns under protest. Doesn't help.
A full frontal, so to speak.
The hike to the Dionysius Monastery.
The weather has turned bleak and a scared...apprehensive hiker looks toward Mount Olympus and wonders about the next day's attempt to reach several of the peaks. At the trailhead, a restaurant, so European.
The weather is changing and the colors are beckoning at Olympus National Park.
The 'work' of the Nazis some 70-odd years before.
A long and wonderful track, nature provides a feast for the eyes and raindrops on our bodies.
Stunning mosaic skill inside the monastery.
Seeking Brother Jeffrey; she could probably do better.
'A bridge too far'... from the car.
Passing through Meteora, with rain hampering the visit.
A scene from Meteora, a town of monasteries and wonderful natural formations.
So we think they were not too smart in the 'olden' days.
Eyeing the chasm and setting up for the daily dose of 'silly buggers', Ellie and Benny. Not the same without them.
"You think it's funny? We're heading up there now, sweet lady."
The nunnery of Roussanou and the monastery of St Nicholas.
"Okay, you take the high road, I'm taking the lower one."
I'm queen of the castle, wearing skirt as a show of modesty and respect.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A scene from 'the mountain of the gods', sunrise at 7,000 feet, a further 2,800 feet to the top.
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