‘Kalimera’ from Kourouta in Greece, about half way down the southern section known as the Peloponnese.
We are having a few chill days by the sea having both put our backs out from extreme sports 👀 Jem’s skateboarding injuries are quite cool, while mine – well, I pulled a muscle by my tailbone during an 8-hour crochet marathon. Ahem.
Our first stop in Greece was the alternative town Ioanina (which you can see on the map), one hour’s drive east from the port. The town, flanked by Pamvotis Lake and 2,000m snow-capped peaks on its south side, was abuzz with cool shops and an alt political contingent, with young people campaigning on the street to end Palestinian oppression.
A Byzantine settlement dating back to the 6th Century, the town had an ancient acropolis – a hilltop citadel – and an excellent line in the Greek delicacy Gyros.
An hour’s drive east into the Pindus Mountains sits the Vikos Gorge. Known as one of the world’s deepest gorges relative to its width, it stretches about 12 km in length, with depths ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters.
research reveals that the deepest gorge is in fact the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet, with a depth of more than 6,000m. The Vikos Gorge is nevertheless a stunning natural wonder
The UNESCO World Heritage Site did not disappoint, and we trotted off on an 18-mile circular run taking in the gorge and a 1,600m peak on our return.
On our return we passed by the geological oddity the ‘stone forest’. Unique to this area, this distinctive ‘pancake’ layered rock is limestone, formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a shallow sea. Over time, the accumulation of marine sediments and organic matter created horizontal slabs.
On our journey south we frequented the birthplace of Greek climbing, Varasova, and awarded it 2/5. The climbing was just ok, but a great place if you like swimming through mosquitos, vegetation and other insects. Despite its legendary status one can see why it is now underused.
We also saw a massive snake which was quite exciting.
After all that drama we are taking a couple of days rest by the sea, waiting for the arrival of mum and Tim who are coming out for two week’s holiday.
Tomorrow, we visit Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, established in 776BC. Photos to come of Jem emulating ancient athletes.
is there poodle in my noodle 
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