THE WAY BACK

Hiya. So, at the start of the journey, it took two hours down to Dover. Didn't have to wait long for the ferry. No interrigations regarding the dog, but still had to pay for him to stay in the car. On the ferry, I got a lovely neck massage for a fiver! Country B roads through France. I didn't know at the time, the capabilities of TomTom. One can tap in ones destination and it'll take you to the door of a hotel. That would have been handy the day I was 'taken for a ride'. Luckily, that evening, I saw a big sign from the road for a cheap and cheerful establishment around the time I wanted to stop.

Day two I've told you about. A very plastic hotel called Etap, in Remoremont, which the kindly man in the cafe took me to after I'd thrown a wobbly at the Frenchman who didn't know his way around any more than I did. The loo was in a plastic moulded room, as was the shower. In fact, looking around, the only non plastic things were the taps! But, it did have free internet!

Day three I had the most fab lunch in Densburen. Soup and main course plus two glasses of excellent wine for €16. During the afternoon, it started to bucket down and as the road was clinging to the side of a mountain, with a shere drop on one side, I decided to stop at 'the next hotel' which was at a place called Sisikon, Swizerland. It was only four o'clock, peeing down with rain and no internet. So I did the only thing one can do, and retired to the restaurant. Couldn't eat much though, as I was still full from lunch. The beer was good though. In the morning, I took the photos with low clouds above and soon afterwards entered the St Gossard tunnel with trepedation. It wasn't so bad.

Then for lunch I stopped by another lake and ate my sarnies (right).

As I'd told TomTom not to take me along motorways, it took me at my word, and took me through city centres even! That included Zurich and Milan! Don't ask me what they were like. I was too busy watching the screen. It was no sweat. I just did what I was told and it worked! HOWEVER, shortly after leaving Milan center, TomTom screwed up big time and I was stranded, hot, tired and very bothered. It kept telling me to take the second exit off the roundabout. But, no roundabout. I tried every road in the area but it kept wanting to take me down a little lane in an iffy area with large dogs in a cage at the end of it! After asking the way in a transport office, I got eventually onto the dreaded motorway and just kept going. TomTom took me to a Holiday Inn Express in Italy. Comfortable but no internet.... well yes it did, but you had to pay.

The next day I started early, got on the autobahn and kept going. Even when the heavens opened and drivers were pulling over onto the hard shoulder, I kept going... all the way to Ancona and hotel Della Vittoria. It even had parking. Very old and decrepid place. My room was in the loft with a small window 6 foot up. I was very worried that the weather would be bad for the crossing but the next day turned out to be sunny and calm. The boat left at 1pm and was better than the one I'd travelled out on. This one was Superfast. Had to pay for Yorgi and his quarters were better than before but he still wouldn't use it. I'd got a bunk in a dorm of six this time and as there was nobody else in the dorm, he slept with me. In fact, all across Europe, he slept with me, leaving his hairs on every bed he and I slept on!

The boat arrived in Iggomenitsa at 5am but it took until 11.30 to get to Patras, where we got off. It was a short drive to Rio, where I took another ferry (couldn't stomach the bridge). After that, it was a white nuckle, mountain road through to Volos. We arrived at 6pm. That evening, I got a bit of cash out the hole in the wall on Visa and tucked into my first tchipero and meze in two months.

In the morning, I went to book by ticket. They didn't take credit cards. No sweat I thought, I'd got my bank book, my cash card having been cancelled because I hadn't used it in a year (that was a shock, having found out in Germany on the way over). When I got in the bank, there must have been 50 people waiting. I took the next number (just as you do at Sainsbury's cheese counter) but lost my cool when I saw I had number 63 and the number was at 102! I threw the chitty away (big mistake) and went back to the hole in the wall. However, cos I'd got cash out within 12 hours, I guess, it wouldn't give me any money. SO, back to the bank. Another chitty and a wait of nearly an hour. I was doing my crust thinking I'd miss the boat.

But I didn't, and we got the ferry, getting off in Glossa. All the while, the pungent, festering smell of my favour English cheese filled the air. I think it had gone off somewhere in Switzerland.

RIGHT BACK WHERE I STARTED FROM.....

Yes, I made it. Arrived this afternoon back on the island. Will tell all when I get my act together.
Thanks to everyone who has written to me. It was very much appreciated. Have a look here in a couple of days. I should have unpacked and sorted myself out by then. xxxx

ZZZZZZZ

Hi and thanks to those who have written. I am SO tired. Things went swimmingly through to Epinal. Travelled along the roads less travelled; hardly another motorist in site along the stretches of l o n g, s t r a i g h t country roads. The previous night I'd picked up a directory of a certain hotel chain and made for their Epinal one. Close to my destination, I stopped in a car park to collect my thoughts and book the room when I guy asked if he could help. I told him the hotel and he said for me to follow him as he knew exactly where it was. Half an hour later, along a vast stretch of dual carriageway, darkness settling in together with rain he pulled over at a cafe and announced he was lost!! Satnav had taken me within what must have been half a km of the hotel so I was absolutely furious with him. In fact I told him to ... off! In the cafe, I calmed down and asked where the hell I was and did anyone know of a nearby hotel. A guy said he knew of one and if I would follow him he'd take me there!!!!!! My brain was numb. I said OK. Bingo. And here I am in.. um... Remiremont, south of Epinal, having put in ten hours of driving. Not to be recommended. Night all!

GONE...

Hi guys! Here I am, sitting in the reception area of a hotel near Arras in France. I really did NOT want to leave UK. It was a terrible wrench to do something I didn't want to do. Dad had left early to attend a samba band gig and when I couldn't find anything else to pack, eventually left at 11am. News... I bought a Sat Nav. It is the most wonderful thing ever. Got here without a hitch AND I now have the confidence to drive faster - 100kph, no problem! So, I may even tell the satnav to take me via motorways rather than the B roads - as nice as they are, so far. Just want to get the journey over and done with. As far as I know, Skopelos has not burnt down.

ONE WEEK TO GO.... OH DEAR!

Another weekend by the coast, this time at Herne Bay. Dad had a gig there on Saturday and it just so happens I have a cousin who lives there so we made a long weekend of it. I was able to take Yorgi for a lovely walk along Pegwell Bay. Bit blowy but the rain held off at least.

Have been looking at the various options open to me regarding the route back to Greece. Have an invitation to stay with friends in Vienna but that would mean dropping down through the old Yugoslavia to Soloniki and I haven't heard one person say that would be a good idea. So ... I think it's going to be France, Switzerland and Italy. Sad not to revisit the Bremmer Pass, my favourite bit on the way to UK but looking forward to finding something equally as good on the way back. Any suggestions would be gratefully received!

BROADSTAIRS

Hi guys! Here's a lovely photo taken of the walking group I belong to. One of the ladies has a holiday home in Ramsgate and she invited us there. So last Monday we drove down and had a lovely, coastly walk from Ramsgate to Broadstairs. It was the festival week, so the place was busy with street entertainers, a fair and various stalls. After a mooch round and a quick drink, we headed back to Ramsgate where Margaret set out a lovely lunch for us. All too soon the day was over and even though I had a navigator, we somehow managed to get slightly lost - driving through Maidstone at 5pm! Could have been worse!

MORE OF ENGLAND

Hi guys! Hope you're all fine. Here in UK the weather is just perfect and I'm having a really, lovely time.

Last weekend I drove to Reigate to meet up with my friend Darren. He's got a house on Skopelos but tends to rent it rather than stay in it. The pub where we met sold excellent beer but didn't sell food, so after D had set off back up to Leeds, I walked into town and got an M&S sandwich which I took back to the pub to eat. Didn't know Yorgi liked salmon and cucumber!

During the week I drove to Camberley (got lost), to meet up with my oldest (time-wise!) friend, Jackie (we met when we both worked for British Airways or BEA as it was then). Together with hubby, Rob, we drove together up to Wimbledon to attend the Springfield Road Windsor flatmate and friends reunion. This reunion used to take place annually until I, then Liz and Alf moved, coincidentally, to Greece (they live in Tolo). The venue was in Anne and Geoff's newly aquired, three story, Victorian house. The evening passed all too quickly.

Yesterday, together with Dad, we drove down to Hastings. This time to spent the day with Mel. Mel used to live in the famous Railton Road in Brixton and was a black cab taxi driver. He now spends a lot of his time playing chess. Apart from the time he was obliged to cat sit. The animal escaped and he found himself wondering the streets one evening, calling its name - Pussy!

AFTER SALISBURY

The next morning, I thought I wouldn't mind visiting a silk mill in Whitchurch. However, after driving for some time, the signs disappeared and seeing a sign for Newbury, decided to visit my friend, ex Laskarina rep. Nicky McIsaac instead. Much better idea! It was a very pleasant drive from Andover to Newbury. In the evening we took Yorgi (and ourselves) out for a walk on Greenham Common. Nicky told me stories of the old days when it had been a military base and about the anti-missile action group of women who had lived there. Having only one bedroom, I was obliged to sleep on Nicky's living room floor, using my self-inflating mattress again, purchased in Coburg. We decided that positioning it behind the couch would be best so I wouldn't be so disturbed by her shift-working partner when he make his cuppa at 5am ish. He was somewhat miffed at the note that read 'Don't disturb Heather. She's behind the couch!'
The following day I invested in a UK road atlas. In spite of this, I still managed to get lost, trying to find my way to Fleet to visit another friend. (to be fair, she had given me directions from the M3!) I ended up coming off the M4, junction 3! Having had enough of the motorway and it's traffic, I decided to following the little aeroplane for Gatwick and headed back to dad's.

Last night I took the train up to London to meet some guys who I've been writing to for several years as they had gone to the same school as me - Haymill in Burnham. For them it was a reunion as one of them now lives in the States but works in Saudi and was passing through. I had never met them before, not even at school - well, not that I remember! Still, talking Burnhameeze, we had a very enjoyable evening at The Mitre in Paddington. I didn't get lost once!!

MORE IMAGES OF SALISBURY TRIP

Graham with Yorgi. Sit! Good Boy!

SALISBURY

Hi friends in cyberland! The sun is out, in Kent at least, and the news is full of the dangers of mozzy bites. They must be hardup for news methinks.

Last Sunday, Yorgi and I motored down to Salisbury (got lost) and what should have been a lunch date ended up an evening dinner with my friend Graham. Before eating we took a walk along the river from Salisbury to Old Sarum. It was England at its best. Everything from the walk itself, the views, the little English Heritage shop, even the loos (why do I still feel guilty about putting paper down them?!) Yorgi had a lovely time playing on the lawns. He's really into lawns! He's a good ice-breaker too. Complete strangers come up and start talking to us and children fall to their knees to pet him.

Times in Tonbridge

Hi guys! Left is dad's band, Bloco Fogo. You can see dad in the middle row, second in front the right. Their next gig is this Saturday when they'll be playing at Maidstone River Festival. Right is Dad and Yorgi in the front garden.

Last night Dad, a girl from the band and I went to a local pub to listen to a jazz trio. They were fab. What a way to spend an evening; a pint of Bombadier and good jazz. After my second pint, it dawned on me that I was the driver and the only one drinking. Woops.

Life In Merry Old (wet) England

To all my friends on Skopelos, we are not underwater here in Tonbridge. My hike this morning was undertaken in trainers and wasn't even wet underfoot. Lucky we seem to be as there are a lot of poor sods who are not so fortunate.

Yesterday, Dad's Bloco Fogo band played at a do organised by a local animal rescue farm near Biggin Hill. It was so wonderfully English: games for the kids, a beer tent, candy floss, doggie events, second hand stalls, bee keepers and patchwork/spinning tents, chainsaw sculptors! Plus all the visitors with their dogs. Yorgi was so overwhelmed, he just wanted to go back to the car. He'd never seen so many dogs! After seeing the umteenth notice about YOUR DOG COULD DIE IF YOU LEAVE IT IN YOUR CAR! I went back and rescued Yorgi from..... nothing....and sitting on a bail of hay, we watched dad play with his band. The audience was somewhat... dry.

I MADE IT!!

I am writing this from the comfort of my father's bungerlow!

After saying goodbye to Wolfgang, it was a pleasant 'A' road drive towards Bruxelles. Everytime I asked for directions, saying I didn't want to use the motorway, people would scratch their heads and say they had no idea how I would get there! Looking at the map, I headed for a place called Saint Truiden. It turned out to be a beautiful, cobble streeted town with a huge church in the central square. What's more, on the hour, the bells didn't just chime, they played It's Now or Never, followed by an hour of other popular tunes! Also, after checking into the only hotel, I noticed I was in Belgium, not Holland! Later, relaxing at a bar in the square, it was exciting to notice a selection of 24 different beers on the menu. I sampled only one, which went straight to my tired head.

The following morning I set off to find a vet. UK laws dictate that a pet has to see a vet not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours prior to departure. I had only just found out that I was only a couple of hours from Ostende so was pleasantly surprised when the vet asked me what date and time I wanted her to put on Yorgi's passport. I'd already heard from others how flexible European vets are regarding this point. Anyway, after this formality had been completed it was back on the road. I was dreading the next bit as there was no other way than by motorway. Then the heavens opened. Visibility was down to practically zero. This was good, as it made all the traffic slow down to my speed! The E40 is rather a nice motorway in fact because it doesn't seem to be used by trucks.

At the port it took them one minute to process me and over half an hour for Yorgi. On the ticket (which cost an extra €25) it had in big letters PET. On the mirror I had to hang an orange sign with a picture of a dog on it and on the windscreen a flurescent sticker with another picture of a dog on it, in case there was any doubt. The crossing was very smooth and took two hours including a delay.

Once on UK soil, I promptly got lost! But never mind, the sky was blue and it was a very pleasant evening.

HALLO FROM COLOGNE

Hi everyone again. Well, what a journey from Coburg to Cologne. The day I decided to leave, Dad and I visited a local castle in the morning. We then tried to get some lunch, which took forever to find somewhere. When we did, the food was excellent and it was obvious how expensive everything had been at the festival - eg. beer had been €5 when normal price was €1.50! So it was after this meal and the two beers I had with it that I left Coburg in what I thought was the wrong direction: so I turned around. When it was obvious I was heading towards the old East Block border, I turned around again and ended up, an hour later back at the hotel. Hot, bothered and frustrated, I asked reception about the route and I had in fact been correct the first time! So on and on I went, on the phone to my friend in Cologne every hour. In the end, I slept in the car at a service station! Put towels up at the windows, seat back, earplugs in! Terrible night though because of the juggernaughts coming and going all flippin night. Set off at 6am but had to keep stopping cos I was so tired and also cos the lorry drivers were hasseling me cos I was driving too slow for them. I was on edge the whole time. Arrived in Cologne after 7 hours. Wolfgang came on the train to meet me where I'd parked and directed me to his place. But was I able to relax? Oh no. He decided I needed a city tour. Off we hurtled for the next 3 or so hours - leaving Yorgi outside the places of interested, tied to the nearest post. Not happy about that and at one point a lady and her grand-daughter were petting him as we emerged from the cathedral. She said they thought he'd been abandoned and were thinking of taking him!!!!!
So, after the city tour, was I able to go and relax? No again. It was out for a meal of sushi (which I had never had before and couldn't eat) with rice wine with salt (which did pass my lips) and after that a beer at Wolfgang's local watering hole! So, after that dear friends, was I able to go and relax? Thank God, yes! And it was in a lovely, comfortable bed.
Today has been more relaxed but I think it will have to be back on the road again tomorrow BUT NOT ON AN AUTOBAHN. I just can't hack it. Don't care if it takes twice as long. The hassel from THOSE BASTARDS just isn't worth it.
Cologne is a beautiful place with a fantastic atmosphere and Wolfgang is very informative about the history of the place. He even tests me to make sure I've been listening. He is a teacher after all! Yorgi, by the way is fine and has taken to city life rather well.
In the meantime, back in Skopelos, my housesitter has had to return to the States as her father has had a mild stroke. Luckily I have good neighbours who are able to look after the cats.
So, as they say, that's all folks!

Pictorial update3

The Samba Band festival in Coburg is a hectic, noisy, crowded, expensive three day event held annually for the last 16 years. Surprisingly not so well organised, dad and I (being separate from the rest of the band, who were camping) spent a lot of time trying to find where they were supposed to be. The main accommodation for all the bands was at a school. The main hall was converted into a huge dormitory. I spent my first night at dad's hotel, the second in their loft and the third in the hall, which meant I had to buy a sleeping mat. However, it was free, as was the breakfast. Last night, everyone had to leave the school grounds as the kids were back - amazingly, the schools are still open here at the moment. So it was back to the hotel. The temperature rose yesterday and the fire department opened fire hydrants and sprayed the bands as they passed to keep them cool. They also had a massive fan in operation.

Poor dad found the whole thing rather tiring and I found them rather thoughtless at times as to his age when it came to arrangements.

Here are some images of Dad's band, Bloco Fogo, plus their mascot Bloco Fogo Dogo!

So this afternoon, its back on the road for me I think, heading to Cologne where I'll stay at a friend's place. Dad leaves tomorrow morning.

Pictorial update 2

Left is where we stayed in the Bremmer pass. I can recommend it.

Other images of scenes along the way in the pass.

Pictorial update 1

Here is Yorgi's house on the ferry from Greece to Italy. Later, he refused to use it and ended up curled up in a corner of the pen - opposite to where the two labs were.

Next one, arriving in Venice.

Made it to the Samba Town of Coburg (and Prince Albert!)

Hi everyone from Coburg, Germany. I made it eventually after two days solid driving.
The ferry to Venice was fine although poor Yorgi had to spend his time in a Doggie Area on deck together with two other large dogs, one of which kept eating his food! It rained during the night so even though the area was covered, as soon as I stept outside in the morning, above the howling wind, I also heard another howling. I couldn´t get up on deck quick enough! There he was, curled up in a corner, wet and abandoned!
Anyway, once off the ferry in Venice, all the car drivers had to wait on the port for the trucks to unload. Took at least half an hour, so good job it wasn´t raining hard. I´d shared my cabin with a German lady who made the trip often, so I followed her out of the port area and onto the chockerblock motorway - bit different to Skopelos! Shortly afterwards, she was into the fast lane and away. I stayed in the slow lane, absolutely petrified. I haven´t got a kind word to say about the truck drivers. Not Italian ones, Austrian ones or German ones! They are all b######s! Just cos I don´t want to drive at over 100km hour, I got hassled. Sometimes though I had to use autobahn but it was a harrowing experience.
Through the Bremmer pass I took the B road. Stayed 3/4 way along in a lovely guesthouse beside a stream, surrounded both sides by mountains. Paid €40 including wine and an excellent breakfast. Can't show you the photos as I can't find the camera download cable. Might even have left it in Corfu which will be a right bummer if I have.
The drive along the rest of the pass was excellent. Mountains, streams, pastures, little wooden houses with flowers on the balconies - real chocolate-box scenes.
So eventually arriving late day before yesterday in Coburg, met up with dad who just happened to be waiting on the steps of the hotel, which by the way costs €85 a night! Stayed just the one night then tried to find something else. But the whole down and beyond is fully booked cos of the festival, so the hotel took pity on me and put me up in a staff room in the attic. It's perfect but I can't stay there any longer than one night as it's unofficial. So goodness knows where I'm gonna sleep tonight - maybe in the car! Bit of a comedown after chocolate on the pillow accommodation.
Last night we waited for dad's band to arrive but they didn't make it as far as we know as their coach driver ran out of time.
The atmosphere last night in town was amazing. Bands playing, people everywhere having fun. Stalls with wine a food... Real carnival stuff. Pity you can't be here too to share it.

Times in Corfu

Hi everyone. Well I've had a fantastic time here on Corfu; thanks to Mike and Gilly. Here they are. Thanks very much indeed.

Yesterday I met up with Tina, who rented my spare bedroom ten years ago. She worked at La Costa in Skopelos for three summers and ended up marrying Dimitri, the guy who ran the crepes place next door (now the stationery shop). She lives full-time on Corfu now, with Dimitri and her daughter Nefeli.

I have a very early start tomorrow morning - up at 3.30 to leave at 4 for the 5.30 ferry to Venice. Have booked a cabin in case I can smuggle Yorgi. Otherwise, he'll have to stay in a box and separated from me.

Hello Corfu!

The drive from Parga to Iggoumenitsa took about an hour and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for the ferry. The crossing took just over an hour and Mike, Gilly's husband was waiting for me at Corfu port. Was nursing a bit of a hangover as Eva and I went out Thursday night. We tried to find some Parga nightlife but the place seems to close up around 11pm! How did we still manage to drink too much wine then?

The drive from Corfu town to Mike and Gilly's place in Episkepsi took about an hour and I just followed Mike. Their house is beautiful, with stunning views all around. In the evening we went out for a lovely meal at a beach taverna. By the way, it seems that when I publish these blogs, there are typos, which aren't mine. Really weird. Thought I was being careless but have gone back to check several times and the typos are still coming up.

Good-bye Parga

Hi everyone. Jesus I look terrible! So, here is part of the old team: Adoni, Lou, me and the lovely Eva - taken just before leaving Parga. Was absolutely fantastic to meet up with them but I won't miss Eva's Greek sofa-bed! Prompted me to get a back massage; the best I've ever had. So if you're ever in Parga, go to Pure. It's run by two sisters from Scotland!

Lou has no regrets regarding quitting TC's and is making around the same money doing lots of little jobs and without the hassel or being on-call 24/7. Thank you very much Eva, for letting us stay with you and sorry I didn't put the canapy back properly; just couldn't manage the darn thing.

Parga

Eva's apartment is situated in the Castro area of Parga, which is a maze of narrow streets around the old Venitian castle. Here is the view from her balcony, not that she has much time to appreciate it.

The place is busy with Italian and Scandi tourists and well as Brits and Greeks.

It's still extremely hot but at least cooler than the temperatures experienced during the heat-waive.

Later today I'm meeting up with Louise who has quit Thomas Cook's!

The way over

Here we are on top of the world, high in the Pindus mountains - the bit before it going REALLY BORING. A new highway is being constructed with some amazing bridges and tunnels but the construction is here and there, sort of littered all over the place. Pity I couldn't some images of a half constructed bridge of an enormous valley but with an articulated truck in front and one up my arse, it wasn't possible.

Gone

Hi everyone. Here we are getting on the ferry at Skopelos. Yorgi wasn't too keen on the boat trip and settled just as we arrived. Stayed in the Jason overnight and set early Monday morning.

So now we are in Parga! Made it over in one day - not recommended really. The mountain road over the Pindos between Metzovo (sorry about spelling, forgot the map) was an ear-popping 88 km road somewhat like between Skopelos and Glossa but times that by 100 and add loads of articulated lorries and long tunnels and you have it.

Sleeping on Eva's Greek canapy (very hard Greek sofa bed) until Friday, when I move on to stay with Gilly and Mike in Corfu.

The Itinerary

Set off Sunday 1 July across Greece to Parga (224 miles) on the west coast where I'll be staying a few days with Eva, who used to work on Skopelos. Also working in Parga is Louise who worked on Skopelos for many years.
Then will probably leave the car on the mainland and travel over to Corfu, where I'll be staying with Gilly for about 3 days. Will also be visiting Tina, my exlodger from years ago.
Back to the mainland and ferry to Venice, then on to Coburg (815 miles) where I'll be meeting up with Dad, who is playing in a international Samba Band festival. After a short break in Coburg, Dad will be flying back to UK and I'll be driving (511 miles!). Trying to find a passenger to share the petrol costs.
Will be driving back to Greece before the insurance runs out on 30th August.

going, going.......

Can hardly believe that this time next week I'll be on the road. Not sure how often I'll be able to log on though.