Although a little warm overnight the room and sleep were very comfortable and I was quite happy to not rush too fast down for breakfast…..I also knew the inevitable packing, loading and getting hot and sweaty were coming.
Archontiki Geki 1876
When I arrived for breakfast there was limited conversation, due to my lack of foreign languages, so when we understood that I would like better access to the internet and the host provided the password to her service I was greatly appreciative. I was able to locate several options for camping on the coast of Greece near Igoumenitsa to spend my last nights before making my way to Albania. Breakfast was typically simple Greek breakfast fare.
Archontiki Geki 1876
Archontiki Geki 1876
I headed off about midday hoping for a cool change……(surely one is coming soon?). Once again after the twisty run down the hill I stopped at the cool mountain river and considered getting in fully kitted-up to ride on cooling down until I dried out.
The twisty section from the opposite hillside.
I decided riding in a wet motorbike suit may not be as 'cool' as I dream of and rode on.
On the way down the hills towards the coast I reached a beautiful little riverside village (searching for name?) for a quiet bite to eat. I was invited into the kitchen to see what was freshly cooked and still keeping warm on the stovetop.
It was stinking hot so the stop for some roast chicken, Coke and chilled water was very welcome.
Very tasty lunch.
As I passed through the mountains I noticed the preparedness of the Greeks - they already had the signs out warning of the upcoming winter season's ice risks on the roads…..Some say "preparation is the key."…….?
I slowed down for ice patches.
It was over 35deg.C - chance of snow and ice was slim.
Some of the stretches through the mountains were wonderfully smooth and flowing and it was great to enjoy some good riding again (although I was always mindful of gravel across the road).
I continued onwards and arrived in Igoumenitsa where several boats pick-up and drop-off passengers to/from Italy daily. It would be fair to say that it is not a very attractive township.....and I was glad I hadn't focussed on staying there. I was looking for campsites on the water further south.
As I headed south I noticed the sign to Nautilos Beach camping first and set out to get there - it read well on my searches. I passed the Kalami Beach and Elena's Beach campsites, thought about going in to check them, before I arrived at Nautilos Camping but I had set my sights.
I arrived at Nautilos reasonably late in the afternoon and was hoping it fitted the bill. The tent sites were fabulous with almost direct rocky beach access and WiFi in your tent....the only concerns were the Mini-Market, which was now a Nano-Market (bread and milk ONLY!).
I asked generally about food and breakfast etc and was advised that the restaurant would be available to provide for me.
After setting up camp, spending some time on the internet, having a swim, washing my motorbike suit (in the sea and the shower) and a beer it was nearing dinner time.
A night view from the restaurant.
I had dinner in the restaurant (when it appeared as though they were there) and the limited menu availability didn't look good for breakfast tomorrow….
After dinner I was happy to head to the tent to sleep since I knew the warm weather and early sunrise would likely have me out of the tent before 7am.