Vytina

 (Usual waiver applies to grammar, typos, spelling as I'm posting via a small phone screen on the hoof 🤭, click on the pics to zoom in)

Zyvgosti was a one horse town. As we were packing up to hit the trail today we heard an old truck coming up the hillside. You could hear it for miles as it was playing loud Greek music to let all those in the area know the vegetable man was coming. The old truck was full of veg,  herbs, strawberries...so fresh!

The little taverna where we stayed in attached rooms also acts as a shop for the village and they bought a good amount of supplies off the back of the vege truck.

If Zyvgosti was a one horse town, Elati was a no horse town. We didn't see anyone, the one taverna was shut and no coffee spot to be seen. Nevermind we had a beautiful walk ahead of us. 

We were walking along the road at one stage and the local police stopped and warned us of falling rocks. Long story short they gave us a lift a short way down  the road. We must have looked a sight - two police in front and three hikers and packs sardined into the back seat. They were lovely 😍.

It has been lovely to share the trail these last few days with Talia. 

Elati to Vytina was an idyllic 9ks that followed a stream most of the way. Occasionally we'd pass old stone ruins. It was absolutely stunning and magical with a soft dirt /forrest path and trees covered in moss...you could almost imagine wood nymphs coming down to the water... beautiful.

We followed the Milanon river and passed three abandoned watermills.

We passed a very grand looking monastery on the other side of the river and it looked so peaceful in that beautiful setting.

The track crossed several small creeks that brought ice melt down to the river. You really had to watch your step. 

The sound of the river, the beautiful birds and butterflies.... magical.

We  started to climb back up and left the river. We left behind the moss and gentle forest floor and climbed up the side of the valley on a track carved into the rock and loose shale. It was different again but equally stunning. The folks that cut these paths way back in the early days have left behind a wonderland for us to enjoy.

The foliage changed as we climbed up towards to hilltop village of Vytina.

Vytina is another chocolate box alpine village and it's noted for it's old stone buildings. In the winter it's full of skiers and you can take sleigh rides....did I mention it's a magical place 😁

The climate creates the best conditions for harvesting walnuts, fresh herbs and spices. There are plenty of chic shops to tempt you but as we are like snails and carrying our lives on our back we just enjoyed window shopping.

All along the trail we have admired the almond trees and wild spring flowers in blossom. No surprises then that this area is famous for its natural honey.

After a day of hiking it's always good to find a nice place to eat. We stepped off the main square and found an amazing restaurant. 

The beer and honey braised pork was the biggest piece of roast pork I've ever been served. It was delicious! The local cheese and rocket salad was divine too as was the moussaka.

It is a long weekend here in Greece for May Day so it was tricky to book a place to stay for just one  night. We were thankful we'd booked ages ago from NZ as there were not many options. We're staying in very humble accommodations circa 1970's ( but not humble pricing NZ$170 😬)but it does what it says  on the tin..hot shower, flushing toilet 😁 although NO toilet paper down the pipes and it has a radiator to heat the room and dry our washed hiking clothes 😁.

The bell towet is virtually outside our door and the bell strikes every half hour 😬😁

Not sure who this sculpture represents but check out that moustache! I love the public sculpture in Europe.