Tuesday 27th May 2008

We decided to catch a bus to the other end of the island and do a short walk. The bus didn't leave until 10:30 so we had a relaxing start, however the walk wasn't exactly relaxing. The bus took us to Paleo Klima past a large area of burnt forest, the result of a farmers fire that got out of control in March. It was sobering to see how much forest burned even in the Spring when the flora was not tinder-dry like it was during the horrendous fires in Greece last Summer. We also passed the village of Elios, destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960's.
There was absolutely no breeze and the air temperature was 25°C when we left and 32°C when we arrived in Glossa. The meant that the walk was very hot but it was most enjoyable. We moved between areas of shade, normally large, gnarled olive trees, walking on a narrow mule track. This was sometimes slightly overgrown, making it somewhat challenging. We passed many old olive groves, including one where we were greeted by a farmer who was clearing the undergrowth and his two mules were grazing in the shade of the trees. We went through semi-derelict hamlets where nearly every ruin had 'For Sale' painted on a surviving wall. There is still plenty of score for second-home buyers! I spotted some dolphins searching for fish in the flat-calm sea below us and all through the walk we followed their progress. We arrived in Glossa somewhat hot and tired, found a bar and ordered a large bottle of water and four glasses. They didn't make much money out of us and we did feel guilty sat in the posh surroundings admiring the sea views, but that was all we wanted at the time. Having recovered, we walked to the other end of the village where there was a restaurant right by the bus stop. We had an excellent, very reasonably priced, light lunch and relaxed until the bus arrived. The views on the bus journey were lovely and we ensured that we sat on the right side of the coach where the views were best.
We arrived back and purchased our ferry tickets for the return journey. We had intended to leave on Friday but found that the only ferry options were 07:15 or 19:50. The latter was too late, getting us into Volos at midnight and the early ferry was much earlier than we would have liked! We decided to stay an extra day and leave on the early Saturday ferry.
Dinner was taken at another excellent taverna – we will be experts on the tavernas of Skopelos Town by the time that we leave!
Photos: The band of intrepid explorers fighting their way through the jungle of the mule track – note the head-down concentration of the leader; Mule grazing in the shade of the olive trees – we followed their example, by resting in the shade, not grazing!