Mt Olympus… Home Of The Greek Gods
By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized |
Friday, 1 July 2022… An early start this morning from Thessaloniki… it was already 26°C when I walked the 1.5km to the Train Station. Caught the 08.15 hours train to Litochoro… the nearest town to Mt Olympus National Park and the home of the Greek Gods. No chance to capture images on the relatively fast one hour journey, however, I couldn’t stop marvelling at the fields of sunflowers and kiwifruit orchards.
Exited the train expecting to see taxis, waiting to ferry me the 7km or so to Litochoro but no one there. Fortunately, my host Kostas had given me the number for Dimitris, a local taxi driver who, when I called, was more than happy to come and collect me. Fare E10… can’t complain at that.
Met Kostas, left my luggage and established that he would message me when my apartment was ready around 12.30 hours. Walked down to the Enipeas River for a late breakfast at Spitaki, where I spent time during a one week stay in 2019. Today I showed the waiting staff a photo of me with a moggy I befriended there 3 years’ ago and asked if they recognized it and was it still living? Oh yes, although I didn’t see her today, she’s still about and her name is Margarita.
After breakfast I walked on to look for a path by the river I loved so much 3 years’ ago and very quickly I realized there was some event soon to take place. During a lengthy conversation with Ali (Alistair Watson) from London, I learnt that tonight at 20.00 hours, the Olympus Mythical Trail race, an ultra endurance mountain running race, held on the first weekend of July, will be starting and finishing from that location. Ali is taking part… a maximum of 200 athletes are eligible to participate after meeting very strict criteria.
The route is 101km long, designed mainly on a combination of paths of varying passability but also mountain dirt roads and the positive altitude reaches 6960m. The time limit is 32 hours. I have total admiration for all the athletes taking part. If you are interested in finding out more go to www.omt100.com
After spending a relaxing afternoon in my lovely apartment, I sat on my balcony with a plate of meze and a glass of wine… complimentary bottle in the fridge. This evening wandered down to witness the start of the big race, however, the almost unbearable heat of earlier today continues and the great Mt Olympus has been shrouded in cloud for much of the day.
I have come here with hopes of doing some lovely walks. If the weather gets any hotter, I don’t think I’ll be able to do it.
Saturday, July 2nd 2022 at 2:33 am |
Dawn in Kavala harbor
Wow * You’re a whole day ahead of me. I was thinking I would just miss you in Thessaloniki bus station but now I remember you were leaving yesterday morning while I caught the ferry last night at midnight.
Kavala marina is magical at dawn. The sky is just starting to get light. I’ve been sitting on a bench by the water as cats come and go in search of lost fish from yesterday’s catch. No bus until 8 am so I’ll get to Thessaloniki after noon. Will probably be as hot as Olympus so I doubt I will do much except have lunch and stroll around.downtown before I board the airport bus and … London
It will be strange to leave the Mediterranean after all these months…
Have a great day exploring those trails (at your own pace of course which is faster than mine… );Stay cool
Saturday, July 2nd 2022 at 4:22 am |
Yiasou Anna, In my mind, I also had you leaving Lemnos 24 hours earlier. Talking of cats… I saw surprisingly few in Thessaloniki and it seems to be like that almost everywhere now in Greece. Furthermore, those you do see, appear much healthier than in the old days which is pleasing. Yes, Thessaloniki will be a scorcher and here… I hadn’t anticipated it being this hot and it has slowed me right down. You will miss the Mediterranean but London will bring interesting, memorable experiences too. I have to say, I’m envious of you going to another Stones concert… enjoy. Stay safe and well. 🥰