Red Scooter Day

Gillyb
Mon 25 Jul 2011 13:49

 
Position: 39:08.23N  23:38.57E
 
Hello Friends & Family,
 
Early on Monday morning Graham hired a little red scooter!   It was automatic with not very much oomph but as I got on the back I found that it went quite fast enough for a  couple of old age pensioners who are more used to a car and havn't ridden a scooter for about 35 years!   I did think that if I fell off even at 5 mph it was going to hurt...  so best not to think anymore and off we went. (Note the sensible motor cycle gear!)
 
We drove out of Elios (which is not properly mentioned in the pilot book as it is a new marina built with EU money)  and up on to the only main road on the island (Skopelos).   It is very windy and mostly uphill so the little red scooter got hotter and louder as it chugged up the hills.   We went on northwards and knew we had to turn off onto a smaller road but missed it initially.   Luckily we managed to turn around without being mown down and continued up steep hills on a much narrower road going round harepin bends with spectacular scenery below us.  (But too nervous to stop in case the little red scooter never got going again!)
 
Eventually - gaining confidence and with the wind in our hair (its a cool way to travel!) we saw round the next headland the Church.   NO - THE CHURCH!!  The one from Mamma Mia where Meryl and Pierce are standing on the steps, singing away to each other.   (Graham declined the re enactment and anyway I hadn't brought my floaty scarf!)   As it was still quite early in the day there were not too many people around.   Inevitably the little taverna at the bottom is called Mamma Mia.   We parked the scooter and started the climb up the rock all the way to the top - its quite a climb.   At the top is a tiny church dedicated to St John.   The inside was obviously not used for the film as it is very small and more than six people inside and it would be crowded.   We took lots of photos then descended to the taverna for a much needed cold drink.   Then came the bad bit!.    Getting back on and going up and down the hills again.   Several times I had to get off and walk while Graham coaxed the machine uphill.  Once we hit a large pothole on the corner of a bend and it came to a sudden full stop almost pitching me off the back.  No wheelies I thought and opted to walk the next bit!
 
We continued on the small road then turned up towards Glossa.  This is an old village above the port of Loutraki which the pilot book says is worth a visit.   We filled up with petrol and then parked and walked up narrow streets till we came to Agnanti - a famous restaurant ("with views and food to die for" - quote from pilot book).   By this time we decided we would stop for lunch and sure enough the view from our table and the food did not disappoint!   We really were glad to have found it and we had a lovely salad with samphire and anchovy fillets, greek bread and white wine.
 
So today has been one of those special days to file in the memory for when we are old (er) and sitting on a sofa telling the tale!!
 
Enjoy the photos! 
 
Best Wishes   Gilly B
 
 
 
 

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