On the 26th Sept we motored north along the dramatic Kefalonian coastline in light winds from the N/W and moored to the ferry quay in Sami harbour.

We have written about this location on several blogs, but on this occasion we decided to explore the  Mount Ainos National Park.  An unfortunate translation of a very beautiful mountain.

 

We hired a scooter again as there is no comparison with hiring a car----- experiencing the countryside at low speeds, tiny traffic free roads, warm breeze on your face, the incredible scents of the toasted herbs---sage, marjoram and especially rosemary, the colours of the countryside with all shades of green in the olive and cypress trees against the stark red/orange soil------- and ofcourse a sun tan thrown in. Simple and bliss-------everyone should try it at least once in their lives.

 

 

The vast mountain of Mt. Ainos  has a height of 1,628M is the tallest mountain in the Ionian islands.  The winding road to the top looks down into our favourite valley of Gerassimus and to the Monastery and vineyards. As we climbed the late season air turned cooler with altitude, the pine forests and cypress trees shading the road. The recent heavy 3 days of rain had turned the countryside into a spring landscape with fine bright green shoots of grass and wild flowers-----very unlike Autumn.

We scootered through small plateaus cultivated by people, long passed. The craggy rocks, green hillside and slopes reminded us so much of the highlands of Scotland, complete with snow poles on the edge of the tiny road.

 

At the top of the mountain there are spectacular views down to the South west coast of Kefalonia and onto Zakinthos to the south,  to Sami town to the East and further north east onto the islands of Ithaka and Levkas.

The distant photos of the islands are a little hazier than the view we had but you can still enjoy them. However, the photos of the coastline below are clear and tell the story.

 

We continued to tour the island again, a real favourite of ours passing through the valley where the trees are painted with white crosses near the Monastery.

We headed north along the coast road and marvelled once more at the dramatic Myrtos beach and the village of Assos as the sun was falling.

 

The next day life in Sami was being reclaimed by the locals as the tourists have nearly all left.  The fishing boat came in with its catch as it does endlessly throughout the year. The fishermen back and forth usually at night--- brave men I say.   I asked if they minded me taking a photograph and an elderly gentleman who spoke a little English translated to the men, they were proudly happy.  The old guy clearly helped the men to fold their nets--- no doubt for a few fish at the end---the trade of centuries, physical help in lieu of food, and not a euro passed between them.  I told them the photo would make them famous----- and so it is below !!

 

On the 28th Sept we motored out of Sami heading for Ayios Eufimia on Kefalonia. We put up our sails in the lightest of breeze and floated slowly across the beautiful bay, framed by the hills and Mt Ainos high above.

 

Photos of---------

 

Mount Ainos National Park map, Kefalonia--- and the spectacular views to the coast and islands.

 

The lookalike ‘Scottish Highland pass’ complete with snow pole

 

Tony on scooter by the monastery

The glorious Gerassimus valley, vineyards and painted trees.

 

Myrtos beach and village of Assos in the distance

 

Photo’s continued second blog....

Scootering and shadows

 

Mending and folding fishing nets, Sami.

 

Love to all

Tina and Tony x x x x x