Red Scooter Day
Gillyb
Mon 25 Jul 2011 13:49
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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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