Greece day 8

Dafni to Kalavrira, 33 miles. What an epic cycling day! Starting with waking up to the sound of birds and sheep bells, oh and the lazy hotel dogs barking. We went in search of breakfast. The breakfast fairy had been and set it all out, so we got started. He appeared a short while later and wasn’t too worried that we had helped ourselves. It is the first time we have experienced no English spoken. 

The ride started easy in the sunshine. Stopping for coffee half way. Then the epic climb began. 9 miles taking us to 1240m - that is ski resort territory! This was the hardest climb so far. With some gradients reaching 10 -12% and many 8-9%. Tough. The scenery was spectacular very alpine. Half way up we stopped at some show caves. Although we went with a guide and was told no photography (ignored that) it was a truly stunning cave. Pete as an ex caver was especially interested. 

Then with 5 miles to the summit we pedalled on. This section wasn’t quite so hard. Pete stopped to take lots of gorgeous pictures but some sections were too steep and I knew I would find it hard to get going again, so I just trundled up. Finally we started the descent, with zigzags and hairpin bends down to our hotel. We passed a memorial sight (which we can see from our balcony). It was where all the male villagers were shot with machine guns in retaliation for helping the resistance on 13th December 1943 by the Nazis. Very thought provoking, I always think of Pete and our  boys. 

Anyway, the hotel is lovely and we have managed to make tea with the coffee machine!