Lots of good things…

 Wednesday 5th October - Hora and Livadi 

I am sure everyone knows bad things come in threes, but maybe good things do too. In fact today has barely started and I am sure even more than three good things have happened already.

So last night, as we walked on the beach after dinner, I was thinking the poles with the straw umbrellas removed look like totem poles. They all have a plastic bag covering the lights. Many of the tavernas are closing up, tables and chairs piled up inside the taverna itself. The place we went to last night closes in November. One thing I saw was the new bus timetable, with the later night buses crossed out. This morning it’s already been replaced with a better copy. But my first good thing came to me when we bought breakfast in Livadi, served by Flora. How about using the bus service she uses to places like Panagia to get out of my limited walking zone? These buses ferry people like Flora to work, so they probably keep running all year. I  have photographed the timetable and will try this idea when I get back from Syros.

When we got up this mooring it was dark! So Ronnie had to wait until a bit later than usual before we set off. I decided to walk to Livadi by way of the reservoir walk, have something to eat, then walk back up the steps to Hora. The sun was rising and we got some lovely views.

I am letting Ronnie get away with all sorts! But it’s HIS holiday. So I let him sniff as long as he likes and within reasonable limits go where he likes ( he is on the lead however). We walked down to the the reservoir but on the way something  happened. A guy in his car waved at us. So I waved back.  Next time we saw someone so we waved. We got a wave back. I tried it all the way to Livadi. Not everyone waves back. But most do. A motorcyclist decided to toot his horn instead of wave, deciding perhaps to keep both hands on the handlebars. This photo has the reservoir behind the plants, and a reflection of the sun in the water.

As we dropped down towards Livadi I could see they were still watering the football pitch. They won’t be using drinking water, but from the reservoir, which is only used for agriculture uses. It  might be the best patch of grass in Greece! This is a photo of the trees that grow on the beach. Ronnie loves sniffing around the trunks of them. 

Near the pitch there are loads of canes. My other good idea was instead of putting the umbrella up for my second washing pole, is to get some long canes nice and thick, and use them instead. I can carry a couple home when I next do the walk on my own. I don’t think anyone will mind. When we got to Livadi, I tied Ronnie up, and Flora served us the lovely tomato, ham  and cheese pie. I think I prefer this to spanakopita. We sat on the step eating it together.

After this we walked back to the slip road, we met the lady who runs the rooms I stayed in, during my first visit here, who was walking her dog Mike. He and Ronnie got on great. Looking at the beach it reminded me of a line out of a Bob Dylan song:

Now the beach is deserted except for some kelp 
And a piece of an old ship that lies on the shore. 

It’s the song Sara, the album Desire.

We carried on out of Livadi and up the steps, Ronnie’s supply of water water getting low, luckily we had a place where we could top it up from a tap. There was a water trough there too, Ronnie would not drink from it, so I had to fill his bowl.

Near the top we met a lady with a cat in a cat carry basket thing. It wasn’t very happy about this. I realised she was American. She was taking the cat to be neutered. She lives here all year, as she has retired. She left behind a friend who had the cat trap they were using to trap wild cats. My mind then went ping. How do you neuter a cat? You take it to the vets! By this time the American lady had walked off. So luckily her friend spoke some English. So I took a photo of the vets details off this ladies phone. Then I said to this lady, if the American lady wanted a coffee sometime, she could call me. I did not ask for the American ladies phone, that to me is a bit intrusive. Let her decide if she wants to make contact. 

So more than three good things I reckon, I am a lucky person indeed. Later on before Hazel and Mike return, I must get the compost and a bit of shopping.