I’ve been in Kalambaka 6 days and visited the Monasteries 3 times. Vincent wants to go to Larissa, me Thessaloniki. I show him the route I’m planning on taking, he decides to join me. It’s only 30 km out of his way.
IT’S ONLY ABOUT 30 MILES TO DISKATI, BUT UP, THE WHOLE WAY.
I HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING MYSELF I’M IN GREECE. (hence the shirt and flag)
Just as we stop for a nice peaceful lunch break.
THIS BAND SAW TRACTOR DRIVES UP.
IT´S BECOMING WINTER, TIME TO CUT SOME FIREWOOD.
They still burn off crop residue here, I was a little shocked.
IT WAS PROBABLY 1KM OF SMOKE, BURNING EYES AND COULDN’T SEE THROUGH THE SMOKE.
Once through the smoke were turn off our low traffic road to a “where are the cars?” road. I tell Vincent “we’re on the other side of no where”.
A LITTLE FARM ACTIVITY AHEAD.
A sign indicates, restaurant ahead? I tell Vincent I need a shot of coffee, he agrees, he does too. It’s hunting season and they’re dividing the days hunt at the restaurant.
EVERYONE IS LEAVING WITH A BAG OF MEAT FOR THE FREEZER.
BIKING ON THE OPEN ROAD, IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER!
Our destination is DESKATI, I know nothing about this town other than the name. I didn’t have the energy to tackle Athens, so Deskati, “here we come”.
IT’S NOVEMBER AND THE TREES ARE DEFINITELY CHANGING COLORS
THE WEATHER HAS BEEN GREAT FOR BIKING, SUNNY 23C (LOW 70’S F).
We finally arrive in Diskati, the longest last 10 km of the trip. A local speaks French and tells Vincent to follow him, he’s on a small motorcycle, to the only hotel in town. We arrive and it’s closed for the season, the guy calls the owner and she opens up just for us!
WE COOK DINNER IN OUR ROOM. (budget travelers).
IT’S SUNDAY OUTSIDE THE CHURCH AND VINCENT IS SHOWING A GROUP OF MEN THE MAP OF OUR ROUTE.
THE CHURCH IN THE BACKGROUND IS OUR BIKING GOAL FOR THE DAY(eventually!)
WE TOOK A BIKE RIDE AROUND THE VILLAGE (way around)
WE WERE ON TOP OF THE WORLD, LOOKING TO THE NEXT VALLEY.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL BACK TO TOWN
OUR ORIGINAL GOAL WAS THIS CHURCH, WE TOOK THE VERY LONG WAY AROUND TO GET HERE.
Back in town the basic question was “what are you doing here?” “this isn’t a tourist town” exactly why we came here. The people are what make a town or country and this is no exception. When I walked down the street the entire town was watching me, they never see tourist. I heard some talk behind me, “American” “American”, this was a very charming place. I wanted to get a few postcards, good luck with that, NONE.
LOCAL CELEBRITIES HANGING OUT AT THE COFFEE SHOP
THE VIEW FROM THE HOTEL BALCONY
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS (bike riders)
We stayed an extra day here, it was a great experience to see and feel the real Greece, not the tourist mecca of Athens. I may not have seen the Statue of David, but Vincent brought flowers to the lady at the grocery store. It will always be the people that make the travel experience awesome.
I HAD TO TAKE THIS PHOTO OF VINCENT WRAPED IN HIS FAKE DEAD ANIMAL BLANKET
The older generation in town are constantly flipping theses worry beads, and with the Greek economic crisis probably flipping them a lot more.
THIS IS VINCENT PRACTICING WITH THE WORRY BEADS.
THANKS FOR READING AND LUBE THE CHAIN ON YOUR BIKE, YOU GO FASTER AND QUIETER!
JEFF
YOU CAN SEE THE UPDATED GREEK PHOTOS HERE
NEXT? CAMPING & MEET THE BIKE GURU OF ELASSONA
Hey Jeff,
Thank you so much for sharing so many details of your trip and pictures. My grandfather, Constantine Lavos, was born in1887 and raised in Diskati before coming to the U.S. In the early 20th century. Your travelogue gives me a much better insight into the place, and how different it was from NYC where he landed and continued to live. I bet Diskati hasn’t changed too much, except for cars and cell phones.
All the best,
Diane Lavos
Natick, MA