Saturday 29th May AndernachWe left home at 9.30 direction Etten Leur to drop off our dog Red at the kennels where he will hopefully have a nice holiday for the next month.
Then via Venlo we arrived at stelplatz Andernach around 3.30. Very nice on the Rhine, the sun is shining. 28 Degrees so we had a 5mins walk into a very pleasant little town and found a bistro on the square where we enjoyed a couple of schnitzels.
KMS 400
Overnight €5
Sunday 30th May Füssen
Overnight €5
Sunday 30th May Füssen
After a service and coffee we were ready to leave around 9.30. The plan was to go to Rothenburg but as the weather looks dodgy and rain is forecast we have decided to stay on A61 and head to Füssen and hopefully find sun again on Monday in Italy. 
It was a very pleasant drive and after a few coffees stops we came into the stelplatz at 4pm intending to have a cycle ride into town but as its pouring down we probably will stay around Bess and watch tv/relax. Couldn’t believe we got sky satellite as we’ve never been so lucky this far south before. After a delicious stir-fry a la Hans we finished of with strudel and ice cream in the restaurant on site. Needed the heating on as it’s quite chilly.
KMS 509
Overnight €13 inc WIFI
It was a very pleasant drive and after a few coffees stops we came into the stelplatz at 4pm intending to have a cycle ride into town but as its pouring down we probably will stay around Bess and watch tv/relax. Couldn’t believe we got sky satellite as we’ve never been so lucky this far south before. After a delicious stir-fry a la Hans we finished of with strudel and ice cream in the restaurant on site. Needed the heating on as it’s quite chilly.KMS 509
Overnight €13 inc WIFI
Monday 31st May Reschen Pass to Sirmione
What a storm last night! Hans was up in the middle of the night to put the dish down as it was really blowing a gale. After coffee and service we were on the hunt for diesel as don’t want to run out on those mountain passes. After a 5km detour we were on our way at 10am.
A lovely drive through Austria as always spectacular scenery only this time it wasn’t raining so had some fantastic views. Over the Ferner pass through Landeck direction Resia where we stopped for lunch. Went outside to take some photos of the church and it was freezing.
We plan to reach Sirmione today on Lake Garda where its 28 degrees. Yes!~That’s more like it!
Beautiful drive through Merano and at Bolzano took the autostrada arriving at our trusted camperstop in Taffella at 4pm.
What a storm last night! Hans was up in the middle of the night to put the dish down as it was really blowing a gale. After coffee and service we were on the hunt for diesel as don’t want to run out on those mountain passes. After a 5km detour we were on our way at 10am.
A lovely drive through Austria as always spectacular scenery only this time it wasn’t raining so had some fantastic views. Over the Ferner pass through Landeck direction Resia where we stopped for lunch. Went outside to take some photos of the church and it was freezing.
We plan to reach Sirmione today on Lake Garda where its 28 degrees. Yes!~That’s more like it!
Beautiful drive through Merano and at Bolzano took the autostrada arriving at our trusted camperstop in Taffella at 4pm.
The temperature shows 33 degrees so immediately the shorts were on and cold beers out of the fridge. Oh! What a life! There is no electric here so our fridge went on gas and performed beautifully even making ice cubes overnight.
Hans phoned Reds hotel to check that he had settled in ok. Sounds like they love him already as they’re all fighting over who goes and takes him out. He’s had a girlfriend staying with him for the past couple of nights who is due to go home tomorrow so apparently they have another one already lined up for him so I’m sure he must be having a wonderful time!
We decided whilst in Italy we shouldn’t really make spaghetti with a jar of pasta sauce so a 5km cycle ride into Sirmione to have dinner. Satisfied after a huge pizza and lasagne, finished off with a cappuccino and amaretto. Did feel that the beers were a bit pricey though €4.50 each. Suppose that’s why the Italians have a bottle of aqua on the table. After a cycle ride back to Bess and a little stroll along the lake we both had our best night sleep yet.
We decided whilst in Italy we shouldn’t really make spaghetti with a jar of pasta sauce so a 5km cycle ride into Sirmione to have dinner. Satisfied after a huge pizza and lasagne, finished off with a cappuccino and amaretto. Did feel that the beers were a bit pricey though €4.50 each. Suppose that’s why the Italians have a bottle of aqua on the table. After a cycle ride back to Bess and a little stroll along the lake we both had our best night sleep yet.
KMS 410
Tolls €8.20
Overnight €18
Wednesday 2nd June Ancona
Very overcast this morning, definitely not beach weather, still Max had a nice walk and Hans cycled back to the town. The
morning was spent getting ready for the boat and stocked up on drinks etc from the super market. Cycling back bought some delicious pomodori.
After paying we left Fano at 12.30…direction Ancona and then Greece! Of course it was total chaos at the port, pouring down and we boarded with less than half hour to sailing time. We were the very last camper on. Should mean that we are the first off but will we have to reverse?!!
Everybody scrambled to get power with no help from Anek personnel. Max went for a shower and Hans up on deck to watch the ship sail out at 4pm. The rest of the evening we spent exploring the ship( a bit dated and needing some tlc compared to Minoan), sitting in the bar with the first ouzo’s and Greek tv. We discovered a gyros/pitta place on deck so decided not to cook and have our first Greek meal on board.
The temperature cooled down a lot which made sleeping in Bess very comfortable.
KMS 106
Sunday 6th June Preveza
This morning met our other neighbours from Den Bosch, Gert and Maria also on their way back to the boat.
As promised the jeep arrived at 9am and we were ready to set off immediately to see Lefkada, the first stop being the waterfalls in Nidri.
This was quite a trail to follow up to the falls but a lovely change to walk in nature. 
From here we took the mountain road to the village of Karya where we had a super lunch served by a young girl from Heraklion and then the direction of the west coast to Agios Nikitas a very pretty village. Sitting on the waterfront having our frappes we spotted a couple of
campers parked up across the bay so went to check it out bearing in mind today we were also on a mission to find a wild camp to move onto with Bess and to checkout whether the roads were do-able for us. Alas it was just a couple of Italians on a carpark, hence nothing for us.
Then it was time to head south and see the fabulous beaches that so many people had told us about. First Kathisma, then Kalamitzi, both long windy roads down to terrific beaches full of sunbeds and umbrellas. Again not appealing to us and also so glad we were in a jeep and not our Bessie.
The last beach to not miss was Porto Katsiki and after the long drive down it was beautiful to see the turquoise waters, real picture postcard stuff but what a disappointment to discover after walking the steps down that it was pebbles and not sand! Anyway had a refreshing swim there and took the long windy road back up to Atherana where we had one of those narrow steep moments that wouldn’t have been fun in a camper. By this time we realised that although beautiful in scenery Lefkada wasn’t for us in a camper and as the campsite wasn’t brilliant we just wanted to see as much as possible in a day with the jeep and leave tomorrow. Next stop was Vassilikki, windsurfers paradise and then a gyros in Nidri. We finished off back in Lefkada town to stock up in Marinopoulos supermarket and then back to the campsite at 9pm. We felt after doing virtually a full circle we had had a good impression of the island.
Overnight €20,40
Friday 11th June Pagonia
After showers and Bessies refresh we were ready to leave Lefkada direction Vonitsa. We had heard of a good overnight place here but couldn’t find it plus the beach was a bit scruffy so decided to find another place that the Greeks had told us about Pagonia Beach near to Paleros.
A lovely quiet, shallow bay. We spoke to an Austrian who had been there for a week without problems. He said we may have to move once in a while if the farmer needs to cut the grass. Just after us a Belgian camper arrived so we were 3 in total.
A very nice cycle ride to the village took 10 mins and there we found a lively square full of Dutch and Brits who had sailed in with their yachts.
In the local bar we joined the Austrians Frans and Christa, a lovely couple who had been coming to Greece for 30 years, twice a year with the camper. After a super meal of pasticcio and papoutsa (stuffed aubergine) we were back at Bess 10.30.
KMS 47
Saturday 12th June Sea Rescue!!!!
Today we were really bothered by the flies. It’s almost impossible to sit outside so another village visit for a couple of frappes on the terrace. Frans passed by to promote his cd which we bought from him after hearing a few yodels! Today we got to know our Belgian neighbours too Marie-Jean and Jacques and tonight we will all go to eat in the village of Pagonia invited by Frans who knows that they will be cooking a pig on the spit.
This afternoon I decided to go out on the calm sea with a lilo and without warning drifted further and further out until the campers were nearly out of site on the beach. Really scary as I just couldn’t get back in. Next thing a boat was coming toward me and suddenly someone said we’ve come to help you, your husband thought you might be in trouble. How relieved was I to be pulled onto the boat and have a ride back to the shore where Hans was waiting for me.
Apparently he realised that I was in trouble and saw through the binoculars the panic on my face. He immediately went running for help and together with a couple of Greek boys attracted the attention of a German boat over at that exact moment from Nidri. How lucky was I that they were there at that moment!
This evening we all met up but when we arrived at 6.30 the pig looked nowhere near ready! Local wine was ordered and mezes until we could eat a few hours later. Even then it could have had a few more hours as it wasn’t crisp on the outside. Still we had a lovely evening with this pareia and wine flowing non-stop until well late.
Tolls €8.20
Overnight €18
Tuesday 1st June Fano
Both woke up well refreshed and got going at 10am direction Fano. It was autostrada all of the way quite uneventful except for the beautiful Marche area, where the landscape changes quite dramatically and truly is beautiful countryside. The TomTom found the camperstop and we were settled by 2pm. It is typical Italian style about 60 campers with less than a metre between each one. Still we’re just across from the beach and as the temperature is 30 degrees that’s where we headed after lunch. The sea is still freezing as Hans was brave enough to try out.
Later we explored the town on the bikes as we had missed that in 2006. A charming place buzzing with Italians out for their evening passagiata. We cycled well past the harbour until the end and found the little place where we had coffee before. This time though it was Southern Comfort and Bacardi/Cola. I’m sure that they were trebles and we only paid €13!
We found a lovely restaurant for dinner full of locals. This definitely wasn’t from a jar and I doubt that the pasta was from a packet either! Truly delicious.
KMS 343
Toll 18.30
Overnight €7
Both woke up well refreshed and got going at 10am direction Fano. It was autostrada all of the way quite uneventful except for the beautiful Marche area, where the landscape changes quite dramatically and truly is beautiful countryside. The TomTom found the camperstop and we were settled by 2pm. It is typical Italian style about 60 campers with less than a metre between each one. Still we’re just across from the beach and as the temperature is 30 degrees that’s where we headed after lunch. The sea is still freezing as Hans was brave enough to try out.
Later we explored the town on the bikes as we had missed that in 2006. A charming place buzzing with Italians out for their evening passagiata. We cycled well past the harbour until the end and found the little place where we had coffee before. This time though it was Southern Comfort and Bacardi/Cola. I’m sure that they were trebles and we only paid €13!
We found a lovely restaurant for dinner full of locals. This definitely wasn’t from a jar and I doubt that the pasta was from a packet either! Truly delicious.
KMS 343
Toll 18.30
Overnight €7
Wednesday 2nd June Ancona
Very overcast this morning, definitely not beach weather, still Max had a nice walk and Hans cycled back to the town. The
morning was spent getting ready for the boat and stocked up on drinks etc from the super market. Cycling back bought some delicious pomodori.After paying we left Fano at 12.30…direction Ancona and then Greece! Of course it was total chaos at the port, pouring down and we boarded with less than half hour to sailing time. We were the very last camper on. Should mean that we are the first off but will we have to reverse?!!
Everybody scrambled to get power with no help from Anek personnel. Max went for a shower and Hans up on deck to watch the ship sail out at 4pm. The rest of the evening we spent exploring the ship( a bit dated and needing some tlc compared to Minoan), sitting in the bar with the first ouzo’s and Greek tv. We discovered a gyros/pitta place on deck so decided not to cook and have our first Greek meal on board.
The temperature cooled down a lot which made sleeping in Bess very comfortable.
KMS 71
TOLL €8.20
TOLL €8.20
Thursday 3rd June Igoumenitsa & Plataria
Woke up early, went on deck to watch the ship arrive in Igoumentitsa. Luckily we were directed to reverse back onto the ramp and then it was lowered with us on it. Much quieter here compared to Patras and soon we were on our way to Plataria where we found a parking for Bess right at the end of the boulevard. We were together with about 5 other campers and had lovely views of the village. The temperature is still not hot-hot but maybe that’s good to slowly get used to it. Lunchtime we had a leisurely stroll to the other side of the harbour and had a delicious lunch for around €15. Max got a sim only Vodafone card so now has a Greek number!
After an evening snack had another stroll into the centre which was quite lively.
Woke up early, went on deck to watch the ship arrive in Igoumentitsa. Luckily we were directed to reverse back onto the ramp and then it was lowered with us on it. Much quieter here compared to Patras and soon we were on our way to Plataria where we found a parking for Bess right at the end of the boulevard. We were together with about 5 other campers and had lovely views of the village. The temperature is still not hot-hot but maybe that’s good to slowly get used to it. Lunchtime we had a leisurely stroll to the other side of the harbour and had a delicious lunch for around €15. Max got a sim only Vodafone card so now has a Greek number!
After an evening snack had another stroll into the centre which was quite lively.
KMS 14
Friday 4th June Ammoudia
This morning Hans tried a spot of fishing of off the harbour but unfortunately didn’t catch an octopus as we had seen a Greek do yesterday!
Around 11am we set of for Ammoudia just an hour away and what a good first impression we had. We thought that there might be a
problem to stay as we had heard from some Belgians in Fano that they had been sent away by the police and sure enough just as we were settling in the astynomia (police) arrived. They were very friendly and gave all the campers 24 hours notice to leave. We have lovely neighbours Jelle and Jureen from Nijmegen in their 2 week old Burstner Aviano and some Brits that Max knew about from Motorhome Facts forum Neil and Pat. They kind of have the same route planned as us so expect to see each other a lot more. They have been standing in Ammoudia for 4 days without problems so unfortunate for us that we will only get 1 day as it looks a lovely place with a quiet calm bay on one side and on the other side a sweet water river with lots of wildlife.
After exploring the village we decided to go on a river trip tomorrow morning before we leave.
We also met Tomas who lets you empty your toilet at his taverna. He’s obviously hoping for business so we had a couple of beers but questioned the hygiene of the kitchen so didn’t fancy eating there! Instead we strolled along the little boulevard and had a super meal in a taverna there.
Around 10pm we got together with the neighbours as we’re all keen to get ideas of places etc especially from Jelle who has just come from Lefkada. Unfortunately it was too dark to get the maps out but not the beers and ouzo! Had a very nice evening until late with the intention of coffee together tomorrow morning. It was around 1.30 when we turned in.
Friday 4th June Ammoudia
This morning Hans tried a spot of fishing of off the harbour but unfortunately didn’t catch an octopus as we had seen a Greek do yesterday!
Around 11am we set of for Ammoudia just an hour away and what a good first impression we had. We thought that there might be a
problem to stay as we had heard from some Belgians in Fano that they had been sent away by the police and sure enough just as we were settling in the astynomia (police) arrived. They were very friendly and gave all the campers 24 hours notice to leave. We have lovely neighbours Jelle and Jureen from Nijmegen in their 2 week old Burstner Aviano and some Brits that Max knew about from Motorhome Facts forum Neil and Pat. They kind of have the same route planned as us so expect to see each other a lot more. They have been standing in Ammoudia for 4 days without problems so unfortunate for us that we will only get 1 day as it looks a lovely place with a quiet calm bay on one side and on the other side a sweet water river with lots of wildlife.After exploring the village we decided to go on a river trip tomorrow morning before we leave.
We also met Tomas who lets you empty your toilet at his taverna. He’s obviously hoping for business so we had a couple of beers but questioned the hygiene of the kitchen so didn’t fancy eating there! Instead we strolled along the little boulevard and had a super meal in a taverna there.
Around 10pm we got together with the neighbours as we’re all keen to get ideas of places etc especially from Jelle who has just come from Lefkada. Unfortunately it was too dark to get the maps out but not the beers and ouzo! Had a very nice evening until late with the intention of coffee together tomorrow morning. It was around 1.30 when we turned in.
Kms 42
Saturday 5th June Glyki & Kanali
The weather was really overcast this morning and not good conditions for the river trip so we decided to not go especially when it started raining. We did have coffee/info get together and Jelle marked off various places and routes that they had done on the Lefkada map.
A Greek camper arrived and after telling them that we had to leave they got the maps out and gave some good tips for future places to stay. So goodbyes to Jelle and Jureen who are heading up North and then off inland to Glyki where the waterfalls are. Will probably see Neil and Pat there too.
We decided to ignore the TomTom and went completely the long way round which involved some mountainous climbs and narrow village roads. Saw the waterfalls but it started to rain so decided it wasn’t a good overnight stop for us and headed back to the coast this time on the right road which was much easier to do and also passing through Kranithi a lovely mountain town, a good place to stop for a couple of frappes.
We put the information from the Greeks to the test and found a nice spot in Kanali where there were about 8-10 other campers parked up. Pat and Neil texted to see if we had found something and turned up soon after. It is on a kind of cliff overlooking the sea very popular with paragliders. We had a walk into the village 2/3 kms and then a drink in Neil and Pats van. It got windy and much cooler, perfect sleeping conditions!
The weather was really overcast this morning and not good conditions for the river trip so we decided to not go especially when it started raining. We did have coffee/info get together and Jelle marked off various places and routes that they had done on the Lefkada map.
A Greek camper arrived and after telling them that we had to leave they got the maps out and gave some good tips for future places to stay. So goodbyes to Jelle and Jureen who are heading up North and then off inland to Glyki where the waterfalls are. Will probably see Neil and Pat there too.
We decided to ignore the TomTom and went completely the long way round which involved some mountainous climbs and narrow village roads. Saw the waterfalls but it started to rain so decided it wasn’t a good overnight stop for us and headed back to the coast this time on the right road which was much easier to do and also passing through Kranithi a lovely mountain town, a good place to stop for a couple of frappes.
We put the information from the Greeks to the test and found a nice spot in Kanali where there were about 8-10 other campers parked up. Pat and Neil texted to see if we had found something and turned up soon after. It is on a kind of cliff overlooking the sea very popular with paragliders. We had a walk into the village 2/3 kms and then a drink in Neil and Pats van. It got windy and much cooler, perfect sleeping conditions!
KMS 106
Sunday 6th June Preveza
This morning met our other neighbours from Den Bosch, Gert and Maria also on their way back to the boat.
Today we cycled to Prevezza 17 kms with a stop in Mystikas for a much needed cold beer. The town was closed being Sunday but all the boulevard was open. A lovely town, lots of yachts coming in around the harbour, not too touristy with a cosy feel about it. We had a super lunch in one of the side street, tender beef in sauce. After buying a few souvenirs we had the cycle ride back this time without a break which caused Max to struggle towards the end!
Arrived at Bess at 5pm to discover we were alone as all the other campers had moved to the other side. Apparently there had been a problem with the paragliders who needed the space where we were parked up and as there were “No Camping” signs everybody decided to move over a bit. Neil came running over to say he’d saved us a space. Bless! Both of us were so looking forward to jumping in the sea for a cool down but only Hans made it. Too cold!
Later we had a short ride to a well stocked supermarket and had our favourite marouli salad and bread.
Later we had a short ride to a well stocked supermarket and had our favourite marouli salad and bread.
Monday 7th June Sarah!!
The big five-o has arrived for Max! Finally I can open all my pressies and cards that have been tucked away in Bess since leaving Holland. Max cycled to the supermarket to buy cakes for the immediate neighbours and when returned Hans had decorated Bess with balloons and banners.
The big five-o has arrived for Max! Finally I can open all my pressies and cards that have been tucked away in Bess since leaving Holland. Max cycled to the supermarket to buy cakes for the immediate neighbours and when returned Hans had decorated Bess with balloons and banners.
Had a nice day around Bess swimming/chatting with the neighbours and receiving texts and phone calls from mum, Christina, the brothers and Jane.
Early evening we opened champagne and Hans cooked a super meal, pasta with crème fraiche, spek and tartaartje and invited Neil and Pat to join us. Unfortunately it was too windy to sit outside so we ate inside their van.
Early evening we opened champagne and Hans cooked a super meal, pasta with crème fraiche, spek and tartaartje and invited Neil and Pat to join us. Unfortunately it was too windy to sit outside so we ate inside their van.
Tuesday 8th June Kanali
Max up early, 7.30 so obviously not hungover! Had a nice swim together and a cycle ride to the village for frappes and a supermarket visit. Must say we are finding the shopping quite expensive. We tend to buy yoghurts and drinks for the fridge and always around €20. Neil went off with the water containers for a refill for our little gang.
Hans tried the satellite and we discovered Sky news and BBC news.
The rest of the day was spent catching up on blog/photos/bookwork.
Max up early, 7.30 so obviously not hungover! Had a nice swim together and a cycle ride to the village for frappes and a supermarket visit. Must say we are finding the shopping quite expensive. We tend to buy yoghurts and drinks for the fridge and always around €20. Neil went off with the water containers for a refill for our little gang.
Hans tried the satellite and we discovered Sky news and BBC news.
The rest of the day was spent catching up on blog/photos/bookwork.
Wednesday 9th June Lefkada
Firstly, Geert and Maria left to go further north as they are leaving from Igoumenitsa and then we said our goodbyes to Pat and Neil and left around 11am for Lefkada. By- passing Prevezza to go through the tunnel we arrived in Lefkada at 1pm and easily parked up by the port to go and look at the town for a couple of hours. We enquired about renting a jeep to explore the interior of the island and were quoted a very fair price of €25 which made us consider not going to Vassilikki as planned but to the nearest campsite at Kariotes. This we did as it was only 4kms away.
Firstly, Geert and Maria left to go further north as they are leaving from Igoumenitsa and then we said our goodbyes to Pat and Neil and left around 11am for Lefkada. By- passing Prevezza to go through the tunnel we arrived in Lefkada at 1pm and easily parked up by the port to go and look at the town for a couple of hours. We enquired about renting a jeep to explore the interior of the island and were quoted a very fair price of €25 which made us consider not going to Vassilikki as planned but to the nearest campsite at Kariotes. This we did as it was only 4kms away.
The campsite is supposed to be the best on the island which made us wonder what the worst could be like! The ground was very uneven and it took forever to get level. 
The swimming pool here was quite nice and the owners very nice people. We rang to arrange the jeep which was delivered the next morning.
It was good to be on a campsite as I had 2 loads of washing to do and of course we could service the camper or as Maria had said “refresh the camper” which I thought was a good phrase. It was also luxury to stand under a hot shower for 10 minutes knowing you would be using more than 20 litres of water!
Dinner was a simple grill a la Hans but the flies were a real nuisance.
Kms 44
Overnight €20,40
The swimming pool here was quite nice and the owners very nice people. We rang to arrange the jeep which was delivered the next morning.It was good to be on a campsite as I had 2 loads of washing to do and of course we could service the camper or as Maria had said “refresh the camper” which I thought was a good phrase. It was also luxury to stand under a hot shower for 10 minutes knowing you would be using more than 20 litres of water!
Dinner was a simple grill a la Hans but the flies were a real nuisance.
Kms 44
Overnight €20,40
Thursday 10th June Exploring Lefkada
As promised the jeep arrived at 9am and we were ready to set off immediately to see Lefkada, the first stop being the waterfalls in Nidri.
This was quite a trail to follow up to the falls but a lovely change to walk in nature. 
From here we took the mountain road to the village of Karya where we had a super lunch served by a young girl from Heraklion and then the direction of the west coast to Agios Nikitas a very pretty village. Sitting on the waterfront having our frappes we spotted a couple of
campers parked up across the bay so went to check it out bearing in mind today we were also on a mission to find a wild camp to move onto with Bess and to checkout whether the roads were do-able for us. Alas it was just a couple of Italians on a carpark, hence nothing for us.Then it was time to head south and see the fabulous beaches that so many people had told us about. First Kathisma, then Kalamitzi, both long windy roads down to terrific beaches full of sunbeds and umbrellas. Again not appealing to us and also so glad we were in a jeep and not our Bessie.
The last beach to not miss was Porto Katsiki and after the long drive down it was beautiful to see the turquoise waters, real picture postcard stuff but what a disappointment to discover after walking the steps down that it was pebbles and not sand! Anyway had a refreshing swim there and took the long windy road back up to Atherana where we had one of those narrow steep moments that wouldn’t have been fun in a camper. By this time we realised that although beautiful in scenery Lefkada wasn’t for us in a camper and as the campsite wasn’t brilliant we just wanted to see as much as possible in a day with the jeep and leave tomorrow. Next stop was Vassilikki, windsurfers paradise and then a gyros in Nidri. We finished off back in Lefkada town to stock up in Marinopoulos supermarket and then back to the campsite at 9pm. We felt after doing virtually a full circle we had had a good impression of the island.
Overnight €20,40
Friday 11th June Pagonia
After showers and Bessies refresh we were ready to leave Lefkada direction Vonitsa. We had heard of a good overnight place here but couldn’t find it plus the beach was a bit scruffy so decided to find another place that the Greeks had told us about Pagonia Beach near to Paleros.
A lovely quiet, shallow bay. We spoke to an Austrian who had been there for a week without problems. He said we may have to move once in a while if the farmer needs to cut the grass. Just after us a Belgian camper arrived so we were 3 in total.
A very nice cycle ride to the village took 10 mins and there we found a lively square full of Dutch and Brits who had sailed in with their yachts.
In the local bar we joined the Austrians Frans and Christa, a lovely couple who had been coming to Greece for 30 years, twice a year with the camper. After a super meal of pasticcio and papoutsa (stuffed aubergine) we were back at Bess 10.30.KMS 47
Saturday 12th June Sea Rescue!!!!
Today we were really bothered by the flies. It’s almost impossible to sit outside so another village visit for a couple of frappes on the terrace. Frans passed by to promote his cd which we bought from him after hearing a few yodels! Today we got to know our Belgian neighbours too Marie-Jean and Jacques and tonight we will all go to eat in the village of Pagonia invited by Frans who knows that they will be cooking a pig on the spit.
This afternoon I decided to go out on the calm sea with a lilo and without warning drifted further and further out until the campers were nearly out of site on the beach. Really scary as I just couldn’t get back in. Next thing a boat was coming toward me and suddenly someone said we’ve come to help you, your husband thought you might be in trouble. How relieved was I to be pulled onto the boat and have a ride back to the shore where Hans was waiting for me.
Apparently he realised that I was in trouble and saw through the binoculars the panic on my face. He immediately went running for help and together with a couple of Greek boys attracted the attention of a German boat over at that exact moment from Nidri. How lucky was I that they were there at that moment!This evening we all met up but when we arrived at 6.30 the pig looked nowhere near ready! Local wine was ordered and mezes until we could eat a few hours later. Even then it could have had a few more hours as it wasn’t crisp on the outside. Still we had a lovely evening with this pareia and wine flowing non-stop until well late.
Sunday 13th June Pagonia
After a good lie in and a swim we were both feeling
relatively normal although Frans was feeling delicate all day. Later Pat and Neil arrived and we had a catch up.
We all ate outside but tried to enjoy the evening together and were so bothered by the mossies that we had to sit inside.
After a good lie in and a swim we were both feeling
relatively normal although Frans was feeling delicate all day. Later Pat and Neil arrived and we had a catch up.We all ate outside but tried to enjoy the evening together and were so bothered by the mossies that we had to sit inside.
Monday 14th June Pagonia
Max was up early to go to the chemist in Pelaria for some cream for itchy eyes. Apparently its an allergy to the sun. Hans cycled in later and together we enjoyed a tost/frappes at our local. We were joined by Pat and Neil who had kayacked over. Today the Belgians left for Mistikas
and later we were joined by a French camper who got stuck in the sand. We all went to the rescue with Neils mats and he was soon free. We were later all invited by the French for a glass of wine all of us struggling to speak French!
Later in the evening we returned to our restaurant in the square for another super meal of moussaka and soutsakakia. We thought we might see Pat and Neil back at the camper but they had barricaded themselves inside from the mossies! Pat has been really bothered by them and they will probably leave tomorrow because of them.
Tuesday 15th June Pagonia
Pat and Neil left for Vassiliki and probably on to Kefalonia.We had a relaxing day swimming,reading,computer stuff and swatting flies! We met up again for a meal together with Frans and Christa at Pagonia this time choosing from the grill and going easier on the wine!We have decided to move on tomorrow posssibly even Kefalonia if the boat isn’t ridiculously expensive.
Wednesday 16th June Astikos & Kefalonia
After goodbyes and promises of keeping in touch we headed off in the direction of Mistikas. Easy to see why this is supposed to be one of the most beautiful coastal roads to drive. Beautiful scenery. Mistikas a very pretty town but we didn’t see any obvious places to stay so kept going towards Astikos. We found this a very scruffy place not a place to stay but were surprised that the ferry to Sami was quoted at €95. We expected more as it’s a crossing of more than 2 hours.
The boat was due to leave 20 minutes later and before we knew it we were sitting aboard telling ourselves that we were really on our way to Kefalonia! We sailed into Sami around 3pm and immediately had a nice feeling.We weren’t about to go off driving to look for a camper place to stay and knew Camping Karavomilos was nearby so headed there, all of 5 minutes drive. There were a lot of low trees but we got in ok and just about had a sea view. A swim first,lunch and showers. In the evening we went 
out for a volta to check out the town, a pretty place. First a couple of large Mythos in Captain Corellis and then a pitta gyros which was the best in Greece so far. Heard from Neil and Pat that they will be staying for the 2nd night in Assos. We intend to hire a car to go around so will definitely go and look on the West coast.
KMS 58
Overnight €21
Prevezza Tunnel €5
Thursday 17th June Kefalonia
Max cycled to the town and left Hans doing the Bessie chores. We met for frappes and after a swim had a delicious homemade bolognaise outside Bess watching the football. Lazy rest of day siesta,swimming a few beers in Corelli’s and a pitta gyros again.
Overnight €21
Friday 18th June Around Kefalonia
Up early as we want to try and get a car and see some of the island.We got a Nissen Micra for €30 and back to Bess to load up with camera’s ,swimming gear etc. We drove the coast road up to Agia Erfmia and then cut across to Assos.
A long windy steep road down to the village to the car park which we presumed must be where the campers park up. All very pretty and picturesque, a quiet bay with crystal clear water. We wandered around and had coffees taking lots of photos.
Next we drove the windy coast road up to Fiskardo passing through some pretty villages, something we felt that Lefkada lacked. Fiskardo was quite lively, full with yachts.
Again a pretty place, lots of cafes and souvenir shops set around the harbour.
Max was up early to go to the chemist in Pelaria for some cream for itchy eyes. Apparently its an allergy to the sun. Hans cycled in later and together we enjoyed a tost/frappes at our local. We were joined by Pat and Neil who had kayacked over. Today the Belgians left for Mistikas
and later we were joined by a French camper who got stuck in the sand. We all went to the rescue with Neils mats and he was soon free. We were later all invited by the French for a glass of wine all of us struggling to speak French!Later in the evening we returned to our restaurant in the square for another super meal of moussaka and soutsakakia. We thought we might see Pat and Neil back at the camper but they had barricaded themselves inside from the mossies! Pat has been really bothered by them and they will probably leave tomorrow because of them.
Tuesday 15th June Pagonia
Pat and Neil left for Vassiliki and probably on to Kefalonia.We had a relaxing day swimming,reading,computer stuff and swatting flies! We met up again for a meal together with Frans and Christa at Pagonia this time choosing from the grill and going easier on the wine!We have decided to move on tomorrow posssibly even Kefalonia if the boat isn’t ridiculously expensive.
Wednesday 16th June Astikos & Kefalonia
After goodbyes and promises of keeping in touch we headed off in the direction of Mistikas. Easy to see why this is supposed to be one of the most beautiful coastal roads to drive. Beautiful scenery. Mistikas a very pretty town but we didn’t see any obvious places to stay so kept going towards Astikos. We found this a very scruffy place not a place to stay but were surprised that the ferry to Sami was quoted at €95. We expected more as it’s a crossing of more than 2 hours.
The boat was due to leave 20 minutes later and before we knew it we were sitting aboard telling ourselves that we were really on our way to Kefalonia! We sailed into Sami around 3pm and immediately had a nice feeling.We weren’t about to go off driving to look for a camper place to stay and knew Camping Karavomilos was nearby so headed there, all of 5 minutes drive. There were a lot of low trees but we got in ok and just about had a sea view. A swim first,lunch and showers. In the evening we went 
out for a volta to check out the town, a pretty place. First a couple of large Mythos in Captain Corellis and then a pitta gyros which was the best in Greece so far. Heard from Neil and Pat that they will be staying for the 2nd night in Assos. We intend to hire a car to go around so will definitely go and look on the West coast.KMS 58
Overnight €21
Prevezza Tunnel €5
Thursday 17th June Kefalonia
Max cycled to the town and left Hans doing the Bessie chores. We met for frappes and after a swim had a delicious homemade bolognaise outside Bess watching the football. Lazy rest of day siesta,swimming a few beers in Corelli’s and a pitta gyros again.
Overnight €21
Friday 18th June Around Kefalonia
Up early as we want to try and get a car and see some of the island.We got a Nissen Micra for €30 and back to Bess to load up with camera’s ,swimming gear etc. We drove the coast road up to Agia Erfmia and then cut across to Assos.
A long windy steep road down to the village to the car park which we presumed must be where the campers park up. All very pretty and picturesque, a quiet bay with crystal clear water. We wandered around and had coffees taking lots of photos.Next we drove the windy coast road up to Fiskardo passing through some pretty villages, something we felt that Lefkada lacked. Fiskardo was quite lively, full with yachts.
Again a pretty place, lots of cafes and souvenir shops set around the harbour. Back along the hair-raising coast road to Myrtle Beach for the obligatory photos. Real turquoise waters but with a very steep,windy road down to it. We were surprised to see a couple of campers down there. 
Our intention now was to find a nice village taverna for lunch and we thought we’d pass through plenty of villages on our way to Argostoli but didn’t find anything suitable. We drove around the harbour in the capital but found it to be very busy and thought it best to get on our way to the south.
Our intention now was to find a nice village taverna for lunch and we thought we’d pass through plenty of villages on our way to Argostoli but didn’t find anything suitable. We drove around the harbour in the capital but found it to be very busy and thought it best to get on our way to the south.
The villages we passed were very sleepy, not as pretty as the north and still no taverna! We decided to head to the beach and find something and suddenly were in mini England at the resort of Katelios. It’s obviously a popular package holiday resort for Brits, even the waiter didn’t understand us speaking Greek and then we realised he was from Wales! Still we had much needed food and drink even tasting the famous Kefalonian Pie, filo pastry with a meat and rice filling. We finished off with coffees watching football on sky tv!
Next it was onto Skala, another busy resort and then to Poros where we stopped for a swim. The beaches were definitely better on the south coast but the villages are not half as pretty as in the north. From Poros we drove back to Sami keeping our eyes on the roads as maybe we will drive Bess here for the ferry to Kyllini.
We arrived back at the camping around 7pm, unloaded the car, had showers and returned the car at 8. We had put in €20 of petrol and been around a lot of the island. All together not an expencive way to get a good impression of Kefalonia.
Overnight €21
Saturday 19th June Melissani Caves
Today we intended to cycle along the coast to Melissani Caves. As Hans’s bike has a puncture and there’s no shop selling the right size tyre, we did see the caves after a 15mins walk. We timed it to be there between 12 and 2pm as this is when the sun is above and more spectacular.
After our walk it was refreshing to enter the coolness of the caves. The boat was waiting to take about 8 of us across the underground lake. It’s amazing that this water is coming from the other side of the island, from Argostoli. It was impressive although much smaller than we had imagined it would be.
Lunch was at the swimming pool belonging to the campsite and then back to Bess to watch Holland play against Japan.
Overnight €21
Sunday 20th June Kefalonia
This is our last day in Kefalonia as we have to get the boat back to the mainland tomorrow to be in Patras on Tuesday. Max went off souvenir hunting and left Hans to fix his puncture and do his Bessie chores.The rest of the day was spent on a sun bed on the beach. Max used up her Greek phone credit phoning to old friends. Hans discovered more punctures and has decided that he needs a new inner tyre. Pat and Neil turned up for a cuppa and a catch-up. Lovely to see them but
now it's really good-bye! (Wonder who was stalking who?)
Started to pack up Bess ready for early start tomorrow. The weather is changing…much cooler and overcast,
Had a stroll to the town which was
very lively with a sport presentation and dancing. After buying our ticket for the boat, this time €85, we had our last Mythos in Corelli’s.
We had decided to eat out in Agrialli taverna as the rest looked very touristy and this more Greek with the hard wooden chairs but only ended up with an ok meal.
Overnight €21
Monday 21st June from Sami to Rio
Up at 7am to make coffee and put away the last bits. Hans wants to take Bess to the camper service at the back of the camping, the best we’ve seen in Greece with a proper dump for grey water.
A 5 minute drive to the harbour, yes we’re going from Sami back to Astikos and then plan to go to Valimitika one of our trusted favourite camperspots with a terrific taverna for our last night in Greece.
The ferry was very busy with a couple of coaches but they all got off in Ithaca whose harbour looked no more than a bus stop. Arriving in Astakos, we parked up to go looking for a bike shop to try and get Hans a new wheel. We had a couple of frappes on the harbour front and the waiter directed us to a shop where he thought we might get one. Walking through the streets of this scruffy place we found the shop who told us they didn’t have the size but maybe it was another number in Greece and that they needed to see the bike so Hans goes back to Bess to get his bike off and take it there. He’s back immediately; no we don’t have that size in Greece. Some Greeks can be so infuriating!!
Now it was time to leave this town and start the drive to the Rio Bridge. The roads out were terrible and it was a pretty uneventful drive, not like the scenic route further north. All very scruffy. Certainly nowhere appealing to stay. Even saw a huge refugee camp. Most of today has been overcast but quite warm and then suddenly as we were approaching Rio with a clear view of Patras the sky turned black and it started to rain heavily. This caused us to stop and re-think our plan as Valimitika by the sea would not be brilliant. We wouldn’t even be able to swim. We decided to stay close by and choose to take the campsite at Rio again but first driving to Nafpaktos to stock up for the boat as we knew from previous visits that there was not a handy supermarket close to Rio Beach Camping.
The campsite is very handy for the boat but all very basic with dated facilities, still it suited us for resting one more night and due to the miserable weather we weren’t able to do much else.
KMS 111
Overnight €20
Rio Bridge €13
Tuesday 22nd June Patras to Ancona
We woke up to heavy rain but still managed a stroll. What a storm last night….the waves were virtually coming over the sea wall onto the road.
We know we are in for a rough crossing later! We left around 1pm and after the usual confusion to find the harbour entrance were standing at the Anek desk with an hour to wait for them to open.
Many refugees present again, we watched one trying to get under a Swiss camper with the owners completely oblivious to what was going on until we notified them. I know these people are pretty desperate but the Greek authority’s make it very clear with their controls on campers and trucks that if one is caught hiding on your vehicle that you will go to jail! Hence, we are very careful always to be on our guard and never leave Bess unattended.
We stood in line with the other campers watching all the trucks board and eventually it was our turn 20 mins before sailing time. This time we have a good spot close to an opening. We had our meal in Bess and were amazed to try the tv and have a clear reception.
Tonight Greece were playing Argentina so of course we planned to be in the bar watching that…unfortunately they lost. We were in Bess well before the boat picked up more campers in Igoumenitsa but it was very rough and Max was feeling rather seasick.
KMS 15
Wednesday 23th June Igea Marina
The camperdeck was full this morning so loads had boarded last night. The morning was spent lazing, it’s still quite r
ough, waiting to arrive into Ancona at 2pm.
Eventually we were on our way heading towards the autostrada direction Igea Marina where we know there are loads of camperplaces. Unfortunately our TomTom got confused and we got quite lost not arriving until 6pm where we got onto the first place after the town. It’s completely full and we were squeezed on. We were kept amused watching the Italians leave the beach with their huge trolleys loaded up with everything but the kitchen sink! Later we strolled into this lively town for some retail therapy and our last Italian meal at the same restaurant as last year and weren’t disappointed.
KMS 157
Overnight €15
Toll €7.50
Thursday 24th June Driving through Italy to Füssen
Today is hot! Alas no more swimming…..we have to get home and have 3 days so back to the autostrada and start ticking off the kilometres…..Bologna…. Modena… Verona...Trento….Bolzano towards the Brenner, a first for us on the return trip. Beautiful scenery but only stopping for quick coffees and diesel for Bess. We paid for our vignette to cross Austria …Insbruck….Imst and then the Fernen Pass to Füssen where we were before (was it really only 25 days ago?). Food, football and bed ready for another long one tomorrow.
KMS 634
Tolls €28.30
Brenner €8
Vignette €8
Overnight € 12
Next it was onto Skala, another busy resort and then to Poros where we stopped for a swim. The beaches were definitely better on the south coast but the villages are not half as pretty as in the north. From Poros we drove back to Sami keeping our eyes on the roads as maybe we will drive Bess here for the ferry to Kyllini.
We arrived back at the camping around 7pm, unloaded the car, had showers and returned the car at 8. We had put in €20 of petrol and been around a lot of the island. All together not an expencive way to get a good impression of Kefalonia.
Overnight €21
Saturday 19th June Melissani Caves
Today we intended to cycle along the coast to Melissani Caves. As Hans’s bike has a puncture and there’s no shop selling the right size tyre, we did see the caves after a 15mins walk. We timed it to be there between 12 and 2pm as this is when the sun is above and more spectacular.
After our walk it was refreshing to enter the coolness of the caves. The boat was waiting to take about 8 of us across the underground lake. It’s amazing that this water is coming from the other side of the island, from Argostoli. It was impressive although much smaller than we had imagined it would be.
Lunch was at the swimming pool belonging to the campsite and then back to Bess to watch Holland play against Japan.
Overnight €21
Sunday 20th June Kefalonia
This is our last day in Kefalonia as we have to get the boat back to the mainland tomorrow to be in Patras on Tuesday. Max went off souvenir hunting and left Hans to fix his puncture and do his Bessie chores.The rest of the day was spent on a sun bed on the beach. Max used up her Greek phone credit phoning to old friends. Hans discovered more punctures and has decided that he needs a new inner tyre. Pat and Neil turned up for a cuppa and a catch-up. Lovely to see them but
now it's really good-bye! (Wonder who was stalking who?)Started to pack up Bess ready for early start tomorrow. The weather is changing…much cooler and overcast,
Had a stroll to the town which was
very lively with a sport presentation and dancing. After buying our ticket for the boat, this time €85, we had our last Mythos in Corelli’s.We had decided to eat out in Agrialli taverna as the rest looked very touristy and this more Greek with the hard wooden chairs but only ended up with an ok meal.
Overnight €21
Monday 21st June from Sami to Rio
Up at 7am to make coffee and put away the last bits. Hans wants to take Bess to the camper service at the back of the camping, the best we’ve seen in Greece with a proper dump for grey water.
A 5 minute drive to the harbour, yes we’re going from Sami back to Astikos and then plan to go to Valimitika one of our trusted favourite camperspots with a terrific taverna for our last night in Greece.
The ferry was very busy with a couple of coaches but they all got off in Ithaca whose harbour looked no more than a bus stop. Arriving in Astakos, we parked up to go looking for a bike shop to try and get Hans a new wheel. We had a couple of frappes on the harbour front and the waiter directed us to a shop where he thought we might get one. Walking through the streets of this scruffy place we found the shop who told us they didn’t have the size but maybe it was another number in Greece and that they needed to see the bike so Hans goes back to Bess to get his bike off and take it there. He’s back immediately; no we don’t have that size in Greece. Some Greeks can be so infuriating!!
Now it was time to leave this town and start the drive to the Rio Bridge. The roads out were terrible and it was a pretty uneventful drive, not like the scenic route further north. All very scruffy. Certainly nowhere appealing to stay. Even saw a huge refugee camp. Most of today has been overcast but quite warm and then suddenly as we were approaching Rio with a clear view of Patras the sky turned black and it started to rain heavily. This caused us to stop and re-think our plan as Valimitika by the sea would not be brilliant. We wouldn’t even be able to swim. We decided to stay close by and choose to take the campsite at Rio again but first driving to Nafpaktos to stock up for the boat as we knew from previous visits that there was not a handy supermarket close to Rio Beach Camping.
The campsite is very handy for the boat but all very basic with dated facilities, still it suited us for resting one more night and due to the miserable weather we weren’t able to do much else.
KMS 111
Overnight €20
Rio Bridge €13
Tuesday 22nd June Patras to Ancona
We woke up to heavy rain but still managed a stroll. What a storm last night….the waves were virtually coming over the sea wall onto the road.
We know we are in for a rough crossing later! We left around 1pm and after the usual confusion to find the harbour entrance were standing at the Anek desk with an hour to wait for them to open.Many refugees present again, we watched one trying to get under a Swiss camper with the owners completely oblivious to what was going on until we notified them. I know these people are pretty desperate but the Greek authority’s make it very clear with their controls on campers and trucks that if one is caught hiding on your vehicle that you will go to jail! Hence, we are very careful always to be on our guard and never leave Bess unattended.
We stood in line with the other campers watching all the trucks board and eventually it was our turn 20 mins before sailing time. This time we have a good spot close to an opening. We had our meal in Bess and were amazed to try the tv and have a clear reception.Tonight Greece were playing Argentina so of course we planned to be in the bar watching that…unfortunately they lost. We were in Bess well before the boat picked up more campers in Igoumenitsa but it was very rough and Max was feeling rather seasick.
KMS 15
Wednesday 23th June Igea Marina
The camperdeck was full this morning so loads had boarded last night. The morning was spent lazing, it’s still quite r
ough, waiting to arrive into Ancona at 2pm.Eventually we were on our way heading towards the autostrada direction Igea Marina where we know there are loads of camperplaces. Unfortunately our TomTom got confused and we got quite lost not arriving until 6pm where we got onto the first place after the town. It’s completely full and we were squeezed on. We were kept amused watching the Italians leave the beach with their huge trolleys loaded up with everything but the kitchen sink! Later we strolled into this lively town for some retail therapy and our last Italian meal at the same restaurant as last year and weren’t disappointed.
KMS 157
Overnight €15
Toll €7.50
Thursday 24th June Driving through Italy to Füssen
Today is hot! Alas no more swimming…..we have to get home and have 3 days so back to the autostrada and start ticking off the kilometres…..Bologna…. Modena… Verona...Trento….Bolzano towards the Brenner, a first for us on the return trip. Beautiful scenery but only stopping for quick coffees and diesel for Bess. We paid for our vignette to cross Austria …Insbruck….Imst and then the Fernen Pass to Füssen where we were before (was it really only 25 days ago?). Food, football and bed ready for another long one tomorrow.
KMS 634
Tolls €28.30
Brenner €8
Vignette €8
Overnight € 12
Friday 25th June Andernach
Despite our efforts we weren’t ready to hit the road until 10 and again let down by Norah, the TomTom named so as in the future we ignore her! Here we go… Ulm…Stuttgart…Karlsruhe and Ludwigshaven where we hit heavy traffic and had a 2 hour delay. A quick call to the kennels to arrange to pick up Red tomorrow who was dropped off a month ago. Can’t wait to see him!
Finally pulled into Andernach at 7pm and enjoyed the warm evening sun.
KMS 542
Overnight €5
Despite our efforts we weren’t ready to hit the road until 10 and again let down by Norah, the TomTom named so as in the future we ignore her! Here we go… Ulm…Stuttgart…Karlsruhe and Ludwigshaven where we hit heavy traffic and had a 2 hour delay. A quick call to the kennels to arrange to pick up Red tomorrow who was dropped off a month ago. Can’t wait to see him!
Finally pulled into Andernach at 7pm and enjoyed the warm evening sun.
KMS 542
Overnight €5
Saturday 26th June Red & Home
We are now only 5 hours away from Etten Leur and reached the Dutch border at Venlo around 1pm.
Now we need to waste time as we can’t collect Red until 3pm so had a leisurely lunch stop enjoying the Dutch sunshine, unusual as it’s usually raining when we reach Holland!
It was lovely to see Red again although I think he also has had a wonderful holiday with a lady Labrador for the last 7 days.
One hour later we were driving into Wateringen. Home!
KMS 398
What a wonderful trip we had….the best to date.
We loved the wild camping only spending 8 nights in Greece on a campsite.
We loved using Bessie to the full, showers everyday, always having enough power for tv, boiling the kettle etc. thanks to our 2000 W inverter, 240 Ah battery’s and solar panels.
We loved not driving too much in Greece only 300 km’s and we loved the company of the other friendly moterhomers we met!
Until 2011!
We are now only 5 hours away from Etten Leur and reached the Dutch border at Venlo around 1pm.
Now we need to waste time as we can’t collect Red until 3pm so had a leisurely lunch stop enjoying the Dutch sunshine, unusual as it’s usually raining when we reach Holland!
It was lovely to see Red again although I think he also has had a wonderful holiday with a lady Labrador for the last 7 days.
One hour later we were driving into Wateringen. Home!
KMS 398
What a wonderful trip we had….the best to date.
We loved the wild camping only spending 8 nights in Greece on a campsite.
We loved using Bessie to the full, showers everyday, always having enough power for tv, boiling the kettle etc. thanks to our 2000 W inverter, 240 Ah battery’s and solar panels.
We loved not driving too much in Greece only 300 km’s and we loved the company of the other friendly moterhomers we met!
Until 2011!
