around Corfu (4.8km, on foot): the waves were too high, so we couldn't cross to the mainland in the morning. We went back to Corfu town instead, to tour the Old Fortress. After some walking around, we learned that the boat was going to leave at noon, and headed back.
boats in the morning |
land in the morning |
our mast |
the plank |
after-breakfast porthole view |
after-breakfast cruise ship view |
fenders doing their thing |
the welcome mat has been rolled out |
the safety step may be even more welcoming than the mat |
nameplate for our boat, the Panagiota |
a small rock across the water |
good morning, pirate ship |
small boats docked in Corfu |
arches visible as we walk past the New Fortress |
walking past the New Fortress |
playground equipment + flowering tree |
Corfu hotels |
approaching the Old Fortress |
birds are having a nice time here |
the group, milling about (facing off? googling instructions for a dance?) |
we can't go to the Old Fortress yet, but we can look at it through this round window |
that's not a birdfeeder, but don't tell the bird |
boats in the moat |
water view past the moat |
lighthouse and fortress through an arch |
the grass in the moat looks very healthy |
Gina has found a library (but it's not open) |
i am in a window |
downstairs corridor of barracks building |
obelisk |
the Winged Lion of Venice again |
a mysterious tunnel to which we may not go |
a sunny walk to the Church of Saint George |
side view of the fortress |
boats anchored near Corfu |
a single boat moving further from Corfu |
facade of the Church of Saint George |
the water is very clear |
Gina and Gavin check out the view |
lone figure with cell phone |
the whole Saint George situation |
boat outside the church |
this is also the Saint George situation |
Kris and Kay under a stained glass window |
hanging out outside the church |
17th century Venetian cannon |
inside of a well which we are protected from falling down |
maybe a ramparts, definitely a ramp |
bell tower |
emerging from a tunnel into a green area |
north side of the Old Fortress peninsula |
marina |
i myself do not have the ability to do that, but if you are somehow able to, i guess hold off anyway |
100% safe all-weather stairs |
lighthouse! |
Ruth ascending a more promising set of stairs |
Cavalieri Hotel, seen from the peninsula |
let's take a look at that moat |
Corfu Town overview |
New Fortress and coastline (you could see our boat, but it's behind the fortress) |
street along the water in Corfu |
Gavin breaks out the binoculars for this view |
not sure what this is, but we feel safer knowing it's here |
Vido Island, visible past a round wall |
lighthouse, backlit due to the position of a much larger lighthouse |
water and sky |
the infamous car catacombs |
heading back down from the lighthouse |
significant iron deposits |
belltower in Corfu Town |
they told us this climbing gym was beginner friendly |
headed back over the moat |
geese! |
stairs through a mysterious arch |
lion head |
street musicians |
fig tree |
cat with places to be |
another day, another arch, another stairs |
smartcar |
fresh fruit center |
rocks on the water line |
this cruise ship is loading |
this ferry is loading |
Corfu to Sivota (39.2km, by boat): we're off! We motored from Corfu to Sivota on the mainland, with lunch on the boat, followed by a bike safety briefing, bike operations briefing, and route briefing.
Beth and Gina are ready for the boat to leave |
it's happening!!! |
motoring away from the cruise ship dock |
water, invisible land, sky |
passing a mysterious outcropping in front of Corfu buildings |
a crane |
the crane is going for it! |
buildings of Corfu |
two story tall external staircases of Corfu |
waterside dining of Corfu |
moving further from the shore |
passing the Old Fortress peninsula |
that's a little alarming, actually; was that wall always like that? |
there's some geology for you |
finally photographing the lighthouse from its good side |
Gavin checks out the view from the top deck |
more Old Fortress peninsula |
away we go |
water of the channel |
we're all checking out the top deck now |
Gina on deck |
we can probably take that boat |
we can definitely take that balloon |
the other side |
looking back at Corfu |
Gavin enjoying the view |
Tom posing |
me on deck |
water and mountains |
the puzzles have begun |
a plan for the afternoon! |
lunchtime: tasty sardines |
pepper stuffed with rice |
tomato stuffed with rice |
a utility tower enabling homes on the hillside above |
approaching the coast by Syvota |
Sivota to Parga (28.9km (580m of climbing), by bike): our first ride was very pretty, but there was a lot of climbing, including a couple of big consistent hills. We arrived around 18:30 to find our boat on the pier in Parga
our route from Syvota to Parga |
the bikes are coming down |
bikes, taking the short distance high difficulty route |
the water is so clear! i pointed my camera down, and you can see 10 fish |
Beth is ready to roll |
Ruth is ready to photograph us as we ride away |
spiny things are underwater |
harborside restaurants in Syvota |
a cat wishes us well |
Gina, Libby, and Gary, underway |
riders, climbing |
hilltop buildings |
David, glad to be on a bike |
look at this view |
the road ahead from this photo stop |
the group, taking a break |
a fascinating variety of hilltop buildings |
water view from our stop near Mikri Ammos beach |
north along the coast back to where our boat docked |
hillside |
Gina, underway |
the road ahead |
climbing up another hill |
...but check out the view! |
there was not any self-service food at this time, but cool idea |
bamboo post bicycle parking |
the group, taking a break |
road and mountains |
cliff and trees |
whoa, a horse |
we did not expect that |
we did expect to beware of dog, because this sign said to |
beehouses! |
beehouses next to road with trees |
Gina walking up a hill in front of a cool mountain |
mountain and sun |
the sign says we can drink this |
this |
it is very green here |
the group, milling |
Gina has found thyme |
view back to the coast |
pipes up a cliff |
roadside shrine memorial |
Dieter and Waltraud getting underway |
Gavin and Tom approaching |
perhaps a quarry |
mountaintop fort, with small riders visible on the road below |
Beth underway |
we're staying on a boat, so our destination must be at sea level |
that's a cool balcony |
Golden Lion hotel |
the port neighborhood of Parga, and also our boat |
our boat at its pier |
maybe we should start looking for a restaurant |
okay, maybe we should return to the boat |
bikes, ready to go back on the boat |
little islands around the harbor |
view down the coast from Parga |
around Parga waterfront (0.5km, on foot): the seven of us got dinner at Veneziano restaurant, and then Beth, Gina, and i went for a walk to look for a pastry shop. We went back to the boat for crossword puzzles, card games, and kibbitzing (and some Metaxa)
view of Parga waterfront from the boat pier |
dramatic rocks |
view of Parga waterfront from my window |
early dramatic sunset alert |
we should stop looking at the town and go to dinner in the town |
counterargument: neat rocks |
we venture into the town and discover... pumpkin rocks |
we pick Veneziano restaurant for dinner on the grounds that we can eat while looking at this view |
Gina immediately befriends a cat |
the cat has some questions |
dinner starts with a mezze plate |
Gavin, Tom, and i share sea bream, sea bass, and prawns |
this one is prawns |
this cat is especially interested in prawns |
food and drinks |
leaving the restaurant, Gina wants to find a pastry shop |
we are walking down an alley and the sign says 'bakery'. that's exactly how it happened |
lights of Parga reflected in the water |
Tom and Kay work on a crossword, while Beth advises |
stained glass inside the boat's main sitting area |
one last look across the water at the neat rocks |