Last night, just as we were about to turn lhe light off, what sounded like a lorry turned up at our quiet wee site. We held our breath and kept quiet in case we were about to be told off but after a while took a sneaky peak out the windows. It was two 'Unimogs'- vehicals with, basically, a lorry cabin and a camper box on the back with about a meter clearence for really big bumps and rivers. We heard the occupants talking and were reassured they were in the same boat as us. It was a shame they were not up the next moring by the time we left as it would have been interesting to chat to them and see inside their 'mogs. We had a very civilised breakfast on tables and charis on the beach but again resisted a dip in the sea due to the sticky feel salt water leaves you with. The sea temperature was very warm though.
We headed south, along motorways where we could, in a general Delphi direction, taking two diversions on our way. The first was to cross a pass above Metsovo- reportedly twisted roads and great views. It was ok but nothing compared to other passes we've been over on our trip, It was made a bit more exciting by the fact it was officially closed due to a little bit of subsidence and some small rock falls, nothing WE couldn't handle, and it in better condition some main Albanian roads!
Our second diversion was to the area of Meteora- an astounding collection of monistiries that all appear to be precariously balanced on the pinicles of a collection of strnge rock forms sticking out from an otherwise flat landscape. It turns out, whan yopu drive around the back that there are actually roads leading up the back to most of them, although one or two still require a cable car from here. According to the guide book, many of them are basically museums now, manned by a few monks which you can see around although some are still closed off and in use. I would have enjoyed a look inside but we were short on time and I don't have a long skirt with me anyway, the required dress for women. The main impact of the area is definately from the outside, spotting these impressively built complexes perched like rare birds of prey among the rocks.
We continued down to Delphi, passing cotton fields. I'm not sure I've ever been in a cotton producing area before and it was quite something to see the trailers loaded up, transporting it to the huge warehouses alongside the road. Unfortunately they were sporadic so I missed taking a photo of one every time! The sun was setting as we approached the impressive Parnassas range. We were very chuffed to find that the first campsite we tried was open for business, even though he had to turn everything on especially for us. It's a nice enough place so we decided to stop here for two nights and take it a bit easier tomorrow. We are both feeling a bit weary and I feel a bit saturated with experiences just now, constantly struggling to remember what country I am in.
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