Welcoming Kalymnos
Delicious week on the island of Kalymnos we hike on foot, cycling, by car...
Tuesday 29 March: Ormos Vathi
It was clear that we would not go to Pothia, the main port of the island, in our guide is described as a "dusty town, dirty, resonant noise of boats... cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles and scooters that criss-cross the seafront" – not too seller as description! A few miles to the North a tiny Cove would be perfect if we find the place. The trench in the Hill seen from a distance and we tacking the narrow channel without see the bottom...
We emerge on a small harbour where fishing vessels take their ease with hawsers in all directions in order to secure them in the event of a winter storm. Hardly can we at the level of the dock as Poppy, the patron saint of the "Porto Vathy" restaurant at the end of Wharf, We made signs to our moorings. The time to ask our anchor as far as possible and we are to position.
The same evening we are the only customers of the restaurant. Around the wood stove that powers the mother of Poppy we share the meal with the family.
The valley behind port seems pretty flat for venturing into bike.
Smiley faces and exclamations of welcome welcome us in the village. As soon as we leave the dock by the narrow alleys framed by high white walls, us by a sweet perfume... Valley is covered with orange and Mandarin trees in bloom.
The contrast is amazing between the arid hills and this valley where orange trees, almond and olive trees do not appear to run out of water.
The next day Poppy filed us by car at the foot of the mountain, there where the "trail of the Italians" will allow us to reach the main town of Pothia. The trail climbs right to the pass and the scree Nathalie adopts the same technique as the goats to climb four-legged...!
Once arrived at the pass, After 2:30, walk through the mountain, We discover the Bay and the port of the other side and already we hear the "ROAR" of the bikes and the hustle and bustle of the city.
A small installation history "to immortalize" the silence of the mountains that we leave behind and the bustle of the city that awaits us. We drive along the docks where are moored boats offering sea excursions , aligned taverns each side the other begin to, some tourists 'stroll' through the streets with facades well-worn and almost deserted. We rent a car to explore the island and find a quiet place for lunch. Rental agency tells us in the South of the island a small tavern in Vlichadia Bay beachfront.
A young man welcomed us with open arms and a few words in French! He has just opened for the season and offers different entries "homemade" (vine leaves, laminated spinach feta...). Before our indecision we suggest we install and to trust... one regales oneself!! Before returning made us the ocean Museum of his father who was a diver and collector of relics?
Visit of the Chrysocheria monastery, which dominates Pothia.
Small climbing through the paths of goats until one of the chapels which dominates the Bay of Vathy.