Leonidio Life

Well our time here is Greece is starting to draw to an end, which on one hand is a shame, but on the other, does mean that we can both give our hands and feet a rest! While our brains still have the psyche for climbing more routes, our sore fingers and tired arms are requesting a little rest!

Since the start of the year, we’ve been packing the days full with back to back climbing and snorkelling sessions, from the moment the sun comes up over the sea…

Having said that, we’ve also made time in between activities to sit back and watch the world go by in ‘downtown’ Leonidio. It’s a great place for people watching. The Main Street is mostly only a single lane width, yet has two way traffic. And while cars reverse or pull over to let each other pass, moped riders and motorcycles weave through the gaps, with bulging bags hanging from handlebars or crates of oranges balanced on the back. There are no pavements, so pedestrians do their best to hold their ground as the cars squeeze. I loved the big wooden chopping block in the butchers and the cactus growing in the petrol station forecourt. Stuff you just don’t get at home!

We’ve climbed at two fantastic sectors over the past few days; ‘Love Ledge’ and ‘Phóbos’. The climbing at both cliffs really suited us as they were both steep, but not wildly overhanging, and covered with small hidden pocket handholds.

They all require balance and technique, rather than brute force, which suited us nicely. You really had to work out the sequences of moves to make smooth upward progress, which provided a very satisfying experience.

Clare’s hand took a battering on New Year’s Day and really needs a bit of time to heal, so a few days off the rock now should help!

Our final crag of the trip was located up a remote valley, which gave a really wild feel. In the distance (if you zoom in you’ll see it), the big Greek flag was flying from the cliff top, marking where we had our picnic on New Year’s Day.

The walk to the cliff, went around a small farm that seemed to be occupied by an old couple (and lots of dogs). We passed by on a small footpath as there were no roads to it. The farmer seemed friendly enough, but spoke no English. Despite his age, he hopped nimbly onto the nearby horse and nonchalantly rode off, side saddle, after our exchange. The saddle was made of wood and looked like it was usually loaded much heavier loads. Past the farm, we followed a dry river bed where somehow, plants and flowers were still surviving in the dry ground.

When our fingers finally protested that they could not longer take the pain of hanging onto sharp limestone, we headed to the beach, stopping for coffee and pastries on the way, then finished up with a dreamy snorkel through many shoals of colourful fish.