Triopetra beach loop via Agia Pavlos – 24th April 2024
Over the mountains again today. However, the road down to the coast wasn’t too bad and I never even met another car going or coming. Had a terrifying moment with a big dumper truck carrying gravel. He came up behind and just pulled out to pass on the bend no slowing down at all. I suspect he could see down the mountain from his cab but just maybe he took a chance, lack of traffic and all. Once I got back up the mountain on the way home I was going through a village and came round the corner to a herd of sheep, hundreds of the buggers. Would not move for me. I tried the honking and driving at them but no go. They obvs knew I was a tourist. A well beat-about pick-up truck comes along, slows down but doesn’t stop and bangs into the first few – gently – then it was as if Moses himself had parted the sea of sheep. I dived in behind before the waves of wool closed up again. It was supposed to be 10 degrees cooler today but on two occasions I had to resort to pouring water on my head, for I be cookin’.
The Trio of Petras that the beach is named after. I think those parasols are trying to escape. They are sick of drunken English tourists pole dancing on them.A better shot now that I’m closer.Back down the beach from the top. I’ve got to get around that headland to Agia Pavlos and hopefully a shady Taverna and some coffee and water.Looking back to Little Triopetra beach and the Taverna that I hope to have lunch in when I’m back this way.I think I can manage it most of the way on the beaches.Very strange rock. It’s like a dinosaur skull that still has its tongue.Another river to cross and while I enjoy these, the bloody sand gets into my boots and is irritating after a bit.Apparently, the only way off this beach is a eighty metre high dune. This lot look to have come down it.There it is and what a struggle it was. You slip back two out of three steps because the sand is so soft.Out on the last headland. Just need to go down to the beach at Agia Pavlos.Ah! The crushed Wall’s Viennetta rocks.Bring on the beach taverna and shade.Well, here’s a thing. I have decided to take a route through the mountains instead of returning on the beach. Did I regret it. Yes.It is surprisingly green. But the breeze I was expecting up high. Nah!There are nice trails over those mountains but not for me. It is getting very hot.Now, how in the hell are the old wizened yia-yias supposed to get up there for Sunday mass?A little hawk just hanging stationary in the updraft.I’ve stampeded the sheeps.Finally back to the coast and it is hot hot.Not at all dangerous arty flourishes to the wall there, mate.The outermost Petra. I think it is a grumpy old Elvis impersonator sitting in an armchair looking out to sea. That Buffon must take some Bryll Cream. Back to the beach. Hot and hungry ‘cos the taverna was closed.
I tell myself, stick to the plan this time. And do I? Do I fuck! Extra miles, extra hot. Not the best with this sort of UV. Still, another small adventure. Really struggled up that dune and felt it for a good bit after. The guide said to go the other way, from Agia Pavlos to Triopetra but did I listen? See above answer.
