Sunday 23 April 2023

Kalymnos - same as it Ever Was

Kalymnos perfection
There was a time (fifteen years ago) when we had never been to Kalymnos - now I have lost track of how many times we have visited - certainly over twenty and over 2000 climbs done - though many of those ascents are multiple repeats. We always stop at Babis Bar and leave a load of our junk in the cellar so we can just travel with hand luggage, far and away the pleasantest way to go.

Climbing - it's what we do
When we were here in February the west coast resorts were 100% deserted, now in late April the season is up running, everywhere is open and the place is pretty busy, though nothing like 'peak season'. Of course conditions are pretty much perfect.

We have climbed, hiked eaten good food and generally had a great time. On a sadder note, one of our favourite cats, who always comes in when we are here - Big Boy - suddenly fell really ill one morning and Vasso the Vet diagnosed severe heart failure - with no prospect of recovery we sadly agreed to 'let him go'. We stayed with him to the very end - saddest thing we have ever done, sleep easy gentle boy - we will miss you.

Big Boy - so sad to see him go




Saturday 1 April 2023

UK - YES, YEUK

Cloudy and rainy
We had to come back to the UK for a couple of weeks to keep an eye on my mum (95 years young) whilst my sister jetted off to Dubai to celebrate her 70th birthday with on of her youngsters. Coming back to the UK was okay but leaving again could have been problematic as my passport expires in July - so we bit the bullet, shelled out £200 for the 48hr service and picked up my shiny new 'freedom pass' in Durham.

Sunny and muddy
Easter week in the UK incoming, the roads are packed, the weather is shite, everywhere is busy and really expensive, it is really not a lot of fun being back at 'home', even though we did it for years. Currently we have a flight booked back down top Kos (£50) in ten days time, back to Kalymnos and onwards to Turkey - we can't wait!

Wet and muddy
A few photos from the last week give a feel for what we have had to put up with.







Ch Ch Ch Changes

The progress from my severe spinal stenosis back in December/January continues, though at times it feels pitifully slow - though of course i...