We can’t imagine we’ll ever pitch up alongside such an amazing backdrop as this Meteora rock-scape. It’s quite frankly jaw-dropping.
With thirty-eight films downloaded plus the first two series of the Marvelous Mrs Maisel already under our belts, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’ve more than enough entertainment primed at the ready. But you can’t beat the real thing.
Camping Kastraki is perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s itinerary. Scoot’s getting excited too. His first run out. The town of Kalambaka features one of the world’s most incredible skylines. What makes these columns all the more crazy? Six monasteries (from a previous 24) sit perched atop. Over the centuries nuns and monks have sought a Godly existence. Peered down from their godly height.
There’s enough good light and blue sky around. Encourages us to break a leg and walk off our drive. We try hard to stop catching flies. Keep our jaws closed. It’s not easy. This ancient rock formation the culprit. Our uphill trek provides unexpected drama. Binoculars clearly pick out a couple of climbers half way up this edge. A young man leads the way. Fifty feet or so of rope separate him from his female climber. He’s dug in. Waits patiently for her to catch up. She digs her heels in. A shouted conversation exchanged. Our ears pick up the tone. She’s clearly in distress. Having doubts. Unwilling to move an inch. Feels too young to die. If she goes, he goes. He’s all encouragement. Does she trust his words? No! She smacks the rock face and cries out. Then silence. She regains inner strength and composure. Slowly edges up. No real alternative. Twenty minutes later they’re side by side. He comforts her. We move on. Frustrated that we can’t tune in to next week’s episode. Prayers go up.
It’s not long before another drama unfolds. A patient puss has outsmarted a local lizard. Sees us. Gets found out. Stops dead in her tracks. Reverts to playing the typecast guilty one. Am I allowed to do what comes naturally or not? It’s not fair. A second ago I had the upper hand. All was clear. I was in the clear. And now look.
A split second it’s all change again. She miscalculates. Attempts to readjust her grip. Fatal. But not for the green one. He takes his chance. Becomes a mini green version of Clark Kent. Flies through the air. With one almighty leap bounds back into the undergrowth. Closely followed by the frantic puss. [if only I’d been in video mode]. We miss the repeat. Time to head back to camp.
