Fast Turn Around

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Clunegapyears

10-14/07/25

24 days in the UK for me and 14 for James. Maddy and I actually got on well! I did a lot of cleaning and sorting… my daughter and son-i-l are both messy, well compared to most!
We met up with a lot of friends and saw all the family, which is great. I won’t see family till November.

We had the Easyjet flight from hell on Thursday. 6 hours late landing. Broken aircon was fixed. Then, crew out of hours. Then, another 2 hours to get an air traffic control slot. I guess they thought that our flight was so late already, we went to the bottom of the queue.

We should be due £350 pp in compensation, but won’t forward spend it, as it will probably take months! And we don’t want £700 in vouchers … that would be more trips than we’d ever book!

Arrived in Chania Crete at 1.00 a.m. Cancelled our friend who was due to collect us and booked a taxi. Only €48, normal rate, despite the late hour. Bonus of 2 snoring 5 year olds on the rear seat.

3.5 nights at home. Not ideal, but we are getting close to having had the motorhome in Greece for 6 months.

*New UV vest, as white animals more prone to cancer*

*And all because I decided to prune her*

Out to dinner twice. A short early morning walk with friends. So quite social but a lot of unpacking, cleaning and repacking. We collected Jez at 0900 this morning for the final time from his private parking. Loaded. Had a late taverna lunch.

We are now on an Anek ferry at Heraklion. I was reversed, within inches, between lorry trailers. Now on deck with a glass of well-deserved 🍷. Lovely cabins. Anek really is much smarter and newer than Minoan, whose ship is adjacent to us … feeling relaxed and smug!

Reoccurring Fridge Repairs

15-16/07

We managed to follow the sat nav around Athens from the ferry port and not get lost, for once. Probably too early for rush hour 😊 We were booked into Camper Club Athens motorhome stop and workshop for fridge and hot water on gas, or lack thereof. Arriving at 0730, somehow the gate opened for us. We parked on an empty shady pitch and filled with water. We’d emptied the fresh water tank on Crete as it had been sitting in heat going stagnant. Whilst parked up, the internal thermometer had registered 48C. Blue tack had melted!
The workshop replaced the fridge / freezer component that switches between gas/engine and EHU. Got hot water working … too hot to check heating. Replaced in in-line gas filters. New fridge fans and placed the control switch inside, as apparently humidity is what killed the previous two sets of fan controls. Sorted the plug to the fan over the bed (think this had also melted). Bill was just under €570 and 20% of that was tax. Didn’t think to bring cash. Worth pinning as the mechanic knows his stuff.

With temperatures at 36C, we sat in the shade. The owner kindly did a coffee and pastry run (with lack of fridge, we’d no food and hadn’t passed any cafes on the way from the port).

We left at 3.30 and stopped at a large supermarket to provision up. The camper stop would have been €40 with EHU, so we drove for 3 hrs … parked at Thermopoli overnight … battles and springs.
A small square with houses on one side. I asked at a house if it was ok to stay overnight. Lost in translation, he panicked, thinking I meant in his house! His young sons put him right, as he’d seen the motorhome.

*Ladies, mostly, came out to dance once it got cooler*

With daylight came the realisation that the fridge was no longer working on gas. We should have shelled out the €40 for the Camper Club camperstop to make sure the f’ing fridge was working. Camper Club suggested we drive back, but the instinct is to keep going forward. So we headed for Zampatas Camping megastore, Camper stop and workshop. The lovely Stavros worked on the fridge for 4 hours. Gave us homemade raki and a cake. He rang Dometic who basically said, you’ve tried everything. But he persisted. Problem seemed to be something to do with the exhaust. Have to wonder if the money was unnecessarily spent on a new controller, burner and source switch over the last 2 years.

The freezer was working so we left it on gas overnight. And stayed the night to be sure! Free!!! By morning the fridge was cold. Yay. We filled with water, emptied the cassette and paid €80 for all that labour. 😊

Fantastic Fanari

17-18/07

Brian recommended a beach stop at Fanari. P4N indicated motorhomes had stayed recently, which was reassuring. The concern is that Greece passed a law stealthily, essentially prohibiting campers from parking, just about anywhere. Public pressure had forced amendments to the law. But this hasn’t filtered down to all the police. It is an interesting way for the Greek government to effect change without lengthy and costly consultation periods … pass a draconian law, let stakeholders create a fuss, meet them halfway.

*We started off dry, but the holiday mood* *won*

Up to do Pilates, gosh I ached and was stiff after a lack of. Despite rescinding much of the law banning Motorhomes from parking, many police are still trying to impose €300 fines. I was nervous as I saw a police car cruise by whilst I was mid one leg balance. I mouthed kali mera and got a thumbs up. Phew.

We spent the morning reading the Turkey guide book and doing a few chores. After lunch we had an ice cream and had a swim. All very chilled. Dinner on the sea front was OK prices, but pretty rubbish wine and not marvellous food. The cool breeze was marvellous.

The Turkish Border

19/07

Up at 6.00. No one was around other than the fishing smacks coming in. J emptied the cassette in the public standing up loos and left them a lot cleaner. I moved the van to the beach edge where there was a convenient tap. Breakfast and underway by 0800. Lidl for 3 days’ worth of food. Fridge still working, so some meat into the freezer. 😊
Border all fine, other than waiting 30 mins in our own queue (campers and coaches). Insurance from a super helpful chap €195 for 3 months. A cash point and a Turkcell sim. And coffee and lunch.

*We drove to the Boomerang Bar in Eceabat*

We were here 5 years ago with David and Karen. A penultimate stop for 2 nights after our lockdown 1 extended Turkey stay. We had a mini tour of Gallipoli as David’s uncle fought here, injured, sent back to war, injured. But then died of Spanish flu. 😲

*A walk and ice cream. People have said Tukey is not the cheap destination it once was, but a double scoop was just over £1.*

Fascinating watching all the ships, mostly oil and chemicals. Apparently we still buy a lot of Russian oil but through third party countries.

*Marine app to see their destinations across S Europe and N Africa.*

An Unsubmerged Village and a Monumental Plane Tree

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Clunegapyears

Aposelemis Reservoir

3rd March 2025

We left our gorge overnight location and walked the 1km to the village – through and headed for the barragem. About 3km on the road – we heard a sheep’s cry ! A newly born lamb appeared with its umbilical cord. It stuck to us and was obviously hungry – would not take water. We decided to take it back to the village and look for someone to help. A shepherd we spoke to said he might know the lambs flock and took it from us. With a “efharisto,” we turned back on the road to the reservoir and deserted village… The reservoir was almost empty, and the village was high and dry. We took a shorter road back to the village. It was “clean Monday” – the precursor to Lent in Greece – the taverna beckoned – wine appeared as if by magic! We managed to consume a half kilo with crisps… a further vino jug was brought with lunch – the road back to the van took no time.

*Nearly new member to our family … NOT!*

Krasi and Gouves

4th March

After a restful night we headed in Jez to Kera a town with a famous tree! Parking at a basketball pitch – up in the plateia – the oldest plane tree in the world (?) – 2,400 years old! It suffered storm damage recently, as the photos show.

*The mineral rich springs serve the Krasi and local agriculture. Better than* the *expensive reservoir!* *Ironically Krasi is Greek* *for wine,* *but the village is known* *for its water.*

*Apparently the trunk needs 12 men linking hands to encompass it.* *The* *top was* *decapitated* *by a lightening strike,* *then* *recently a* *large* *bra*nch *fell.* *So sad that aft*er 2,400 years, the recent years have not been good.

*Pretty village, with many tavernas for the summer tourists. Worth a revisit* as *good* *hiking* *trails.*

We directed our van to Gouves on the seafront via some sharp twists and turns – to a beach wild camping place – it’s lovely to camp and hear the waves. Eggy lunch – I napped and K walked C. Then we sought a cafe for coffee and biscuits – not vino! Back via the beach to chill for the evening….

*Gouves parking. Our first ever stay on Crete was at Creta Camping. Clouds ominous, but no rain*.

Meeting Zorba the Greek

5th March

Meeting Zorba the Greek, well his author. Well, to be really truthful, not the author himself as he’s long since deceased. The museum is dedicated to him. Nikos Kazantzakis was recommended to us after James recently gave a talk on James Joyce. Both reacted to the restrictions and controls dictated by the Church, lived for years with their lovers before marrying and travelled. But actually, I thought Kazantzakis is Joyce on steroids. He travelled and lived in many countries worldwide, studied religions, held government offices, had books placed on the Vatican banned list … and had 2 long term lovers whom he finally married (not concurrently!). I’ve just started Zorba the Greek audio book. Stunning descriptions and use of language.

A steady drive home to collect the car and give Jez a quick clean, parked up by the beach.
Also collected some parcels from Hassan’s bar … the local police are on a money making exercise … massive fines for any one without an in-date fire extinguisher, enough hi vis for all passengers, triangle and first aid kit. All local shops out of stock, hence the delivery.
Jez back in his secure parking, until 18th March when Jez will get new break pads and disks.

Sarande but no sand

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Clunegapyears

24-25/10/2022

Our ferry from Corfu was not until 7.00 p.m. so we mooched around the town. Had our tyres checked but told we don’t need to replace the front ones as they are new (20 months!), but sold us snow socks €40 to keep us legal in Greece from 31st October. Had a very indifferent lunch… another rip off the tourist place. Shame. And I walked along the sea front whilst J nanny napped in the car.

At the port, we both had to walk through passport control. I then had the car documents checked. But this car belongs to James Clune. No, look, there is my name too … he laughed when I said 50/50. I had to reverse 150m towards the ferry. Water one side and a fence the other. At least I did that in a straight line! It was a tight turn to get onto the ramp. The German lady ahead of me, well, behind really, had done it before and said it was no problem for her small car. A member of staff offered to reverse my car on. Bugger that … I was going to do it myself … and I did… just had to trust the staff instructions. What was remarkable was the chap who reversed a trailer with a large speedboat. It looked like it would jacknife. Then an inch forward and an inch back. 6 staff helping: 4 on corners and 2 trying to bend the fence to prevent the bumper snagging it. Really impressive driving. But, why oh why, is that fence there? It would be so easy to reverse on … in a straight line!!!

*The tight reverse turn onto the* *ferry* *due to the stupid* *fence.*

Our apartment was only 10 mins from the port. Quirky… they’ve added extra single beds to the kitchen and bedroom so it will sleep 4. Slightly lacking in crockery, cutlery and charm… but I have those 😆.

On Wednesday we took it easy. A no drive day. We walked into Sarande, as much as we could along the beach. Beaches were disappointing as small and stoney, but still some hardy sun worshippers out in cosies.

*Coffee stop. They cranked up the music when it was a good ‘un*

We didn’t stop at either of the 2 museums, it only took 3 seconds to circumnavigate the exterior. Mixed it up with the locals at a super cheap and tasty restaurant … my moussaka was only £3.50! It was bustling with young men, coming, eating, going and coming back. Lots of conversations and fist pumps. Why? And no, I didn’t see any packages exchange hands. Then, it was busy with a huge tour group.

Fortified with a half litre of red (between us), we took a few nano seconds to marvel at the remaining sites.

*Roman remains and lucky to survive as* *most* *things of* *historic* *interest were destroyed* *during Communist* *era* *building.*

*This is all that remains of the castle*

*Told Maddy I’ve bought my mother of the bride outfit!!!*

*We stopped for one on the way home. Very pleasant. Had a 2nd. Paid. Started rain, so had a third!* *Total bill* £*6.65!*

All Change – Corfu

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Clunegapyears

14-18/10/2023

Up early to leave Gjirokaster as we had the Sarande to Corfu ferry. A house booked for 10 days and collecting the Aged Ps from the airport at 10 p.m.

*View from the house. No garden as given over to growing produce*

The over effusive host had left us lots of goodies, tomatoes, cakes, juice and cakes, but not means of sweeping the floor or cleaning surfaces. And we had to empty and remove the roof box to fit in the off road parking. Fortunately, 3 bed house so the 3rd has become a storage room. At least the beds are comfy.

Corrie’s Post

Corrie ‘ere – again – I’ve not posted for a while – been busy relaxing and keeping an eye on K and J…..

Three months on and we still miss Oscar a lot, but time moves on…

My take on PELL – Poland Estonia Lithuania and Latvia ? In Poland you must mind your p’s and q’s or v’s and w’s…. Thus vodka is wodka etc – and speaking of gin, K and J had to go to a “Alkohole” to buy their alcohole. They decided to visit a steep hill – stuck me in a gondola – plastic bubble 300 feet in the air and wobbling !

In Polska no cats to chase but lots of nervous dogs and owners. To buy stuff you spend lots of slotty zlotys ! But lovely to see Simon and he was our tour guide for a bit. The Park people wouldn’t let me in to hear Chopin !

Some general Corrie observations – one of K’s favourite sayings is “I can’t see diddly squat” So – if she squats on her diddly she can see better ! I don’t think I have a diddly…..

On walks, I now get extra treats – the Oscar share – oh and the end of ice cream cones…..

Next post on ELL, Albania and Corfu – I’ve got some catching up to do – but first I need to relax – K says I’m lazy – cheek ! She lay in bed today until 10:00 am !!!

Efharisto and paracolo…..

END WOOF!

We’ve been pootling out and about. Crete is 14 times bigger than Corfu. So, it feels small. Even with 2 rain days, we will have done the main sights in our 10 night stay. It is lower, lusher and greener than Crete and we love the cylindrical Cypress trees. Some coasts have many pretty and small bays. And we been surprised that we haven’t seen many huge hotel resorts … more low level apartments. Except on the SW, where there are some very tired looking resorts.

*View overlooking Palaiokastritsa… stunning*

*First picnic spot will take some beating*, *even* *though the car park* *was* *behind* us

*Corfiot olive trees much taller and* *more* *holey* *than* *Cretan.* Only produce *every other* *year*.

*Monastery on top of the tallest mountain Pantokrator, looks as if they’ve a direct comms with* *God.*

*Amazing views across to Albania, where we will head back to* *after our stay here*

*Old Perithia*. *Was abandoned in 1960’s and 70’s, as no work. Now full of restaurants.*

*Picnic spot and I dragged Mum on a clamb*er

*Dad stuck his finger up Durrell’s nose. Most folk patted it!*

*View from a taverna, shame the food didn’t live up to it!*

*View from 2nd highest mountain over Corfu town and we eventually found a picnic spot in the wind on SE coast*

*Mon Repos, built by British Commissioners. Then owned by the Greek Royal family. Prince Philip was born on a dining table*

*Fabulous lunch* *out,* *followed* *by a cocktail* *for* *Mum* *on the* beach.

As Fast As We Can

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Clunegapyears

28/06/23

We stayed in Crete for June’s 70th and caught the ferry the following day. The boat didn’t leave Chania until 10.00 p.m. Having cleaned the house we went to Almyrida for an early supper. Eating good Greek food by the sea was lovely to do as we won’t be back for months. Bonus that we didn’t pay much as we used a raffle voucher.

29/06/23

We arrived in Pireaus at 0600 and stopped in Corinth for breakfast. Having hours to kill before the ferry left Patras, we spent the afternoon in a sleepy small resort watching paddleboarders and swimmers. I crocheted until late lunch. Another water front meal!

*Granny squares to make a baby blanket for J’s new granddaughter.*

*So gonna miss Greek food and* *the sea*

We intended to be dry that night. But one half bottle on deck led to countless. I daren’t count the €s! But I slept well! Maybe also, as the top bunks were available so CO2 couldn’t share! They did both attempt the ladder!

30/06/23

We arrived in Bari at 10.30 but didn’t get out the port for an hour and a half! Not only were we kept on deck for ages as our car was right at the bottom, but traffic light timings weren’t adusted to allow the port traffic to exit. CO2 hac to cross their legs and curse until we got to the first service station.

We’d made the decision to drive, drive, drive. So we did. Through the night. Bari is a good 5 hours further south than our Italian port of choice. Minoan have stopped sailing Patras to Ancona and we saved about €350 by sailing to Bari.

We stopped for fuel, driver changes and food. A 1 hr stop where we both snoozed. Bologna during rush hour, but we travelled late and easily around Milan and through the Gotthard tunnel.

01/07/23

We arrived in Calais about 2.30. 200 km in about 26 hours.

We considered catching a boat today but decided against as we’d both hit the tiredness wall.

Fortunately the hotel allowed us an early check in. Oscar had a cardiac arrest and by the time the hotel had helped to identified an emergency vet, it was too late.

Clune Gap Years

A journal and reflections of our motorhome travels

Category Archives: Greece