2015 The Journey Home

30th June 2015

Very hot today 34c - we finished last minute packing and set off about 10.30am. We drove down to say goodbye to Dimitris at Brouklis, and Yiota who had very kindly baked us a Cheese pie for our trip, there were also some gifts for Larissa and Archie. Then back up to the Marvel to say goodbye to the boys and Alison. We drove over to Ipsos to have lunch with Terry and Loretta, also Terry's brother, who had arrived this morning and his Mum Betty. We had lunch at Sally's bar again, the burgers are wonderful, especially mine served with Black pudding. We set off about 6pm and sailed across to Igouminister for the 2am ferry to Ancona. We had a great sail in our pet friendly cabin. 

1st July 2015

We docked at 4pm and drove up to just north of Modena, it was very hot in the van, all we wanted to do was have lots of cold drinks. We settled down for the night looking forward to seeing  Lake Garda tomorrow.

2nd July 2015

We decided to go anti clockwise around the lake, and saw some beautiful villages and views. Having said that I would not want to spend time there as there are no beaches to speak of, especially dog friendly ones. 

We stopped off for lunch and then carried on to stay the night between Turin and Milan. Another hot night! I got bitten, not mossys, they were midges, vicious little blighters, 12 bites on my left arm and several more on the right one, and this was while I was outside walking Poppy.. All I can say is thank goodness we fitted insect screens in the van last winter. I took a double dose of antihistamine tonight. 

3rd July 2015 

We set off and drove up to the top of the alps, fantastic scenery around here, and saw a little bit of snow.

Phil and Poppy

Lago del Moncenisi

Alpine flower

Lago del Moncenisi

Snow

So peaceful

 It was a fantastic drive until we came down the alps. When we got to the bottom there was a very pretty ski village, with chalets and log cabins, complete with cable car stations, all deserted it must just be a Winter resort. Well when we got to the bottom the brakes failed, it was a scary moment, but I didn't panic, just pulled the handbrake on and then Phil explained to me about using second gear. I had never driven an automatic before we got Mercy, and he said it is simple just put it in 'D' and go, so I did and never wondered what 'L' and  '2' were for, but I know now. We sat for half an hour for the wheels to cool down and then the brakes were fine all the way home. We spent another very hot night just near Lyon.

 4th July 2015

We decided we had had enough of hot nights, we decided to head straight to my cousins today. It was a beautiful drive through some very pretty French towns, but the nicest one was Tarera, they even put the bunting out for us, we think it must have been due to the fact it was 4th July.

We arrived at St-Sulpice Lauriere to a warm welcome from Maggie, Paul, Sarah, Steve and Maya. 

Poppy was so pleased to be there and went charging around the garden and was covered in little burs, they attached themselves to her fur and it took days for us to remove them all.

They plied us with water first and then wine. After our showers we had a BBQ, Steve is a great cook and had done Chicken breast and figs, they were gorgeous. Also he barbequed a Camembert cheese, we dipped our French bread into it.  We sat talking until the small hours and went to bed full and winefied. I really should not have taken this photo in my inebriated state!

5th July 2015

We had a long lie in today, after breakfast Phil fired up his laptop and he and Paul sat and watched the British Grand Prix - live. They were very happy bunnies. Maggie and I sat and chatted out in the garden. We had another BBQ this evening and lots of excellent wine. Another late night!

They are such good hosts.

6th July 2015

We went to the vets today. all good - so Poppy is clear to travel back to the UK. Maggie and I had to restock the wine rack. then we returned for a welcome dip in the pool. Followed by lots of chat and reminiscing, before we knew it. it was 11pm and we had forgotten to eat, Chip butties all round. more chat and wine. bed at 2am - bet Maggie and Paul will be pleased to see the back of us. so they can get back to their idyllic laid back French life.

7th July 2015

Girly day, we left the fellers at home and went off shopping and for lunch. We were so hot when we got home, we all went straight in the pool with a glass of wine. Paul cooked lunch for him and Phil, so tonight we had baguettes and four different kinds of cheese, with the obligatory wine, We were led astray again.

8th July 2015

Right today was moving on day, we just could not stay in France with our hosts any longer. Paul has changed from his t-total state, Maggie has lost her voice from talking so much. These late nights are killing us all....very slowly. Seriously it has been wonderful, they are such good company. We have had loads of laughs, food and booze and we cant wait to come back (snigger, snigger) - not too soon though, we all have to recover first. Thanks so much for everything all of you - especially Sarah for being our driver yesterday. We drove North and stayed at Aire de Ressons, a lovely picnic ground at Ressons-sur-Matz, it is just near Picardy. We would love to explore this region more. The song Roses of Picardy    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Ex9epoVP4&sns=fb    tells the story of a WW1 British soldier who fell in love with a French girl. 

9th July 2015

Today we drove into Belgium and parked up at the Marina next to Blankenberg beach for lunch. We did some wine shopping before entering the Port at Zeebrugge. We boarded MV Pride of York for our trip back to Hull.

10th July 2015

We docked at 9.30am and drove back to Grimsby just in time for our Tesco delivery. We went to see Larissa and Archie this afternoon. He has grown so much and now weighs 13lb 4oz. We had lots of cuddles

We stayed and had a Chinese meal this evening and then home to our own comfy bed.

What an amazing trip we have had this year, a totally different start and end journey to last year, the middle part in Arillas was wonderful. We will be doing 'Arillas or Bust' again next year all being well and will try to find some new places to visit. Well this is us 3, Anne, Phil and Poppy signing off and thanking you very much for being interested enough to read of our adventures. We covered approx. 2700 miles.

Last few days

Thursday 25th June 2015

Another beautiful day 28 deg. We had a drive over to Peroulades today for lunch, We went to 7th Heaven Panorama Cafe. It was amazing, stood on a glass floor, looking down on the beach. The views were to die for and the food was superb. What a brilliant experience!

After lunch we went to say goodbye to our friends at Sea Monkeys, they have a new view also. They have gone upmarket and installed some very nice new umbrellas on the beach outside their place. I counted about 50. I do hope they are very profitable for them.

This evening we strolled down to Amourada, then we called at the Marvel for a nightcap and to say goodbye to Paul, who flies home tomorrow. He phoned Sue while we were there and I had a quick chat to her, she says she has missed him, but don't tell him lol.

Friday 26th June 2015

I had a really bad night's sleep, kept waking up with cramp in my feet and legs, my circulation is playing up again. We had a lazy day, I even went for a 'Mesimeri' this afternoon. We did manage a bit of packing and to stow some things away in the Campervan, we also cleaned her out ready for our homeward trip. Phil checked all the technical things and told me that the oil level is still showing full, so that is good. This evening we went to Thalassa - another beautiful sunset and meal. Phil had a Sirloin steak and I had Mediterranean Chicken - both equally delicious. Then we called into the Coconut to listen to 'Duffy' he is really very good for easy listening and singing along to. We sat with Joyce and Lorraine for a while but they went off to the Malibu for a drink.. Another wonderful day.

Saturday 27th June 2015

Lazy day again, just chilling out and reading. We are both reading the 'Greek village series' by Sara Alexi, and just can't put them down. Phil has finished 10 books, and I finished No. 10 today. This evening we went to Portofino for our last meal this trip. We really enjoyed being able to discuss book No. 10 'The Reluctant Baker' it is amazing how Sara threads previous characters into later books. They are so well written. It is also great being able to chat to each other about them and we both agree No. 10 is our favourite. We had a delicious meal and then went to chat with June and Malcolm. His mobility scooter has broken down, Phil and Spiros, the waiter, had a good look at it and Phil seems to think it is the re-set switch after getting his meter on it. Who knows how long it will take to get another one in Greece. Hope it's not too long as Malcolm loves his jaunts and June likes her little bit of 'me' time. We sat and had a chat to Spiros, Joyce and Lorraine when June and Malc left. It was a beautiful sunset tonight - again, so another photo.

Sunday 28th June 2015

I cooked the last of our sausages this morning after going up to the Bakery for some fresh rolls. Oh dear! how did those Lemon Croissants and Apple Danish get here. They were delicious. We went down to the beach for Poppy to have a swim, the wind has dropped off now and the sea was much calmer. Then we went across to Sharon's to say goodbye to Sharon, Angie and Leszek. Did some more packing then off for shower and hairwash before going to the Rainbow for our penultimate dinner. That is Dave Smith's favourite word. The meal, as usual was superb. We have loved eating Vicky's Wraps, Phil has a Chicken Salad one and I have a Mediterranean one. Mine is filled with Feta, olives, peppers and tomatoes, served with Coleslaw, chips, a fiery chilli chutney and sour cream. It is my favourite meal of this holiday. Phil's is a toss up between Night Owl's Chicken Souvlaki and Thalassa's Sirloin steak.

Our favourite lunch was at 7th Heaven Panorama Cafe in Peroulades overlooking Logas beach, we will certainly be going back there and for an evening meal too.









Monday 29th June 2015 - our last day in Arillas.

It is a beautiful day again, blue sky, a gentle breeze and a pleasant temperature. We packed the van apart from a few last minute items. Poppy seemed to know what was happening, she put her toys next to the bags, bless her she has had a whale of a time, as we all have - our kefi is fulfilled. Tonight we went to the Marvel, to say goodbye to Joyce and Lorraine. Also to welcome Allison back again, as Spiros was working, we sat and had a meal together. When he had finished work, they went off to the Coconut bar, we waited to welcome Sue and Frank back again. She is the lady who had the quadruple by-pass operation in January, she is still doing amazingly well. As the Marvel is full, Sue and Frank are staying elsewhere for one night.


Tuesday 30th June - leaving day.

All packed and ready to go to Ipsos to have lunch with our friends Loretta and Terry before the evening ferry. We are both looking forward to the return trip, and also to going home.

This is the last post until I get home, but will be sure to write about our journey home. This is the last photo of Archie, hopefully the next photos will be of Phil and I cuddling him.

Archie 10 weeks

Twelfth Week

Thursday 18th June 2015

Hot again today, slightly cooler than the last few days and storms forecast. I had a walk round our garden this morning and took a couple of photos.

Apricot tree

Pomegranate tree

We walked over to the Marvel  to meet Chris Tracey and her daughter Beckie today, we had a coffee and a good chat as we have lots of mutual friends. Then we had lunch and went down to Sharon's for a piece of cake. The sea was very rough so we didn't let Poppy swim.

Friday 19th June 2015

When I got up this morning there was a package of eggs on the patio table - I just love my lovely neighbour Sophia. So we had Scrambled eggs for breakfast. We sat and planned our route home, I would love to drive around Lake Garda before we head off to see Maggie, Paul, Steve and Sarah again in St. Sulpice-Lauriere. Kostas kindly printed it for us.





We took Poppy down to the beach for a swim and then went to the quiz at Malibu. Dave Smith is a good quiz-master and makes it very interesting - we came 4th out of 9 teams. We then had a drive across to Sidari to the Pharmacy as Phil realised one of his prescription meds. will run out before we arrive home. We did a bit of shopping and then got some take-away Gyros from Beachpoint.

Saturday 20th June 2015

Hot again today it was 23 deg at 11am. We went down to Portofino for breakfast and then took Poppy for a swim. There were quite a few waves in the sea today, when we threw the ball, Poppy struggled to see it sometimes - it is so funny watching her swimming around looking for it. I don't think her eye sight is as good as it used to be. Sat at Sharon's for a while, it was very windy.

We came back to have a rest and then went to the Rainbow to listen to 'The worried men of Corfu' it was a good night, lots of friends were there.







Sunday 21st June 2015

Fathers day in the UK today! UK shop sausages for breakfast - still loving these.






Phil went to watch the Grand Prix in the Marvel. I walked down To see Yiota and buy a few bits to take home. This evening I made Stroganoff then we talked about our trip home.





Monday 22nd June 2015

Quite a busy day today,

We drove up to Gravia for lunch, with these amazing views.





Then we called at the Brewery to see Noufris and buy some local beer to take to France with us. We went down to the front in Arillas for Poppy to have her swim, then we called at Sharon's' for a drink and a piece of home-made cake. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and shared a lovely Chicken Pizza. We called into the Marvel for a nightcap and to welcome Joy and her friend Lorraine who are staying in an apartment above ours. 2am bedtime!

Tuesday 23rd June 2015.

The strong winds we have had for the last few days have calmed now and we are back to hot, hot, hot. We went to Dave Smith's last quiz at Malibu before he heads back to UK. Thanks for the quizzes Dave, we have enjoyed them and all the banter. You have helped to raise quite a bit of money for the local animal charity. We teamed up with a lovely couple, Steve and Glynis from Manchester. It was a very difficult quiz, we didn't come bottom so that's a bonus. This evening we went to Gratsela with 6 friends, we had a lovely meal and chat, they headed off to watch the Splinter band at the Coconut. We popped in to see Poppy, Bobby and George at Bardis Sun Studios. We had a great night catching up with their and our family news. Also met some of their guests - all newish Arillas Addicts. When we were walking away, just round the corner opposite Vinceramo, we stopped for a while to look at the crescent moon and its reflection on the still sea, just perfect but my camera could not capture it..


Wednesday 24th June 2015

We went down to the front for Poppy to have a swim, it is a beautiful day 28deg but there was quite a swell in the sea. Poppy enjoyed it.

After the swim we went to Sharon's for lunch and then the quiz. We teamed up with a lovely couple who are getting married on the beach and having reception in Marina next year. We came 5th....yes there were 5 teams.

Campervan looking good

Windy but hot!

Stayed in tonight - used up some items in the freezer.

End of another beautiful week - will be leaving next Tuesday so there will probably not be another blog until we get home.

This weeks baby photo Archie - 9 weeks ♥

Eleventh week

Thursday 11th June 2015

It seemed strange waking up to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach this morning. So pleased we stayed over after the BBQ last night. We were able to spend some quality time with Andy, Fiona and John after everyone had left. We put the world to rights. Poppy had a great time playing with Oliver, John's dog We had a very comfortable night. This morning Poppy loved the fact she could run down to the beach, we just had a coffee and then headed back to Arillas as it is Spiro's birthday today.

Chicken Club sandwich,

Birthday boy

We had a delicious lunch and a good chat to Spiro, Dot, June and Malc. Dot left at 5pm. for her flight back to the UK. It was great to spend time with her again. That month has flown by and it has done her good - health-wise, she is able to move her joints better than she could when she arrived. We ate at home tonight, but we popped down to have a piece of birthday cake and a drink with Spiros.

Friday 12th June 2015

It is 31 deg today, it is too hot to do too much, Poppy seemed lethargic too. Well it looks like it is terminal..............I accidentally spilled a glass of water, yes you heard right - water over my laptop today. We quickly mopped it off and placed it outside for a sunbathe, to no avail. Phil has stripped it down as much as he can but it looks like the hard-drive is poorly. I am now writing this on Phil's laptop - it seems strange as I had mine all set up as I wanted it for blogging. Oh well beggars cant be choosers. This evening we walked down to Pizza Lithero and then onto the Coconut to watch/listen to Duffy - he was very good. 

Saturday 13th June 2015

It is 31 deg again, we decided to have another lazy day mainly laid about reading. Drove to Beretas for some shopping, then took Poppy up the lane when it had cooled down a little. 

We went over to the Marvel and I had a cocktail called 'Bloody tourist' Spiro's favourite word for his guests.

Sunday 14th June 2015

Still hot  in fact it was 32 deg this afternoon, but we decided we couldn't sit around doing nothing again. We drove down to the front, Poppy had a really good, long swim while we stood talking to Will, all his boats were out, so he was listening to the TT races. We decided to go to Effies for lunch, and I had my usual Garlic prawns

We stayed home this evening, just chatting, quaffing wine with cheese and biscuits. Perfect!

Monday 15th June 2015

30 deg again, we have decided we are going down South to Lake Korission tomorrow so we have filled the water tank and packed the van with items so we can stay overnight - hopefully right on the beach.

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Hot again and very humid, 10.30am = 24 deg. 

Had a good drive down South, stopped off at Golden View Cafe in Agii Theodori for lunch - as the name suggests the view from the terrace was amazing. I also saw a bush with seven different kinds of butterfly on it. Couldn't get a decent photo though.







It got up to 32 deg on the journey, it felt a little cooler when we arrived as there was a breeze on Chalikouna beach. 

We parked up in the Dunes just off the road between the Lake and the Ionian sea. 

First thing we did was walk over to have a swim, we had a great time, no one else on the beach for miles. We could see kite surfers way off in the distance. 

We set up our BBQ and had Sausages we had bought from the UK shop. They tasted amazing, even better than cooked in the oven. With a nice bottle of Chilled wine - this is the life - so peaceful and relaxing. 

Was a beautiful sunset tonight.

It was very hot in the campervan even with the windows open, with the mossy screens in place. I laid in bed for ages just looking at the millions of stars, so much clearer when there is no light pollution. Phil actually spotted the Milky Way.









Wednesday 17th June 2015

Very hot again today, we did manage to get off to sleep eventually, but we decided it was just too hot to stay another night. We had our breakfast and set off for a drive up the East coast, I love this drive, so much to see just following the coast. 

We stopped off for a late lunch at Pondikonissi Hotel looking out to sea at....

This is one of our favourite views in the world. The barman is so friendly and thoughtful, as soon as we sat down he brought a bowl of water over for Poppy, before we even ordered our drinks. 





Mouse Island or Pondikonissi - Vlacherna - Pondikonissi or Mouse island is the name of the the most remote island in the bay south of Kanoni, just south of Corfu town. The island is often confused with and mixed with the nearer island of Vlacherna which is connected with the main land by means of a small dam where also some fishing boats are. On Vlacherna there is a white monastery and a very tall tree. This is one of the most photograhped places in the whole of Greece. In the background is Mouse Island. From Vlacherna during the summer months there are boats (in high season every hour) to Corfu town and you can also make a trip to Pondikonissi/Mouse Island. The only building on the island of Pondikonissi is a church that is hidden between the trees. The myth from Homerus says that Odysseus was washed ashore on the island, but other places on Corfu claim the same. The trees on Pondikonissi vaguely resemble mice and thus its name. At a 400 meters distance of Vlacherna is the beginning of the landingstrip of the airport of Corfu, which is placed in a lagune. '

We arrived back in Arillas early evening, and had a much needed shower. When I checked my emails I found one from Eggy (Neil) inviting us to a fun darts night at the Rainbow. So we went over and had a very enjoyable game  bed at 2am.

Time is racing now  less than 2 weeks left. Update on my laptop it is still dead, but have managed to write this on Phil's laptop Here is this weeks baby photo, can't wait to see him.

Archie - 8 weeks old.