Today I climbed Whernside, it’s the highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales, and one I really enjoy climbing. The weather had changed from constant rain and wind, to a clear and bright day. However, you could still see cloud covering the top, so I knew it was going to be a challenge.

I decided on a 16k walk starting in Chapel le Dale, climbing the northern flank of Whernside, coming down via Blea Moor following the Settle to Carslile railway, passing under the Ribbledale viaduct, and finally crossing the feilds down to Chapple le Dale.

The wind started to pick up as I started to climb the lower fells, so I donned the ubiquitous waterproofs. And just as well, as soon as I began the serious climb, the heavens opened. Short lived as the rain was, i wasn’t going to take my waterproofs off just in case, and it was a prudent decision.

Upon reaching the main ridge leading to the top, the view opened up and I was able to see over into Kings Dale and Lancashire in the distance. turning eastwards I made my final assent over extremely rocky, and icy ground, ,and reached the summit. The views were incredible, I could see both snow covered Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough, with broiling storm clouds in the background.

I get a great feeling when I top out, I get a huge sense of satisfaction, and feel really proud of myself. So it’s always a good time for a nice cup of coffee and sandwich, I guys just got treat himself sometimes. So after a brief rest I headed back down through the howling wind and hail. Coming down the mountain was a lot harder than the climb up. The ground was extremely icy, and the falling hail made it treacherous. So I didn’t wast to much time, and got down the lower fells where the walking was better.

After passing between Little Dale and Moor, I eventually came upon the famed the Ribblehead viaduct. This impressive viaduct carries the trains from Settle to Carlisle 350 feet above the valley floor. From here I followed the Winterscales Beck back, along green lanes and muddy fields, to Chaple-le-Dale church, and the end of my walk.

I’m not sure where to start, we’ve had a brilliant new years eve! It started off with a very nice bottle of red chateau a la Denny, and a nice meal. We’d seen an advert for a Irish singer in one of the local inns, so we thought we’d give it a go. We got there about half nine, found ourselves a nice spot at the end of the bar, and settled in for the evening.

The Fountain Inn bar area was about half the size of a tennis court, and with the Irish band, party goers, and a floor completely covered in balloons, it had a real cosy feel. The band (one man) was brilliant, playing loads of feel good songs, such as the ubiquitous 500 miles, you just couldn’t help but sing along. It was great atmosphere.

It did feel a little strange being a ‘tourist’ in a truly local inn, but we were made to feel very welcome. As the night wore on, more and more people crammed into the bar. It became so packed, that we had no choice but to dance as everybody was dancing around us.

We did get to do some people watching in, one of our favourite pastimes. And there was some strange sights! You could defiantly tell who we’re the farmers wives and daughters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many scary big women in one place! Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t fat, just big, The kind of big that plow field, milk a cow, and make cheese at the same time.

It was one of the best new year celebrations we’ve had in a long time. Just brilliant.

After yesterdays horrendous trek up and over Pen-y-Ghent mountain we decided that we’d walk down in the valleys, and along the riverside. Today’s walk was in beautiful Wharfdale, a classic glaciated valley, filled with lush green pastures, dry stone walls, and picture postcard villages.

The day started off pretty well, the sun was out and although it was a little chilly, it was dry and good walking weather. We commenced our walk in the village of Grassington and headed off to Linton, passing over Linton bridge which straddles a stunning waterfall. The view was impressive, and the sound awe inspiring, you could feel the power of the water cascading over the rocks.

Walking up the peaceful country lanes we soon arrived at Linton village, With its menagerie of bridges and fords. The village has an imposing manor house, and some of the most beautiful cottages in the Yorkshire Dales overlooking the green.

Leaving Linton we passed through a farmyard, with paths covered in the most impressive amount of cow poo! It never ceases to amaze just how much poo you can find in a farm yard, and why does nobody clear it up? I mean, just how hard can it be, dog owners have to pick their poo up. Anyway, we pushed on, with boots like giant poop-a-scoops, and headed off op the hillside.

After a mile or so we reached Thorpe, nestled at the foot of Elbolton, and Kali hills. Thorpe’s a tiny hamlet that surrounds a triangular green, with little redeeming factor, other than the road out of it. By the time we arrived the, drizzle had changed into rain, so we changed into the waterproofs again!

The next leg of our walk took us to Burnsall, a quaint village with an imposing bridge over the river Wharf. However, the village’s most impressive feature was the cafe which served bacon butties. Stuffed full of thick Yorkshire bacon, and wrapped in the biggest, and tastiest baps, they were fantastic. Even the endless rain couldn’t spoil them.

Burnsall was the furthest point from our start, and where we headed back towards Grassington, only this time it was along the riverbanks of the Wharf. This part of the walk is along the Dales way, a popular long distance footpath that snakes through the Dales. In fact, this path is so popular, that the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have been forced to concrete or metal some of the most worn sections to stop the erosion.

Eventually we came upon Hebden suspension bridge. It sounds grand, but believe me when I say, it’s made of string, rust, and old railway sleepers! It was so wobbly, it was like trying to walk across a bouncy castle, and with me jumping up and down, it didn’t help. That said it was kinda of funny to see Helen holding on for dear life, and the Jack Russell following me, nearly falling in the river.

It was raining so hard by now, that our walk had moved on from a nice stroll in the country to a arduous trek through some of the slipperiest mud you’ll ever come across. So it was a welcome relief to finally get back to Grassington and enjoy a coffee and slice of cake.

A few years ago Helen and attempted to climb Pen-y-Ghent, the third highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales. However, we were forced to turn back, about 300ft from the summit, due to blizzard conditions. So this year we decided we’d try again.

We started our 12k trek in Horton in Ribblesdale, a village huddled around the railway station, at the foot of the mountain. It was a drizzling, but not enough to put us off, but just to be sure, we had full waterproof gear on to keep the weather out.

Heading out of the village the route took us along the lower fells, and past some stunning waterfalls in full flow following the recent heavy rain the Dales has endured. Feeling energetic, we took a detour off the main path to see Hull Pot, which I can only describe as a massive fissure in land. It’s about 200ft deep, with a waterfall cascading over one side, and many springs emerging from the rocky walls. It’s a breathtaking place to see and feel.

We retraced our steps and returned to out route up the mountain. However, the drizzle had turned to steady rain, heavy at times, and the wind was getting stronger. As we climbed, we entered the cloud base, so visibility became difficult at times. That said, the paths we were walking on were well marked and easy to follow.

The higher we climbed, the stronger the wind became, and the hard it rained. We finally reached, and passed the point where we were forced to turn back years before. It was a good feeling, but a fleeting one, as the weather turned nasty, very nasty. The wind became so strong it was hard to walk, even the streams running off the mountain were being turned back, and the rain was just incredible. Passing the last few cairns, we finally made it to the top, and huddled behind a drystone wall to try and get some relief from the stormy conditions.

The horrendous weather continued to deteriorate, so we didn’t stay on top long, just enough to catch a breath before we headed back down. Fortunately our route down, was sheltered in the lee of the mountain, so the rock scramble was not as dangerous as it could have been. That said, as soon as we came out of Pen-y-Ghent’s shadow, we faced the full force of the storm, gale force winds, and hail, and then rain as we descended.

By the time we had broken out of the cloud, we were soaked! Rain had found its way through our clothing, and even our boots were struggling with the conditions. The ground was sodden, muddy, and a challenge to walk on, so it was with some relief that we reached the road, and headed back to our car.

So it seams that climbing Pen-y-Ghent is going to be “third time lucky” trek, as it’ll be nice to get up there in good weather for once!

Well the Christmas countdown has begun. On Friday we went down to Southwold to see Santa turn on the lights, eat lots of scummy food, and Helen sampled some of the Christmas spirits in the Adnams shop. Saturday was Christmas tree day, it’s one of our Christmas traditions, so we drove to Wrentham to pick our tree. And it’s a monster 10 feet tall, and stands proudly outside our home. We’ve put gold and white twinkly lights, and now all it needs is a little snow.

We here we are, it’s our final day in Kassiopi , our beautiful and peaceful haven for the past two weeks. Our flight is at 13:30 Greek time, and because of the different time zones, our three hour journey home will get us back at 14:30!

I’m feel ready to come home now, my two weeks on the sun have been just what I needed. I feel total refreshed, and ready to tackle new challenges.

Last night we had our final meal in Stofilia, a family run taverna in the village. The food and hospitality was amazing, I highly recommend dining there if you get the chance. Just like the previous night, and because of the fires on the mountain overlooking Kassiopi, the electricity went off. Because of the terrain, the Corfiot fire service employs sea planes to water bomb the fires. It’s quite an impressive sight to see these huge bright yellow beasts skimming the wave tops, refilling their water tanks, and then dropping it over the fires.

Fires are one of two natural disasters that the Greeks diligently prepare for, the other being earthquakes!

Well I think I’ve spent enough time writing this final holiday post from Kassiopi, and as we’re being picked up in an hour, I’m going to pack.

Yassas.

It’s our last full day at the Lofos Hotel, in the beautiful harbour side village of Kassiopi, as we fly back home to England tomorrow. So we’re going to enjoy our last day of overindulgence. We’re planning to have lunch down by the castle, dinner in Strofilia restaurant, and finally, we’re going to relax by candlelight in Wave bar overlooking the yachts in the harbour.

I can’t help thinking that the usual one word or liner used to describe a holiday just isn’t enough, so here’s a few that I think go some way towards expressing just what our holiday has been to us: relaxing, peaceful, loving, welcoming, exciting, passionate, challenging, and hot!! We’d spent a long time choosing our holiday this year, as we wanted it to be as fantastic as last years. So when we arrived here in Kassiopi, it was a relief to find our little piece of paradise here waiting for us, just as we’d hoped and dreamed about.

I’m going to miss the quirky Greek way of doing things, like their buildings that are only ever 90% completed. That the road signs are only for tourists, and Greeks drive in the shade! If it can be mended with string or gaffer tape, then it’s road legal. And it never ceases to amaze me just how much you can get on a moped. You’ll frequently see Mamma with two children, having brought this weeks shopping, riding past at 5mph, often with both family dogs running alongside, it’s a sight to behold.

However, I won’t miss the crickets, just what the hell is all that noise about, and why does it start when you’re just about to fall asleep. Forget the mozzie spray, somebody should invent cricket replant! I also won’t miss that moment in the early hours of the morning, during a stiflingly hot night, when you wake up damp, and you’re not sure it’s sweat or you’ve just pee’d yourself.

But what I like and enjoy most of all, is the Greek friendliness, and their willingness to make your holiday special. Thank you Spiros and Pipitsa, our hosts at the Lofos Hotel Kassiopi.

It’s just after 6am, and I’m siting here alone in the coolness of the early morning, watching a golden sunrise over the Albanian mountains. A few swallows are swooping down from the pine trees snatching a drink from the swimming pool. The crickets are awakening, and stretching their legs, and I’m listening to the dawn birdsong, it’s just a perfect day.

Having these quiet solitary moments, has given me (and Helen) a much needed opportunity to think about what has happened over the past few months and years, to take stock, and lay down some plans for the future. Being unburdened with the daily trappings of life, allows one to really focus on your goals, both long and short-term.

Here’s a just a few of our goals and important things for the coming year. I won’t go into detail of each one, as I’ll save that for future posts.

• To buy a new family car.
• To buy a rental house for students.
• To buy a new business van and trailer.
• To book our wedding (June/July 2012)
• To book our Italian honeymoon.
• To look in to an overseas property investment.

As you can see, all this relaxing in the sun has given us a lot if time to set our goals. Some of them are going to be fairly easy to do, some a little harder, but all of them are achievable. It’s the challenge of making them happen, that’s going to make this an exciting year.

However, with two days left of our Greek holiday, I’ve more pressing challenges at hand, such as:

Which sun bed to lay on, what to eat for lunch and dinner, but most importantly, should I have an ice cream or a chilled beer when roasting in the midday sun?

Kalimera!!

It was incredibly hot yesterday, around half three in the afternoon, the temperature had risen to 99f (38c in new money) and with very little breeze, it was stifling. After just a few mins in the sun, all you could think off was getting in the pool to cool down.

Much needed alcoholic lubrication and ice cream was the order of the day. Mind you I am starting to worry, as at the start of our holiday they were a treat, now they’re a necessity! We started freezing a two litre bottle of water to have by the pool, but as the temperature rarely drops below 95f, we’re now getting through, two and sometimes three bottles a day!

It seems that we’ve got into a routine, as the hotel owners no longer ask us what we’d like to eat or drink when we go to the restaurant, depending on the time of day, they just bring us our usual.

It was changeover day too, so the hotel was fairly quiet for most of the day. Those people who had flights home late in the day, spent their last few hours desperately trying to cram in a few hours of sun bathing before departing. Fortunately our flight home is mid morning, so we get up, have breakfast and jump in our taxi to the airport, whereas some people have to wait until the early hours of the next morning to fly! We don’t enjoy flying at the best of times, so I’m glad we glad we get up and fly, without the protracted wait.

We came to Kassiopi quite early in the season to avoid the usual school summer holiday period, when the prices skyrocket, but also to give us a more sedate holiday. And you can see and feel the difference a few weeks makes. The village is very quiet, in fact a few if the small restaurants don’t open until the weekends. The main road through the village is usually hive of activity, however, it’s almost empty, with only the occasional tourist passing through to the harbour.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, but you can’t help wondering and worrying if the economic downturn is affecting the local holiday business. I was speaking to a local businessman, and he said that because of the austerity measures, and tax rises being imposed by the Greek government the cost of a holiday to Greece is likely to rise by at least 10% next year.

Anyway, enough of the doom and gloom, we’ve three more glorious days of sunbathing, swimming, fine dining, harbourside drinking, and enjoying the Greek hospitality.

Helen and I went horse-riding yesterday afternoon, amongst the Corfiot olive groves, and along Roda’s golden sandy foreshore.

My horse was called Marya, but I quickly changed its name to Dillon, for reasons that will become obvious. Dillon was a big girl, but after a bit of struggling, I managed to get on, however, this left me with disabled with an impressive wedgie.

Being a little person, Helen had some trouble getting on her horse, at times I wasn’t sure who was climbing on who, and in the interests of health and safety (my own) I’m not allowed to show you the photos.

That done, we set off doing our best Cowboy impressions, whilst desperately trying not to fall off. Now, falling off a horse is not as easy as you’d think. Having arrived at the stables in shorts, sporting a liberal coating if sun screen, it didn’t take long for my backside and legs to weld themselves to the saddle!

Our trek through the olive groves took us along little used tracks, and over undulating hills. It was a hot day, so riding under the olive dappled sun was a pleasure. Eventually, we came out onto the beach and rode along the surf, with the horses kicking up a refreshing spray.

I was the riding the last horse in our group, which was just as well, as Dillion ignored every command I gave it. It just copied the horse in front, including eating, pooping, farting, sneezing, peeing, and stopping and starting. The most amazing thing was, that Dillion was able to do this all at the same time!! I can just about sneeze and fart at the same time, often not by choice, so I was suitably impressed.

We stopped in another olive grove for refreshments and to give the horses a rest, before we headed back. This was when all the flies that had been hiding in the bushes decided they wanted to land on me. I must have been a sight, as I was flailing about with my whip, trying to fend off the flies, while Dillion decided to walk under every low branch he could find. I don’t think I’ve had so much crap stuck to my face since I was in primary school!!

All in all, horse-riding was an amazing experience, one that will stay with us for many years. I’m pretty sure we’ll do it again next year, but I’ll be prepared this time.

You get to meet many differing people while in holidaying, and this year we’ve got quite a selection of characters. Here’s a selection we’ve encountered while we’ve been in Greece.

The middle-aged woman reminiscing of a former youthful figure. Who’s bikini is trying desperately to be flattering, but is unsure what lumps and bumps it’s supposed to cover.

The old smoking lady, who sits quietly (and scarily) in a cloud of dense smoke, overlooking the pool, ensuring her deaf (by choice?) husband doesn’t take an interest in a younger, happier and less leathery skinned woman.

The fat man who makes Johnny Vegas look like a weight-watchers slimmer of the year. He needs two sun beds, one for him, and one for his belly. Doesn’t use sun cream as his self basting body oozes oil in the midday sun, giving him a natural coating. The swimming pool remains empty after he gets out, while the pumps struggle to reinstate the water levels, and clear the oily residue.

The mum competing with her daughter. With a cloned hair style, matching swimming costume, and the scared rabbit look that only comes from a Botox overdose. Who is scared to get her hair wet in the pool in case it instantly returns to it’s natural curly grey colour, with a hint if blue rinse.

They 20 stone lady who decides she has the perfect figure to go topless. It’s difficult to see where her double chins end and her thighs start. Her lycra costume (black as it’s slimming) strains at the seams to cover the huge pulsating mass of sweaty white flesh. Her husband helps her flops her boobs out, upon which the Lycra costume turns itself into a belt and hides under the multiple layers of fat.

The shade sitters who travel thousands of miles, and spend a fortune on a Mediterranean holiday to sit in the shade for two weeks. They always have verbal diarrhea, complaining that it’s either too hot, too sunny, or the pools too cold, and finally they go home whiter than they came.

Of course you have the “Shirley Valentines”, hoping to live the dream. Before they left the uk, they massacred the Loreal counter at Boots. But makeup can only hide so much, and to be honest a razor would have done more. The all pervasive cloud of rose scented perfume takes your breath away. Just how much perfume can one put on before they get in the pool?

And last but not least, there’s Henry and his mum. Henry wants everything, gets everything, and makes sure everybody knows it. His mum is too polite to tell Henry off, and he’s out of control. I think Henry’s mum needs to fill his shorts with large stones before he goes for a swim.

To try something a little different, and to get away from the tourist area, we ventured down to the village square and spent the early evening with the local villagers and their families. It was nice to watch how the Greeks interacted, and even though I don’t have a good understanding of the language, you could see it was an important social time for them.

Overlooking the square is a pizza come fast food restaurant, not the typical tourist place to eat. In fact from the outside, it looks a little unwelcoming, but it offers some of the best value and tasty food in Kassiopi. As we’re in Greece I thought we’d best have a kebab, or Gyro to use it’s Greek name. You can order a kebab, but it won’t look like, or taste like, the typical English version. The Gyro has the usual meat a salad you’d expect, but it has a wonderful sauce, not hot and spicy, but delicate and tangy. It’s wrapped up into a cone, a bit like a giant ice cream, and even has chips inside the pitta!

Sitting down for a meal, even if it’s just a snack, is a slow paced affair. It’s more of a social event, and the food is secondary. In fact while we were eating, one of the mums from the local martial arts school came over and chatted to us, making us feel very, very welcome. It’s so nice to be somewhere welcoming, where you’re not made to feel a burden, and language and culture are not a barrier to friendship.

We finished our evening with a stroll around the coast to a tiny and secluded beach, at the foot of an olive tree covered hillside. It was heavenly to lay back and see the stars over a moonlit sea, and watch the occasional ship lights pass us by. Our walk back to Kassiopi was a challenge, it was pitch black, so we couldn’t see the path.

I’m a bit of a bookworm, so I bought my Kindle on holiday with me, so I didn’t have to burden my luggage with printed books, and I’m glad I did. We’ve only been here a week and I’ve read 3 books and I’m part way through my 4th! Our hotel has free wifi, so I’ve been able to download more books while we’re here. It does get a little hot in the sun, but a couple of mins in the fridge sorts that out. The Kindle has very easy on the eyes, and I can read it even in the brightest of sunshine. As an added bonus it also appears to sun cream proof, even if a little slippery to hold.

The sun has become relentless over past few days, and with the morning breeze coming from the south, the temperature is soaring. Yesterday we saw a cloud. Just the one lonely cloud. It was an exciting moment.

The midday temp is around 95, which is fantastic, but getting to the pool or sea is becoming a challenge. The ground absorbs so much heat, it’s like walking on a bed of coals. It’s quite funny watching people doing a fire dance across the patio, and then throwing themselves into the water to cool down.

With all this heat, Keeping my fluid intake up has been a challenge. It’s very easy to become dehydrated without realising it. I had taken the stance that all fluid is good fluid, but apparently that’s wrong, and Helen has stopped me including my breakfast, mid-morning, brunch, lunch, and afternoon beers! Maybe I should try cocktails instead.

You don’t realise just how much water you drink until you buy it by the bottle. We’re getting through 4-6 ltr a day, sometimes more. And with the Euro being like for like with the pound, the cost of food and drink is around 15% more expensive than last year.

To get a break from the midday sun, we ventured down to a beautiful cosmopolitan restaurant that overlooks the harbour. It’s become a luxurious self-indulgence, having our food prepared for us while quaffing a carafe of chilled wine.

I’ve taken another Photosynth picture, this time it’s of Kassiopi harbour. Just copy and paste the link below to your browser.

http://photosynth.net/view/04f0cf4a-8caa-4e17-bd7c-9e5481ad63c1

Years ago the Germans had a terrible reputation for claiming sun beds with a towel, so it’s been funny to watch the Brits do it too. Our room overlooks the pool and sun bed’s, and as I’m up early I get to watch the shenanigans. Every morning the same people sneak down, reposition “their” sun bed, lay out the towels and stake their claim for the day. Quite often you’ll see them spread out, books, bags, and drinks so that nobody else will encroach on their territory. Us Brits are a funny old lot, I wonder what the world makes of us.

How can spending a day relaxing by the sea be so tiring? If I get any more chilled, I’m going to sleep through the rest of the holiday!

The Greek pace of life is very different from ours, it’s much, much slower, and a lot less hectic. That said, you do find the odd Greek who’ll spend most of the day shouting at their relatives, the TV, other drivers, albanians, and the dog!

The Greek culture is a lot more respectful. It’s very family orientated, and you’ll often see whole generations siting, drinking and chatting late into the night. The children, including babies and toddlers play in the parks well after 11pm.

We’ve settled into the lifestyle very well. Most days, we don’t get back to our room till after 7pm, and its gone 9pm before we sit down to eat. And on the subject of eating, I’ve taken an unhealthy liking to a Greek dish called Kataifi. It’s a popular desert made with a special form of shredded pastry. It looks like sticky shredded wheat, filled with nuts and dripping with fresh honey, which makes them flavorful, crunchy, and very sweet.

We enjoy our evening stroll around the bays, and after watching the sunset over the sea, we climbed the northern hill, and walked around the castle. It’s on the highest point overlooking Kassiopi, and gives stunning views of the harbour.

It’s still very hot and humid in the evenings (about 80 deg) so it’s nice to sit by the harbour with a glass of wine, or in my case a Mythos and watch the boats passing by, while getting washed over by cooling breeze off the sea.