Goodbyes: Litochoro, Greece

Thessaloniki - We spent a couple of days in Saloniki (as the locals call it) before heading south. A port city which is right on the beach, with a neat walkaway along the waterfront. Loads of cafes and cool spots to hang out. We were there over Easter weekend, so most things were closed - which was a bummer as there were some really cool looking shops that I could have done some damage in - Murray was happy they were closed! On easter Friday night we walked through the city to the big church were the celebrations were happening at 11pm - not being religious at all we probably were a bit out of place but who cares. Lots and lots of people were out and about and we felt quite safe and got back to the hotel around 12.30ish. The next day we headed off to sort out our next mode of transport - push bike/skateboard/horse/fairy wings! Thankfully it turns out to be bus to Istanbul 10 hours 35 euros - not bad, leaves at 9pm at night so all good. Spent the day walking along the waterfront, eating out, and enjoying the sunshine.

Our view from Hotel Pella towards Mt Olympus

Thessaloniki waterfront

Further along the waterfront with the White Tower to the far right

A bar boat

This old guy in the foreground is flying this massive eagle kite

Typical street

St Sofia Church

These gorgeous trees line the streets

A church with open sides

Next morning we headed to Litochoro - a lovely little seaside spot! about an hour south of Thessaloniki. We arrived by train and were picked up by Periklis our host for a week. A short drive later we arrived at Summit Zero his backpackers at Gritsa beach. A really neat place that would sure hum in the summer! It was nice and warm and Peri's family were there to celebrate Easter together, so we left them to it as we looked around. Jobs were allocated and we got started, sweeping decks, designing, planning seating around a big maple tree.

Sweeping the deck

The workers - Murray and Peri's nephew Seb

The following day was was fine, so I started to sand the railings which I needed to freshen up with a coat of paint. Murray started digging holes, and Peri was off to get the supplies. Upon his return he had another idea.......later. Next day it rained, so we went into Litochoro village which is quite small, on the side of a hill, really pretty, with narrow winding cobbled streets and lots of interesting shops. The village is on the lower part of Mt Olympus (ancient home of the God Zeus) - which is the tallest mountain in Greece standing at 2198m. It looks stunning from the backpackers. There is no ski field as such, but you can ski you just have to walk up it. It is very popular for hikers, climbers etc and has many refuges (huts) on it. that are open from May to Sept. The village is apparently really busy in summer as I can imagine. It had cleared a little when we got home, so we did a bit of work. Next day was about the same - where's the sun gone! Peri's idea needed putting into action so he and Murray went for a drive and came back with some unused railway sleepers which remarkably jumped on to the back of the ute all by themselves - if you get my drift. A bit of re planning took place and then new decisions were made. Nick and Dee our helpx friends whom we met in Vassara were coming to stay the night, they put there trailer tent up by the backpackers. It was great to catch up with them again, went to the local taverna and had a delicious meal. They left the next morning heading towards Istanbul where we will catch them in a few days time. The sun came out and so did the shorts, I did heaps of painting and Murray continued on with fitting a key pad lock to the dorm door, which was causing him a little grief. We have now had a couple more days of good weather and I have finished painting the railings and Murray has completed the seats around the tree. We filled our days with a bit of housework and handyman stuff too. All in all a great stay! There is a big quarry up the road a bit so there is a continuous flow of trucks bringing metal to the barges waiting at the wharf, they load two and then a tug comes and tows them across the bay to Thessaloniki. The metal is being used to extend the airport so that bigger planes can come and go. So we watched the boats coming and going from work - cool.

Nick and Murray attacking hot property

Tug boat with the two barges loaded and ready to go

Peri and Murray - last one

Hammering the seat tops on the metal dowels

Irma chilling out

Peri kindly took us for a drive to his Grandfathers Olive grove and then on to Mt Olympus - the ancient home of the gods. The highest of its eight peaks is Mytykis standing at 2918m. We wound our way up the hill stopping at a couple of lookouts, the first one overlooked the 5 hours walking track below and also a face that the climbers used to rock climb. Awesome views of both the mountain area and Litochoro below.