What can I say? I have never seen anything like it. In the mountainous middle of Greece, close to Kalambaka, there are the biggest rock outcrops you can imagine. They are a collection of individual stone pillars; narrow and tall. Perched on top of several, are beautiful monasteries.
This is the view from the campsite, Camping Kastraki:
The monasteries are perched on several of these pillars, just a few minutes drive from Kastraki. They are insanely situated, with walls that are pushed right out to the limit of the width available. So most walls continue sheer down the rockface.
Amanda asked in a comment about the climbing here. All I can say is that it was a little hard to imagine any climbing (and there was no sign of climbers during our visit). This is because of the lack of obvious belays at the top. The pillars appear to be smooth and rounded. Maybe this is climbing with bolts, because as I followed possible routes up some of the faces, there appeared to be little natural protection...but then that's often the case when a 'one-time climber' looks at a real challenge that he'll never be in a position to attempt!
We spent a useful few hours driving slowly around the roads that connect the various monasteries. Some are open to visitors but we honestly thought that the view of the exteriors was better than looking inside.
There are many cars and a good few coaches. The roads are designed to allow stops and views and the turning points are good. Several motorhomes were also up there, however the Land Rover was a lovely choice.
On the campsite we saw, for the first time in several weeks, some other travellers in interesting vehicles. This one is a tray back Mitsubishi:
In the evening we enjoyed a dry bbq, and this time our veg were steamed.This is a first for us and it proved to be very quick and tasty.
First, cut the veg into pieces and make a double layer parcel of foil.
Place on Smokey Joe once the meat has been 'sealed' and is half way to fully cooked.
As usual, use the lid and close the bbq so that the volume above the grid is hot.
Open the next beer, sit back and after twenty minutes, open and check but don't forget about the super-heated steam that will emerge, if the temperature has been correctly achieved.
When all is 'done', serve with your favourite side dish - in this case couscous, which has to be the most camper-friendly dish you could wish for.
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