MAGICAL JOURNEY TO GREECE: May 12

It's finally beach day on Naxos! We plan on taking full advantage of being in the Greek Islands.

Marie went off on her own and we made tentative plans to meet her at Agia Anna. As it turned out, she had her own adventure and we didn't see her until much later on.

We found Agia Anna a bit busy, so we wandered down the beach to Agios Prokopios - a much better beach. We walked a couple of kilometers until we found a good spot. The beach seemed to be almost deserted. Those around us were naked, so we joined in! (When in Greece, why not?) The water was freezing cold but we went in to cool down, nevertheless.

Agia Anna, Naxos

After about three hours in the sun, we headed to a little taverna for a bite to eat, and a couple of cold drinks. It was at this point that our day become somewhat interesting – hard to believe, I know, after going nude in public for the first time!

Agios Prokopios, Naxos

After our meal, which was quite filling, we decided to walk back to the hotel. Since the bus ride had only taken about fifteen minutes, we figured on about an hour-long walk. We knew the general direction to go, so off we went.

The road we were on eventually turned into a dirt road, but that didn't deter us. Our dirt road soon ended – but we were now inspired (and didn't want to turn back), so we forged ahead. Some houses below us had cars in the driveways, so we were still confident.

The dirt path we were on soon ended, and we found ourselves on what a donkey would have balked at. Hmmmm……. To turn back now, after half an hour of walking, would be counter-productive, and we're bound to find a road soon, right?……..WRONG!

The way home...? not so much

Our donkey path soon disappeared only to be replaced by thick, prickly underbrush and sharp bushes. Still determined, we went on. How stupid are we anyway? Here we were, half way up the side of a mountain, no paths anywhere, with our beach mats in hand.

Shortly after, as we approached the "turn" on this beast of a mountain, we were most disappointed to find ourselves gazing down at the tops of large trees growing out of the deep crevace ahead.

We looked down at the treetops and after briefly considering it (crossing, that is), we decided to climb to the top of our friend, the mountain. What's another 500 ft. climb? Shortly thereafter, it became impossible to climb further – we were up to our knees in the prickly bushes now.

We finally decided to turn back, and on our way we spotted spent shotgun shells. Time to pick up the pace, hon. We finally made it back to the dirt road and we were STILL going to walk back.

A few minutes later, faced with a crossroads, I had a splendid idea. We walked back to a hotel that we had passed, and asked about calling a taxi.

Lucky for us, we found a tour bus operator and guide in the foyer of the hotel. The tourguide spoke english, and offered us a ride back into town. Brilliant! On the way, (we were the only passengers), she asked where we were staying. As it was miles from where we were to be dropped off, she told the driver to go out of his way and drop us off at the door of our hotel. Lovely lady! Talk about Greek hospitality. I have rarely been so grateful to see a hotel, believe me.

Marie showed up five minutes later, we watched another brilliant sunset, and went for dinner at our friendly waiter's restaurant – Vasillas. By now we look like red lobsters, and we're in need of Noxzema. Since tomorrow is Marie's last day, we arrange to meet at lunch to see her off.