The Next Big Step...
After winning the uphill battle from beach to the car, it was decided that we would try something different on our next adventure.
We set out for the mountains that dominate the middle of Kefalonia. Ainos is part of a national forest and a must see on the island. Mount Ainos is the highest in the Ionian islands and stands proudly at an elevation of 1628m, roughly a mile above sea level. If you want a comparison, Ben Nevis stands at an elevation of 1344m.
Firstly, we drove up to a phenonomal view point which is reached via the road from Poros to Sami, when you climb the road, you get a spectacular view of the St Gerasimos Monastery, of some importance to the Kefalonians as St Gerasimos is the patron saint of the island. I will dedicate a page to their saint on my blog.
After admiring the scenery, I was allowed to have a drive. I didn't hesitate and jumped in the drivers seat, if he was at all nervous he wasn't showing it. The road from Poros to Sami is steep and windy, and when combined with lots of tourist hire cars it makes interesting driving. This was my first time driving abroad, I carried on in the drivers seat until he pulled the wheel over away from the edge of the road, and then my nerves got the better, so I let the professional take over the wheel again. I did not really fancy getting a closer view of the side of the mountain that day I guess. He knew the roads well, often choosing to cycle them himself, so I felt safe. The mountain road here is surprisingly good and well tarmacked. However, there are a distinct lack of roadside barriers, so those that do not like steep drops may be advised to think about the journey. We parked up by the transmitters that you can see from various points on the island. Most people stop here and you can get out to walk. It was a surprise as to where we were going, but this time wearing sensible trainers, I felt better prepared for the journey.
We started on a wide track cut into the mountain. It circled round and when the trees dropped away, and the view over Sami and Ithaka were simply breathtaking. We paused for a photo stop and continued to make our way along the track. After a mile and a half roughly, we turned off the track and started ascending up through the forest. I was surprised to discover rough steps built into the mountain made of wood and there were hand rails either side. Its still quite steep, but as long as you are fully mobile, there is no reason you could not make the climb. This ascent went on for around ten to fifteen minutes and we were covered by a canopy of trees. When we came to the top of this part of
the forest, it was clear we were near the summit of Ainos, and if I thought the view was good from here, nothing could prepare me for what I saw next.
The next part of the journey was rocky terrain and no real path to speak of. Its a bit of path and rock climbing. However, its not far, around 200m of climb and the view when you get to the top is, well, out of this world. There is also a commemeration book there that you can read and sign. When we got to the summit we did just that. I was elated, exhilarated and excited. I was at the top of Kefalonia, with the person I loved and a view to die for. Infact at that point in time I think I had died and gone to heaven. The views of the east of the island towards Poros, Sami and Ithaka were crystal clear. However, over the west it was thick cloud which were rolling over us like fine mist. I've never been in the clouds like that before, apart from in an aluminium tube at 35,000 feet. Then, something magical happened, the clouds dissolved into nothing and we had a full 360 degree panoramic view of the island. Words fail to describe it. I look at the pictures most days in awe, and am thankful I met this amazing guy that showed me places like this existed, as well as guiding me to find my inner strength and belief that I could make that journey and every other single step we did together from there on in.
We set out for the mountains that dominate the middle of Kefalonia. Ainos is part of a national forest and a must see on the island. Mount Ainos is the highest in the Ionian islands and stands proudly at an elevation of 1628m, roughly a mile above sea level. If you want a comparison, Ben Nevis stands at an elevation of 1344m.
Firstly, we drove up to a phenonomal view point which is reached via the road from Poros to Sami, when you climb the road, you get a spectacular view of the St Gerasimos Monastery, of some importance to the Kefalonians as St Gerasimos is the patron saint of the island. I will dedicate a page to their saint on my blog.
After admiring the scenery, I was allowed to have a drive. I didn't hesitate and jumped in the drivers seat, if he was at all nervous he wasn't showing it. The road from Poros to Sami is steep and windy, and when combined with lots of tourist hire cars it makes interesting driving. This was my first time driving abroad, I carried on in the drivers seat until he pulled the wheel over away from the edge of the road, and then my nerves got the better, so I let the professional take over the wheel again. I did not really fancy getting a closer view of the side of the mountain that day I guess. He knew the roads well, often choosing to cycle them himself, so I felt safe. The mountain road here is surprisingly good and well tarmacked. However, there are a distinct lack of roadside barriers, so those that do not like steep drops may be advised to think about the journey. We parked up by the transmitters that you can see from various points on the island. Most people stop here and you can get out to walk. It was a surprise as to where we were going, but this time wearing sensible trainers, I felt better prepared for the journey.
We started on a wide track cut into the mountain. It circled round and when the trees dropped away, and the view over Sami and Ithaka were simply breathtaking. We paused for a photo stop and continued to make our way along the track. After a mile and a half roughly, we turned off the track and started ascending up through the forest. I was surprised to discover rough steps built into the mountain made of wood and there were hand rails either side. Its still quite steep, but as long as you are fully mobile, there is no reason you could not make the climb. This ascent went on for around ten to fifteen minutes and we were covered by a canopy of trees. When we came to the top of this part of
the forest, it was clear we were near the summit of Ainos, and if I thought the view was good from here, nothing could prepare me for what I saw next.
The next part of the journey was rocky terrain and no real path to speak of. Its a bit of path and rock climbing. However, its not far, around 200m of climb and the view when you get to the top is, well, out of this world. There is also a commemeration book there that you can read and sign. When we got to the summit we did just that. I was elated, exhilarated and excited. I was at the top of Kefalonia, with the person I loved and a view to die for. Infact at that point in time I think I had died and gone to heaven. The views of the east of the island towards Poros, Sami and Ithaka were crystal clear. However, over the west it was thick cloud which were rolling over us like fine mist. I've never been in the clouds like that before, apart from in an aluminium tube at 35,000 feet. Then, something magical happened, the clouds dissolved into nothing and we had a full 360 degree panoramic view of the island. Words fail to describe it. I look at the pictures most days in awe, and am thankful I met this amazing guy that showed me places like this existed, as well as guiding me to find my inner strength and belief that I could make that journey and every other single step we did together from there on in.
Me at the top of Mount Ainos - Im now one stone lighter
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