It's the little things in life

Day #53

Monday, June 22nd

From Krinides to Evangelistria

Country: Greece

The night was good, even though the intersection was surprisingly busy.

But I felt safe, even though I assume I was seen.

It's really just a matter of probability.

The day begins for me shortly after sunrise, and the first thing I do is set up my tent and pack everything away.

Then I calmly focus on my breakfast, the table is set.

Including a candle that I found among all the collected trash.

The attempt to leave as few traces as possible, despite the Locard principle.

Or at least to leave the place cleaner than I found it.

Moreover, I'm very happy about the oatmeal that Nathan gave me yesterday.

Finally again.

It's often the small gestures that make the difference and put a smile on your face at the start of the day.

In the meantime, I'm trying to catch up on the travel reports, but I'm still behind.

Due to yesterday's route change, I spare myself the drama and head directly towards Thessaloniki.

On a dirt road, I should have known better and stayed on the main road; I would have traveled a longer distance and still been faster, but a small repair on the front pocket is necessary. The holder needs a new zip tie.

I turned a screw too tight some time ago. And as they say, what’s tight comes loose.

Partly on secondary roads, partly on expressways, it's a rise and fall.

Water spots are welcome opportunities to take a break and refill the bottles.

A long break comes after a longer ascent under olive trees.

Even though I have to carry the weight of food up the hill, my head is in the game and wants the reward only after the effort.

The landscape is rather unremarkable and passes through the plain, past numerous sunflower fields.

These create colorful accents, along with pink flowering shrubs at the roadside.

So it continues until Serres.

There, I first sit in a café, my body desperately needs caffeine.

Or a break, due to the heat.

In the city, I also take the opportunity for a big shopping trip.

Stocking up on oatmeal and other staples.

And from then on, it gets really nice.

Following a quiet country road, I continue towards the mountains, which become more pronounced against the blue sky.

One of the sprinklers in the fields reaches to the road and provides a welcome refreshment for a short time.

There's little traffic and the ride can be enjoyed.

Until a kilometer-long steep ascent to conclude the day.

As usual, I had just been shopping.

Looking up, I eventually spot a church and wonder if my luck lies there.

But upon arrival, I realize that it is located in a village.

And since I can’t ask anyone if I can stay there, I continue on.

A short while later, I come to a kind of chapel.

The view is magnificent, and after I pick up some litter, I enjoy dinner with a view of the surrounding mountains.

Then I set up my camp beside the road, trusting that while wild camping is technically illegal, it is tolerated as long as practiced considerately.

I'm certainly quieter than a passing motorcycle.

Apart from a swarm of mosquitoes, no one takes notice of my presence, and I can go to sleep relaxed.

Song of the Day:

Trepalium - Moonshine Limbo