On to Epirus and the Ionian Coast and a happy birthday.

To Bari , Monday 10 th July. 
Earlier start than usual, as 525 km to Bari, with check in at the Ferry port by 16.30. Exited the Campsite at 07.30, following the Satnav, onwards, towards the A14.

But, what is this? A white van blocking the narrow road and a guy gesturing, turn left….Why? The Monday street market, of course. This threw the Tomtom into some confusion, not to mention us! This unexpected change of direction took us back to the Campsite. Try again, as the Satnav rerouted, only to lead us to the other end of the street market . Now what? 

Ask a local, in fact, ask two. Eventually, by going around the back of some flats on a narrow street, which was reserved for emergency services,we came to a proper road and that rare sight, signposts. So, early start, notwithstanding, access to the A14 was eventually gained, after getting stuck in the “Telepass” Lane, for another few minutes, until the barrier lifted and a ticket obtained, manually. It had to get better and it did.

The A14, which on Saturday, was a trial, became a joy… light traffic, enjoyable views of the sea and hills and no madness. The route went close to the Adriatic and went through Emilia Romagna, Marche and even after diminishing to a two lane highway, comfortably driveable. 
Principal crops of wheat ,fruit and vines, eventually changed to groves of Olives, as the winding bends took us towards Puglia, through numerous tunnels ( none longer than 1km ) and over brilliantly designed viaducts.

After a picnic lunch break, the outskirts of Bari were approaching and so now, the Snooper Satnav was programmed with the Port address , as given in the Superfast Ferry brochure. All seemed well, until ” you have reached your destination’ did not seem to be near anything with a name on it that might pertain to the ferry access. So, U-turn on the coastal road ( good lock on the Fiat ), looking for anything that might resemble the entrance to the Port.
Having found a gate, with large boats moored beyond, an enquiry was met with a shaken head and the advice to go 2km, further on and turn in, there.

 Now, looking for second gate, that might be a port entrance. Passing a gap, from which lorries were making an exit, another u- turn was called for. 

Fortuitous that enough time was allowed for that game called ” Find the Superfast Ferry in Bari.”

You need to bear in mind that having turned into this entrance, we found our first clue – a signpost, with “Greekferry” , a km later, there was another sign, just after the first gate through which we tried to enter the port. So, 4 km from there, a Superfast boat was espied and further progress was made towards it. A ramshackle collection of cars , motorhomes and lorries had been directed to ” park”, whilst booking in took place in a hall, 200 metres away. It was now 16.00, and the port hands, having taken note of the blue sign, with Igoumenitsa , displayed in the windscreen, along with ” camping on board”, shouted ” boarding at five o’ clock!”

It was around this time, that I began to ask myself why I hadn’t taken that Saga coach trip of the Lake District ! 

But no, after threading the bus between seemingly abandoned trailers, and after a further ticket check, embarkation took place.

This meant driving onto the motorhome deck and performing my third u- turn of the afternoon, before being assiduously directed by a crew-member, whose disgruntled , facial expression at having to align us, only brightened as he crossed himself twice! 

Electric hook-ups were pulled down from the ceiling and boarding was complete. There was relief at making it to the air-conditioned lounge, with its efficient and friendly waiters; a complete contrast to the hot, chaotic scenes on the quayside. The boat departed on time, 7.30 pm. Now, for the onboard buffet.

Although the car deck had windowless sections, it was still very warm. The portable fan came into its own, again. Waking early enough to enjoy the outlines of Corfu Island as we sailed into Igoumenitsa and take an early snap of the birthday girl.


 After the quickest disembarkation I have ever known, progress was soon being made along a two lane, county road towards Parga and Camping Voltos.

Breakfast was taken at Cafe Kaliss, en route, very friendly welcome, even at 7 am .We were joined by an interesting guest.

Entering the Campsite was made after driving very slowly along the narrow beachfront, still thankfully quiet at 8 am. Unlike campsites elsewhere, we were allowed, almost immediately to choose a pitch amongst giant, ancient Olive Trees…..Perfect. 

Pauses were taken on the walk up to the village and the remains of its castle, clinging on to the edge of a cliff, to enjoy the views.

The village was car free and signs for tabernas and rooms for rent were a plenty. It was still very quiet and time was taken to look at possible venues for meal, this evening, to celebrate Hannah’s 🎉 birthday.

Han enjoyed opening some of  her cards and presents, from Höme, after lunch, having spent her morning, on the beach – a very happy daughter!

“χαρούμενα γενέθλια”, as we say in Greece.