It is Friday, 21 October 2022. Actually, I still had to do some painting work on the balconies, but the wind put a brake on it. On days like this, a gorge hike is a good idea. Of course I was curious to see if there were any nests of young griffon vultures in the Vulture Gorge (it is correctly called Pervolakia Gorge, according to the mountain village of Kato Pervolakia above)? I had already had this experience during my last two autumn visits. In fact, my “miracle” was richly rewarded: at least 5 nests were approached! In three nests I saw young birds, the other two nests were unfortunately in the shade. Watching the adults in their incredibly energy-saving thermal and wind dynamic flights is also an experience. As a glider pilot, I am cheering along with them and imagine that these birds are really enjoying themselves (there’s nothing to eat up there).
This performing e-MTB belongs now to the CGGThe 11 Ah-battery is recharged with 100% eco-power at the Carob Garden Guesthouse
Normally, according to the contract clauses, you are not allowed to drive on natural roads with a rental car. This limits the possibilities in the mountains somewhat, because various roads are first asphalted and then suddenly turn into natural roads. With a mountain bike, this problem can be elegantly avoided. In addition, discovering the landscape and mountain villages is so much more intense because you allow yourself much more time.
In agreement with the attendant, the ORIENT e-mountain bike can be rented on site. It has a 250 watt motor on the rear hub, a finely graduated control system and an 11 Ah battery. The renter is expected to dust it off nicely at the end, take care of it in the garden shed and charge the battery. Under these conditions, these sensationally low prices apply: Daily rent: 18 € Weekly rent (7 days): 90 €
Another e-MTB may be rented at Ioannis bike shop at Koutsouras. The day rent there is 25 €.
End of October 2021: An observation I made for the first time is the hidden flowers of the carob tree. Apparently it is something similar to the rather rare phenomenon of trunk flowering (cauliflory), because the flower set is only visible inside the tree, on coarser branches. Well, they then also have to bear the weight of the fruit. Incidentally, the seed was the unit of measurement for the carat (gold) in ancient times.
Update of 16.11.2022: The exterior structure of the house was in poor condition. Therefore, in May, all load-bearing elements were peeled off, the reinforcing irons were protected and covered with a special cement. In addition, the façades to the north and east were insulated over their entire surface. Finally, the whole house was repainted. The main test soon followed: the house survived the heavy rain of 15/16 October without any damage. And now in November, the indoor climate is much more balanced than a year ago – very comfortable!
The house in its pleasant look after the full renovation.
Update of 26.02.2022: Apartment #3 now has a new kitchen and is painted. Just a few details need to be finished. It can soon be rented. In addition, the entry-gate is renovated now – a true eye-catcher. Unfortunately, there was water damage in flat #1, after the intense rainfall of the last few days. We found the location where the water infiltrates and sealed it. The living room wall has to be repainted again. I expect that Apt. #1 will be in top shape and ready to rent out in the second part of April.
Among others, following renovations and upgrades have been realized by mid-september 2021:
Updated electricity equipment with new safety-elements
New automatic light at the entries
Insulation of the roof for better room climate upstairs in summer and winter
New garden-house for storage of the garden-furniture
New kitchen-worktop and shelves in studio #4
New closets in studios #1+2
A/C machines cleaned and repaired
Key-safe boxes for independant access to each studio
New steam-extrator pipes in studios #1+2
Wall-painting in studios #2+4
Additional works realized from october to december 2021:
Wall-painting in studios #1+3
New solar collector with electrical support for the boiler
New wood stove in Studio #1 (our common room in winter)
Small full-wooden boxes in the bathrooms to store things
Sun-protection sheds on the south-side balconies
Wind-protecting transparent sheds for all balconies
Wooden construction as weather protection for the entrances to studios #1+2
New double bed for Studio #1
For all beds mattress toppers with camel hair filling
Renovation of the walls outside
To be finished in January 2022:
New kitchen for studio #3
Bistro tables and new chairs for indoors and outdoors
Due to renovations and a personal indisposition, the opening date of the Carob Garden guesthouse is postponed to 16 October 2021. However, autumn in Makrygialos is an ideal season to extend the summer. You can hike, bike or just enjoy life in ideal temperatures. Last November and December I was hiking almost every day, followed by swimming in the sea at 20-23°C water temperature.
Hiking and swimming on 20.12.2020!
More detailed information at the German website https://carobgarden.ch
