The Ionian Sea, Pylos and Methoni

We started out in Pylos.  This is a seaside resort town. Very beautiful - with lots of tourists.

Then we headed off for Methoni and its castle. 

This tower is famously put on most all Greek tourist brochures.  As in all sites here in this part of the world, you have to be very careful.  Most places do not have any railings.  There was one section we had to walk over that was about  foot in width- with steep drop offs on all sides..  That doesn't bother me as long as it is a very short distance.  But I have a lot of difficulty with another common occurrence - steep steps.  Luckily I have a fantastic husband who will help me.

I was trying to photograph this interesting flower with my landscape lens (not the best for closeups), when this big bug flew into the center of the flower.

 Back to Pylos for lunch.

We next decided to head for a little known waterfall.  I mentioned earlier that our guide is now driving a rental car we are paying for that has air conditioning and more comfort.  He is not a very good driver or very experienced.  He is constantly stalling the standard transmission car - sometimes in dangerous situations.  So far no accidents.  Mike did pay for the maximum insurance based on his previous performance.  He called his sister for directions to the waterfalls.  We found the entrance - down this steep gravel road.  He freaked out - kept stalling the car as he tried to back out.  I finally said that in the U.S. you find gravel roads and they are OK>  He couldn't figure out how to back up the hill without stalling the car so finally went forward.  Stopped and called his sister again.  Don't know what they said, but we drove forward.  We found the parking lot - but then discovered it was 400 meters down a steep incline - which meant 400 meters back up a steep incline.  We decided on the cafe and coffee.  Also it was clouding over.  The shot below is where we could have gone.  It was threatening rain so we headed back up the hill - he kept stalling, until I could not stand it.  "I don't know why the car keeps doing that - but maybe you could give it more gas." I said.  Mike agrees from the back street.  He does, and magically the car goes up and down the steep hills with no problem. It pays to grow up on a farm driving stick shift!  As we drive back to the paved roads and next villages it starts to rain.  Its time to head back to Kalamata!