The day began misty and foggy, which was not in the forecast, so we had another quiet morning.  We did some laundry, had a late breakfast and then set out to buy some groceries.  

On the way to Astros and the supermarket, I said "Let's turn right here and head to Tripoli".  So, we set off to explore the inland area of this Peloponnese peninsula.  We climbed huge mountains and found tiny mountain villages.  It's a whole different climate further inland.  Rather than orange and olive trees, we saw apple and cherry trees in bloom.  They were beautiful, acres and acres of white blossoms.  We were in the heart of farm country, in a plateau between two mountain ranges. The landscape was rocky on the mountains, and very fertile in the valleys.

Arriving in Tripoli, we didn't find anything worthwhile to see or do, as it's just a stopping point for traffic between two major highways.  So, we made the complete circle and headed back to Argos, just north of Astros.  

Again we passed through very rugged, mountainous terrain, many thousands of metres high and then switchback roads to get back down to sea level.   One sign at the top of a mountain said there were remnants of a Byzantine settlement so we stopped for a look.  Couldn't see any old rocks or walls, but we heard this amazing sound.  Looking closely at the mountain across from us, we saw (and heard) dozens of sheep, bells tinkling and echoing between the mountains.  

And a bit further along, we saw a herd of goats at the top of a craggy precipice.  Whoever coined the phrase "sure-footed as a goat" was accurate.  We couldn't believe how it could go straight up the rock face. 

And again, a bit further along, we saw the shepherd, leaning up against his truck, on the cellphone, watching all his goats at the top of the mountain.  We've seen traditional looking shepherds with dog and staff, and then this guy, with truck and cellphone!  It takes all kinds to make the world go around.

Back at Xiropigado, we found a restaurant for a late lunch.  That was an experience.  The owner took us to the back of the kitchen, opened 2 big bins and asked if we wanted the pink fish about 6 inches long or the calamaris which I think is octopus.   We chose the fish, which had been caught earlier that morning, in front of our place.  Yes, we'd like it fried, no batter nor flour, salad and potatoes.  The fish arrived looking delicious but coated in flour.  So, Tom ended up eating all the fish, and I the potatoes.  No problem there!!

Once again the caretaker, Vasilis, explained the traditions of Greece to us.  All fish in Greece is automatically coated with flour before frying.  If it doesn't have anything on it, it will fall to pieces when cooked.  Ohhh!  Lightbulb went on!!  

Feeling more lighthearted that I wasn't going to get sick, and with Vasilis' Greek notes in my purse, I feel much more confident about eating out in the future.

Tom and I went for a walk above the village of Xiropigado, to wear off lunch (actually to wear off all the olive oil that the salad was drenched in).  Smothering everything with tzatziki sauce makes everything better!!  Now you know we remember our travels by our stomachs.  Is there any other way?