The guide book says there are 999 steps to the top of the Palamidi fortress, 220 metres above Nafplio, and there are at least that, not counting those INSIDE the fortress after you pay your money. We were the first to climb the steps that day, (you can drive up) and the effort was well worth it for the views from this magnificent fortress built by the Venetians in the 1700s. Again not enough time to explore every one of the 8 bastions but we probably did six.

Then drove across some amazing mountain scenery again, still snowy on distant peaks, to Mystras . We stopped to look at several small shrines along the way; little chapels with numerous beautiful icons, and candles burning.

Mystras is another fortress, but much higher. An executive decision was made not to climb another fortress in the same day, so tomorrow. Knees need a rest!

Set up camp outside the village and then walked in. John added to his alcohol education, after Ouzo, by trying Tsipouro, a liqueur made from the bottom of the grape barrel (dregs of grape pressings, sounds like the origins of Vegemite from beer.) Accompanied by small meze (nibbles) plate and all really cheap for a change. All this walking make you hungry.

Back to camp to catch up with mail and make more plans to meet Rob and Rob in Raab, Austria. Tonight, the fortress is beautifully lit up, high on the hill above the village, as was the fortress above Nafplio last night.