Another cool morning with a northerly breeze which made the Early Walk wonderfully easy: even for Luis. I changed the walk once again by adding another lap to compensate for a run-free weekend. SBD has so much energy that three laps doesn’t do it for him, not that four does either but at least he was slowing down a little. It was peaceful with only Kostas collecting his salt to be seen in the distance by the glow of his headtorch. He left before us anyway. His car didn’t sound all that good as it passed us. Very clattery!
During the last lap, those who do were let free. We walked over the rocks and then onto the Big Beach. I tied the dogs to some trees and went in for a swim. It was particularly pleasant as I swam slowly away from the beach. The dogs stayed quiet until a guy with a dog appeared. I’d been watching him from a distance wondering which way he might go. He came onto the beach but had the good sense to do an about-turn and disappear out of view. From my position in the water, I was able to persuade the dogs to be quiet again. We walked back passing the Swiss motorhome on Alonáki Beach and said a quick hello to Xanthippos who was on his way to CBV to start work.
I released the dogs. Some into the van, SBD into his run and Skinny and Obi outside. I pottered about doing a number of chores including washing some shorts and T-shirts. I made some tea and put on some breakfast and finally let out the other dogs as the campsite was mobilising so a little noise wouldn’t cause a problem. Luis quickly got tied back up and Oskar joined SBD a little later. Both for excessive barking. I fed the pussies and contacted an O2 support representative for some advice about phone surcharges. The guy was helpful but it was a little like drawing teeth. He didn’t seem to actually have the information I needed so had to keep referring to a database or another person. After forty-five minutes I was a little wiser. Some later research shows that there is little alternative but to pay the extra. Despite the additional cost, it’s still comparatively good value.
A van arrived outside my gate signalling the presence of the electricians. There was drilling, banging and work for several hours including digging up a trench outside the workshop. We now have a connected generator although the exhaust pipe is not quite finished. Some lovely welding which would amuse Antonis. There is now a proper electrical control cabinet outside next to the poo tank pumps. Both pumps will be installed in the poo tank so it will simply be a matter of switching to the backup pump in case of a problem. The faulty pump can then be dealt with at a convenient time. The horrible wire I strung up in 2014 between the electrical panel in the workshop and the pump can now be removed. In 2014, I simply replaced the wire which had been caught by a tall delivery vehicle. There ensued loads of shouting and carrying on during which time I just fixed the break and the pump was working again. Another eyesore out of the way. My bet is that it will remain until I get up there and take it all down. I can’t see Μιχάλισ rushing to do it.
Good to see that Georgia is spending money on infrastructure rather than vanity projects. The new, enhanced cabins were supplied and constructed by professionals although the bases were installed and water pipe was punctured by camping staff. Professional electricians have installed the generator and the cabinet for the pumps. I understand there are some new large rental tents so things are coming together.
I’ve put my vegetables into a plastic tomato crate in one of the central fridges and feel this would be a good way to manage customers’ food. Stuffing random items into the fridge or plastic bags full of stuff is very wasteful of space. There is also no way of tracking how long items have been in the fridge which is why, as the season progresses, the fridges fill up with abandoned items. If each crate has a number it would make it a little easier to control things.
It has been another hot day with a high of 36.9℃ so anyone here for the weekend won’t be disappointed. I shall wait until 20:00 before walking the dogs as it’s still too warm to go anywhere. It’s so much cooler once the sun has set.
The children from the Swiss motorhome were waiting for a taxi to go into Paleochora for a family meal so wanted to play with the dogs again. We were on the way out for the walk so not the best of times. They appear to have taken a bit of a fancy to SBD which is interesting. There was another couple there who were telling me that Obi is a particular breed of Cretan dog. However, he wasn’t convinced when I told him that Skinny was also. I have a feeling I’ve met them before. Lots of activity on Grammeno Beach but I hope they all go home before 04:45.
We know where two lots of FreeLoaders are as we have scouted out their tents. The first is just at the entrance to the Promontory, the other is in a favoured spot on the west side. We shall have to tailor our walk to avoid them. I have a plan.
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