Crete to Castleton .. not all the way by bike.

It's unbelievable just how heavy a scooter is when you have to push it for miles off road and uphill.  I'd managed to lock the scooter  ignition keys under the seat that required the same keys to unlock the seat to get the keys. 

I could not have completed the miles of uphill pushing without Lottie and I'm proud of her. I hope she looks back on the arduous task in a fond light. I also owe a huge thank you to Sarah who did a round trip to retrieve spare keys from the rental company. We had just reached the road when she returned. 

Below, the actual lane we pushed along.  Every time we reached the top of a hill we free wheeled at speed passed the cars, Lottie shouting 'don't brake, don't brake! ' 😆😆

Aside from my minor fopah, good fortune led to good times on the island of Crete and the scooters took us everywhere. 

Below, Balos lagoon, where the first Bounty advert was filmed apparently.  Also the place I 'lost' the keys. 

Below, Sarah using a beach towel as biker adventure kit for warmth in the mountains. If id considered this option years ago, could have saved a fortune!

Below, Elafonissi Beach. This and lagoon had the clearest, warmest ocean water I have experienced. It extended at ankle height for 200 - 300 meters. 

I know this is a brave statement, but I believe you'll have to look hard to find better in the world. (..and I do look forward to trying)

Below, the City of Chani's Harbour. Venetian-built between 1320–1356. Full of intriguing sights, smells and overpriced delights to entice the traveller. 

A few days later, back in the UK and on the DR 650, i find myself in Castleton at time of writing.  An old boy i met in the gym earlier, larger than most men half his age and in his 70's, recommended visiting Castleton, Derby.  

So after the gym I hopped on the TET and did just that.  I'm camping at a farm within a few meters (not miles) of the town, it cost a massive £12.

I'd have taken more photos as the day is bright and warm, but enjoyed the riding too much to stop.  Castleton boasts 7 pubs and multiple caves, there's a concert in one cave tonight.  The small town is picturesque and thronged with tourists and locals alike. 

Interestingly, the campsite / farm says 'adults only' and the pub warns the following.

...don't lose your children here.  

Less interestingly, there's a man sat two people away from me who has the most nasal and loud voice Ive ever heard.  Must have been back of the queue for vocal chords when Michael Bublé was first that day.  In a week of new experiences the beaches win.