22 September 2025 (sunny and hot 28C) 0km

Both woke at the same time this morning, (well, I kept sneaking a peek to see if Julia was awake, then shutting my eyes if I thought she wasn't).

Beautiful morning and our walk had "no tension" today.

Swim was amazing as always and fantastic workout with no one around until we'd finished.

Our second swim to finish off and a nice walk back to camp. 

Dined out at the front area of the camp which overlooks the road, but has a nice setting, with trees keeping it in the shade most of the day.

Called Irena and Tony for the last time on tour, well, at least the official Paris - Greece.

Tomorrow we'll be up early to hopefully beat the sun and some of the traffic on our way back into Corfu.

Hopefully Dimitrus has come through with two bike boxes.

We need a Stanley knife, some packing tape and plastic ties, so that if/when we've got the boxes, we can start the packing process. 

This is always an uncertain time of the trip, when you are reliant on other people to come through for you.

In years gone by we would never think about paying for a bike box, but now it's a business arrangement for a lot of places.

We've already got the boxes organised from London and we're using an outfit we've used before. They have been in regular touch with us, which relieves the pressure somewhat.

So, we have found out that this Dimitrus from The Cycling Route can only supply us one box (and will that be large enough?). That leaves us looking for another box, or having to make a box from smaller parts. 

Julia sees it as just another challenge (which she would) whilst I see it as a giant pain in the arse we could do without.

We don't need to be chasing all around Corfu Town with a day and a half to go. 

Anyhow, we shot over to the beautiful bays we found yesterday and also told Tom and his son Archie, the English cycling pair, about it as well.

Less crowded than yesterday (maybe this week is the turning point for holidaymakers). Although there was a noisy family of Italians when we first got there but they soon left.

Enjoyed a couple of swims before heading back for a late lunch.

On the way we met the English fellas coming in the other direction.

Showers first and some washing done before we enjoyed a nice lunch and googled packaging shops, cable tie and stanley knife and tape shops. Before we knew it, the time was 4.30pm.

Had a chat with the guys and loaned them a bike tool. They have been freecamping over here, mainly because of lack of camping grounds still open. Like us, they find they don't sleep well doing that. You're always slightly on edge.

They are off up to the top of the island tomorrow, the way we came down here, nice and hilly.

Will enjoy one more meal at the Cactus followed hopefully by a restful sleep.

This has been a lovely stop and its strange to think that in three days time, our planned tour will be complete. 

Cactus provided us with another beautiful view on a still, perfect night, with delicious food and great hosts. As the sun went down, the sky turned golden along the horizon, spreading upwards into different shades of peachy pink.

The people we've connected with here have been lovely and after a coffee to finish off the night back at camp, it was back to the tent to organise our gear ready for take off to Corfu Town in the morning.