After our short, one night stay, we left Delphi this morning and drove about three hours to Kalambaka. Our drive took us up and down mountain passes, through groves of olive trees and past lots of farms and fields. Most fields are very small while the olive groves seem to go on forever!

We checked into Hotel Dellas in Kalambaka and chatted with the desk clerk about all the things to do here. The most striking thing as you arrive in Kalambaka is the mountains and rock formations. Coming from Delphi we saw lots of different mountain ranges, some even snowcapped. However, the rock formations around Kalambaka are very unusual with smooth faces and caverns. Together, the various rock formations are called Meteora. Atop the mountains sit several monasteries.

Most of the monasteries can be reached by driving up the mountain, parking the car and then climbing several hundred stairs to reach the building. We wanted to visit at least one of the monasteries today. To make things more interesting, we decided to hike from Kalambaka to Holy Trinity Monastery. The desk clerk showed us several pictures of the hike, how the trail was paved and how it was "easy." We have different definitions of easy! The trail was easy to follow but it went straight up the mountain!! However, the views were spectacular along the way. We made it to the base of the monastery in about 45 minutes and then climbed the 140 steps to reach the top.

The Holy Trinity Monastery is the third oldest monastery in Meteora and was built in 1476. The steps and railings are made of beautiful field stone. The monastery itself is a combination of field stone, wood and brick. The architecture is beautiful. The tops of the rock formations have several flat spots and the monastery used those areas for small gardens, a few fruit trees and sitting areas. There were several small chapels inside the building and caverns with benches. It was a perfect day and the views were spectacular. We could see several other monasteries from the top.

We made our way back down the stairs and down the trail. Being so steep, we took our time on the way down. We took some time back at the hotel to relax before heading out just before sunset. This time we drove into Kastraki, the sister town to Kalambaka (our hotel sits halfway between them), and up the road to the monasteries to view the sunset at Psaropetra. It was unbelievable. From our vantage point, we could see both towns and several monasteries. There was a light haze over the distant mountains making for a wonderful sunset.

We wrapped up our night with a dinner at Meteoron Panorama - a small restaurant within walking distance of our hotel and nestled into the rocks. The restaurant sources all of its ingredients from nearby producers. Our kind of place! Keely had the smoked black pig steak and I had the pork souvlaki. Both were delicious. The best part of Greek restaurants is that you get free dessert after every meal and the lemon cake and ice cream didn't disappoint!

Tomorrow is more stairs and hikes to the monasteries. With a sunny forecast, we are looking forward to more magnificent views!

Kevin