Arillas Forum
Welcome to Arillas => Walking in Arillas and north west Corfu => Topic started by: charlietoosey on January 17, 2008, 11:59:19 AM
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Hello to all members for the first time from me
In May I will visit Arillas for two weeks and wonder what walking there may be locally that two fit and 'young' pensioners may undertake?
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Hi Charlietoosey
One good walk to get you started is the walk over the cliff tops to San Stefano. An excellent walk and not too gruelling. Lots of tavernas and shops in San Stefano to call in when you get there.
Amanda
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Hi Amanda thanks for that, I look forward to that and many more in that warm and green environment.
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Thats a great walk. There are no short cuts back though - If you ask the locals for a short cut dont believe them! You have to fight your way through the gorse bushes to get to the cliff again. The only way is to go back along the cliff again or the road to Arillas.
We attempted the Afionas walk last year and was so glad we did it. The first time we gave up as we came to the bendy hill, this time we took it slow with lots of stops and it wasnt as bad as we thought. It was well worth it. Fabulous views at the top of Afionas. If I had the energy I would have like to walk to San George Nth. LOL
Also, if you look on the Arillas map for the Galini, you can see a road that goes at the back of the apartments... carry on there up towards the little church and school , bear left and that takes you to the main road to San Stef. Carry straight on and then at the junction bear left and that takes you down to Arillas to the Amourada.
Thats a nice little walk too. There are a couple of little walks around the village too. We are in our 50's and enjoy a walk but are not serious walkers. I am sure you will enjoy the area. All these have been tried and tested by the majority of visitors to Arillas as they were recommended to me. :-)
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There is a short cut of sorts to/from San Steph that does not involve battling the gorse bushes. :-)
I like to do it on my return journey to preserve my energy for the evening shenanigans!
You return from San Steph' via the road. At the top of the 'bendy hill, you would usually turn left heading up towards the junction with Christos apartments on the right hand side.
The shortcut...at the top of bendy hill road you turn to your right, cross the road and shortly on your left you would come to well used track (wheelie bins opposite) which takes you down to the beach road which runs along the back of the Mathraki and ends up down at Eftihia. It''s a little difficult to explain, but if you look at Dimitris's aerial map... http://www.arillas.com/page/content/view/170/209/lang,en/ you can see where the track finishes up opposite Napoleon apts.
Eileenxx
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Hi Charlietoosey!
When in May are you staying? I get there on 2nd.
As Blondegirl says there are many 'tried and tested' walks round and about the village none of which are particularly difficult as long as you take your time. The route Eileen has suggested I have used many times and quite easy to find when you are actually there.
Afionas is well worth the trip particularly if you like beautiful scenery. I'm 60 this year and find the going relatively easy.
I have a book 'Walks in Northwest Corfu' by Lance Chilton which I use whenever I'm in Arillas. It's by Marengo Publications, 17, Bernard Crescent,Hunstanton. PE36 6ER. Tel.01485 532710. or on line at <www.marengowalks.com>. It is supplied with a large scale map and a carry pouch to keep it clean whilst out and about! All the major and minor paths and roads are shown in detail as well as points of interest, tavernas and churches etc. You cant really get lost if you have a copy.
Hope this helps,
Martin.
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to preserve my energy for the evening shenanigans
Thats an interesting thing to say Eileen :-)
What does it mean?
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Many thanks to all have replied, I hope to put your advice to good use in May.
I have just bought he book of walks mentioned too, download permitting!
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Now I am really interested in finding this shortcut. When we asked the girl in San Stef. Travel she said it was up past the corner cafe, so off we trekked and it came to a dead end in someones garden... so had to come back down again. Now I am going to definately have to do the walk again so I can find this shortcut, its really bugging me now!
Thanks Eileen...
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Hi Charlietoosy,
I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy your walking in May, the spring flowers are just wonderful. If I'm not walking far then one of my favourite past times is 'nebbing' in all the gardens as I wander about Arillas. :-)
to preserve my energy for the evening shenanigans
Thats an interesting thing to say Eileen :-)
What does it mean?
LOL...Terry I meant playfulness and nonsense...all depending on who's company we are in and if I'm encouraged to be silly!!!! Usually that would mean one of my sister's are with me as we all imbibe in similiar quantities of drink :o
Oh dear Sandy....I've not put you off this May meet up have I ;-)
Eileenxxx
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Eileen, I had a look... I think we could start our walk from opposite Napoleons and see where it goes and then come back down the cliff path.. it will be a different walk for us. I shall look forward to that.
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LOL Eileen....thought you meant because I'd be there! Always shenanigans if I'm around! But what's nebbing? Have I got to do that too?
I think we are talking two different shortcuts blondegirl. Haven't done Eileen's but can picture where she means, out of the village. I think you are referring to the very steep track right in the village past the shops and up alongside a hotel whose name escapes me. Joyce and I did it - hard work but it links up to the cliff walk.
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Hi Sue,
I posted these photos last year, but here they are again...they will give you an idea of what the opening at the start of the track looks like....
This is the start of the track....
(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7256/beginningoftracktoarillwi5.jpg)
By arillas (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/arillas), shot with Canon PowerShot S3 IS (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+S3+IS&make=Canon) at 2007-10-29
This is the building opposite the track...look for the wheelie bins!!!
(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9637/oppositetracktoarillasee7.jpg)
By arillas (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/arillas), shot with Canon PowerShot S3 IS (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+S3+IS&make=Canon) at 2007-10-29
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LOL Eileen....thought you meant because I'd be there! Always shenanigans if I'm around! But what's nebbing? Have I got to do that too?
Sandy it sounds like we are up for a good laugh then!!! You can neb if you want to...but I'm quite sure you do it all the time!!! In other words having a skegs...a gander...a squizz...a look....especially if it's a 'fit' waiter!!!! ;-)
Eileenxx
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We have done that Track many a time Eileen. There is lots of hens down there.Also leads to that barn where the goat is..
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Hi Riggers,
Yes that's the one...sometimes you have to watch where you go there are so many hens scurrying across the path!
We call that path around the back of the Mathraki to the beach the 'Goat walk' because of that goat in the shed!!
It's a lovely walk don't you think? It's such a contrast from the beach front yet only a stroll away.
Eileenx
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Hi Eileen.
Yes it is a great walk to do, normally do it first thing in the morning when it is cooler.Helps to get rid of the hangovers lol
Riggers
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I might have to print out the photo and directions - we will probably get lost and we dont want to trespass like we did last year when we took a short cut through the greenhouses and got told off!
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I think that must be private property but nobody seems to mind.
Riggers..
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I really enjoy topics like this because the descriptions of the walks are very detailed and informative. The descriptions of things you can see on the walks, such as hens, goats and the scenery, plus seeing Eileens photographs make you want to do the walks. For the newcomer, like me, it is very useful information.
Somehow, I have got to compile a small booklet of all the things that I want to do this year, and include, as Sue has suggested, maps and photographs. I would imagine that a small publication of the walks and activities would be a very valuable asset to most Arillas visitors, so are there any volunteers?
Thanks to everyone who has contributed and I hope that I can contribute something myself later in the year.
Learning about words like shenanigans, nebbing, skegs, a gander, and a squizz has been a bonus.
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Just going back to what Eileen was saying re May, yes it is a lovely time, and you might also see the lovely little wotsits in the evenings. The name`s just come back to me--------- fireflies. It`s fascinating to watch them.
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Oh yes Lindypops how did I forget about the little dancing fairies!!! :-)
They just add to the magic of Arillas don't you think? :-)
Eileenxxx
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They`re great, aren`t they Eileen? Just when you think you`ve spotted where they are---------- they`ve gone.
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Eileen, I have just looked on Dimitris blue map... I can see the road opposite Napoleons, if you go up there bear right it leads you to Guido and Villa Kousos + San Stef. Road and if you bear left past Pluto do you know where there comes out.
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Hi Sue,
No I've only walked up as far as Paradise and Panorama villas. I'm not exactly 100% sure, but I think that the path stops at the back of the villas. Maybe someone else will know for sure...it's a helluva steep path to go up and find that you have to turn back!
Eileenx
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That was the problem when we took the recommended short cut from the girl in San Stef. Travel, it was a no go area and when you are hot, tired and need a beer you dont want to have to keep going back the way you have just come from. Indiana Jones I am not! I dont fancy forcing my way through the undergrowth, eventually on my hands and knees crawling into Arillas gasping for a drink.. LOL>
I am looking forward to going in September though as hopefully it wont be as hot as when we have been before in July and we can hopefully enjoy the walks more, it has taken us a good 3 days to get over them normally... thats how unfit we are.
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Hi all
Last word from me on this subject
That Lance Chilton book and map has arrived already and I'm looking forward to some fun planning my trip
Thanks to all for your interest and advice
Charlie
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Hi Everyone
Thanks Charie Toosey for starting this topic. Have just ordered the Lance Chilton book from Marengo Publications having looked around their website. I see he is doing a week of walks starting in Arillas next September. Bit much for me - would interfere with my plans to get all that vitamin D which is so vital - so scientists say.
Still will do a bit of walking and all the suggestions on these two pages will get me off to a good start.
Best wishes
Pat
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Hi Charlie
This is Jen's and my Arillas walk:
Leave Alecos apartments and turn right. Come to Christos aparrtments and give Filipos and Angela a big hug. Two Mythos please. Leave Christos and turn right. Anna Studios just a minute away. Two Mythos please. Jen gives Tasos and Kostas a big hug. I give Anna a big hug. Two Mythos please, er maybe one Mythos and one Amstels for Jen. Leave Annas and turn left. In the bakery and - two Mythos please!
Leave bakery and turn right. Walk down the hill and turn left into the Coconut. Two Mythos please, er no, Mythos for me, and vodka/coke for Jen. Meet Eggy. Ouzo, Mythos and vodka/coke please. Repeat last move several times. Leave Coconut and walk to sea front. Turn left and head for Thalassa. Give Giannis, Litsa and Sprios a big hug. Mythos and vodka/coke please. Repeat several times.
Leave Thalassa and turn left. Come to Graziella. Taramasalta for breakfast (it's now 2pm) and one Mythos and one vodka/coke please. Leave Graziella, turn right. Into Ina's for two cold tins of Mythos. Walk towards Kaloudis and turn left onto beach. Down the steps and turn right. Walk to far end, get kit off and sunbathe/swim for an hour. Drink tins of Mythos.
Walk back to steps and climb. Wash feet in Kaloudis (Splish Splash) pool bar. Two Mythos please. Two Mythos please. Two Mythos please. Leave Kaloudis, turn left. Back to Thalassa. It's now 6pm. Two Brandys please. Stamna and Penelope's Delight please. Litre of red wine please.
Leave Thalassa, turn right. Into Coconut. Two Black Russians please. Thanks Kostas and Hannah. Meet Filipos and Barbara. Endless Black Russians please.
Leave Coconut, turn right. Back up hill to apartment. Ah!!! another wonderful day in Arillas. Sleep etc (make what you will of etc)
Tomorrow - repeat!
lol
philandjen
Bored
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Hi Phil and Jen.
Is that all you can manage. Theres me thinking you can drink!!lol.
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I'm exhausted just reading that!
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Hi riggers
that was the edited version - too ashamed to admit to the rest!!!
phil
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Lol Phil.
I thought you must be able to keep up with me.
Riggers.
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Phew....just don't walk back via the cliff path!!!
Eileenxxx
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Just watched Tery's slide show on a different post- stunning & . set to music too, how clever. One slide shows a sign for the Heritage walk. Can anyone give me anymore information on this? how long, how difficult etc. I would be doing it in October so no problem with the heat. I will be buying the guide book advertised on this forum but thought some "local info" would be best.
Thanks
paul
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The heritage walk is gone now Paul.
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Hello,
We are visiting Aug.'08 and we'd love to walk from Arillas to Angelocastro ...and back. Is there a cliff route? Rightly, or wrongly, we assume it's like the the Pembrokeshire Coastal path.... are we wrong thinking so?
Dave/Laura/Grace
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Sorry DaveL23 - I've never heard of Angelocastro. Perhaps some forum members can enlighten us both.
Best wishes
Phil
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Angelokastro is an old fortress overlooking Paleokastritsa. There are details of a walk to Angelokastro via a cliff path accessed from Agios Georgios North in Lance Chilton's book. The Agios Georgios North website also gives details of 2 routes by car to Angelokastro for those who don't fancy the walk.
http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/makrades.htm
DaveL23
You can find details on Lance Chilton's book in previous posts on this topic.
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That sounds like a very advanced walk. Its ok walking to wherever you want to go to but you have got to get back! A tad too far for us....hope you find out about it though.
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The route to Angelokastro is described in Lance Chilton's guide. Walk over to Agios Georgios and then follow (Walk 11 pg 28 in my edition) Its a lovely walk with a few steep climbs but you will be so proud when you have done it. There are wonderful views of Paleo from there and when we were there a few years ago were a couple of tavernas for lunch.
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Thanks all.
Just goes to show you can still learn, even when you get to my age! Don't think Jen would manage such a long walk, so we'll still be seeing Peleo by boat...
Best wishes
Phil
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The walks all around Arilas are great, but we also like to get the arly bus into Corfu town and visit the local produce market. It is easy to miss if you do not know where it is. Look for the new fort and it is basically at the foot of that, great produce and atmosphere, and olives to die for!
After that there is still pleanty of time to see Corfu Town and take in a nice drink over the harbour before catching the busback to Arilas at about 3:45.
enjoy!
Karen and Dave
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hi kcarol
love the produce market near the fort. Always think "what should I cook tonight" and then jen brings me back to earth "it's fried perch at Thalassa tonight." We always eat out in Arillas, but maybe next year when we live there for a long time, I might get the chance....
lol
phil
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I remember that market... the fish stall was great until I saw a whole mass of what looked like silver worms wiggling.. nasty it was! I have no idea what they were and wouldnt like to think how you cooked them.
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Charlietoosey
It would be great to hear how you found the walking around Arillas in May. We normally go to Arillas in September but were also there this May for 1 week. The weather was perfect for walking but the main aim of the holiday was to introduce my 71 year old mother to Arillas. We could have walked all over the place but this would have been too much for mum although she did manage San Stephanos and Afionas. Did you reach Angelokastro and beyond?
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Lovely walks PaulnMaria, I am very pleased for you that the Boxing went well. :)
riggers.
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P & M... I was amazed to read your mum had walked to Afionas & San Stef. How did she get on with the hill on the way to Afionas. The first time we did it nearly killed us! It was so steep. The 2nd time wasnt so bad as we knew what to expect. We cant wait to do it again this year as we want to sit at the top again (my profile photo) and soak in the views again. You mum did very well to manage those walks.
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Thanks riggers, it was a great night. If I'm honest, my scorecard had it closer than the judges but what do I know. He's due to defend the title in September..........when we're due to be in Arillas. Maria's gonna kill me !!!!!
BG
My mum was pretty chuffed with herself. We thought she might struggle with the track to Afionas but by taking it slowly she managed it well. We stopped off at the nightowl for a drink and a rest then plodded on to the sunset view point and Dionysis taverna for lunch. Mum loved the traditional houses and certainly felt it was worth all the effort.
Maria
P.S. Yes Paul
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Hi Paul and Maria,
Having met you both, and your lovely mum, Maria, we too were surprised at her managing these walks.
Only hope we can do half as well when we reach her age.
lynn xx
ps good night at the Marina even if it did pour buckets!
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PaulnM1aria
I have been asked for my opinion on this topic so don't jump down my throat if you don't agree.
This was easily the best rural walking I have done ( I include my partner in this with her wholehearted agreement).
The wildflowers we numerous and very pretty. The butterflies, a particular fav of mine, were plentiful and varied, and incl meadow brown, clouded yellow a small blue several swallow tails and more.
Most of the walks came from L Chilton book. If you don't have the book already you must buy it.
One of the best was from Arillas to Afionas. We ascended by one of the two roads and descended via the other one. It was a little challenging by virtue of the at times steep ascent but take your time you are on your hols.
We added the walk into St George beach on one day too but found it really hard at 5pm in direct hot sun to get back up that initial hill.
We loved the cliff path up to the St Steph ridge and the small chapel. One day we met David who was placing his wife's ashes in the chapel.. We had a long and emotional chat with him, good luck David, we are still thinking of you.
The walk to Kabadades via that off road route was excellent too for similar reasons to some of the others Also don't miss the rural approach to the Analypsi church.
I think that's enough to be getting on with but remember in May some of the days are cool for walking and some become too hot.
Have great visit
C
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That's great charlie. lovely descriptions of some of the amazing walks and sights you can have in and around what is Jen and my favourite place on earth. No throats ever intended in the past. glad to see you still here.
Phil
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That was great to read Charlie. Mike and I want to try Kavadades in our walks this year. I agree that is a killer hill to Afionas! We did start down the road to St. George but gave up as we thought it would take us out of our way and we really wanted to get to Afionas and Porto Timoni. You never know we might make it - at our age we have to use our energy sparingly!
We have seen some lovely wildlife en route too and being with Mike and our friend Lynda means stopping many times and taking photos of it - dead or alive! LOL
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(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc244/PaulnMaria_2007/P5140216.jpg)
BG & Justlynn
Mum was so chuffed with herself for managing that hill climb to Afionas she insisted we took the above photo to show all the residents in the sheltered housing complex where she lives. We called in at the little church on our way to San Stephanos (Mum thought it was lovely) then a few minutes later we bumped into a couple who used to live round the corner from my mum several years ago. Small world!! Lynn we really enjoyed your company and Colin's that night in the Marina. Good suroundings, great company, shame about the weather.
Charlietoosey
We're glad you enjoyed the walks and scenery. Lance Chilton's book is excellent isn't it. As I think we've mentioned previously we normally visit Arillas in September so it was lovely to see all the spring flowers and the fireflies this year. We have now found several different routes to St Georges bay but our favourite is still via Afionas.
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Dear Paul or maria (whoever posts)
jen and me once had a mum each (who we both loved to bits) and we know they could have been in your picture. That's when they weren't drinking barley wine in the coconut of course....
Like Charlie said, the walks and ambience in and around Arillas are breathtaking and beautiful (maybe I said that but he meant it.)
just booked all of September so you know that I mean it.....
best wishes
phil
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Hi Phil
We tend to do most posts together but occassional one on our own. We'll be back in Arillas in September (sooner if we can get a half decent deal for July) so look forward to meeting you and Jen then.
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Hi!
Well done Mum! I am almost 60 and had a bit of a struggle getting up that hill on the cliff. If you haven't seen it already have a look at my video 'My Arillas 2008' where you can see the the whole trip in slow motion! It brings back a lot of good memories, I even get overtaken by a farmer on his donkey! There is also a record of the walk to Agios Stefanos with the 'little chapel'. Click on 'videos' to access. I tried to get the impression of Arillas in spring, waking up to a new season.
Yammas,
Martin.
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I agree Martin, well done that lady. Will have a look at videos. Thanks for that.
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Well done to Paul and Marias mum [mother in law to one of them!] Loved, loved , loved the photo. I lost my lovely mum 9 years ago before we discovered lovely Arillas.
I think of her everyday, and when in Arillas think how much she would have loved it..she just loved the sunshine we shared lots of lovely hols in Italy and Spain back in the 70's and 80's. What used to make me laugh was the fact that she was always so pleased that she could peg out her 'handwashing' and it woyuld be dry in an hour..bless her! She also used to say she felt 20yrs younger in the sunshine as her arthritis stayed behind in England...used to laugh at that now gwtting to know how she felt! Treasure your mums all forum members fortunate enough to still have one..she may drive u to distraction on occassions..but always on your side no matter what! x