Wednesday 22 June: the final leg

 We are able to enjoy an early breakfast at 7 in our hotel and sit in the shade by the pool. On the road soon after 7.30 and make our way through the streets of Sparta towards the Langada Pass. We did this 4 years ago and it was the peak of our challenge. This year it seems less so! Luckily the steep sides of the gorge offer cool shade and a gentle breeze as we loop up and up at a steady gradient along the hairpins. We see goats and even a wild tortoise! Plenty of stops for drinks and refuelling. It is majestically scenic. 3 hours later we summit and are pleased to do so! A long sweep down and we’re in Kalamata for a late lunch on the beach. I am so relieved that we managed it! We have an Aperol Spritz by the sea. The town is humming with life now and we discover that Greek school holidays started this week. Supper by the marina in a restaurant we visited last time. Perhaps more Italian than authentic Greek but delicious and probably time for a change. I’m looking forward to not setting an alarm tomorrow!