Ordinary Sunday, Extraordinary Miles

Daily miles: 29.05 | Total miles: 11,812.67

I got up just after 6am and was out by 7:20am. A beautiful Sunday morning. One of those mornings that feels quiet in a deep, reassuring way.

I started along the coast, watching the sun rise over the water. Everything felt calm. I felt at peace with having the chance to experience such beauty on what, for most people, is just an ordinary Sunday morning. Just me on the road. Beauty all around. Time to think, time to be. Moments that will pass and never come back — but the experience stays with me forever.

Greece continues to surprise me. Along the way, I saw so many interesting buildings: abandoned infrastructure, demolished houses, unfinished structures, creative constructions, and suddenly, big mansions. There is so much to look at here — layers of history, ambition, decay, and imagination, all standing side by side.

I walked through a large oil refinery, with heavy infrastructure on both sides and a distinct industrial smell in the air. It felt raw and real — not pretty, but part of the landscape nonetheless. Not long after, I reached the submersible bridge of the Corinth Canal and crossed the famous four-mile-long canal, known for its dramatic vertical walls rising up to 90 meters high. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel small.

On the other side, I stopped for a cappuccino, then kept moving.

The scenery softened again as I walked through fields filled with thousands of olive trees and hundreds of citrus trees. Even in winter, I could sense the abundance of produce. I imagined how lush and green everything must be in summer, when nature is in full bloom and producing under the heat of the sun. The land feels generous here.

The little villages I passed were beautiful — especially the gardens. Despite the clouds, it never rained, and I stayed completely dry. A quiet gift.

I saw my sister at mile 11, 20, and 27. Those small moments of connection mean a lot. A bit of social time every now and then makes a big difference on long days like these.

At mile 29, we found a taverna. I went in and asked if we could park outside. Dimitris said, “Of course,” and showed us exactly where. The whole place was full of cats and dogs — instantly welcoming in its own way. Inside, Dimitris and his wife Georgia were having dinner, and they immediately served us food as well. The atmosphere was warm and kind, especially sitting beside the fireplace.

By the time we were back in the van, I was tired and happy. Coffee, tea, and soon it is time for sleep.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea