Funautical: Off Road

Mother Nature has been quite unkind the last few months giving us no wind for sailing. I guess she really exhausted her breath way back in April when she was blowing at 25-30 knots most of the day. She has given no breeze at all since then and then there was wind. Wouldn't you know the moment I go on holiday she gets her breath back. I had a call from Hutchy while I was away, saying it was pretty windy in little old Guernsey but it was tipping it down with rain, (full report http://www.hutchsurf.blogspot.com/). On the other hand, I was basking in 24 degrees of Mediterranean sun, but I still felt like I was missing out on a sail

So, what's a Guernsey windsurfer to do on a Thursday morning when there's no wind in the Med?

First of all I must thank Jony O for the great off -road trip I did with Jen on Thursday.
Now, if you go for a pure adrenaline kick, I have just the thing for you. Off-road quad biking. Feel the adrenaline kick in on the steep slopes of the Cypriot mountains, breath in the fresh mountain air and be amazed by the variety of the landscape on the west coast of Cyprus. The Akamas mountains is a lumpy peninsula jutting into the sea and a protected area along the Mediterranean coast of Cyprus. The countless dirt roads offer stunning views of the coastline, they lead to immaculate beaches,and let you encounter the local inhabitants (goats and the odd donkey),or encourage you to kick up the dirt. Think of Cyprus and you probably think of an increasingly popular package holiday alternative to Spain. All sun sea and sand. Which is fair enough up to a point but as you may also know there is so much more to Cyprus than cheap packaged tat. (But don't expect to ever be much more than a stones' throw from it!) If you're into Outdoor adventure (and reading this means you most likely are) you probably also know that Cyprus offers some truly fantastic riding opportunities in its mountains. and it's a great playground all on it's own. We took a day off from ticky touring and went exploring it, leaving the tourists behind totally and devoting ourself to playing in the wilderness.
Picking up our quad bikes from Coral bay we hit the road and headed out, we passed the little fishing harbour of Agios Georgios and then hit the dirt to Viklari (The Last Castle) restaurant where we had lunch the day before.

Quite hard to get to by car (we had a 4x4) down a rough and bouncy track but well worth the trip. A truly great setting on the cliff tops above the Akama Gorge overlooking the sea. The food is simple and rustic. Grandad turns the barbecue spit whilst his children and grandchildren help in the kitchens and wait on the tables, which are flintstones style rock slabs, under a shady roof of grape vines. There isn't really a menu just barbecued meat or fish with Greek salad and home made chips, simple but delicious. The setting is stunning . I loved this place.

Heading North West about 5km ride from the end of the road from Agios Georgios you come across Lara Beach which is situated way beyond the popular resort are of Coral Bay, and divided by Cape Lara. Access is via rough tracks only (4x4 recommended). The bad news is, during the summer, you'll have to share the golden sands of the northern half of the beach. The good news is, you'll share it with rare sea turtles, who choose this picturesque beach as one of their last remaining nesting sites in south Cyprus. Backed with low cliffs, its a pretty beach with no vehicle access and selected pedestrian access points. During the breeding season, the entire beach is out of bounds as the young hatchlings struggle to the surface of the sands and begin their dangerous journey down to the surf. Leaving Lara bay behind we turned inland and headed up a step trail to Fontana Amoroza on reaching the top of the mountain pass you greeted by the most spectacular view of clear blue seas the make up the blue lagoon. We made it along the track to the Blue Lagoon. Admittedly the track was steep in places and the drop from the edge was “noticeable” (if picturesque), but we made it nonetheless. Humorously it is only when one reaches the other end and turns around that the ‘Dangerous Road, Do Not Enter’ sign is visible, but we didn’t die on the way home either.

After 3 hours of dirt being thrown in my face by Jen doing burn outs on her quad it was time for a beer and some lunch. We had reached the town of Latchi, otherwise known as Lakki or Latsi dependent on which map you are using!

Once a tiny fishing harbour, Latchi, has grown considerably over the past couple of years, yet still retains its unique charm. It was time to sit back and enjoy a seafood lunch at the harbour. Stopping off at one of the waterside tavernas it was time to tuck into a bowl of garlic prawns and calamari, washed down with a nice cold beer and watching the boats come in and out the harbour.
Then it was time to hit the road again for the journey back home.

Finger Bobs

Jen playing with her food