Day 434 – EU – Greece [Komotini to Platinitis]

12/06/21

34km

  From Komotini (Greece) to Platanitis (Greece)

Europe

Crossing the countryside under dark skies, then to the sea with awesome summery weather

Across the countryside

Dark skies again this morning as I set off. This is very unfamiliar to me. I lived in Greece for many years (near Athens) and I never knew there was such a difference of climate between northern and southern Greece. Apparently such cold and rainy days in June are quite common. Well, better than extreme hot temperatures I reckon!

Menacing skies all the way

I ran across the countryside for a while, fields of cotton, tobacco, lavender, many people working in the fields. It was quiet yet busy in a very subtle way. You’d stop by and then start seeing people all around, bend over in the fields, working hard. As I approached the coastline, a mighty wind started blowing. It did a great job at clearing all the clouds. By the time I sat down at the local taverna for lunch, it was all blue sky and sunshine!

Colourful and warm, the local tavernas

I am staying by the sea tonight in a lovely little house. The garden ends with a little staircase that goes down to a private beach, beautiful. And right across from the beach, in the distance, the island of Samothrace. It’s a bit misty today and it’s not very clearly visible. But this is a great island with a very rich history: the world famous satue of the Victory of Samothrace (with the wings) is currently displayed at the Louvre museum in Paris. I met with my hosts and discussed my journey with them.

They asked what route I will take tomorrow to Alexandroupoli and I gave them my itinerary. Many hosts ask and I always very gladly tell, maybe for safety reasons, but also because sometimes, they like to check on me. Very kind. Anyway I told them that I would be running on the coastal trail for the first 10 or 15km. They appeared horrified and warned me that three years ago, a british tourist died there after being attacked by stray dogs. A scary gruesome story, surely.

The view with Samothrace island in the background

Again, I have to manage the fears of others and my own fears and try to be reasonable. Apparently the accident happened at night. I could not find a lot from Google searches. I will be on my guard of course… But I try not to get overwhelmed – all I can do is mitigate the risks and let others know where I am. I’m sure I’ll be fine.

Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: