Found an amazing gorge and hiking trail in the middle of the Peloponnese. Stayed at a camper stop at Taverna Koustenis, Dimitsana (evidently the birthplace of the Greek struggle for independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821). Walked the first section of the Menalon Trail 9.5 miles, total ascents of 3,000 feet and visits to three monasteries ( one from 983AD built into the rock face now just ruins, and the other two still active. The monks at the Prodromou monastery provided coffee and loukoumi.
Spring flowers on the Menalon Trail 
Philosophou monastery perched on the cliff 
Prodromou monastery built into the cliff face of the gorge 
Prodromou monastery 
Valerie in her wraparound at the monastery (women can’t wear trousers) 
Front door of Podromou Monastery with bullet holes 
Prodromou monastery
