We made it. Barely.
The hike to the lighthouse, at southernmost point of mainland Greece, was supposed to take thirty minutes. The strong winds and “bed of nails” rocky path (my brother-in-law’s description) made it much longer.
We had a leisurely drive on winding mountain roads from our Home Exchange house about halfway down the Mani Peninsula, also known as the middle finger of the Peloponnese. The scenery was stunning as we passed through seaside villages, an abandoned mountain town, and one olive grove after another.
On the hike to the lighthouse, we were reminded of visiting the Cliffs of Moher last year, but without the paved path, protective fences, and visitor center.
A nice bonus of Home Exchange is discovering places like the Mani Peninsula. It’s not part of your typical Greek holiday, so there are fewer tourists and plenty of turquoise-water beaches, natural beauty, and fresh-caught seafood, fava, and other specialties.
We’ve settled into a comfortable pattern during our six days in Mani: lazy mornings with good coffee at the house, drives to local sites and a long late-afternoon Greek lunch, evenings watching the ever-changing view from our seaview stone house while feeding the local cats and planning the next day.
The outside world is never far away, however. We always hear the military jets flying high above before we see them, reminding us of the nearby war and the immense suffering being inflicted on people in settings just as beautiful as Mani.
And so after the long walk to the lighthouse, it seemed appropriate to take this selfie at the tip of the middle finger, and you can imagine who we might have been thinking of at that moment.
Click on the first image to open the gallery.
April 1, 2026 @ 07:59
The pictures are spectacular Thank you
April 1, 2026 @ 13:54
Thanks!
April 1, 2026 @ 13:57
And happy belated birthday!! 🎂
April 1, 2026 @ 08:13
Beautifully written and photographed as always, Tim. Regards to your travelling companions. My daughter and I second and third your middle finger salute to the chubby orange speed bump in our nation’s great history! (Your sister is great at those selfies!)
April 1, 2026 @ 13:55
Nicely put! Some day you’ll join us on one of these adventures. (And Kathy predicted you would love this post in particular.)
April 1, 2026 @ 09:41
Thanks for your ever-amazing photos!
Pam
April 1, 2026 @ 13:55
And thanks for your comments and compliments.
April 1, 2026 @ 11:31
The pictures are stunning! Enjoyed reading about your wonderful trip. xox
April 1, 2026 @ 13:57
We think of you often and having you join us on an adventure soon.
April 1, 2026 @ 23:47
Loved the 2 cute photo
You all look very happy
I really would have been 20 hours behind on that rocky trip to the middle finger!
Glad you all made it… you all look great!
Happy Easter coming!!!
Love
Fellow future traveler
VickyAnn
April 7, 2026 @ 15:07
❤️
April 6, 2026 @ 14:21
Just getting to this one – fabulous pictures as always! (I did love the “middle finger” shot – too funny!)
April 7, 2026 @ 15:10
We needed a laugh after that long hike.
April 21, 2026 @ 18:52
Greece is definitely on our bucket list! Thanks for the gorgeous pics! Catching up on your posts……we are just back from a 15-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruise……12 ports! I’m channeling my inner Tim!
April 25, 2026 @ 15:03
Wow, you’re making the most of retirement. Glad to hear it. Where to next?
May 2, 2026 @ 20:12
Definitely not hating retirement! The next two are not as adventurous….Novia Scotia, Bermuda and Bahamas….the next big one may be the Panama Canal or the Mexican Riviera!
May 4, 2026 @ 15:21
I really loved Bermuda. Have fun!