Greece - Day 25: A long way up the valley and some turtles

The morning was overcast and in the valley was still some fog, which made nice pictures. I hiked to Tripi, filled up on water and then descended down to a river through olive groves.
On the other side, I walked up along a little ridge and then the fun began. There was a marked path up the entire valley over a pass of over 1700 m. However, it is not in use frequently, so it was more a little hunt for trail markers than an actual path. But since the direction was clear, I walked my own route, finding markers once in a while. Exhausting but also really nice to walk "wild" again ;)
Today was an animal day: I saw my first living blindworm, there were lots of cows joining me along my hike, I saw several wild pigs, some with little piglets, and then I saw a turtle!!! I was totally happy about it and hadn't expected it.
Up on the pass there was a beautiful view back on the snow covered Taygetos mountains and even to the sea. The descend through rocks was well marked and brought me into the forest.7 I continued following the matkers into a dry river bed, but after having to crawl through 2 fences  I decided to take the road that runs parallel instead.
And then the surprise of the year: 2 turtles on the road, the male obviousely trying to copulate by biting the larger female turtle - not sure if that's right, but my guess! I watched the game quite a while, making videos. Some more road before I followed yellow markings to the little chapel Agios Panteleemon with a huge cross and nice view. I continued only shortlisted over the ridge before I set up my tent between some brushes. Just a little later, there fell some raindrops.

River below Tripi

"Trail"

I 'm always on orchid hunt

My first turtle in Greece!

That's where I cane up

Amazing views from the pass

Hard to see, but it's the sea!

Too many fences on this marked trail...

Watching 2 turtles  which at some point moved close up to my feet!

View from Agios Panteleemon