Day 13, Searching for the Arc-by-the-Sea

Let's begin with a soft-colored hibiscus. 

Oddly enough, on that same bush, was this coral colored hibiscus. 

I spotted a flowering bush i didn't recognize.  Turns out, it's a type of bougainvillea. 

I woke up with a head cold, apparently. Arrrg! I was slow moving. My head felt like a football. Eating a late breakfast gave me some energy, thankfully. 

Late this morning we donned our swimsuits, hopped in the rental car, and headed to Paros Park, a nature reserve not too far from Naousa, like 20 minutes. It was hot out (about 88 degrees F) so upon arrival I immediately went in the crystal clear, turquoise water. Aaaah.

I had noticed on Google Maps that a short hike away was something called Arc-by-the-Sea, complete with photos. It looked beautiful! It was reported to be a 16 minute hike, mostly hugging the coast but at the end going up and over the small mountain. Sounded good to us. So we found the trail, next to a swing over the water (photo later on, keep reading) and we began our hike, me still wearing my swim suit with a cover-up and my water shoes. Not exactly hiking garb, but hey! It's only 16 minutes there so no problem.

This is our starting out view.

Oh wait, this is the swing hanging over the water. Lovely!

Our view after 5 or so minutes. 

We met a few fellow hikers and asked them if they had seen the Arc. No, they replied, with puzzled looks. They'd never heard of it. Really?

Our view after 25 minutes. Still no Arc. Hmmmm.

After 30 minutes we came upon another beach. We were hot and sweaty so we both took a dip. I forgot to take photos. 🫢 There was another couple there at the little beach who swam like Olympians. They knew nothing about the Arc. By this time, we decided to give up on that elusive $#@! Arc and head back to our car. No Arc for us, sadly.

We then drove to the port of Paros, bought some groceries (much cheaper here than in chic Naousa and more inventory). Nick checked out the ins and outs of taking a ferry to Antiparos tomorrow while I sat by the water. We ate lunch (I had grilled sea bream--yum!) and headed for our apartment late afternoon, my head cold demanding I take it easy.

Early evening, I didn't want to fall asleep yet (oh, my body certainly did but my brain nipped that idea in the bud) so we went for a slow walk down the meandering walkways of Naousa. We ended up at FOTIS All Day Bar, which was wonderful. Right on the water and the lights of Mykonos off in the distance. 

Another view from our cozy seats at the bar.

But alas, my body eventually convinced my brain to go home. 

Carol