Our small resort....

Our beautiful cliff walk and surrounding heathlands were badly destroyed by a fire that spread really quickly throughout the day due to the continuing very strong winds.

We had returned to Scala for the day. The sea was extremely rough and winds were strong but the sun shine and we enjoyed the day. We visited the remains of Roman villa dating back to 2AD and discovered other parts previously missed. The back streets were fascinating...lots of des res to restore!

The bus arrived to take us back home. Except it wasn't going anywhere as roads into Katelios were closed due to the fire. It had obviously not been put out....No taxis were leaving Scala and those willing to take the very long way round, were charging €550.

We've walked the 7km between Katelios and Scala before so decided we'd get back that way. Fine, until we got about two thirds of the way and met police stopping cars going further. By this time, we could see the fire. We knew there was a beach route and took that, eventually reaching our Mounda beach and cliff walk. We knew time was against us as it was dusk, and also the sky was very red from the flames. On the cliff we could see them clearly and heading our way.

How relieved we were to get down to the beach nearest home and to see safety. All accommodation on our side had been evacuated and everyone was in the resort and told to stay put. My photo shows the fire from our main street, police guarding the way to any exit. We joined others from our accommodation who had been told to leave around 5pm when the wind direction changed and brought the flames nearer.

Eventually, at around 11pm the flames died down and we were given permission to return home.

An awful thing to see and there has been big damage to the area, but very little loss of homes and no danger to life.

We are all safe, and indeed thank God for his care. There were only two tavernas with power and we were wonderfully looked after.

We shall be thinking of all who live in this very small fishing village and who will have been extremely anxious and frightened.

Posted Friday morning....