The excursion of Sunday 13 May offered several weather changes; the forward leg of the hike was dry; the return leg was very wet, just as forecast; and then the sun came out, over lunch. This was also Mother’s Day and here are some contributions from our members:

*In the presence of a mother, we feel that our childhood has not all departed

*Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my mother after all.. (an expression of the sentiment that a woman eventually grows up to be like her mother-sooner or later)

* When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be, whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken-hearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be

For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be

(John Lennon and Paul McCartney both lost their mothers as teenagers)

The excursion of Saturday 5 May in the forest near Kykkos monastery offered surprises and rewards, some unforeseen. Prime among them was the family of mouflons (the endemic wild goats) that the front of our line succeeded in seeing, as they were running away from human intrusion, faster than we could focus our cameras. Such was the luck bestowed on Stavros, our 1^st time leader; such are the delights of daring into nature with the Cyprus Strollers. Compliments to Stavros, who enjoyed this experience to the full; compliments also to Antonia, Christine and Clara for the photos. Join us on 13 May at Platania https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kakopetria-platania-spilia-13-may/