Our hike of Sunday 3 March took us to the slopes of Delikipos. Ignoring alarming weather forecasts of thunderstorms and high winds, an impressively large group of Strollers were rewarded with a rain-free day out, and not a breath of wind, so we gradually discarded layers of insulation and waterproofing as we walked.

And what a walk it was! We wandered freely beneath the pine trees, keeping close to one of the many streams in the valley as it threaded its way through gorges, its gurgles harmonising with the croaking of frogs and the warbling of birds. Feeling sometimes like the first settlers of thousands of years ago, we picked our way among the first flowers of spring, scrambled up rocky slopes to commanding ridgeways, then down again to search for the easiest way to cross yet another stream. The only clues that we were not in the Stone Age were the fields of barley we passed and the plastic bottles. Ah yes, the litter. Tin cans, gun cartridges and bottles large and small, we collected as much as we could carry.

For much of the year the streams disappear, of course, but the magical valley is waiting for our return. Compliments to Ian for leading the excursion and writing this summary. Special mention must go to Sasha, who fearlessly got his own feet wet to create stepping stones and give a helping hand to everyone, to keep their feet dry crossing the eight or so streams we crossed: a true display of Strollership.Compliments also to Thalis, Maria, Daniela, Nicoletta, Jessica and Stathis for the photos. Join us on 9 March in Paphos https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/panagia-9-march/

Sasha helping Anastasia