Temperatures were higher than desired, and there were no clouds. Despite this, turnout was very good on Saturday 14 May for the 2 hikes in the Amiantos area of Troodos. Strollers enjoyed the descent to the river bed, walk along the river and the picnic at Loumata ton Aeton. Join us on 22 May at Platres.
A large, committed group of Strollers accepted the challenge of the hardest hike of the year on Sunday 8 May. The perfect weather conditions – cool, cloudy, with a brief spell of rain – helped our performance and we completed the Grand Circle of Madari in record time. Rewards were plentiful: beautiful orchids, a carpet of moss, magnificent forest of cedars, golden oaks and pines and amazing views to Kyperounda village below, Madari summit Watch Station and more. Compliments to Christos for leading this excursion and to Christine and George for the photos. Join us on 14 May on Amiantos.
Walk leader on the job
through the cedars
artist’s view of Kyperounda
A large group of Strollers tackled the difficult hike from Fikardou through Lazanias to Mahairas monastery and back, in style. The rewards were plentiful: a feast of rock rose flowers, both pink and white, side by side at several places; the mesmerizing scent of pink rose flowers on a wild rose bush in Lazanias; sage and other flowers; almond trees bearing fruit; a choir of male frogs declaring their virility; the inspiring visit to Mahairas monastery, luckily at a time of prayer by monks in church. The outing was capped by a delicious, rich meal served at Agios Georgios taverna in Gourri, where several toasts were raised for George and George among us, given that 23 April is the day we celebrate Saint George. Compliments to Christine for the photos.
The club wishes all its members a Happy Easter on May 1.
Join us on 8 May, when we hike the Grand Circle of Madari.
vineyard
A large and cheerful group of Strollers participated in the club’s single annual visit to Marathasa valley. The first hike took place on the hills of Gerakies, through its vineyards. The second was in the orchards of Moutoullas, down to its streams with crystal clear waters. Compliments to Alex for leading this excursion and to Teresa, Christine and George for the photos. Join us on Mahairas mountains on 23 April.
Gerakies from above
Mathematics were applied to hiking on Saturday 9 April, in the outing at Kourdali and Adelphi forest. The formula -1 X -1 = +1 was verified, when two errors, a wrong starting point, and a wrong trail delivered a big positive, and turned a linear into a circular hike. Errors came about from the recent creation of a second hike, not far from the one intended. This misled the walk leader and took the group of Strollers up the new trail (only 700 m long); the errors were corrected when the group showed an excellent camaraderie, kept a cheerful attitude, and the walk leader succeeded in his selection of dirt roads, which connected with the intended destination. Thus, Strollers reached the guerilla fighters hideouts, and returned by the intended trail, consequently converting a linear hike into a more exciting, albeit longer, circular route.
The walk leader apologizes to participant Strollers for these errors. The walk leader apologizes also to those Strollers who had reached the correct starting point, because they had counted km correctly, as per instructions.
If you are one who feels that surprises like this one put more spice into the outings of the Cyprus Strollers, like participant Strollers felt at Kourdali, then join us at Gerakies on 17 April.
Vetch flowers (vikos, in Greek)
There was a record attendance for the seaside hike of Sunday 3 April at Konnos-Cape Greco. The Cyprus Strollers welcomed many newcomers, once more. Despite the temperature (~25 degrees) and the absence of clouds, in an area of low vegetation, Strollers completed the hike in good spirit, and enjoyed the picnic that followed. Compliments to George for leading this outing, for his generous offer of fruit during stops, and for the photos. Join us on 9 April at Adelphi forest.
There was a great turnout of Strollers, which included a cheerful group of university students, on Saturday 26 March. The hike from Platania to Doxa si o Theos was strenuous, but participants tackled it with the best of attitudes. Compliments to Laurent for leading this outing and to Koula for the photos. Join us on 3 April at Konnos bay.
A large and varied group of Strollers, of all ages and from 10 different nationalities gathered on Sunday 20 March; hiking involved the visit to a cave and the conquering of two summits, offering rare 360 degree views, on the south slopes of Mahairas; our accomplishment went well beyond, and peaked with a gourmet picnic, the epitomy of generosity of so many Strollers. Compliments to Alex, Koula, Marina and Gerard for the photos. Join us at Platania on 26 March.
The essential walk leader briefing before walk start
Walk leader identifying a location at a viewpoint
Alex, last survivor out of the cave
Strawberry tree flowers
One aspect of a very gourmet picnic; Patricia’s contribution
There was so much to enjoy on the hike from Stavros Agiasmati to Panagia Araka, in Pitsilia, on Saturday 12 March. The 2 churches, on the World Heritage list; the lovely trail in dense forest of pine trees, golden oak, mediterranean hawthorn and other trees; the abundance of beautiful shrubs and flowers; the outstanding long views at villages across, over a large section of the path; the spring weather. A rich meal at Fountoukia taverna in Saranti was a well-deserved reward for the Strollers, at the end. Join us on 20 March on Mahairas.
Asphodel
Arabis purpurea-dakria tis Panagias
Sea squill-avroshilla
So many elements combined on Sunday 6 March to turn a plain hike along dirt roads in the fields of Delikipos, into a memorable experience: a feast of lavenders in bloom, the rare sighting of orchids, a double-arched old bridge, and the croaking of a choir of male frogs in a pond! Add to these the joyful conversations of the Strollers, and the picnic of a rich assortment of food, and you have an outing worth repeating. Compliments to Alex for the photos. Join us on 12 March at Pitsilia.
The Cyprus Strollers 