The weather was optimal, turnout great and the flowers of spring in abundance. Yet, despite the attractions all along our path at the dam and lake of Lefkara, the most striking impression was the level of water, around 5 metres below normal, a sad consequence of poor rainfall this winter. Compliments to Antonis for leading the event and to Nicoletta and Luc for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/madari-teisia-circle-16-march/

There is a 200 years old pine tree along the path from Asinou to Agios Theodoros, which hikers marvel at, at every visit, a few minutes before the conclusion of the hike. Not this time. The pine is now entirely dried; a victim of the invasive caterpillar, which we also spotted around? Then there was the stream, traditionally with a flow of water, but this time dry. Besides these injuries, the Club welcomed again a cheerful group of regulars, newcomers and persons returning. Compliments to Antonis for leading the event and to Petros and Anna for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/lefkara-dam-10-march/

The hike along Pedieos Gorge on 25 Feb. offered many rewards. The river flow, with its mini waterfalls. Vegetation in abundance, with the sighting of orchids. Mild weather. A stop at Afxentiou’s hideout. The visit to Mahairas monastery. The variety of conversations, epitomized by plenty of humour. Compliments to Victor for steering the activity and to Elena and Anna for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/panagia-asinou-agios-theodoros-2-march/

If you had hiked to Kakokefalos every time this Club conducted the specific activity, you would be bringing to memory an occasion with torrential rain, another under steady rain, one under unbearable sunshine, yet another on snowy terrain. So much so that the climb on 11 Feb. in moderate weather came as a welcome change, even if participants were uncertain as to whether this was a protracted Autumn or an early Spring. Despite the destination’s reputation (and name), there was a very large turnout as well. Compliments to Antonis for his leadership, and to Petros for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/pedieos-gorge-mahairas-monastery-25-feb/

A very large gathering of Strollers, regulars and newcomers, from over 12 nationalities, walked around Cape Greco on 3 Feb. There were several rewards: noteworthy the various shades of blue of the sea, the flowers of narcissus (matsikorido) and what took place inside the green door. Compliments to Nicos for leading the day and to Antonis, Nicoletta and Anna for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/mandra-kampiou-kakokefalos-11-feb/

Prompted by a vivid description inside two churches on the World Heritage list, all participants had the opportunity to reflect inside their inner selves. The soothing effect from this exercise was all around, and contributed to a remarkable lunch experience. Compliments to Nicoletta, Petros and Nicos for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/cape-greco-konnos-bay-circle-3-feb/

It is a nice feeling to see proof that your Club cares for you, in more ways than you thought. This caring came into action on 20 Jan. at Mandra Kampiou twice. First, when two of us stayed behind at start to wait for a member who had lost her way. Then, when another member turned back to hide behind a bush, and consequently two of us stayed put at the next junction, to ensure she wouldn’t miss the correct direction. Compliments to Antonis for leading the day, and to Nicoletta, Angelos, Anna and Petros for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/galata-kakopetria-cultural-romantic-stroll-28-jan/

For the start of Season 20, we had a large gathering of Club regulars and newcomers, from 12 nationalities. There were plenty of thrills during the two hikes and also over lunch, epitomized by the contribution from Santanu who, inspired by the Ithaca trail recited for all the story and last verse from the poem Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson (English poet, 1809-1892). Here follow the final six verses, for the edification of all:

Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’

We are not now that strength which in old days

Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

One equal temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Compliments to Lydia, Janet and Xenophon for donating the three gifts for the three winners from our Vasilopita. Good luck to the winners and to all members. Compliments also to Petros and Anna for the photos. Join us next here https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/mahairas-mandra-kampiou-circle-20-jan/