Atalanti North, a section of the 14km circular Atalanti trail, was the Cyprus Strollers’ choice for October 15. Over 40 Strollers (and two dogs) gathered at Troodos square and walked anti-clockwise just under 5km and back, for 9.5km worth of Troodos mountain rambling.

The route was a formula for stroller satisfaction – not too long, but not too short, not too steep and not too flat. But make no mistake: while it could be labeled as a one-size-fits-all trail, Atalanti North is far from monotonous. Gentle ups and downs took us through shady forest patches, as well as under the open skies or along sun-dappled paths, some smooth and wide, others bumpy and narrow.

This is a terrain that tells many silent stories. Moss covered tree trunks give evidence of the clean air. Hanging branches report the snowfall of many winters. Rock formations that burst out of nowhere are the stuff of geologists’ dreams. But you need absolutely no science to delight in the carpets of pine cones, the colours of wild apple trees and the therapeutic views to the summit of Olympus or the valleys below. And if it were possible to look into the Strollers’ minds, chances are, many were flirting with plans to complete the longer, but equally smooth and satisfying full Atalanti circle.

The variety then shifted from the trail to the table with a buffet lunch to end the hike and announce the next one. Compliments to Dina for creating this summary and to Koula, Nana and Clara for the photos. Join us on 21 Oct. at Kakopetria https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kakopetria-agios-nicolaos-platania-hike-21-oct/

bed of fallen pine cones

autumn colours

The excursion of Sunday 28 May at Almyrolivado, on Troodos mountain, marked the finale of the Jan-May 2017 season. The mood was joyful throughout the two hikes and the picnic that followed. The highlight of the day came at the end, when Christina presented a cake made for the occasion, to sweeten our teeth and seal the fond memories. All participants exchanged wishes for the summer period, and expressed the desire to meet up over the summer. The club also welcomed new members, and said goodbye to Kate, who returns to her teaching job in the USA. Compliments to Christina for the cake and to Koula for the photos.

Juniper 500 years 16 m 1.42m diameter

tree burnt by thunder

admiring a long view

‘The nightingales won’t let you sleep in Platres’, wrote famous Greek poet George Seferis (1900-1971). The singing of the birds along our hike of Sunday 21 May is just one of the reasons that made this excursion unrepeatable. There was also the music of the water flowing in Kryos Potamos river; the waterfall at Caledonian; the richness of vegetation, tall and low; the orchids; the fragrances, including that of curry from Helichrysum italica/Everlasting; the cool air; the impressive views of the village of Platres from the slopes of Pouziaris; the quality of the group of Strollers, including 3 elementary school kids and 4 dogs. But more than everything else, this specific outing will last in our memories as the trail discovered by Lowell, and led by him for the last time; we thank Lowell and wish him best of luck as he leaves Cyprus for his next assignment, at the end of this summer. Compliments to Nana and Marios for the photos. Join us on 28 May at Troodos for an end of season hike https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/troodos-almyrolivado-2-hikes-sunday-28-may/

A spectacular sight greeted the Strollers below the picturesque village of Platres on Saturday, 13 May. The Myllomeris waterfall is apparently the tallest in Cyprus with a 15 metre drop, and its effect on us was mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Some Strollers stood on the bridge, others perched on rocks and tree trunks, but everyone’s eyes were riveted on the tumbling, sparkling iridescence falling into a clear pool below. There was such joy and energy in that body of water cascading down the rocks!
We eventually dragged ourselves away for our second stroll at Kampos Livadiou near Troodos. Here tall dark pines gave us welcome shade with occasional open views towards Morphou. It was a circular even path but tricky to find at times, however Xenophon, expert leader that he is, led us back to our cars and to yet another feast at a nearby taverna, where we enjoyed vegetarian, fish and meat dishes and, as ever, wonderful fellowship.

Compliments to Mary for the summary above, and to Kate, Nicos, Nicos and Marios for the photos. Join us on 21 May at Caledonian https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/troodos-kryos-potamos-caledonian-waterfall-pouziaris-trail-sunday-21-may/