Spirits Flowing High, Despite Cold – Larnaca seaside stroll, 24 Jan.

It was a most memorable outing, in which the warmth which flowed from the inside prevailed over the very cold temperatures outside. The Cyprus Strollers bonding and cheer was prevalent in several ways on Sunday 24 January, on the stroll along the sea front in the city of Larnaca; temperatures rose high from the start, on the initiative of Koula, who brought the Vasilopitta, which we all shared, with a wish for many blessed activities in 2016; everybody gave a special cheer for Marina, who saw her luck delivering promises, as she found the coin hidden in the cake; our walk leader offered the group the gift of a visit inside the castle, along our way; and then there was nothing stopping the child in us, as we came across the new gym instruments installed on the pavement in Phinikoudes. A big cheer to Koula, Patricia and all participants, for your contribution in turning an otherwise ordinary stroll into an extraordinary experience. Join us on 30 Jan. at Athalassa.

Koula with Vasilopitta

Koula with Vasilopitta

Cyprus Strollers Vasilopitta

Cyprus Strollers Vasilopitta

Walk leader and Koula, with Vasilopitta

Walk leader and Koula, with Vasilopitta

Beauty with the coin

Beauty with the coin

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Vasso-GerardGerard-JaimeKoula

low tide

low tide

Happy New Year to all Strollers!

Best wishes to you, for health, joy and prosperity in 2016. The Cyprus Strollers have uploaded the Schedule for the new season January – May 2016, which you are invited to visit and download. We have scheduled 20 activities for the 5 months, of which 10 are to new destinations. Visit also the Activities Description section and download a complete set of instructions for any excursion that you select.

An Enlightening Stroll in Old Nicosia – 20 Dec. 2015

A large group of Strollers were led by Mary to unexplored parts of Old Nicosia and Kaimakli, on a sunny Sunday 20 December 2015. This was the last outing for 2015, and its cultural aspect made it all the more memorable. Compliments to Mary for a well researched and guided stroll, and to Amanda for sharing her photos. Best wishes to all Strollers for a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

rear

outside House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios

outside House of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios

our walk leader outside Santa Barbara church, Kaimakli

our walk leader outside Santa Barbara church, Kaimakli

our walk leader at a reenactment of 1900 period, with street vendor Gerard

our walk leader at a reenactment of 1900 period, with street vendor Gerard

 

A Wonderful Hike, along the Vineyards, 11 Oct.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable hike on 11 October, at Selladi Karamanli, in Pitsilia. We walked along a dirt road, which cuts across the rich vineyards, met local farmers picking their crop, who generously offered the group bunches of grapes. We enjoyed the exercise, the views, and the meal at the taverna. It was a very large gathering and the Cyprus Strollers welcomed many newcomers. Compliments to Amanda, for the photos.

ViewAmong-vines

Front-view-among-vines Grapes-eatingRear-view

Chestnut fruits

Chestnut fruits

Red-grapes

Exciting Highlights of the Season Starting 3rd October

Logo-Cyprus-Strollers-largeDear Strollers,

Lots of new and exciting things are happening, and here are a few highlights:

  • There are 12 excursions scheduled over October – December; of these, 6 are either entirely new or hikes containing new aspects
  • There are 8 different Walk Leaders, who are responsible for leading the Cyprus Strollers on these 12 activities; this represents a great accomplishment, and is a clear sign of the true hiking spirit, a spirit of togetherness, sharing and giving; please join me in applauding Amanda, Christos, Ian, Laurent, Lowell, Mary and Patricia, the Walk Leaders for October – December 2015, alongside Xenophon
  • In compiling the Schedule, effort has been made to plan repeat hikes on the alternate day of the weekend, than conducted before, following a request from members
  • On the inaugural hike on 3 October, and for the 1st time, we are offering participants the choice of selecting between a taverna meal or a picnic at the end; this choice is not feasible on many walks, but where possible, we can repeat the benefit
  • Also on the 3 October outing, and for the 1st time, we are offering a linear hike where we shall not walk back to the starting point, because it would make hiking too long and arduous; inadvertently, this calls for special driving arrangements and registering in advance; please study the instructions very carefully and abide by them, respecting the organizers’ efforts and other participants

In your evaluation and comments you also requested earlier start times, thus the usual start time for the car trip from Nicosia is 9:45 am. Several Strollers want an earlier start time particularly on hot days; with this in mind, the 3 October hike leaves Nicosia at 9:00 am. We shall continue to monitor weather conditions and bring about modifications, where possible.

Some of you prefer tavernas, others prefer picnics. We shall continue to offer both. A picnic is only possible, when the weather is fine. On some destinations, a picnic is chosen, because there is no taverna in the vicinity.

A few expressed a desire to move to a different taverna when we return to the same area, for the sake of variety. Unfortunately, this is not feasible; either because it is a burden to search for, get to know and agree with a new proprietor every time, or because some tavernas have limited space or limited menu. Importantly, no Stroller made a negative comment concerning our usual dining places.

Further to the novelties, there are a few things which remain unchanged, and characterize the Cyprus Strollers as a unique hiking club; among them:

  • Commitment to first-class planning and organization
  • Excursions alternate between Saturdays and Sundays, thus appealing to more people
  • Dedicated website, fully informed, well in advance, in English
  • Our caring, multinational character; we are open to Strollers of any nationality, both permanent residents, as well as visitors to the island
  • Shared passion for hiking and enjoying the Cyprus countryside, in pleasant company.

The Cyprus Strollers are committed to “Hiking made Pleasant”, our slogan. Please help us to carry on delivering on this promise, with your valuable contribution.

Thank you and enjoy the many walks in store.

A Bright New Season Coming Up Soon

Logo-Cyprus-Strollers-largeDear Strollers,

Hello and welcome back, after the summer break. The Cyprus Strollers are ready to kick-off their 3rd season of operation. Please visit the Activities Schedule section on this website, to view, download and study the program of weekly hiking activities for October, November and December 2015. For any activity that catches your attention, please visit the Activities Description section on this website, to view, download and read a complete set of instructions.

Thank you to all members who filled-in and sent their evaluation and comments.

Sand Dust Alert for 12 Sept.

The unprecedented levels of sand dust, covering the entire island since 7 Sept. are forecast to prevail throughout this week. Hence, we are raising this alert. In the event of high levels of dust on Saturday 12 September, the European Week of Sport hike on Pedieos will not go ahead.

You are advised to visit this website again on Saturday afternoon. In case of cancellation, there will be a new message posted. If the event goes ahead as planned, there will be no further messages.

Pedieos river hike 12 Sept. 17:30 hrs – an Extraordinary event

Join the Cyprus Strollers on Saturday 12 September 2015, on an extraordinary hike on the Pedieos river trail. The activity marks our club’s contribution to a European Week of Sport, from 7 to 13 Sept., aiming to promote sport and physical activity across Europe, under the slogan #BEACTIVE. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. Consequently, the Pedieos hike is easy and an excellent opportunity for anyone considering taking up hiking, to test themselves. For this event, The Cyprus Strollers cooperate with the Cyprus Mountaineering, Sport Climbing and Orienteering Federation. Visit the Activities Description section for full instructions.

EWOS-BEACTIVE-visual-blue

Memorable finale to this season’s Hikes – Platres Caledonian Waterfall, 31 May

A large group of Strollers took part in the excursion of 31 May, the last scheduled hike for the season January – May 2015. There were Strollers from 7 nationalities and 4 continents, giving the Cyprus Strollers a truly international identity. We hiked along Kryos Potamos river, all the way up from Platres to Troodos and back. The weather was idyllic, with clouds offering protection from the sun, later a few minutes of light rain, and then a beautiful mist. The outing ended with a full meze meal in a taverna. Compliments to Christos for leading the walk and Alex for the photos. Many thanks to Chrysi and Despina for choosing to surprise Xenophon with a delicious chocolate gateau, to celebrate one year of the club’s activities!Platres-Caledonian-hike-31May15

 

 

Cyprus-Strollers-gateau-31May15Cyprus-Strollers-tourta-Despina-Xenophon-Chrysi-31May15Platres-Caledonian-Trail-31May15