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.

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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

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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

A song for the Cyprus Strollers

It has been proven, via research by several US universities, that hiking promotes creativity. On the ‘Madari Grand Circle’ hike of 19 April, a song for the Cyprus Strollers was born. The song is sang to the tune of “When the Saints go marching in”. Read the lyrics and comment. Better still, join us in one of our upcoming excursions and sing along…

We are the Strollers, the Cyprus Strollers,

We are the Strollers hiking for fun,

We are hiking and singing,

The Cyprus Strollers hiking for fun

 

When the Strollers, the Cyprus Strollers,

When the Strollers go hiking up,

They will reach a summit,

The Cyprus Strollers go hiking up

 

A Brilliant turnout of Strollers at Konnos bay, on a sunny 8 March

There was a new record attendance for the Cyprus Strollers on Sunday 8 March. We walked a circular trail from Konnos bay to Cape Greco and then a linear trail to the cave of Cyclop. The weather was sunny, the coastline inviting, our spirits cheerful all along and the picnic invigorating. Compliments to Amanda and Christos for the photos.

CapeGreco-Kamara-Koraka2-lighterCapeGreco4-close-upCapeGreco1-8Mar15

Cape-Greco-Konnos-8Mar15