On Sunday 3 May the Cyprus Strollers conducted their first ever hike in the Marathasa area. The trail took place on the hills above the village of Gerakies, famous for its production of the local sweet soutzioukkos, made from grape juice and almonds. We climbed as high as 1100 m altitude and concluded with a picnic at Xerargaka picnic site. Apart from the usual pleasures, we encountered a chameleon and passed by almond trees bearing their fresh fruit. Compliments to Amanda, Despina and Alex for the photos.

The excursion of Saturday 25 April covered 2 hikes, near one another, on the south slopes of Mahairas; nature was at its best, the weather fine and the pleasure double. The encounter of the cave was a not-so-common experience. The picnic at Kionia offered a large variety of tastes, to wrap-up the day. Compliments to Yiannis for the cave photo.

A courageous team of Strollers, from 5 nationalities, performed the Grand Circle of Madari on Sunday 19 April, to perfection! The hike took 6 hours, including the picnic. The weather was sunny throughout. The vegetation was abundant and splendid; the trees (pine, golden oak, cedar, strawberry) provided shade in many places, while the flowers (incl. orchids) offered a beautiful palette of colours. Compliments to Chistos for the photos.

Charcoal making furnace

A large group of Strollers had a splendid day on Sunday 5 April, visiting the Sea Caves and hiking along the coastline towards Cape Greco and the small church of Agioi Anargyroi, where we ended up for the picnic. The appeal of the Cyprus Strollers is broadening steadily; this time we welcomed members from 2 additional nationalities.

We walked the tough trail from the village of Fikardou to the village of Lazanias, then down to the river bed towards Mahairas and back, involving several demanding uphill and downhill sections, on Saturday 28 March. Hiking poles proved a good tool. There were plenty of interesting things to photograph. We experienced rain during the initial 20 minutes, and crossed the river stream safely. A bite of chocolate was a well-deserved reward at stops.

The Cyprus Strollers celebrated the spring equinox on Troodos, on Sunday 22 March, with two hikes. The first was at an altitude of 1050 m and reached the Myllomeris waterfall, with much of the trail alongside the river stream. The second trail was circular, at an altitude of 1650 m, at Kampos Livadiou, and offered the sensation of walking on snow at some parts, and some splendid views northwards. The outing was capped by a picnic. Compliments to George for the waterfall photo.

Tree with its roots exposed, by the river stream

There were many thrills for the Cyprus Strollers on Amiantos, on Sunday 15 March: an energetic hike, a sunny day, the hospitality of the botanical garden, the well-deserved picnic, plus a bonus second hike, nearby, which reached an impressive river stream, reputed to have been the bathing place of eagles. Compliments to Despoina for the photos.