A cloudy sky and a gentle wind, which prevented precipitation, contributed to the enjoyment of two hikes on the south slopes of Mahairas, on Saturday 8 April. The club wishes you a Happy Easter. Join us on 23 April at Platania https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/platania-kyperounda-doxa-si-o-theos-sunday-23-april/
We set off from the abandoned, wistful-looking monastery climbing up along the winding ridge towards Kionia, through a riot of wild flowers and panoramic views. The clear day presented us with beautiful open vistas of pine covered slopes, angular rock formations and distant views of the sea. The higher we climbed, the more impressive became the jagged rocks with their clumps of delicate, purple Arabis Purpurea flowers, known by the more romantic name of Tears of Jesus’s Mother. During our hike we moved from bright sunlight to dappled shade, from Golden Oaks glistening in the sun, to the stillness of the forest where tall pines spread their aromatic scent and whispered in the gentle breeze. The last couple of kilometers downhill were more challenging but we eventually sat down to a veritable feast at Steki tou Marinou to enjoy home-cooked starters, delicious vegetables and fish and, more importantly, very convivial company. The red wine flowed and Xenophon called upon a number of the group to say a few words to capture the highlights of the day. All Strollers cheered Ian, our very capable leader on this rather tough, yet most enjoyable hike. Compliments to Mary for this write-up and to Christine, Marios and Patrick for the photos. Join us on 2 April on Pitsilia https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/pitsilia-stavros-tou-agiasmati-panagia-tou-araka-linear-trail-sunday-2-april/.
The Kapedes – Agios Onoufrios hike of Saturday 19 November offered the challenges of steep uphill and downhill, as announced in advance. The group of Strollers enjoyed the exercise and the discovery of each person’s extra strength. Compliments to Christine and Koula for the photos. Join us on 27 Nov. at Asinou https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/adelphi-forest-walk-panagia-tis-asinou-agios-theodoros-sunday-27-nov/ 
Living through a period of protracted drought, there was a sigh of relief on Saturday 5 November among all Strollers who saw and also heard the sound of water, little as it was, as we hiked along the gorge of Pedieos river. There were plenty of other excitements, turning this long hike into a much liked outing. Compliments to George for leading and to Marios, Dina and Koula for sending their photos. Join us on 13 Nov. at Cape Greco https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/cape-greco-sea-caves-trail-sunday-13-november/
Mahairas monastery
Endemic cyclamen
A large group of Strollers tackled the difficult hike from Fikardou through Lazanias to Mahairas monastery and back, in style. The rewards were plentiful: a feast of rock rose flowers, both pink and white, side by side at several places; the mesmerizing scent of pink rose flowers on a wild rose bush in Lazanias; sage and other flowers; almond trees bearing fruit; a choir of male frogs declaring their virility; the inspiring visit to Mahairas monastery, luckily at a time of prayer by monks in church. The outing was capped by a delicious, rich meal served at Agios Georgios taverna in Gourri, where several toasts were raised for George and George among us, given that 23 April is the day we celebrate Saint George. Compliments to Christine for the photos.
The club wishes all its members a Happy Easter on May 1.
Join us on 8 May, when we hike the Grand Circle of Madari.
vineyard
A large and varied group of Strollers, of all ages and from 10 different nationalities gathered on Sunday 20 March; hiking involved the visit to a cave and the conquering of two summits, offering rare 360 degree views, on the south slopes of Mahairas; our accomplishment went well beyond, and peaked with a gourmet picnic, the epitomy of generosity of so many Strollers. Compliments to Alex, Koula, Marina and Gerard for the photos. Join us at Platania on 26 March.
The essential walk leader briefing before walk start
Walk leader identifying a location at a viewpoint
Alex, last survivor out of the cave
Strawberry tree flowers
One aspect of a very gourmet picnic; Patricia’s contribution
The weather forecast was proven right this time. Some 15 min. after we set off on the climb from Mandra Kampiou at Mahairas mountains, on Sunday 21 February, the sky opened. Down came rain, as cold as snow, which soon after turned into sleet. The large group of brave Strollers continued our ascent and were fortunate, in that half an hour further uphill we reached a hut, as expected. Even though the hut was no bigger than 3mX3m, 29 people and 3 dogs managed to find shelter and comfort under its roof. It was a memorable experience, since Strollers never came so close before. The buffet meal that capped this outing, in a hospitable taverna, warmed up by two fireplaces, was a well-deserved reward. Compliments to Laurent, for leading this excursion. Wondering where are the photos? Oh, dear, after this close experience, they would be too intimate to reveal… Join us on 27 Feb. on Troodos.
There was a large turnout, including several newcomers, on Saturday 28 November, on a sunny outing along Pedieos gorge to Mahairas monastery. Strollers discovered untapped strengths and enjoyed the 4-hours hike, the scenery of pine and other trees, the cyclamen flowers hiding under the trees, as well as our rich conversations and the monastery visit. Compliments to Christos for leading the walk and to Marina for the photos. Join us on 6 Dec. at Asinou.
On a hot Sunday, a brave group of Cyprus Strollers climbed from Mandra tou Kampiou to Kakokefalos summit and back. Even though the entire hike was in the forest of Mahairas, much of the trail was exposed to the sun, and there was not a single cloud. In terms of flowers, there was an abundance of rock rose (xistarka) and also several lavenders (lavandula, known in Cyprus as myrophora). Compliments to Despina, Alex and George for the photos.
The Cyprus Strollers 