On the 25th anniversary from the demolishing of the Berlin Wall, the Cyprus Strollers walked in the only remaining divided capital city in Europe, with a wish that we may see the end of Nicosia’s division too. The day was so bright, and the Pedieos river banks trail enjoyable, with plenty of shade from the trees and some water flowing in the river, following the recent rainfalls.
We were a brave group, which walked in rain for the initial half hour or so in Mahairas forest on Saturday, 1 November. The rewards were plentiful: the sun came out, mushrooms were abundant, we spotted the first cyclamen flowers at one place, and saw the flight of a partridge family on our left, just before ‘conquering’ Kionia summit, with its dominant telecommunications sphere. The picnic was plentiful, with a large variety of goodies, and spirits flowing high, aided by the bottle of Cidre de Normandie, which we happily shared. Compliments to Aphrodite and Andreas for the photos.
Appetite for a well-deserved picnic
Just before conquering Kionia summit
Fun at the picnic site
A large, brave and spirited group defied all warnings about bad weather, and walked the Artemis circular trail on Troodos mountain, on 26 October. There were Strollers from 9 different nationalities! The weather came on our side, and there wasn’t a drop of rain.
500-years old pine tree
We had a fulfilling hike in Adelphi pine forest on 18 October, with the weather on our side; lunch was a superb experience at Forviotissa taverna and a super deal.
There was a fantastic turnout at Mahairas forest on a cloudy 12 October. After about one hour’s climb, we got caught up in rain, just as we were passing by the roofed stone shelter at Moutti Arkoelias hilltop, at an elevation of 880 m. We had a cheerful time inside the shelter, while we waited for the rain to stop. Some 20 minutes later, the group took the return path back, and was rewarded by a rainbow and a sumptuous meal at a nearby taverna.
The Cyprus Strollers 