A Definitively Memorable Outing – Larnaca Salt Lake Sat. 12 Dec.

The Cyprus Strollers participating in the outing of Saturday 12 December around the Larnaca Salt Lake had a truly memorable experience, which words and pictures cannot justly describe. About 15 min from start rain started, and we walked through some 15 min of heavy rain; this was quite a test, which forced everybody to bring out their personal best; including the walk leader, who offered a helping hand through a slippery muddy path. The delight of successfully stretching our limits was evident in the sparkling faces all around, throughout the rest of the hike. A rich meal, in which the goldfish was about the only thing missing frrom our plates, at Monte Carlo fish restaurant on the seafront, was a well deserved reward for all. Compliments to Efi, Marina and Hara for sharing their photos. Join us on Sunday 20 December at Old Nicosia, for the ultimate stroll of 2015.

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tree in Christmas colours

tree in Christmas colours

post-rain sparkling faces

post-rain sparkling faces

through the muddy soil

through the muddy soil

Monte Carlo goldfish

Monte Carlo parrot fish

 

A Fascinating Excursion – Asinou 6 Dec.

There was no exception this week: the Cyprus Strollers welcomed new participants, again. Yet, it was exciting to greet Marina, the youngest member, barely 2 years old, who got a lift from daddy. The excursion on Sunday 6 December was fascinating in all respects; the day was sunny and clear, enabling views to the north coast; attendance was large; the hike was challenging, in Adelphi forest, mainly of pine trees; and the meal was a deserved reward for all. Compliments to Laurent for leading the outing, and to Alex, Koula and Therese for supplying their photos. Join us on Saturday 12 Dec. at Larnaca Salt Lake.

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very clear day, view to the north coast

very clear day, view to the north coast

in the front, youngest Stroller carried by dad

in the front, youngest Stroller carried by dad

The youngest Strollers with parents, welcomed by our walk Leader

The youngest Strollers with parents, welcomed by our walk Leader

Divine pleasures on Pedieos gorge – Mahairas monastery hike, 28 Nov.

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.

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A Cheerful Experience – Troodos, Artemis 22 Nov.

A large group of Strollers enjoyed the pleasures of Artemis, the very popular trail on Troodos, and a rewarding buffet lunch on a bright Sunday 22 November. Compliments to Amanda, our walk leader, for taking good care of this excursion. Compliments to Amanda and Alex for the photos. Join us on 28 Nov. on Pedieos gorge to Mahairas.

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Embracing a 500-years-old pine tree

Embracing a 500-years-old pine tree

Xenophon telling story of Venetian wall ruin

Xenophon telling story of Venetian wall ruin

Kornos new hike 14 Nov.

“Εμείς γι’ αλλού κινήσαμε γι’ αλλού, κι’ αλλού η ζωή μάς πάει…” are the words of a very sweet Greek song. Loosely translated, they tell ‘we set off for one path, but life did not happen as we desired’. This summarizes the hike of Saturday 14 November; under a bright sun, which was brighter than desired, we hiked a different path than planned, at a tangent. The path we walked turned out to be rather more interesting, since it was along hills with pine trees. The Cyprus Strollers welcomed three new members, had a good time and thoroughly enjoyed our picnic at the Kornos picnic site. See you on 22 Nov. on Troodos, Artemis.

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Sunshine, seaside and a pirate boat – Sea Caves hike 31 Oct.

The excursion to Thalassines Spilies (Sea Caves) and Cape Greco on Saturday 31 October took place in full sunshine, and followed a path along the coast, with the sea very inviting in its turquoise colours. The group enjoyed many aspects, the visit to the coastal church of Agioi Anargyroi, as well as the picnic. The walk Leader had arranged everything nicely, with the epitomy being the Pirate Boat which entered the Sea Caves bay coincidentally with the Strollers! Compliments to Koula for the photos. See you on Sunday 8 Nov. at Atalanti. SeaCaves-pirate-boat

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The walk Leader with the Club Organizer

The walk Leader with the Club Organizer

Looking higher

Looking higher

Sea Fennel

Sea Fennel

 

 

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.

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Chestnut fruits

Chestnut fruits

Red-grapes

A Sparkling Start on Troodos – Prodromos on 3 Oct.

The Cyprus Strollers had a very rich experience, from several angles, on the 1st excursion of the new season, on 3rd October: a wonderful turnout, made of regular members and first time Strollers; also participating were friends from a similar hiking club in Israel; all together, we had Strollers from 4 different Continents; logistics worked out smoothly; the hike was beautiful, in fresh weather conditions; the picnic was rewarding, and included the highlight of smoked salmon, fished in Alaska by Ian, during his recent trip! Compliments to Amanda, Jiawei and Koula for the photos.

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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.