The excursion of Sunday 13 May offered several weather changes; the forward leg of the hike was dry; the return leg was very wet, just as forecast; and then the sun came out, over lunch. This was also Mother’s Day and here are some contributions from our members:

*In the presence of a mother, we feel that our childhood has not all departed

*Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my mother after all.. (an expression of the sentiment that a woman eventually grows up to be like her mother-sooner or later)

* When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be, whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken-hearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be

For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be

(John Lennon and Paul McCartney both lost their mothers as teenagers)

The excursion of Saturday 5 May in the forest near Kykkos monastery offered surprises and rewards, some unforeseen. Prime among them was the family of mouflons (the endemic wild goats) that the front of our line succeeded in seeing, as they were running away from human intrusion, faster than we could focus our cameras. Such was the luck bestowed on Stavros, our 1^st time leader; such are the delights of daring into nature with the Cyprus Strollers. Compliments to Stavros, who enjoyed this experience to the full; compliments also to Antonia, Christine and Clara for the photos. Join us on 13 May at Platania https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kakopetria-platania-spilia-13-may/

When Jackie, a very dear Cyprus Stroller announced her move from Nicosia to a village near Paphos, a couple of years back, we couldn’t have thought that the day would come when, on Saturday 21 April, she would be leading a very large group of members on a delightful new trail around Ezousa, that she had discovered and qualified to the standards of your favourite club. Such are the wonders of life. The hike offered a variety of flowers, including a couple of species of orchids, vineyards and cane plantations, the very large meteoric rock of Episkopi with a church on its top, several humorous moments, valuable clouds that protected us from the sun, and Jackie’s well researched choice of taverna. Compliments also to Maria, Christine and Maria L for the photos. Join us on 29 April on the Grand Circle https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/madari-grand-circle-29-april/

Walk Leader telling a story

How many places on earth can one find to offer eight Renaissance churches, within the confines of one easy stroll? Such was the magic of Galata on Sunday 15 April. A very large group of Strollers, including several newcomers, enjoyed the sunny day, the expert’s narration inside Panagia Podithou, the river streams, the stone bridges and buildings, and a delicious lunch. Compliments to Christos, Evi, Maria and Maria L for the photos. Join us on 21 April at Ezousa https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/jackies-ezousa-stroll-21-april/

The Cyprus Strollers celebrate the outdoors and each weekend we seek opportunities to meet and go to places we have never thought about going to! Saturday 31 March was another great day with the club visiting the Akrotiri Salt Lake, a small corner of the island with a unique ecosystem and significant wildlife. With the sun shining, a cool breeze in the air and the smell of the sea in our nostrils we reached the chapel of the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, aka of the cats, started long lasting friendships with the cats, and then hiked back along the gentle beach. On the way we passed many brave, early swimmers splashing in the waves or sunbathing, and some of us exercised a bit of a treasure hunt, beachcombing. Fish and seafood with splendid sea view was waiting for us at the end of our exercise. Compliments to Koula for leading the outing and composing the summary and to Maria and Clara for the photos. Best Easter wishes to every club member and family. Join us on 15 April at Galata https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/galata-kakopetria-cultural-stroll-15-april/

Our excursion of 11^th of March offered a very large group of Strollers, old and new, the opportunity to explore the beautiful area of Cape Greco, at a time that nature is at its best. Climbing to the top of the cliff, down to the church of Agioi Anargyroi, round to Konnos and as far as the occult Cyclop’ s Cave, we experienced the rebirth of nature under the warm sun and the watchful eye of a proud eagle flying over us throughout our meanders. In the end, we shared our experiences and food in a picnic that brought us even closer. All in all this outing, full of colors and local smells right next to the sea, generated the warm feeling our Sunday had become somehow bigger than one day! Compliments to Christos for leading the hike, to Evi for this summary and to Antonia and Nana for the photos. Join us on 17 March at Platres https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kryos-potamos-caledonian-waterfall-pouziaris-trail-17-march/