NEOHORI, RIGLIA & AGHIOS NIKOLAS

TUESDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER NEOHORI AND RIGLIA

Another large turn out forced us to change our walk again this week. There were 32 people and JJ the dog who assembled outside the Lefktron Hotel Stoupa for this weeks Mani walk. So after a quick phone call to arrange lunch, we began our climb from Stoupa through the olive groves to Neohori. It was a very hot day with no cooling breeze, so there were plenty of rest stops on the way up. Including a chapel which was still decorated up from a wedding the previous Sunday. A quick refreshment stop out side the kafenion in Neohori before we continued our climb to the little chapel under Pyrgos. A longer rest to admire the view and then it was all down hill from there heading for the village of Rigli. Another stop for drinks at another kafenion (poor lady was doing her ironing when 32 thirsty walkers arrived). Then we had a gentle stroll down to Aghios Nikolas and lunch at Nostimos. After lunch the final trek back to Stoupa via the coastal path.

PIGI, PLATSA & AGHIOS DIMITRA

TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER PIGI, PLATSA & AGHIOS DIMITRA

Well what a day! This was the largest walk we have ever had 40 people attended the walk. Which saw us start at Pantazee beach and walk the kalderimi up to Pigi where we had a short break. We then climbed up to Platsa. For a ice cream  break at Yorgios's supermarket. After a visit to one of Platsa's small churches. We then began our descent to Aghios Dimitra and lunch at the taverna at Pantazee beach. Thanks to everyone who helped ferry people to and from the start.

EXTRA WALK SOTIRIANIKA TO ALTOMIRA

SOTIRIANIKA TO ALTOMIRA THURSDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER


This was one of our extra walks that we do from time to time, it enables us to do full day walks.
Thursday walk saw 8 of us tackle the mighty climb up the kalderimi from Sotirianika to Altomira. After a nice sedate walk through the village of Sotirianika we then started the climb up to Altomira, we met an old lady collecting carub pods near the bottom of the walk (see photos). On the climb up we encountered several fallen down pine trees which blocked the path. At the top we took a well earned rest at a small chapel and were joined by a local goat herd. (Shade of the "Sound Of Music). We then continued on into the village of Altomira, on the way stopping to pick grapes from a vine growing up a walnut tree. We stopped for lunch in Altomira in the square shaded by a Plane tree, where some locals brought out some wine and tomatoes for us. We then started our descent by road back to Sotirianika passing the monastery of Aghios Georgios. Also on the way down some of us took advantage of an overflowing water tank to have a quick shower. The whole walk took just over 6 hours.

VYROS GORGE

VYROS GORGE TUESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2012

Tuesday's walk saw us tackle the wonderful Vyros Gorge from the bottom end in Kardamilli.This was an idea given to us by one of our frequent walkers Liz, and with Steve having a short break it seemed a good idea. So it was announced at the start that Liz would act as walk leader. (That came as a bit of a shock for Liz. Gotcha).
Enough of these ramblings I hear you say, (get on with it Dave).Apology's for being a day late.
Right, it was a well attended walk with 24 of us and for the dog lovers JJ. As already mentioned Liz lead us up Vyros gorge from Kardamilli to the Kikaki monastery where we took a short break. Then we travelled a little further up the gorge before taking the rising track which leads to Aghios Sophia, giving us some wonderful views down the gorge. After Ag Sophia we descended back to Kardamilli and lunch over looking the harbour at Diskouri Taverna. Thanks must go to Liz for leading the walk and helping out in general.