Sunday 22 October 2017. Today begins the 4th chapter of the Dutch volunteer journey on Andros with the aim of supporting the maintenance of our footpaths and spreading the word that Andros is an ideal destination for hiking with a welcoming local community who are actively engaged in the Andros Routes project.

These joint SNP(a Dutch hiking tour organisation) & Andros Routes volunteer experiences are organised every spring and autumn with 12 Dutch volunteers traveling at their own expense to Andros and staying for 8 days helping daily with the maintenance of hiking routes. The trip includes accommodation in the 3 geographical districts of the island, Hydrousa, Chora and Korthi, so as to spread the volunteers work across as many areas as possible, as well as allowing them to get to know the diversity of Andros and its people.

The path maintenance work taking place this October mainly involves the improvement of fallen dry walls and the recovery of the old paving stones and steps, as the clearing of overgrown vegetation would not make sense at the moment as it will grow again very quickly due to the time of year.

This 4th group of Dutch volunteers arrived in Andros on the Saturday evening boat on 21st October and after checking into their hotel they enjoyed a welcome meal in Gavrio. The meal was provided by the restaurant Karavostasi along with the Filoproodo Club ” Gavrio” .

On Sunday, the Dutch volunteers worked with local volunteers on the 11th route from Aprovato to Katakilos, revealing part of the impressive cobblestoned way. After a short break for swimming in Chrissi Ammos, they continued cleaning work in the area of ​​Ano Katakilos towards the Kaisarades spring where they where treated to the warm hospitality of Yannis and Demetris Caesaris in their home. This was followed by a delightful meal cooked by the people of the village and the Katakilos Association at the former Primary School.

The volunteers were transported with the help of a vehicle of the Municipality of Andros. This year the driver’s expense was covered by the organisers of the trip. On Sunday volunteers’ lunch was provided by the Kokkini bakery and water was given by SARIZA.

The following local volunteers worked alongside the Dutch volunteers: Nikos Paraskevopoulos, Dimitris Bothos, Leandros Petrakis and Olga Karayiannis. Many thanks to everyone.

Over the next few days, volunteers allowed to work in the areas of Ano Gavrio and in various areas of Chora and Korthi. Anyone who wants to meet volunteers or offer a treat can contact us by sending a message to info@androsroutes.gr or by calling 6977 334334