Text: Pantelis Siambanos
Photos: Pantelis Siambanos, Katerina Pantazi
Translation into English: Katerina Pantazi

On Saturday, December 14, we carried out the 18th maintenance hike for 2024 in central Andros and specifically on the circular route of Pera Choria marked PerC1.

The participation was in winter conditions, a total of 12 people from Amonakliou, Fello, Koumari, Gavrio and Germany. It is always moving to hear from hikers from Attica and Aegina saying that they traveled to Andros just for the Andros Routes maintenance hike! Because the route is an “orphan”, we were welcomed by the area coordinator Katerina Pantazi, while the tour of the space and time was undertaken by the craftsman Iraklis Gavras from Amonakliou. The weather is ideal for walking, sunny, windless and with a pleasant temperature.

We started from the arched bridge of Aladinou, which stands out in a small settlement with water, geese, gardens and a banana tree. Walking along a paved narrow street, Iraklis explained to us the secrets of paving the path and placing the slabs on the sides of the narrow street. Gaining height, the view of the Chora valley, the brow of Mesaria and the villages on the opposite side compensates every hiker.

At the highest point of the route, the master Iraklis guided us to two animal huts made entirely of stone, such as the feeding area and the small watering tank for the animals that is fed by rainwater from the roof. We were impressed by the ekforsik way of building the walls and the roof made of slab beams as well as a central pillar (psos, in the local dialect).

Then we passed through Koureli and a ravine with shaped grooves that direct the water of the ravine to the terraces that were cultivated. On our way, we came across the beautiful old school of Pera Choria with its wide courtyard. Here we took a wonderful break before continuing and closing our circular route.

The route is in good condition, we pruned vegetation where it was necessary, collected 4 bags of garbage, placed fallen stones on the walls with the instructions of Iraklis and replaced worn signs.

We warmly thank everyone who participated especially Iraklis because they were all in the spirit of the maintenance hike without exception!

We are looking forward to the next maintenance hike on Saturday, December 28th to say goodbye to 2024!

The circular routes of Pera Choria PerC1 & PerC2 are orphans and are looking for their Route Angel! Do you want to become a volunteer and take care of them? Fill out the form here https://www.androsroutes.gr/forma-aggelwn/