Text: Myrto Apostolopoulou, Katerina Pantazi
Photos/Video: Myrto Apostolopoulou, Olga Karagianni
English translation: Katerina Pantazi

On Sunday, October 27th, 36 people from Korthi, Stenies, Gavrio, Chora, Apatouria, Kypri, Aprovatou, Menites, Zaganiari, but also from Athens and the United Kingdom, some permanent residents, some seasonal and some weekend visitors, but all with the same love for Andros and its paths, we met early in the morning for another maintenance hike on the beautiful paths of the island. The meeting point was Menites from where we were transferred by bus to the starting point of the hike in Apoikia.

The beginning was uphill but rich in vegetation and scents. Arriving at the river bed of Evrouses, we took a break. Unfortunately, we found that this year, due to lack of rain, the water in the river was low. Passing by Saint Gabriel, we admired the view: on one side the Evrouses and on the other side the Chora and the villages below the Panachrantos Monastery. After crossing the famous mill village of Strapouries, we continued on path no. 1 which has many changes. It passes through Lamyra and the old school, has places of unspoiled nature, where water flows, and also meets the village of Menites, which we ended up in, taking the short path no.1b.

Along the way, we pruned a lot of vegetation, picked up trash and moved stones to keep the paths passable and clear.

The end of the walk was in Menites, where in the Cultural Association, traditional dishes from the traditional feast of “Chirosfagia” organized by the Association awaited us. This feast is held every year at this time by the Association. It is a very old Greek farming habit, which fortunately on several islands of the Cyclades, is still alive.

We would like to thank all the participants and the Mainites Cultural Association for their warm hospitality!

We are looking forward to meeting you on our next maintenance hike on Saturday, November 9, on the circular route of Chartes!