After a couple of gloomy, overcast, drizzly days, we were able to get out for Clare and Sylvan’s final working day. We chose The Retsina Trail which just needed a bit of a trim. The air was fresh and the views 3D. We’ve inspected nearly all of The Restina Trail and it looks in great shape with no blockages.
Thanks so much to Clare and Sylvan for all the hard work, company and good times. What more could one ask?
Today there was just Clare and myself. I drove round to the rubbish tip with a view to working DOWN from the trail head to meet up with where we’ve been working up to it for the last few days. However, the amount of rubbish was so bad, it just wasn’t possible. A disgusting, smelly mess. I really don’t have a solution. So I decided to take a look at the condition of The Retsina Trail. All good. Long grass and a bit of clipping required, but on the whole, passable. Meanwhile, back at Tsukalus spring, Sylvan has made another seat with a lovely view to Glysteri.
It’s THAT time of year again unfortunately; tics and green-eyed horse flies (locally called ‘devils’ diavolos). Both are after your blood so be careful.
In the meantime, we are two pairs of hands down; Pamela got badly slashed by some barbed Smilax aspera and Steph had to leave early due to the ferry strike. Heal quickly Pamela and thank you Steph for all your help, carried out with enthusiasm and a smile.
We’d been told about fallen trees blocking this section so decided to have a look. Not good. But we made a start on the first blockage nearest Sotiros. The tree was so big, my chainsaw was too small, but we’ve removed all the branches and Sylvan sawed a foot plate so you can climb over the trunk.
Day 2 of working on this exquisite section. Several hikers came along, hoping to continue on but it would have been impossible. There are tree limbs broken off everywhere. The land owner also visited us. He’s taken advantage of suddenly being able to get to parts of his property, previously jungle and has already been sawing up logs ready for next winter. Thank goodness his attitude was friendly as it’s not always the case! So we’ve got to just beyond the spring and will be working our way up towards the tip.
Welcome back Sylvan from New Zealand! Sylvan was part of last year’s Retsina Trail clearing team.
Delighted to say that Walk 6 section 22-23 IS NOW OPEN AGAIN!!
We worked very hard indeed on this trail, not only removing the fallen trees and shrubs but also widening it. We’ve already started on the continuation of this trail, section 25-26.
After three days of clearing, we have unblocked this trail but it still needs a bit of work and a fence needs attention. However, we’re taking a break today and will finish off tomorrow.
Say ‘Hello’ to our newest arrivals; Steph from Liverpool and Clare from Worthing; both from UK. We are clearing the way down into the Glysteri valley from near Profitis Ilias, which is Walk 6, section 22. This trail has been totally blocked by fallen trees and large shrubs. I’d say we’re about half way down. Meanwhile, regular volunteer Pamela, has been exposing a beautiful piece of avrahyah (supporting wall) at the entrance to this section of trail. It never ceases to amaze me how much time and expertise went in to building them. The least we can do is uncover them so you can appreciate them too!
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Marian, Tasos and their 4 very well-behaved children. Marian has a useful travel blog and she has written not only about Skopelos but also about my trail clearing work. You can find her blog here : http://daysofbliss.gr/2017/05/6-things-that-make-skopelos-unique.html
Wishing to try out my plasterless ankle with the minimum of walking involved, I decided to give the trail from Ag Marina spring towards mon. Sotiros a widening. This trail is regularly used by Spiro the goatherd and from the amount of large, dead branches around, I’m glad he does as he has saved us a lot of heavy clearing work.
So Kristyn and I spent the day clipping back the dreaded Kermes Oak as much as the narrow trail allows, from the spring to the gate. I also hid a geocach in the vicinity. Happy Hunting!
