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.

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!

We’ve inspected part of the Retsina Trail and can confirm that the portion leading up to Ag Reginos Pirgos, is open. We inspected the portion below the church but only as far as the T junction as that is where I fell and sustained an injury that has resulted in my ankle being in plaster. We have also looked at Walk 6 and unfortunately the way is blocked (picture 22). The team made a start but ran out of time. As soon as the plaster is off, we will be returning to this spot but because it needs a chainsaw and Harry has now left, it’s down to me.

The trail starts in the Kastro Carpark. Cross over the road, up the stairs to a marked calderimi (Abuzali). Turn left and then right onto the continuation of the Abuzali calderimi. This brings you up to Raches. Turn left and walk along until Stavrodromo just after Ag Paraskavi. Turn right along the asphalt until a marked trail on the left. Take this trail. Cross over the Potami road. Continue on, passing Epermacho church. Continue on and up. Pass Ag Ianni Skleri. Duck under trees and continue into the forest. This trail emerges on a dirt road. Turn right and continue on to the Panagia church Moutero. Take the calderimi down then up the other side. Pass through Moutero via its spring. Take dirt road until posh house where you turn left. Trail then leads down to sea level. There’s one fallen tree here we couldn’t get rid of. I’ve asked the mayor for help. We’ll see.

One of my little helpers flew the next this morning to pastures new (Iceland in fact). Have a save trip Harry.

We’d all like to thank the following taverna owners for their hospitality and support during the clearing of this trail. This acknowledgement of our work is very much appreciated and the food was absolutely fantastic.

The brothers from Ta Kymata taverna on the Old Port. Their sweat and sauer kalimari was particularly amazing.

Anna and Agapi from Anna’s Restaurant Yiftorema, Taisty Greek influenced Innovative dishes.

Thanasis Florous of Pavlos taverna, Agnondas. Cover the table with lots of yummy starters.