The number of volunteers I was able to host was greatly reduced throughout 2023 as I was unable to continue offering free accommodation. I withdrew using Rigas House as they were making more and more demands in return for their offer and other options simply dried up. So volunteers had to pay, albeit a small amount or I took advantage of other opportunities. Due to a bad experience, I stopped offering a room at my house but continued to prepare an evening meal on the days we worked plus I provided the tools and transport and worked along side our wonderful helpers. One good thing was that the municipality gave me the use of a place to store all my tools. This has made life so much easier.
I really hope the famous trails project happens this year. It’s been over 4 years since it’s inception when the study was carried out and accepted. The start date keeps being pushed back without explanation. In the meantime, two portions of routes contained in the study have been asphalted over and two have been fenced; both by foreign land owners.
VOLUNTEERS AND TRAILS CLEARED – 2023
6-11 January Baiba (Latvia) Robert (Canada) Polymistria Trail down to Kambos section I
13, 17,18 January section II to Petrovrissi (rain 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th)
19,22,23,24,25,28,29 = 120 hours Kalogeros through to coast
31 January Ypermachou
1 February Signing at Palouki
2,3 February B & R Pera Karia – to Analipsis
22,23,24 February Me, Peter & Nikos Loutraki waterfall
10,11,13,14,20,21,23,24,26 March Alex Wright (28th March) Pera Karia continuation
15 March Alex (UK) Pefkias
19,20 April Suzie (Australia) +1 day Opel & Anna Refuse tip down to Glysteri (Monks)
23,24,25 April+1,2 April Suzie (17 April-21 March) Potami calderimi
4 May Suzie Gateway maintenance
6,11,17,18,20 May Suzie + Christian + 2 Glysteri (Monks Trail)
8,11,12 May Suzie & Christian (Austria) Chickpea trail
14,15 May Christian Ag Reginos Pirgos Retsina trail (clearing power company damage)
10 October Madeleine & Liam (USA) Adventure Trail/Deer Park/mend gates
11 October M & L Improve Signs at Sendoukia
12 October M & L Moutero
16, 17,19 October M & L Monks Tzukala, Glysteri
22 November Chris & JP (Canada) Michalakis
2 December Amy (Canada) Retsina trail, Pirgos
13,14,15,18,19 Tim, Remco, Miranda (Holland) Retsina trail, Pirgos
23,24 Remco & Miranda Myli trail
TOTALS: 7 WORKAWAY VOLUNTEERS PLUS 6 OTHER HELPERS + 6 DAY HELPERS = 19
NATIONALITIES: Latvia 1, Canada 1, Australia 1, Austria 1, USA 2, UK 1 = 7 + Holland 3, Canada 3 + Peter (Holland), Nikos (Greek), 4 ladies = 19
Anne Perry
Gteat post Heather.Very informative.
Heather Parsons
Thanks Anne. X
Pamela Eakins
Great to read your post Heather… you should be very proud of your achievements and especially thrilled by the number of people that you have shared your love of and committment to Skopelos with. I do hope to see you this summer. xx
Heather Parsons
Thanks Pamela. Hope to see you again this year. Xx
Debs Earl
Shame about Rigas. It was also good publicity for them, public spirited, caring for their island etc Maybe there are other accomm providers that would step in, it’s low season that you host isn’t it?
All the best for the Trails Project, I think that is brilliant and so essential from what little experience I have. Dx
Heather Parsons
Not much of a choice as hardly any open out of season.
Helen Riris
Hello Heather. We did a walk with you some years ago now. We are back this summer and we will aim to do another with you.
Heather Parsons
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Stuart Browse
Heather fabulous commitment for another year; your achievements are truly awesome. Having walked with you and volunteered for a day with my family with you, I think what you do for the Island is tremendous…and I’m slowly working through the walks in your book thank you.
Heather Parsons
Thanks for your kind words. See you soon I guess
Tina Konka
Keep up the good work you do for Skopelos. I think many appreciate your good work.
Heather Parsons
Thanks Tina. I’m sure many think the fairies do it too!