Text: Despina Chatzoglou, Valentini Deskoulidou
Photos: Valentini Deskoulidou, Despina Chatzoglou, Athena Tsatsomoirou, Gerard Kramer, Efi Theologou
Translation to English: Katerina Pantazi

Right after Easter, on Tuesday May 7th, 40 people gathered in Menites for another maintenance hike on the circular route Menites-Mesathouri-Strapouries-Menites on sections of routes 1, 10, 9 and 9b. A highly multicultural group with participants mainly from the UK, Holland, France, Australia, Switzerland and Austria and fewer Greeks from Menites, Lamyra, Vakoni, Mesathouri, Aprovatou, Katakoilos, Chora but also from Athens, Volos and Stoupa! A bit of pruning, picking up some dry stones that had fallen on the path and collecting rubbish was our overall task.

We started from the impressive Menites springs following route 1b until we met route 1 heading to the beautiful villages of Lamyra, Mesathouri and Strapouries with the unique view. On our way we passed small arched bridges, green ravines, beautiful well-preserved houses, the well-preserved school of Lamyra with the old plane tree, and the famous Athinaios Tower.

A pleasant surprise awaited us on the way. Maria Sgouridou and Haris Kokkaliaroglou who were in our group, upon arriving at their house, treated us with goodies and we enjoyed the wonderful view of Chora from their yard.

Then we took route 10 heading to the stadium of Strapouries, where we entered route 9 going up towards Ano Menites through a beautiful rural landscape. And if the uphill tired us, at the intersection of 9 and 9b high on the mountain, the shocking view of the west and east coast of the island compensated us!

Descending the 9b, just before our return to Menites, at the Zannaki spring, another surprise awaited us: the Menites Cultural Association treated us to Easter treats and Benita Salmuth homemade lemonade. We also made May Day wreaths. Arriving again at the Menites springs at 16:30 we had now completed yet another maintenance hike.

❤️ Many thanks to the always active Menites Cultural Association and its President and Route Angel of route 9b Despina Chatzoglou, as well as Benita Salmuth, Maria Sgouridou and Haris Kokkaliaroglou for the treats and hospitality and all those who participated in the hike who help keep the routes open!

➤ The section of route 1 we walked on this maintenance hike is looking for its Angel! Do you want to join Andros Routes volunteer team, the famous Route Angels, and take on this route or another? Fill out the form here! www.androsroutes.gr/forma-aggelwn