Monday 2 October. Andros Town to Batsi.

Today was a moving on day taking us back to the Resort of Batsi on the West Coast. Ernie, Nicola and Peter took the easier route of up the valley to a 1000ft highpoint and then down to Batsi on the Coast Road. Phil, Mary, Richard and I took the hard route over the 3 ridges climbed a few days ago and then Inland to Batsi.

Weather was great with clear blue skies all day and temperatures up to 25C.

On the hard route we climbed up the first Ridge and then up to the head of the valley and the village of Apikia for a picnic elevenses in the square. We also filled our water bottles from the mineral water Spring. Then up to the end of the ridge and a long climb to the head of the next valley and a picnic lunch in the village of Vourkoti.

Then a short climb to the top of the 3rd ridge and onto untried roads. With clear skies we had great views across Mountains and coast as the road contoured along at 2300ft. Then a long fast and dramatic descent down the ridge before a series of twisty hairpins took us down into the remote green valley of Revmata. We had a short climb out of the valley before another descent to Katakilos and another short climb to a ridge and then a fast swooping descent to the scenic bay at Batsi.

Before checking into the Hotel we stopped for cooling smoothies at a Caf¿ on the front. We were soon joined by Ernie, Nicola and Peter who had arrived 30 minutes earlier.

21 miles for the day and 3067ft of climbing.

Edwin