Saturday 30 Septembe. Ridge Riding

Today was a nominal rest day with no moving on but everyone went along with the idea of climbing over ridges to the north of Andros Town involving 3000ft of climbing.

Weather was warm and sunny on the coast up to 25C but with clouds hanging over the high ridges clearing by afternoon.

From town the first ridge at about 500ft was visible with the 2nd ridge at 1700ft towering above it. The 3rd ridge at 2300ft was hidden behind the second.

We climbed the first ridge with scenic views behind of the town and bay.Then on to the head of the valley and the town of Apikia with little descending before starting the climb of the second ridge. We stopped in Apikia for a picnic elevenses in the absence of a Taverna.

Then a steep climb to the top of the 2nd Ridge with dramatic views towards the coast and inland a strong wind was blowing low cloud over the ridge.

Then a long climb to the head of the valley and a picnic lunch beside a closed Taverna in the village of Vourkoti. Then a short half mile climb to the 2300ft summit of the 3rd ridge

The clouds were clearing as we started our fast descent back down made easier by the almost total absence of traffic.

We stopped in Apikia to fill our water bottles from a natural Spring. The water is bottled in the village and sold as Mountain Spring water.

On the way back Phil, Mary, Richard and I diverted to the beach and Cove at Stenies for a swim and some sunbathing.

20 miles for the day but very high quality miles with 3015ft of climbing (nearly as much as the 60 mile circuit of the Isle of Wight)

Edwin