Author Archives: BarryH

Symi: and now for something ……… unexpected

Posted on July 1, 2023 by BarryH

One of the things I have learned over the years visiting, travelling and trekking around Greece, and make a point of in my book ‘Greece Unpackaged’, is to deal with the unexpected. If things don’t go as planned, find a … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Health and humour, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Weather, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wales, Canada, Greece – Looking back, looking forward.

Posted on April 22, 2023 by BarryH

A few weeks ago, we had snow at home.  First time in 2 years.  They had snow on Symi since we had any!! I woke up with 2 inches on the ground and still snowing heavily.  I checked the forecast … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Greece, Grey Britain, Hiking, History, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Pontypool, Wales, Weather, Wildlife, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Banff, Canadian Rockies:  ….. and now for something else completely different.

Posted on January 8, 2023 by BarryH

We arrived after the cold snap, For a couple of weeks temperatures had dropped down as low as -40oC.  And that was in town at 1,400 metres.  Even colder on the ski slopes going up to nearly double that altitude.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Weather, Wildlife, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seasons greetings from the Canadian Rockies

Posted on December 26, 2022 by BarryH
Posted in Canada, Winter | Tagged | Leave a comment

Symi:  ….. and now for something completely different.

Posted on October 30, 2022 by BarryH

Post upgraded to include all intended photos Dhafni Cave Initial discovery: Nicholas Shum Reconnaissance and set-up: Steve Waters and Barry Hankey Descent Team: Nicholas Shum, Barry Hankey, Ejaz Shinwarri Given that Symi, the ‘Hot Rock’, is made of limestone, there … Continue reading →

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Remembering

Posted on October 28, 2022 by BarryH

Thirteen years, always in my mind

Posted in Autumn, Landscape, Mountains, Reflections | 1 Comment

Symi:  ….. and now for something completely different.

Posted on October 21, 2022 by BarryH

Dhafni Cave Initial discovery: Nicholas Shum Reconnaissance and set-up: Steve Waters and Barry Hankey Descent Team: Nicholas Shum, Barry Hankey, Ejaz Shinwarri Given that Symi, the ‘Hot Rock’, is made of limestone, there are few caves in comparison to limestone … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Symi and Nisyros: Back to old-fashioned island hopping

Posted on September 15, 2022 by BarryH

People often ask which is my favourite Greek island.  Given that I spend more time on Symi than any other, the natural assumption is that the answer is self-evident.  But it’s more complicated than that. True, I love the walking … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, History, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Symi: back on the Hot Rock

Posted on May 30, 2022 by BarryH

Back on Symi.  Been here two weeks now. A bit trepidatious about the travel chaos expected at Manchester Airport so turned up 4 hours ahead of flight departure. No queue at all at check-in, shortest queue at security ever.  Waiting … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Spring, Uncategorized, Weather, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Symi, Stockport: Then, now and soon-to-be

Posted on March 13, 2022 by BarryH

The Brexit Bonus has nowhere-near met cynically manipulated expectations.  Quite the opposite.  It has fallen far short and a realistic assessment is that it will continue to do so, despite the Ress-Mogg Magic Wand. One of the negative impacts, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Greece, Grey Britain, Nature, Photography, Spring, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment