Category Archives: Greece

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

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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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 →

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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 →

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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

Symi: Autumn life

Posted on November 24, 2021 by BarryH

Back home in Grey Britain now.  Warmer than average for this time of year, cloud acting as insulating blanket kept temperatures up through much of November – but spirits down. Mostly between what mountaineers call ‘claggy’ and ‘very claggy’ – … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Greece, Grey Britain, Hiking, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Nisyros: rambling through history

Posted on October 7, 2021 by BarryH

A week of trekking around Nisyros.  So much to see.  So many familiar places to revisit.  Such a warm welcome from so many people. What impressed us first when we arrived on a day trip from Tilos in 2001, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Autumn, Greece, Hiking, History, Landscape, Mountains, Nature, Photography, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From the Hot Rock to The Hot Spot

Posted on September 19, 2021 by BarryH

After three weeks on the Hot Rock, I took advantage of a new ferry service and travelled to Nisyros for a week.  I have done this for a number of years but it has been hampered by the fact that … Continue reading →

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In the groove

Posted on September 12, 2021 by BarryH

On the Hot Rock for just over two weeks and getting into the swing of things. Walking in the mountains every day, increasingly long distances, increasingly strenuous, interspersing occasional easier days to allow recovery before the next big hit.  My … Continue reading →

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