Troodos

We had to wait in the morning for the arrival of Mr Evros, the apartment owner, to try and sort out his payment. It all seems a bit 'under the counter' with issues over wanting cash not cheque or a bank account. In the end we had to leave it with a further email to Hays Travel and insist that they sort it out for us. At least we have a little time as well as email connections (sometimes!)

By now most of the morning had gone but we adjourned to a taverns in the main village for coffee. As we arrived so did some light rain so our choice was limited by those with cover! Where we sat turned out be next to a semi-retiree from Salisbury who has his own apartment nearby (he comes out six times a year to stay) so we chatted through our coffee rather than, as planned, reading.

Despite the weather forecast, which so far has been at best approximate, we opted to drive inland, stopping occasionally to take a look at the many small villages. As we gradually gained height the scenery became more rugged. It has interested us that so much of the land has at some time been used, although many of the stepped slopes no longer grow vines or olives - in many cases left to go wild. Even so, there are still areas where cultivation continues but the soil looks very poor and must be hard work to till.

View at lunch stop

By now we were approaching the upper region and we found a convenient roadside bench to sit and eat our sandwiches. It was much cooler but, alas, we had to scuttle back inside the car for the last few morsels when rain arrived.

We could see that the top of Troodos Mountain was covered in cloud but we thought that we would at least reach the first part of Troodos Resort to decide if there were reasons to return another day if the cloud clears.

Lambouri Winery

We were disappointed that most of the wineries are closed - we were following the Wine Trail after all. One did seem open but they were definitely not in 'open arms' mode. It did look rather as if it were set up for wine tasting coach parties. Eventually Christine did persuade them to give us a taste of a couple and we did buy one bottle. Not really wanting to have to carry a special bottle back home, we opted for one at a price that justifies accompanying one of our remaining self catering meals! (Note from later: wine was excellent!)

View from Troodos Resort

As we parked outside one of the few cafes open heavy rain, almost sleet, began to fall. It did not last long - once we were inside and warm - but the view below us was barely discernable in the cloud and mist.

The cloud seemed even lower as we made our way back down the mountain. Just after leaving the top we saw a sign indicating the old road which we took. It seemed as if there was a hairpin every 50 metres. We certainly came down very cautiously the steep drops to one side. Thank goodness for good barriers.

We followed a different route back to the coast along a very quiet country road which followed twisting contours around the many steep ravines cut into the hillsides. Although we were now below the cloud base, the view down to the sea, although spectacular, was very hazy so probably our memories will be clearer than the photos.

Back at the apartment an email from the travel agent suggests that they are at least 'on the case' but we have as yet no confirmation of how it is being sorted.

Time now to prepare a chicken casserole - the chicken thighs have been marinading in the orange juice since yesterday lunch time.