Volunteer Work on the Vardousia Crossing Trail
Based in Athanasios Diakos, beneath the peaks of the Vardousia Mountains, a large group of volunteers gathered during the Holy Spirit long weekend for another meaningful conservation effort.
Once again, we came together to maintain the trail leading to the Vardousia mountain refuges, while also advancing the route marking project to its final implementation stage according to the specifications of the Pindus Trail development study in Eastern Roumeli.
We were fortunate to be joined by the wonderful volunteers of Wheeling2Help, who worked tirelessly to improve trail accessibility while filling the area with positive energy and enthusiasm.
The support of the local Community proved invaluable to this volunteer initiative. As the weather was periodically rainy, the team occasionally required shelter and hospitality in the village, where we were warmly welcomed by the local residents.
In Athanasios Diakos, the community embraced our group wholeheartedly. The Community granted us permission to camp in the courtyard of the renovated village school, and at the conclusion of the program they generously offered us a hearty farewell meal in appreciation of our efforts.
Everyone we met in the village responded positively to our initiative, offering their encouragement and treating us to local delicacies and high-quality products produced by themselves or available through their local businesses.
At the same time, the team carried out maintenance work on the forest trail leading to the neighboring village of Kato Mousounitsa, covering a distance of approximately 2.5 kilometers. Winter damage was repaired through the removal of fallen trees and debris that had accumulated along the trail corridor.
For everyone`s information, the trail leading to the mountain refuges now offers excellent walkability and satisfactory route marking. Only the final 400-meter section below the Amfissa Mountaineering Club (EOS Amfissas) refuge remains to be marked, while the entire remaining route down to the village is in excellent condition.
By the end of the month, the remaining trail marking will also be completed for the two refuges, Meterizia and the Soufles Pass, creating a continuous connection between Athanasios Diakos and Artotina on the western side of the Vardousia Mountains.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the outstanding people who coordinate the activities of Wheeling2Help, as well as to the Community and Brotherhood of Athanasios Diakos for their support throughout the implementation of the program. We also thank all the volunteers who ignored the uncertain weather forecasts and traveled all the way to the Vardousia Mountains to offer their valuable assistance to this place of unique natural beauty.
