Taygetus Mountain Crossing Pentadaktylos (Five Fingers) – Anavriti – Tsarkos – Spanakaki – Sidirokastro – Athanati Rachi – Profitis Elias – EOS Refuge

On September 10, 2018July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking, Mountaineering general7 Comments

It has been quite some time since the last update on Olympus Mountaineering blog. This summer was rather busy and rather hot, so the high peaks had to wait for the beginning of the Autumn. As first mountaineering adventure for this new season was -once again- selected the beautiful mountain of Taygetos (or Taygetus).

Taygetus, is a mountain range in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. The highest mountain of the range is Mount Taygetus, also known as the “Profitis Ilias”, or “Prophet Elias”. The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 peaks of the mountain range.

Taygetos_Pentadaktylos_Anavriti_Crossing_1219 — Starting point Anavriti Village

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Dokos Island – Backpacking, exploring and surviving in a deserted island

On September 5, 2017September 4, 2017 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking12 Comments

Summer in Greece is about to end and this time, instead of a mountain and a high peak we have decided to go and explore an inhabited island. The island of Dokos.

Dokos is a small Greek island of the Argo-Saronic Gulf, adjacent to Hydra, and separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait called on some maps “the Hydra Gulf.” It is part of the municipality of Ýdra (Hydra) in Islands regional unit and reported a population of 18 persons at the 2011 census. The island is rocky reaching a height of 308 metres. Although official registries claim there is a population of 18 people, in reality there is no one else besides an old lady with her goats and dogs. So, basically, this is her “private” island.

Dokos_Island_0764 — Departing from Ermioni

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Hilleberg Akto Review

On February 10, 2016March 19, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review, Hiking Gear Review8 Comments

When Hilleberg first introduced the Akto nearly 20 years ago, they didn’t know that it would become as popular as it has. Although only slightly heavier than a bivy bag, the Akto offers near-luxury, all-season shelter for the solo traveler – lodging that includes a vestibule and a packed size small enough to fit into a side pocket on many packs.