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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Lake Doxa & Mount Pentelia (Dourdouvana)

On August 8, 2016August 9, 2016 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking11 Comments

Lake Doxa is an artificial lake in western Corinthia, Greece. It is situated at an elevation of 900 m, in the municipal unit Feneos, near the village ancient Feneos. Construction was completed in the late 1990s. It is fed and drained by the small river Doxa, which empties into the plain of Feneos. In the heart of the lake on a small peninsula features a small church of Agios Fanourios. The Saint George Monastery in Feneos was relocated to higher ground, north of the lake. The lake is surrounded by pine forests.

Early Saturday morning we have reached the Lake Doxa where we wanted to establish our camp. One option was to camp right next to the lake and another option was to set up our camp in the woods. We chose the latest option because we wanted to be more isolated. In summer time, lake dosa attracts many car-camping people from Poland, Romania etc.

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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.