These goats live at the last residence in Magganitis before the trail up into the mountains starts.Later in the day, the goats are munching on freshly cut branches of olive tree.Steep forest trailThese tiny purple flowers have sprouted everywhere.No exceptions!This very old oak has the same idea.Mushrooms are starting to appear in the woods.
Disguised!Kissing BouldersGranite rock formations
Forest flowerArbutus Unedo, “Strawberry Tree.”
This shrub is called “Koumaria” by the Greeks. It is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean, and is one of many wild edible foods available in Ikaria. The fruit is ripe when red, and has a sweet soft interior, with slightly tart seeds covering the outside.
Old stone huts like this can be found scattered throughout Ikaria’s interior.
From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Ikaria was plagued by pirates. As a result, the island’s residents did not inhabit the shores, but instead built many dispersed dwellings in the interior of the island.
A scattering of belongings still remain inside the huts: dishes, artwork, incense, bed frames, and old chests.
The remains of an old outdoor oven attached to one of the stone huts.This oven is inside a building that is separate from the main house.A cross made out of silverware, attached to the outside of one of the stone huts.It is common to find stone terracing and old cisterns strewn about near the dwellings.Ikaria’s landscape is extremely diverse.This is a lush forest of pine and strawberry trees.
The rocky top of the ridge becomes visible as the vegetation thins out.
The ridge of the mountain Atheras separates the North and South of Ikaria. Magganitis is on the very steep southern slope of this ridge.
Turkish rock lizard (Lacerta oertzeni). These lizards come out in droves to sun themselves on the rocks.This lizard, which has lost its tail, is in the process of hunting its next meal.Dinner!
One Reply to “Hiking Behind Magganitis”
Looks great, Hannah! Do you have the Strawberry tree back home? We have it hear in SF. It’s in the Heath family along with many other fruits.
Keep sending the pix!
Enjoy!
Looks great, Hannah! Do you have the Strawberry tree back home? We have it hear in SF. It’s in the Heath family along with many other fruits.
Keep sending the pix!
Enjoy!