This cache is hidden on the slope of a mountain called "Charasonas"
on the island of Syros, Greece. We believe that it is the first
geocache in the history of Syros. It allows all visiting geocachers
to experience the Greece that we love: a wild, rocky countryside,
curvaceous islands, and a breathtakingly blue sea.
It will require a walk along a wild, steep path. The views along
this path are wonderful, and well worth a journey. Please note that
it is quite remote, and therefore far from any homes and people. Do
take care to prepare for the hike; bring plenty of water, a hat,
sturdy walking shoes, and a fully charged mobile phone. Beware that
some of the roads on this mountain are very steep and normal
2-wheel-drive cars often get into trouble.
The cache consists of a large, rectangular tupperware container
with a grey lid, and contains:
A Geocaching Declaration in Greek / English [Many thanks to
"Vegos", a generous geocacher, for the dual language
declaration],
a logbook and a pencil, and a number of amusing charms.
From the cache's hiding place, on a clear day, you will enjoy
the nice view westward toward the island of Kithnos, northwest to
the now abandoned penal colony of Giaros, and further north to the
island of Andros.
Bring some local treats from Syros to eat (such as
loukoumia/Greek delights) and drink (water is best), and have a
picnic on the mountain as the sun sets; you won't be disappointed
by the effort. Be sure to bring a plastic bag to store your
rubbish, and to collect any other rubbish on the way back. Please
help us to keep this area clean. We always collect rubbish when we
go for a walk here.
To get to the mountain you will need to go to the village of
Galissas, and take a very small road up hill, toward the chapel of
St. Stefan (Agios Stefanos), which is located in a cave on the sea.
Look for signs pointing the way to the chapel of "Agios Stefanos".
As you take the turn from the main road, toward the mountain, be
prepared to take sharp turns (particularly to the left), as the
road is very narrow where it runs between the houses.
Small note on cache maintenance: I have a house
on Syros, and will visit the cache frequently enough to maintain
it.