A Morning Hike to Remember

Very early this morning (5:30 am!!!) we had an optional hiking trip up Mt. Hymettos here in Athens. We had a surprisingly high turnout considering the ungodly hour with only four members of our group of 16 staying behind. The climb up was long and rough, with parts that were steep and unstable. But once we got to the top, we were all thankful that we made the climb. The views, per usual here, were amazing. 

                                The city of Athens from atop Mt. Hymettos

                                         It's larger than you would imagine!

                        We could barely make out the Acropolis on that hill

                           The view down the opposite side of the mountain

After a lengthy break to catch our breath and re-hydrate, we decided to take a new way down the mountain, shunning the 'easy' and 'normal' path we took up for a new adventure. Which we soon regretted. The climb down excluded a trail for the most part and was slippery, prickly, and precarious. Most of us suffered some form of battle wound from the sharp leaves, sticks, and stones that littered the slope. But we all managed to survive and as a ragged group we made our way down to the road below. However dangerous and strenuous it may have been, I still feel proud of the nearly 8 mile hike that I conquered with my group. It was a great experience and a decision that I won't regret. And we even made a new friend!

                                      Our newest addition to the group