The seasons change

We've just had a lovely weekend outdoors, taking in the best aspects of the changing season in Cyprus.  It was quite cold up until last week, with fresh snow on the mountains above Limassol where Ross ran the marathon.  Then over the last few days it feels like bright Cyprus spring sunshine has returned, and before long we will no doubt regret wishing the winter away when the hot weather hits.


Yesterday we travelled up to the Troodos mountains for a picnic in the snow.  Despite the onset of spring, there is still plenty of snow on the ground and all the ski runs are still working.  Ross enjoyed skiing with Angus, who was glad to be back on a snowboard.  'Fearless' is the expression Ross used to describe Angus, as he happily traversed down a black diamond run on the north slopes of Mt Olympus.  Balmy weather made for lovely spring skiing, with a couple of hardy Cypriots skiing in shorts.  Meanwhile Sarah and the other kids enjoyed a picnic with some friends in the snow, and even Anna managed to enjoy herself in the spring conditions.  Much fun was had sledding down hills at great speed and toppling over.

Still plenty of snow to melt

If Saturday was the day of 'white' in the snow, today was definitely the day of 'green'.  We headed off for a 8km hike in the countryside, hoping that the presence of other families and children would spur along the Piper clan.  Our hopes were realized and we ALL enjoyed an old meandering path through beautiful green bushland above a deep gorge leading to a famous Cyprus monastery in the foothills of the mountains.  Even Sam & Anna, (shirtless due to the balmy temperature) managed more than half the trek, getting excited at seeing everything from lady bugs and dandelions to mountain goats and rushing waterfalls.  It WAS a long cold winter but now that spring is here, things are looking up.  The island is a feast for the eyes at the moment; green fields and wildflowers everywhere after all the winter rains.  Hopefully in the coming months we'll be able to enjoy plenty of time outdoors before things really warm up and the island turns brown again!