My semester abroad has been full of many "firsts." However my first time climbing a mountain shall never be forgotten. This past weekend myself and 4 other CSB girlies went on a guided hike up Mount Olympus. Friday consisted of waking up early for our 8:30 bus. As we were driving along the highway, we stopped and picked up a random man with a huge backpack. Hmmm strange right? Well he turned out to be our guide!!! His first impression stays true with his nature- random and full of excitement. This young man goes onto the intercom and introduces himself, "Christos" and said flirting is not allowed because he is married. Next, Christos tells horror stories about carrying dead bodies down Mount Olympus, not to worry since no one has died while on his team. I'm sitting in my seat wondering why I am on this trip. I have a crazy guide (who is cute) as my guide....
After riding the bus for 7 hours- we finally arrive at the base of Mount Olympus! The view reminded me of Minnesota. The trees were just about to change colors and there was a crispy fall air. I remember thinking how much better the air was compared to Athens. Finally no smog to clog my lungs! We were told that it would take 3.5 hours to reach the refuge. Thus we began our ascent to Mount Olympus. At first, the climb was enjoyable- looking at all the pretty landscape around me while hiking was fun. However, once the rain began. Let's just say things started to become difficult. Slippery rocks, weird steps, and tree roots made the path uneasy.The altitude was a big factor in this hike, we had to stop numerous of times for this girl at the front. so FRUSTRATING! The Csb girls and I were in decent shape for this hike, many others were not so this slowed down the group. Once dusk came upon us, we took out our flashlights. Making the ascent even more enjoyable! (don't get me wrong, I love hiking but not with a huge group) Rain, slippery rocks, steep incline, and darkness don't mix for a good climb. I remember thinking- can we just let Darwinism run it's course and let the weakest find their own way to the top. (yes, I'm mean) When all of my patience was about to drain from my body, there was a bright light up ahead. HEAVEN?? No, we reached the refuge. Where warmth, food, and dryness was awaiting for us. Immediately, I ordered spaghetti and hot chocolate! Mmmmm best food ever! We slept in a huge bunk room that had no heat. So us girls cuddled together for warmth ( having 3 blankets each helped too).
The next morning we awake to see snow outside our window. That's right- SNOW! I panicked. The only clothes I brought were leggings, capri yoga pants, 2 pair of wool socks, long sleeve underarmor, 2 t shirts, and my walking shoes (keens). I wore every single clothing item I had. And boy was I a sight. During breakfast I was approached and asked if I was climbing to the top summit. "Yes of course," I reply. To this I received a man laughing at me right in front of my face! The rest of the day I got the same reaction from strangers. My guide told me to take off my beach shoes and get something else on- to which I replied what do you got?
Anyways we climb up to the top of the summit. I survive, and even have a great time:) Sadly it was so foggy that we weren't able to see Zeus.. Some guy in our group gave a wine offering though! We climbed back down to our refuge and warmed up in front of the fire. Meg decided this was a great time to dry off her socks. She ended up burning them! haha and then she accidently burnt the sole of her keen. So the rest of the day Megs smelled like burnt socks and rubber.
The descent down was much easier than climbing to the top. Many people fell since it was so slippery. I was almost to the bottom of the hill when bam. Slipped on a huge boulder and down I went. When I got up I realized I broke my waterbottle! Didn't realize this til after the water gushed out and all over my pants and backpack... oh well it was raining so I was wet anyways. It took us only 2 hours to climb down the mountain. We finally reached our bus and the 7 hour return trip to Athens began. I was so happy to be back in the warmth. However the climb up Mount Olympus was amazing! The cold clean air, and snow was a refreshing change of scenery from urban Athens. Who knows where I'll climb to next:)
After riding the bus for 7 hours- we finally arrive at the base of Mount Olympus! The view reminded me of Minnesota. The trees were just about to change colors and there was a crispy fall air. I remember thinking how much better the air was compared to Athens. Finally no smog to clog my lungs! We were told that it would take 3.5 hours to reach the refuge. Thus we began our ascent to Mount Olympus. At first, the climb was enjoyable- looking at all the pretty landscape around me while hiking was fun. However, once the rain began. Let's just say things started to become difficult. Slippery rocks, weird steps, and tree roots made the path uneasy.The altitude was a big factor in this hike, we had to stop numerous of times for this girl at the front. so FRUSTRATING! The Csb girls and I were in decent shape for this hike, many others were not so this slowed down the group. Once dusk came upon us, we took out our flashlights. Making the ascent even more enjoyable! (don't get me wrong, I love hiking but not with a huge group) Rain, slippery rocks, steep incline, and darkness don't mix for a good climb. I remember thinking- can we just let Darwinism run it's course and let the weakest find their own way to the top. (yes, I'm mean) When all of my patience was about to drain from my body, there was a bright light up ahead. HEAVEN?? No, we reached the refuge. Where warmth, food, and dryness was awaiting for us. Immediately, I ordered spaghetti and hot chocolate! Mmmmm best food ever! We slept in a huge bunk room that had no heat. So us girls cuddled together for warmth ( having 3 blankets each helped too).
The next morning we awake to see snow outside our window. That's right- SNOW! I panicked. The only clothes I brought were leggings, capri yoga pants, 2 pair of wool socks, long sleeve underarmor, 2 t shirts, and my walking shoes (keens). I wore every single clothing item I had. And boy was I a sight. During breakfast I was approached and asked if I was climbing to the top summit. "Yes of course," I reply. To this I received a man laughing at me right in front of my face! The rest of the day I got the same reaction from strangers. My guide told me to take off my beach shoes and get something else on- to which I replied what do you got?
Anyways we climb up to the top of the summit. I survive, and even have a great time:) Sadly it was so foggy that we weren't able to see Zeus.. Some guy in our group gave a wine offering though! We climbed back down to our refuge and warmed up in front of the fire. Meg decided this was a great time to dry off her socks. She ended up burning them! haha and then she accidently burnt the sole of her keen. So the rest of the day Megs smelled like burnt socks and rubber.
The descent down was much easier than climbing to the top. Many people fell since it was so slippery. I was almost to the bottom of the hill when bam. Slipped on a huge boulder and down I went. When I got up I realized I broke my waterbottle! Didn't realize this til after the water gushed out and all over my pants and backpack... oh well it was raining so I was wet anyways. It took us only 2 hours to climb down the mountain. We finally reached our bus and the 7 hour return trip to Athens began. I was so happy to be back in the warmth. However the climb up Mount Olympus was amazing! The cold clean air, and snow was a refreshing change of scenery from urban Athens. Who knows where I'll climb to next:)
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