Episkopi Heights
Garage Cover
If you remember from our last blog, we tried to drive across the Ezousa Valley a bit further up, but had to abort the attempt because of mud. Had we driven across, we would have turned left and taken a track that eventually leads to Kallepeia. I mention this now, because along that track, at a junction at the foot of a cliff, there is an old, dilapidated bus stop. I am guessing this bus used to make the journey between here and Kallepeia. I wonder when it was last in service?
Front View
That bus stop has always puzzled me. What was it there for? There aren't any houses, or anything, nearby. It runs above a small gorge and is literally in the middle of nowhere. There is a nearby water source, so perhaps it was a handy drop-off point for labourers? Who knows...
Going Nowhere
It is worth noting that the bus is going nowhere now. It is firmly fixed to the framework that encases it. As you can see, rebar has been used to make sure it doesn't get towed away in the night. There was a similar joint on all the other poles too.
Distant Guard Dogs
Aside from the bus and the pooch, the only other signs of life came from a couple of other dogs guarding the house above us.
Episkopi View
I shall leave you with this view of the village. Actually this does beg the question, how on Earth could a bus make its way through the tiny roads here? There must have been a specific route which was wide enough for it. I am guessing that its route would have taken it past where we found the mud. I say that because beyond that, and an old abandoned water mill, is a big green sign saying "Welcome to Kallepeia". So at some point there was a decent transport route down there.
I remember the first time we visited the area. I drove through Episkopi and into the valley. For some reason the road to Nata wasn't open, so we headed upstream. We found the old playground and picnic spot. But beyond that, there wasn't much else. I remember the road ran to the river but ended there. A few years later when we returned, there was an established track running to the other side. Since then, that track has been moved.
I never cease to be amazed at how quickly Cypriots can make tracks to get them from A to B. Road blocked because of landslide? No problem, make another one above or below the original. Of course, it can play havoc with your memories, but that is all part of the charm of living in Cyprus.