Monday

I joined a group of lecturers from the Univercity of Patras that i met at the hut for the rest of the trek.9 am start ,the path follows a northen route quite steeply and is completely in the alpine zone now.At around 2600m there is a signed junction.Straight on is the Skala route if you want a safe route to Mytikas and return to Zolotas hut.To the right it follows the Zonaria route, a scramble to Mytikas and then on to Yiosos Apostolidis Hut on the other side of the mountain.We took the Zonaria route,very spectacular,with views of the valleys below the peaks above and the plateu of the Muses in the distance.After about an hr we found the emergency radio pillar where the scramble to Mytikas begins.Three of us opted to miss the top as it was clouding by then.The path then carried on over two easy ridges then under the Stephani peak and on to Yiosos hut at edge of the Plateu of the Muses.The hut again is a large building and at 2670m the highest in Greece and the Balcans.After a good lunch we explored the area especially the tiny chapel on top of Prophitis Elias, build entirely of stone.The night brought mist to the mountain and the temperature dropped by 20c ,it was bitterly cold outside and it was still september.The rest of the evening was spend next to the log fire.

Mount Olympus,above Zolotas hut.

Mount Olympus,further up the path.

Mount Olympus,into the alpine zone.

Mount Olympus,on to the Zonaria path.

Mount Olympus,in sight of the highest peaks.

Mount Olympus,the scrumble to Mytikas.

Mount Olympus,Yiosos Apostolidis hut.

Mount Olympus,Stephani peak from Yiosos hut.

Mount Olympus,enjoying the sunshine.

Mount Olympus,snacks outside the hut.

Mount Olympus,late afternoon,the clouds closing in.

Mount Olympus,returning from Prophitis Elias chapel.