Walk with me through the Troodos Mountains, where each path is steeped in tales and every snowflake whispers of past adventures. Alongside my loyal dogs, we traverse this storied landscape, uncovering hidden gems and creating memories that bind us to these ancient hills. From the crunch of fresh snow underfoot to the serene silences that only nature can craft, our journey is a tapestry of intimate moments shared under the vast Cypriot sky. This is more than a walk; it’s a rediscovery of joy and belonging in the company of my four-legged family, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Troodos.
The Troodos Mountains have always been near to my heart as many years back as I can remember. They stand proudly unchallenged by the centuries adorned with unique mystique and spectacular beauty. This region is only one small slice of my Cyprus that I love, but it provides a strong case by itself for the island being recognized as possibly the greatest place on earth. Although I treasure the adventuresome drive upon the sacred climbs of the road which lead me there, I savor the destination even more. Here is where I find peace in an ever-changing continually accelerating technologically-driven society – here is where all which is best of the world remains frozen, lovingly preserved throughout the generations.
Every visit to these stoic heights has rejuvenated my being, and I am convinced that this is where people “looking to find themselves” should travel. For me it has been more of a renovation process, everything that encompasses my being loves this island and clings dearly to many scenes from life on these slopes. I will never need to search for myself there, I will always be present in mind, body, and spirit but this is my most special place, and I feel it helps make me a better man each time I make the ascent.
Aside from the priceless memories from friends and family members dear to me, some living and others which have departed this world, these trees and trails, this specific section of the sky provide a backdrop upon which all are saved forever – they also stand as a paradise-like playground for my dogs. When a parent-owner of a Siberian Husky accepts their role, it is best to understand that these remarkable creatures thrive in the cold weather and relish the snow to romp and roll and chase after any other animals, large or small that they encounter. There is no better spot to reward our best friends with the freedom and respect they deserve than to bring them into their concept of Heaven on earth. Our children-dogs will unconditionally share their treasured territory every visit, and it is those recollections that will become priceless during all the years of our lives.
Our family’s countryside home near Prodromos has been in the family for many years, and the surrounding area was ideal for sharing walks with dogs. For several years the house in the mountains belonged to Elie, my beautiful girl who created many lifetimes worth of great scenescapes in my mind. A Siberian Husky that personified the best traits of both her breed and all of the most exceptional human-like characteristics, Elie was the best daughter-dog any proud father could ever imagine. Although she passed last year, her spirit still romps and plays in those mountains and upon the trails today, accompanying my Akitas, Aimi and Bakudai, in my heart and mind. I am blessed to walk with three great companions although most eyes only see two of them.
Although Elie appeared to most as a lovely blue-eyed dog, she was more of a planner than most could understand. When the forecast called for snow, we would start discussing and preparing for our trips and adventures together from our home in Nicosia into the countryside. Siberian Huskies are not noted for being possessive or aggressive, and Elie was correct to the “textbook” description expected of the breed. They are supposedly pack-driven in hierarchy and seek to be leaders but Elie was comfortable to accept herself as my equal as long as all other animals and people were understood to be on significantly lower rungs of the ladder when it came to rule or importance. She acknowledged my parrot and cats and would occasionally humor them by engaging in lighthearted interaction, mostly limited to current topics, but for all critical decisions, there were only us two involved.
It could have been the numerous pictures of just us together spanning each of the significant events in day-to-day life that swayed her thoughts. Portraits lovingly painted by my mother’s hand of us two, traveling side by side with the same changing backdrops of snow to warming sun capping those pathways might have made her think that she was my most special. Either way, no matter which school of thought followed to arrive at her assessment of the situation – she was right.
Just like all Siberians, Elie loved cold and snow – the colder, the better, and she probably would have been open to discussing the possibility of pulling a sled if it ever became a necessity. It would have most likely been a team effort with both of us out front but like all of the experts explain she would have made a great sled-person. Once Elie agreed to share one of our climbs with a friend of mine, and we made it all of the way from the Atlantis nature trail to Xionsitra. Elie was ready to travel even further but realizing that her two human colleagues were exhausted she agreed to give us a break. She was generous and kind in her realization that although she and I were equal in authority, her physical prowess on the hikes provided her the lead while my problem-solving abilities made sense for me to be the ultimate decision-maker. We shared thousands of the most inspiring views that nature has to offer together, the new life of the blooms during Spring and the clean slate given onto the land by a fresh blanket of snow. Elie’s view of our world will always be carried forward within me and remain just as spectacular as ever.
Unless there is plenty of snow for the dogs to remain at the countryside home all of our journeys require a leash for the trails. I prefer a long leash which allows the dogs to roam more freely without feeling any discrimination. Some might think it awkward to use the word “discrimination” when speaking about an animal but those people probably have never loved an animal like they truly deserve. Understanding the way your children tend to behave around others is indeed the only way to plan for a hiking adventure. While safety remains paramount in every outing, the trust which has been earned over time is essential to acknowledge and reward.
Each of my three dog-kids is different in many ways and even contradictory to the customarily recognized traits of their breed in a few. Aimi, my Akita-girl is not incredibly interested in chasing other animals where Bakudai, the Akita-boy is ready to run as fast as he can at the slightest movement or sound. Bakudai has a powerful prey instinct, similar to Elie in temperament. I think Elie would have most likely chased down the smaller animals just to have a quick conversation about a few of the local hotspots to visit while Bukudai comes across far less cordial. Aimi seems to have forged a healthy relationship with nature and stays close to me enjoying the view, possibly due to her protective instinct, or maybe she has decided since Bukadai is going to run all over the place she must try and compensate for his over-exuberance. Because of their extremely keen sense to protect their owners Akitas are often not the best of conversationalists when it comes to encountering other animals in the park, the trails, in the neighborhood, or anywhere you might find other dogs, cats or similar creatures.
Elie would typically greet other dogs with a simple “we two humans are here walking, you need to understand that you are a dog and try to stay out of our way, please.” She translated into “cat” and “bird” to merely remind them that they have little relevance in the world, but she pulled it off gracefully and without malice and most of the time left them with their sense of self-esteem untarnished. Unless she detected a threat to either of us and then she responded with far less ladylike language that despite the effectiveness is best not spelled out in writing. Her methods of communication worked flawlessly time after time, year after year. It seems like there may have been a learning curve somewhere along the line, but I just can’t seem to recall any of those times. Each of my babies has a way of communicating with the world which is entirely different. However, all three of those voices are wrapped up in their love for me and the realization that my love for them is equally as unconditional.
Bakudai has wholly altered his sense of what is expected of him to make sure that I am not threatened by other dogs, cats, whistles, sirens, the rustling leaves or the wind alone. If Akitas tend to be overprotective of their parents/owners, then Bakudai should be the spokesperson/spokesdog for the entire breed. While we are drinking in some of the most glorious views the world has to offer in the mountains, he will pause to identify any possible intruders, whether large or small and send out sort of a public service message to prevent from any mistakes for acceptable behavior. Where Elie was subtle but firm and directly to the point, Bakudai is much less ambiguous. On a beautiful trail with the sun shining over snow-decorated mountains, Bakudai usually opens with something like “this is our mountain, the entire thing as far as you can see, stay completely out of our view, or it will become a dreadful day.” This salutation may explain why I have to keep a careful eye on the amount of rope I let out for Bakudai. It could also be why Aimi tries to overcompensate for his tendency to ignore the breathtaking scenery and impose his ironclad will upon a group of leaves which have committed no crime other than omitting a rusting sound as they move with the wind.
Aimi is more the opposite of Bakudai but sometimes she is occasionally unpredictable. I can’t imagine any female in anyone’s life being “unpredictable” but I have heard from a few people that it happens. Remember we are talking about our dog-children, nothing more, nothing less. Aimi has a way of conveying the idea to other creatures as well as the elements of nature who occasionally make noises that she is going to allow them the space necessary for us two to enjoy our walk through the best glimpses of our planet – provided that they do not infringe upon our experience. She does not have much in the way of “small-talk” to offer up to dogs we encounter, but she leaves it to Bakudai to fulfill the Sergeant-At-Arms role while she takes over the personal bodyguard and tour-guide requirements. Her standard greeting is “my dad, and I are simply here to enjoy the moment, as long as you remain unseen and unheard, my brother, the big guy who appears to be breathing fire will refrain from burning you down.” There are a few times when Aimi must feel that the potential for harm is not efficiently reduced by Bakudai and those are some dark times which may result in a sudden bolt forward for no apparent reason which I can detect, but I’m sure it is well-meant.
What a great place it would be to have a kennel for great dogs to be born and raised in the best of the outdoors. It would be nothing short of an honor to help them provide loving companions for people from the nearby cities. To live among the pack with just enough technology and creature-comforts to make for a perfect life – what a great dream it would be. To walk closer to the clouds each day and look down upon the best views our precious island has to offer. To bask in the generations of family history from my ancestors and to welcome in each passing litter of puppies with the same pride and purpose. In the mountains, we are all equal under the sky every man, woman, child or animal – we all can become one with nature.
Snow evokes in us a sense of childlike wonder. It paints white over the scenery, using a thick brush and wide strokes. The snowy blanket snuggles everything and puts life itself to a cozy nap. That blanket is woven out of many snowflakes, each of which is unique, landing right where it did for a reason. We know the reason but can’t explain it except — it’s there to create a winter wonderland
The Troodos mountains are a sight to behold in the winter, when snow covers the peaks and valleys like a white sheet. The road winds through the hills, providing stunning views at every turn. If you’re looking for an escape to a winter wonderland, take a drive through the Troodos mountains!
Mighty trees proudly jut out from under their snowy makeover and nod their heads as we drive along. Their entourage of shrubs looks like silhouettes of a crowd, standing by with dignified grace. They cherish the snow too and invite you to come out of the car and join in on the fun.
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