Greece - Meteora

A view of Monastery St Nicholas Anapafsa from our hike.

Mike and I opted to hike the old cobbled stone paths the steeply wind through the lush forest below the pillars of rock, connecting the monasteries.

Mike considers taking the traditional method of entry into the monastery, a giant hook and hanging net, attached to a sturdy pulley and cable system.

Monestary Nicholas seems to sit precariously on a lone pillar.
The view of Kastraki from Meteora.

Monastery Varlaam
The monasteries have a very conservative dress code. Fortunately they provide some stylish skirts for the ladies sporting pants or anything above the knees!
Taking a break with Varlaam Monastery in site.

Meteora, meaning "suspended rocks", is one of the most fascinating group of monasteries in Greece. Originally 20 "moni" were built with complex scaffolding and ladders by hermit monks trying to retreat from Turkish occupation. Once established, the ladders were removed to provide the optimal refuge for worship and prayer.

Only 6 of these structures remain, as well as ruins amongst the sandstone pillars reminding us of a unique form of determination and vision. The monasteries are now shared by an international community of rock climbers as these pillars provide the ultimate substrate for the avid climber. Had temperatures not been in the 100's I would have surely conjured up some gear as there was plenty of sport climbing offered! -Heather