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Filopappou Hill Starting at the |
AH3 Run 1923 Hare: Pussy Basher Photos: Mad Dog & Absolut |
Google elevation: 96 metres Trail length: 6 km |
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The
Trail |
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Before the run |
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The
Run and Walk |
Starting off down the hill
After a loop round the Thisio area we head back up the hill (with many steps) to Filopappou...
But Fair Cop has got lost somewhere?
Entering Filopappou hill and heading for our first falsie - but at this point we didn't know it
At the top of the steps --- Falsie! (false trail).
Pete the Meat takes a rest on the grass.
Setting off on true trail
We spot Fair Cop on the opposite hillside - and join up with him
Now the pack is back together we head off on the trail across this historic area
Ancient walls carved out of the solid rock
The hill looks green after the recent heavy rains
A board tells the history of this part of Filopappou hill
More areas of carved rock
The monument of Filopappou at the top of the hill can now be seen
>>>>>>>> SCROLL RIGHT >>>>> FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF ATHENS >>>>>
See how the city has sprung up to surround the hill
No namby-pamby safety railings on this hill
The monument of Filopappou at the top of the hill
(Tomb structure of Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos - Roman Consul and Magistrate - Died 116 AD)
The runners (L-to-R): Fair Cop, Pete the Meat, Pussy Basher (hare), Karel, Mad Dog
The Acropolis with the Parthanon (still under reconstruction after more than 40 years) can be seen in the background.
On-down!
The walkers (L-to-R): Bouboulina, Doggie Style, Cabrio-laid
Absolut was taking the photo.
Is it that way down?
Just below the monument we come across the society that honours the ancient Greek gods.
They have finished their ceremony and are handing out snacks to their members.
We go down to talk to them.
Their shrine to the god Apollo
(Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto and has a twin sister, the chaste huntress Artemis)
(Apollo functioned as the patron god of music and poetry)
(The double-axe, labrys, was the holy symbol of the Cretan priests of Delphi - and associated with Apollo)
Other ritual items laid around the shrine
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The
Circle |
After the run, a well deserved beer
Wet Dream prepares the down-downs
The Hare - Pussy Basher
Mad Dog - for watering the trail
And then a non-pc hash song rendition
For wearing fancy lycra leggings - Cabriolaid, Doggie Style and Absolut
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The
Taverna |
Setting off to find a taverna that is not fully booked in the area on a Sunday
Finally, after being turned away from or having a long wait at a few establishments we find a cheap souvlaki restaurant in Gazi.
Firstly, we order the beers of course
The waiter kindly offers to take our group photograph
Then the food arrives - lots of souvlaki, bifteki, kebab, pork chops, etc.
Almost too much food...
...particularly with all those chips!
And the bill comes to 10 euros per person
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Taverna map and menu |
The directions to the hash - for the record |
Sunday October 4th – 11am
Hare: P*ssy Basher
Venue: Filopappou Hill
On Inn: tbc
Directions:
By Metro: Get off at Thesio metro (green line) and walk up the hill on the pedestrian road Apostolou Pavlou. Turn right towards Aghia Marina church. To the right of the square in front of the church there's a path that goes up to the National Observatory. Meet outside the Observatory by the steps that next to Phillappou Hill.
By car: I don't drive in Athens so make your way to Pireous Street, central Athens. Driving south towards Piraeus, take a left turn to Thesio on Iraklion Street which turns onto Nileos. Be careful at the top of Nileos next to loads of cafes - do not follow the road around a sharp hairpin bend (on to Akamentos), but carry on (leftish) to what looks like a pedestrian walkway (cars are allow on this stretch) and take the second right turn. Follow this road uphill as far as it will go. Carry on for about 1km and turn right on Bikos which will take you up to the National Observatory. There are plenty of places to park there.
Helpful link:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/observatory,+thesio+Athens/@37.9740704,23.716045,17z
For Sat Navvies: GPS 37.973635, 23.717723 (NOTE: Not quite accurate)
IF LOST - YOU ARE LOST - either go home or call the hare: 697 1833 990
WALKING FROM THISSIO ISAP STATION TO THE NATIONAL OBSERVATORY
DRIVING FROM THE NATIONAL ROAD (E75) TO THE NATIONAL OBSERVATORY
From the National Road, drive down Leo. Athinon to Pireaus Street (56) and turn onto Iraklidon Street.
CAREFUL: Right at the "U" bend switch to the pedestrian walkway - which is allowed for cars (doesn't look like it but it is).
(If you accidentally miss this turn-off you can make a big loop and come back to try again)
