Video feature and pictured one of the many highlights of canyoning in Paradise Gate.
The previous day we did canyoning in Stavraetos gorge (link to the post at the end of this post), for today the expectations were higher as we were to do canyoning in Paradise Gate (Πύλη Παραδείσου), always in Tzoumerka (Τζουμέρκα), Epirus (Ήπειρος). We met at 09.30am at the carpark of Syrrako village and went on our way by car, the starting point was around 12km far.
View from the car while approaching the starting point.
In this canyoning the starting-ending point are not the same but a 10min. drive apart. So we left a car with the dry stuff at the ending point and continued with the rest to the start.
The starting point, a small diversion of the signposted route will take us down to the canyon.
Group photo before we start (actually I took a shot before the real group photo as I would have to be there too).
Start of the downhill path towards the canyon.
The path was nice and all green.
Arriving at the real starting point.
It was time to change into neoprene suit. Even there at the starting point, the place was so beautiful I couldn't believe it, could easily spend my whole day just there chilling... As we were to be spending more time into the water that time we had neoprene jackets as well (were not needed on the 1st days canyon).
We started heading down passing under a bridge.
Getting the ropes ready for our first rappel. The whole team was pro or people with experience (myself the most newbie) so the pace was going to be fast!
Our first rappel!
After our first rappel and a bit of swimming we kept on going, I was so astonished by the natural beauty...
If we would turn the rock on the right by 90 degrees it might resemble a heart.
Endless trees were leaning towards us creating an eerie atmosphere. The light was tricky especially photographing with an action camera with no manual settings so unfortunately the photos don't give justice to the scenery.
Through the water surrounded by mossy rocks and under even more mossy trees...
There we were at the Paradise Gate! Another short stop to fix the ropes and a good chance to get some photos.
Everybody was really cheerful and happy, the whole team was vibrating positive energy.
PARADISE GATE! This would be the start of many rappels, crazy waterfalls and outstanding beauty.
Excitement was building up in the few minutes of waiting.
The guy hanging on the air would secure you, pass under him and off you went.
It was a piece of cake for the ones with experience but quite challenging for a newbie like me.
Here we were on the top of a waterfall and we had to go down there! Check the people sitting on the rocks down left to get an idea of the height! And then check the next photo to really see where we are now, from the other side...
...probably one of the most beautiful spots of this canyoning. Previous photo we are up to the top, rappel down midway and from there you have to option to either rappel again or JUMP! Most of the people jumped the second leg, only the ones with a reason didn't, person here rappeling down the second leg having a semi-dslr camera in his bag thus unable to throw his bag (it goes like this: throw your bag, jump, collect while swimming out). I didn't jump either (although I so much wanted to) because I dislocate my shoulder.
Close up of the 2nd rappel (or jump).
Close up of the 1st rappel.
Wider views of the area.
Our team leader and organizer of the canyoning. Definitely among the top canyoning instructors out there, he has explored and discovered many of the canyons in Greece. You could really feel how much he loves canyoning! I totally recommend joining one of his canyoning activities with Hellas Canyon (he is the founder), check it out here: https://www.canyoning.gr/
Everybody fully energized and smiling after going down that amazing waterfall.
The amazing scenery continued as we head further.
Up and down the rocks.
Needed to be careful as some of the rocks were really slippery.
We kept on going until we reached our next rappel.
This could also be a jump for the experienced ones, from a spot a bit more on the side.
Left: swimming out after rappeling
Top: rappeling down
Right: just jumped from the top!
Spectacular place for a short beak while fixing the ropes. We were going to go down a twin waterfall of 22m. height!
Fixing the ropes.
Bliss.
Check the size of the people who were already down the canyon!
Rappeling down the twin 22m. waterfall.
The canyon got narrower from then on. There was an eerie atmosphere and felt like being in an Indiana Jones movie!
Needed to go above that wood log for our next rappel.
Enjoying the scenery.
A natural rock bridge on top.
A wide view, its a pity there was no body passing by to include him/her in the photo to get an idea of the scale.
Further on the scenery was really dreamy...
Almost all the team having a break after going down the last rappel for the day... I was so excited that I actually forgot my bag (stupid me!) just before going down the twin waterfall, was feeling really bad because somebody was carrying it for me all the way so I waited in order to get it back thus arriving here one of the last.
Our last rappel for the day and the place where the canyon meets Hrousia river. Everybody was chilling having a break after our last rappel. From then on it would be walking (and in a few places floating) through the river until we reach the path which took us up to the ending point.
He was so kind to carry the bag which I forgot until I realized and got it back.
The way through the river was still very beautiful with interesting rock formations.
Amazing tree in the middle, its roots had engulfed the rocks below! On the left there was the path which would take us out of the river.
One final shot of the river before I head up to the track going out.
It was a nice walk under the trees, just after that stone bridge was the final track going uphill to the ending point where we had left the cars. We decided not to do the 3rd day of canyoning in order to explore the beautiful traditional village. These two days of canyoning were a superb experience, met some great (and very strong!) people, went through some insanely beautiful scenery with the adrenaline full high, got really in touch with nature! On the way back there was just one though going on in my mind... when is the next canyoning?
Additional information
Hellas Canyon website with annual program for canyoning all over Greece and lots of useful information about many canyons (Greek & English): https://www.canyoning.gr/Click below to read the connected previous post:
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