Round route 3-5 Pigadia ski center(1430m) – Voulgara Summit (2005m) – Tsanakis Summit (2048m) – Chamitis Summit (2042m) – 3-5 Pigadia ski center
read the first part here.
Chamitis Summit
Our direction continues to follow the West. There is no path, since we left the earth road after Voulgara summit, but the relatively smooth field has no difficulty of orientation. Even the not-so-experienced mountaineer, using a compass and keeping a constant west direction (always according to the route we describe) can climb to the three highest peaks of the mountain. The clouds continue to offer us their shade as we walk among the low vegetation.
The scenery is wonderful, with the shadows from the rocks creating strange shapes and images. Small hills and valleys are scattered everywhere, but without any trouble in walking since the slopes are very soft. The cool air that blows is another plus in our ascent. We hike for about another hour, until we see a large rock formation in front of us that stands out in size from the others around. It is about 8 meters high with a perimeter of about 40 meters. On its west side there is an elegant wooden sign that says “Chamitis 2062 m”. So we are here, to the top of Vermio mountain.
We climb, from the south side which is the easiest way, the last 8 meters that separate us from the peak. The stunning view is the reward for all our efforts. On the one hand the plateau of Kozani . Pieria Mountains and Polyfytos Lake. On the other hand, the plain of Naoussa,the Lake of Vegoritida and Kaimaktsalan mountain and far in the background Mount Olympus. The sky and the mountain become one and the only sound in our ears, is the wind that is getting stronger. Relaxation, photos, and of we go to for our way back.
EOS refuge and return
We descend from the top, turning North Northeast in order to follow the path that will lead us to EOS Naoussa refuge and from there back to our starting point. The scenery on the north side of the summit is quite different from the alpine meadows of the south side. Large rocks scattered in various sizes, almost everywhere, growing like stone plants in the grass. We follow the red signs that mark the path that slowly brings us to lower altitude. As we are descending, the landscape begins to change and the first scattered trees are making their appearance. Now we walk among kermes oak and wild pear trees while on the edge of the hillside, clusters of firs, are making beautiful small forests.
We continue to walk down the moderate decline following the exemplary signage of the path. We go through small ravines and go up to small ridges, from where you can see the refuge far in the horizon. After about an hour we reach the beautiful stone building of the refuge. Unfortunately it is closed, so we sit on the door steps and on the wooden benches in the yard. Silent and quiet we stand as we enjoy the beautiful afternoon, gazing at two eagles flying in the sky above us. After the necessary stop for rest, it’s time to regroup and continue
We go down the small ridge in front of the refuge, to reach the forest road that we can see in front of us. We get on the road quickly, leaving behind us the naked alpine scenery. We are walking freely, having on our right and left the forest that becomes more and more dense. We are on the road for about 1000m when we reach a crossroad.
We turn right, to the East, following the sign that says “Dead End Road, Balcony” and after a while, we enter the forest. A very beautiful one, with tall beech and oak trees. The forest road is getting narrower and slowly becomes a trail, following Northeast direction. A very well-marked and wide trail. It is early autumn, but its signs have not yet been seen on the trees that are verdant and full of life. We descend among beech trees, having as company the crunch of our steps on the fallen leaves and the broken branches, the buzzing of the bugs and the tweeting of the birds. Nature continues to work intensively and prepares herself for the upcoming winter.
In about an hour, we reach the end of the trail stepping out to the “Paradise” ski slope. From this point, by turning left (turning north) we arrive at the beginning of our round route, in no time.