The Island of Lovers

Milos (Greek: Μήλος), is one of the islands in the Cyclades group.  It is known as the” island of lovers” because in 1820 the statue of the Greek Goddess of love Aphrodite “Venous de Milo” was discovered on the island. In the historical times, the Dorians settled the island.  In the summer of 416 BC the Athenians landed an army of 3,000, and took the city that winter. In the aftermath, as was common in antiquity, with cities that resisted sieges, the men were killed, and the women and children were sold to slavery. When Athens was defeated by Sparta at the end of the Peloponnesian War, the survivors returned to their homes.  During the Latin period the island formed part of the Duchy of Naxos.  In 1566, the Venetians handed over the island to the Ottomans who ruled it until 1830 when it joined the independent state of Greece. 

Plaka the main town on the island is located at the top of a hill.

Two young tourists, John and Chloe, visiting the catacombs of Milos.  The catacombs date back to 1-5^th century AD and were used a burial site and a place of worship by early Christians.  Visitors of the main chamber of the elders “Presbyters” can see inscriptions of Christian symbols as the word “ΙΧΘΥΣ” a monogram for Jesus Christ.

The fishing village of Klima with its characteristic houses perched at the sea’s edge.

Traditional fishing boats in the harbor of Milos.

The Hermit

Arch made of stones and a bell lead to the site where Louis Boucher came to the Canyon around 1889 to mine copper along the creek that bears his name. Boucher carved a trail into the canyon, and for years lived alone at nearby Dripping Springs and acquired the nickname, The Hermit.

Louis Boucher on his mule Calamity Jane.

Within short order, he built a trail from the rim to his dwelling.     

He erected some tents and a small corral for horses, mules, and sheep; planted a garden and an orchard.  Boucher never made a lot of money mining, but the reclusive eccentric tended to his claims in the Canyon for many years, and was a gracious host when tourists stopped by his canyon homes. 

Another hermit (me) on a trail guiding chosen guests (my brother and sister) with his favorite donkey, Aphrodite.....

....to our family’s ancestral home in the village of Zeria (upper).  Guests are always welcome as long as they can trek the mountain paths of northern Peloponnese where Zeria is located.