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1.THE STORY ,Legends tell of two dragons who lived in lakes on the mountains of Gamila and Smokilas. The lakes are named after the quarrelsome duo, Drakolimni (Dragon Lake) of Gamila and Drakolimni of Smokilas. They are said to have hurled rocks and trees at each other across the Aoos Ravine and their descendants are supposedly the rare alpine newts (Triturus alpestris) that live in these lakes.

2.THE PLACE,The Astraka peak belongs to the Tymfi complex wich is a complex of peaks and its said to be the most beautiful complex in Pindos mountain range.Surounded with other peaks like Gamila, Lapatos, Tsouka-Rosa and many others, the complex is "protected" by to canions (Vikos and Aoos).It would be unfair to declair the peak itself megnificent since the whole complex including the Canions its a special place.The Dragonlake, Voidomatis and Aoos rivers, the high platos, wild life all of this is protected under federal law which forbides hunting, fishing and other activities that are against the words "take with you only photograps and memories and leave behind only your shoe tracks".Plenty of people are visiting the place from world-wide every year and for those who are fond of mountain climbing the Astraka refugee offers acomodation and some basic comforts and from there you can explore easily the peaks, high altitude lakes and the platoes.

3.THE AREA,The villages of Zagori(Epirus state,Greece )are the best known destination for winter holidays in Epirus. All the villages have maintained their traditional character with the stone houses, the cobbled paths and the roofs covered with black stone.

The old stone bridges preserved in a very good condition until today, the old mansions, the traditional watermills and the unspoiled natural environment, really make you feel that time in Zagori has stopped.