In reply to UKC Articles:
Nice article, and great to see Steve’s efforts getting some well deserved recognition. I’ve placed around 150 bolts on the Island which, together with belay chains, would have cost me well over £600 (not something I usually account for in my holiday budget).
Without the bolt fund the pace of development on Kalymnos would have been much slower and Aris’s excellent guidebooks probably wouldn’t need updating quite as often.
There has been quite a bit of folklore built up around Steve’s personality (some of which is deserved but most of it is cultivated by Steve as part of his scouse sense of humour). If you are a sensitive soul who can’t take a derogatory ‘put down’ in the spirit it is intended then go elsewhere but I can assure you that if you take the time to get to know him you will be rewarded with a warm welcome, lasting loyal friendship, and help and advice on most of your queries re all things Greek. Steve’s wife Sue is one of the nicest women you will meet anywhere.
The new Glaros bar is an excellent meeting place, centrally placed in Massouri with a limited but excellent menu of pizzas pancakes, salads and of course, an unlimited supply of Mythos. You won’t get loud music or late night drinking (much after midnight) but there are plenty of other bars that cater for those tastes within easy walking distance.
If you are not a regular, next time you call in for a routes update sit down and buy a drink and get to know Steve and Sue a little better.