Lazarow World-Hike-About

On an undulating trail along the cliffs, the dual waters are eye-catching. "She'll be coming down the mountain when..." the early stages of the walk between two coastal villages. Signage, all over the world, fulfills a vital role—it also is humorous at times. In reading a book on Crete hiking, we noticed a hint that amused us. “When you lose the trail”, it began, “Think what a donkey would do in that position and follow your instincts.” Many trails are goat paths and not always clear. I mentioned to the editor, “What do you think of that? We are supposed to imagine what goes on in a donkey’s head.” “Fortunately,” she replied, “You have a distinct advantage in that department.” Nice. Rather than be sidetracked and rise to the bait, the only thing I could think of regarding a donkey's thoughts are those of food, relieving itself and avoiding work. Meantime, the same editor, Miss Smarty Pants, said to me as we were coming down Imbros Gorge, “These rocks a...

Approaching the tiny harbor at dusk. On the way to Anapolis, rising some 2,000 feet through a gorge and out of a ravine, with a 'backdrop'. Since arriving in Greece, we are on high alert. It’s not because of bullets flying in shopping malls (deep regret about the USA), but something equally dangerous. So we walk on tiptoes, always vigilant, always on the watch. What is it you might ask? “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”. We remember history, not much but some. Thus far, no presents have been offered but it could occur. We remember what happened to the Trojans when the Greeks bestowed a gift upon them. In the meantime, our calves are sore and stiff because of our modified gait. Heading towards the White Mountains of Crete. Our new hotel, well it’s not new at all, is in the middle of the small town of Hora Sfakion. Access is via a restricted road. The road passes alongside restaurants and shops and in fact, looks as if it goes in-between the tables and chairs o...

Editor scrambles as she negotiates the fourth segment of the climb. Every now and again, sometimes even frequently, we come across a hike that turns into a superb experience. The climb and hike to the peak, and of course return, from Gingilos was one such adventure. Briefly, the starting point is opposite the Samaria Gorge. Although most people visit Amalos to undertake the gorge hike, we believe this climb is far superior and by a wide margin. It has a number of segments. The first part is a hike up a steep section of a mountain, followed by a walk along the edge, always on rugged, stony paths. Stage-three rises sharply to a saddle, the fourth section is tricky rock scrambling and technical climbing while the last stage is a relatively easy walk along shale to the peak. The slope on the third segment...I thought the editor was joking when she pointed to the top and mentioned it was merely the saddle. The peak was way above. The saddle above...and then to the left, the...

After a tough day, all is calm and tranquil in Agai Romelli, as the sun disappears below the horizon. Greece is the word or is it ‘Grease’ is the place? Forgive me but I always wanted to say or write that as we struggle in Crete, hoping to see Olivia Newton-John. John Travolta, not I. With that out the way, let’s get going. It always worries us when there is more action on the journey than the slopes…and there’s plenty in the mountains. So what’s with the journey? United Airlines flew us into Athens and then Aegean took us to the island of Crete, city of Chania, and all went well. The skies were friendly, as advertised by the airline, although the journey from San Diego—4am wake-up and arrival a cool thirty hours later. Beats walking and we suppose swimming, too. It’s a problem when one is unable to sleep on a plane but that’s a minor irritation in the scheme of things. The first problem was air temperatures. Although it was over 90 degrees in Newark airport, the artificially ...