As we climb, we look back at the village of Hora Sfakion. Our building is visible.
The early part of the hike is on the highway, the contrast of sand and sea is clear.
The coastal areas we’ve visited thus far have been superb. The disappointing aspects of Crete are few initially, except for two issues. It appears it’s a gun-happy island of people. Someone told us that at weddings and bar mitzvahs, the guests are apt to draw their arms and instead of dancing, shoot bullets into the air. We're pleased to learn that they're not straight-shooters. Who are we to criticize such actions? What we don’t like is that these same people shoot holes in road signs and more importantly, trail signage. That’s enough to get us excited. These days, we never stand at a signpost for longer than a few seconds; or, where we perceive danger, we use binoculars from a distance to read them. In exceptional circumstances, I encourage the editor to be brave and ‘go take a look’ while I concentrate on the real important things like…it escapes me now.
The distinctive White Mountains of Crete after climbing 2,000 feet.
Editor takes on one of the multiple climbs in the gorge in the early stages.
In the meantime, 'Hop-along-Cassidy' strolls up an old animal track, "What? Me worry" attitude.
Could he be stuck? Could he do with a shave?
We did mention a second aspect that gets the proverbial goat and there are an awful lot of goats on the island to get. The graffiti is shocking in Crete. We don’t mean the quality of the ‘art’ either. So many buildings are defaced that it appears the inhabitants have given up and allowed anything that can be covered to be vandalized. It’s really sad…tragic would be a better expression of our sentiment. As an aside, the most shocking sights of graffiti we’ve ever seen anywhere in the world are in Athens—more about that next time.
A closer view of the village and little harbor in the early morning. A delightful place.
Editor takes a rock break as we get higher.
Taking the gap.
On our hike today, for the first twenty minutes we walked along the highway or winding road that leads from the coast up to the towns in the mountains. It was unusual but more enjoyable than we anticipated. Thereafter, we cut into Illingis Gorge for a while then up and out across a ravine before reaching a couple of towns perched at the top. We witnessed derelict buildings and some rough human sights set against natural backdrops of beauty. In many places, it appears that small communities remain isolated from the rest of…we were going to say civilization but we fully understand their choice.
Striking White Mountains, when the light is right.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A little night life in Athens. (The Acropolis)
The 'flying Geek', getting an early start for the next Games.
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