Greece 2008             Journey Day: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18

                                                 Day 07 - September 17 - Crete
 
                                                 White knuckle exploration driving day - Rough, unpaved, mountain hugging, and narrow roads leading to
                                                 various beach coves and mountain villages.  Journey started Eastward to next series of coves - First stop 
                                                 was the Damnoni beach.  Almost all the coves were dead end drives - only connection between the series
                                                 of beach coves were hiking paths.  This beach, along with the majority, has Tavernas (cafes) with outdoor
                                                 covered tables allowing for escape from the sun.
 
                                                 A small pocket of a cove was within a short hike over the bellowing rock formations.  This unnamed, or 
                                                 unmarked, beach seemed to be quite frequented - German visitors at their most relaxed stage.
 
                                                 Amoudhi Beach was accessed by a narrow road, or oversized goat path.  A Taverna was available;
                                                 however, part of the building was a work in progress.  This seems to be true for several sites in the 
                                                 Greek isles - somewhat a pay-as-you-go process.  Owner may have a few walls up this year and 
                                                 a roof in a few years.  Quite a few skeleton buildings around the islands.
 
                                                 Last stop was Preveli Beach - a route that requires focus on the apex of every curve to determine
                                                 if two vehicles will vie for a space for one.  As we descended from the mountain road to beach level,
                                                 recent wildfire results could be seen in the charred lands within the gorge.  Green growth was appearing
                                                 on the fringe of most trees.  Other features of the rocky road included a cobbled stone Venetian bridge
                                                 from the 1800s and heavily mature olive groves.
 
                                                 Previli is unique with a natural river flowing out from a gorge into the sea.  Ice cold water meanders
                                                 through a palm forest and river reed borders before taking a right then left into the sea.  Paddle boats
                                                 could be rented for a mini jungle cruise of sorts.  After a short nap under one of many trees, it was 
                                                 time to enjoy a late lunch in an old vine roofed Taverna.  Lunch was rabbit and potatoes cooked by 
                                                 the host's mother.  Service has been delightful and sincere.
 
                                                 Road back to Plakias was via the mountain road through Sellia and Mirthios - both with overlooks
                                                 of the valley.  Discovered a "side route" from Sellia down to Plakias via paved and unpaved segments.
                                                 Wasn't sure if road or very long private driveway until the road ended in the pedestrian area of 
                                                 Plakias.  
 
                                                 Ended the day with a hike along the Bay ridge to a series of WW II caves used to access strategic 
                                                 gun emplacements - only memories now of the Battle of Crete.  Another outstanding sunset and 
                                                 moonrise finished the day.  
 
                                                 Dinner was Cafe Medousa - a block off the main street.  Driveway and vine covered portico was floored in 
                                                 segments of marble and granite - just ingredients from the local mountains.  Inlaid name "Medousa" in the 
                                                 driveway was quite the identifier.  Surrounding the portico perimeter was dark pink honeysuckle plants -
                                                 which was noticeable when a breeze started.  Again, like almost every restaurant visited, the youngest
                                                 spoke the best English and hosted, the next generation up served and monitored, and just like the infamous
                                                 stereotype, "Mama" did the cooking.  Results were always outstanding and total cost for two were always 
                                                 under 20 Euros.
 
                                                 A few other old Greek pictures were still very true - men used worry, or rosary, beads and families set around
                                                 the small villages - men on one side and women on the other.  Classic beards and moustaches were 
                                                 quintessential Cretan style.  Main roads through the smaller villages were only one car width and zig zag
                                                 around homes, churches, sheep, dogs, chickens, and naturally people.  

 

                                             South Crete Scenes   South Crete Scenes   South Crete Scenes    

                                            South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach    South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach    South Crete Scenes - Previlli Monastery    

                                        South Crete Scenes - Previlli Monastery    South Crete Scenes - Previlli Monastery        South Crete Scenes - Previlli Monastery

                                             South Crete Scenes - Old Previlli Monastery    South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach    South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach    

                            South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach    

                               South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach    

                             South Crete Scenes - Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Road to Previlli Beach  South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay

                                                          South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay  South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay LSU Tigerland  South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay Tunnels

                                  South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay Tunnels    South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay Flora    South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay Beach    South Crete Scenes - Palikas Bay Beach

 

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