Greece 2008 Day 09

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

Day 09 - September 19 - Crete

Endless hairpin turn day around Southwest Crete. Retraced yesterday's drive and continued further along the coast.

First stop was the Venetian castle Frangokastello. Only a shell now; however, the Venetian lion and two heralds

were embedded in the rear exit. Should be an impressive sight at night since it is surrounded by large floodlights,

which were on during the daytime.

Next stop was Hora Sfakion. A small fishing village with transport connections - both main bus system to the

North island and water transport to various coastal beaches and towns. This is also the main return point for

the well known Samaria Gorge. (Next year's adventure). A vine covered roof ran the full length of main shops

and restaurants on the harbor front. Picked up sandwiches and continued the drive.

Just West of the town was new road construction - wasn't sure if the road was open; however, we could see

a tour bus coming down from the 1,000 meter sized mountain. So, between gravel areas, new pavement,

and large earth moving equipment, we continued over the mountain and to the end of the highway.

Quite the surprise came around a corner - a one lane wooden floor bridge over a rather deep gorge. Many

a hiker had come to visit Anethena Gorge. At the entrance was a small abandoned village - appearing to be

remains of the WW II Cretan War with no roofs and riddled with bullet holes. A 4.5 KM hike will lead to the

Libyan Sea - would assume water transport is available.

Came across other old villages and house ruins. Amazing part of Crete's history is the first major war time

parachute assault was here by the Germans. And now, 60 years later, the assault continues with German

tour and independent travel groups instead.

Return route was via the main road to Hania; however, it was under some large scale construction with new

tunnels, side walls, and expanded pavement. Located an alternate route back to Plakias; however, the narrow

gauge road with the World's record of hairpin turns did take some time. West to East roads don't tend to

exist - seems most are South to North following a gorge or mountain divide.

Dinner was back to Medousa cafe with the house special spicy pork and shrimp salad. Stopped at a

local bakery for 'Milk Cake' (Greek version of tres leches). Know it will be good since the single Plakias

police car was parked in front. Guess 'donut shops' are universal. Walked back to the hotel under the

clear starry night.

Crete - Frangokastello Castle

Crete - Frangokastello Castle Beach Crete - Hora Sfakion

Crete - Hora Sfakion

Crete - Hora Sfakion - Typical Town Street

Crete - Anethena Gorge

Crete - Anethena Olive Tree

Crete - Anethena

Crete - Anethena Goats Crete - Anethena Flora

Crete - Anethena Gorge Crete - Anethena Gorge Flora

Crete - Anethena Gorge Crete - Anethena Olives Crete - Anethena Gorge Flora

Crete Roadway Crete - Sweetwater Beach Sign

Crete - Sweetwater Beach Crete - LSU Rental Car

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