Hi again, everyone. We've just completed two day test drive of the new model Ford Fiesta. This car, according to some reviews I've read, is better than the 208. Now, I didn't really warm to the 208, and the Fiesta was pretty good, especially for a 1000cc engine (amazing really), BUT! the 208 leaves the Fiesta for dead. Really, there is no comparison. I don't think I'll ever take a review seriously again.
You've gotta have a go, see for yourself. Sometimes diamonds, sometimes dogs. Elafonissi was promoted as one of the world's top beaches. Hmmm, Sandgate in Brisbane could be ahead is some points. Water ok, nowhere deep enough to really swim, too many ***** people, poor facilities. But, the journey there was of interest. Later on Friday, we visited Milia.....a real diamond. No point describing it, but we will be back for a booking on the next trip. I thought it would be some kind of retreat, but lots of the guests were using the place as a base, with most places of interest not more than an hour away. We loved the setting, the philosophy, and the vibes.
Saturday, we drove into the mountains, to revisit Samaria. We walked this gorge circa 1981. The place is superb, it's potential not even touched even yet. It would be a great bike ride, 30-40km ride with about a 1500m climb, could descend another 30-40km to the Libyan Sea coast, take the boat out. Would be an epic. There are so many opportunities here yet to be discovered.
Ok, first pic, here is the Elafonissi Hilton. Desolate, barren, rock strewn collection of worn out caravans, in the baking sun and wind blown dust. Just proves, like the car reviews, you just have to make your own assessment. For me....assessment....a dump.
True believers: A French family of four (dad had the bub in a trailer), heading expectantly towards the nirvana of Elafonissi. To get here, they had to cross mountain ranges, deal with heat, flies, thirst, and with about 10 kms to go, their faces glowing with happy expectation. I wondered last night, where they would be camping, what they ate, and hoped it was better than I thought. I'm full of admiration for adventurers such as these. Vive la France!!
You can read about Milia on the internet if you're really interested. Here is one of the restored houses. It's a lovely spot, I commend it to all of you.
The fantastic view from the terrace of the restaurant.
Beautiful, wild mountain heathland, full of herbs and ozone. I loved it here, and hope to return to wander among it.
Ahhh, true spirit. Can you imagine what inspired the constructor of this garden ornament (It is big enough to sit in, has a seat and moveable joystick)? Of course, it's universally acclaimed as an oeuvre d'art, a true masterpiece. Or, is it really just a left over from the Hellenic Air Force?
For the petrol heads, here is our Feisty Fiesta. The wind was blowing fairly strongly, and we could actually hear these first generation turbines turning in the wind. I think I'm now suffering from low frequency syndrome, I think I'll sue the Greek Government. (Yea, goodonyamate!!)
A wall of rock, an incredible view as we approached Samaria Gorge. We did this walk more than 30 years ago. It's about 20km from go to whoa. At the completion, the only transport is a fishing boat along the coast to Hora Sfakion, where one can catch a bus back to Chania. It's quite a trip, we must do it again, hopefully, next year. The mountain is called Gigilos, takes about 4-5 hours to complete. Could spend a few happy days here.
General view looking down the Gorge of Samaria. The last of the snow has just melted, must be magic in April/early May.
Lunch: Local spinach pies, chips in local olive oil (makes a difference), home baked bread, and fresh salad with local ingredients, all organic.
Beautiful, beautiful rock wall.
Tomorrow, an easy day cruising down town, and hoping to get a swim in. We'll give you an update from Athens. Bonne semaine!!
ps, Happy Birthday Bruce!
The goats always know the answers.
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