Mountains of Crete

Psiloritis mountains Crete

Living on the island of Crete, we are not only blessed by 300 sunny days in the year.(hallelujah!) We are also surrounded by the most beautiful mountain ranges. Now I am not an expert on mountains, it took me 20 years before I climbed my first one in Crete. But I have had a taste, and there is something magical about mountains. In fact if you get lucky enough to climb one or you're a regular climber then you'll know, that they call out to you and once you've reached one summit you simply have to do it again.

Timios Stavros Mount Ida, Crete

Here I am on the left, my hiking buddy Patricia on the far right and sister in the middle. We had just reached the summit of Psiloritis at 2456m. Way above the clouds there is no better feeling than finally getting to the top and taking a good look 'around and soaking up the view.

Timios Stavros looking west towards Hania

Timios Stavros looking south over Lybian sea

Here's why I think mountains are magical. It is not just the view, because it  is pretty mind blowing up there. It is how as you climb you get absorbed by the mountain. How can I describe this phenomena.

At the start of the hike, we are always full of gossip and natter, and carrying all the baggage of our daily lives with us. As we progress, usually the going starts to get tougher, and conversation slowly dries up as we focus our energy and attention on our goal.

Around about this time, its hard to talk and walk and so other senses start to take over, this the the point when you start to really look around you, really start to see what's in the world. There is a moment when, all your body is working hard and you can feel every bit of it, when attention and focus is on nothing but the mountain all worries and everyday mundane troubles are left way behind, and you realise that you're really living the moment.

It's a wow factor! That is when I feel that the mountain is so magnificent, essential and i am a part of it, I am where I belong. Wow! and then you see the views!

Timios Stavros looking north only clouds

As I said before, I am no expert on mountains, and my experience is limited, but the spark has been lit, and this adventure is at the beginning. I am blessed to live on Crete. <3

Dikti Mountains Lassithi, Crete

Almost at the peak of Mikros Afentis Dikti Mountains, Crete

Skinakas obseratory Psiloritis



Salute to the Sun

Ok, i admit it, I am a sun worshipper. Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean the kind that lies for hours on plastic bed at the beach, cheek to cheek with hot sweaty strangers. Eww no that is just not me.

 No my worshipping the sun is a personal and private affair. 

Oh yes, give me a field of tall grass to lie in, with the earth's heartbeat against my back and the sun's rays energising me any day.  

I cannot help but be enthralled by the magic of the sun's rays filtering through a canopy of leaves, as clear and pure as a sparkling mountain stream, making the most simple objects spirited and magical. 

My breath is taken away by a sunrise, with the first peak of the sun and the anticipation of knowing that its rays bring light and hope for a brand new day, and that they will light up the sky with energy and warmth. 

Then the sunsets, that leave me glowing, with peace and satisfaction of a day well spent, as my spirit is warmed and comforted by the knowledge that my sun will return to me once again in the morning. 

Yep, I am a certified sun worshipper, and will always be searching for and smiling in it's light.

Sun peeking through an ancient olive tree and the hike from Kamari to Gonies gorge

                                Agia Irini Gorge, between Knossos and Yuchtas

South Crete, walking from Chora Sfakion

Gorge between kateros and Peza in Crete. 

Sun peeking through almond blossom. On a hike between Kerasia and Aisites

Taken on Amoudara beach in Heraklion, Crete

Winter sunshine, Heraklion, Crete

Early morning sun, taken from Psiloritis mountain, Heraklion, Crete

Sunset from Psiloritis, Timios Stavros, Heraklion, Crete