#2 Gorge

The Imbros gorge is the second most hiked in Crete after the Samariá. The best part is 7km and easily separated from the remaining 7km. On the other hand, the Samariá is 14km with no breaking point and it is “closed” for hiking because there are no water taxis operating to take you back to the nearest town.

As per my usual, I hiked up first and then down. Even though coming down is t necessarily faster or easier, it is psychologically a boost. And, asI have discovered, one gets a different view in each direction. On the descent, I realized there was an arch which wasn’t noticeable on the way up unless you looked backwards at exactly the right time!

I was glad I invested in walking sticks when I was in Rethymno earlier this week. This hike was over loose rocks most of the way. It was great to have the stick for an extra balance point when the rocks skidded out from under me.

When I got to the top, it was sort of a mountain meadow. I ate on orange and then promptly began my descent. Total walking time was about 3.5 hours, with stops total time was 4.5.

Now I was hungry and in search of food! I had wanted to try a certain taverna, so I stopped there. They did it speak much English and my Greek is not great despite 834 days on Duo lingo, but I managed to get a Greek salad and a beer and a panoramic view as I sat outside

I was then ready to retire back to my sanctuary and watch another glorious sunset.