Kritsa Gorge.

This morning's warm wind got the first lot of washing dried but by the time the second machine load had finished the light drizzle had set in and it's been wet on and off ever since.

I generally feel more relaxed on Saturdays as I don't have any commitments for the day (but wouldn't life be boring if I had no plans for the week?). So as usual today has been a domestic day. 

After a late start recovering from yesterday's ride, I baked a Bara Brith, stewed the next lot of apples, got some paperwork done and planted three agapanthus that had been half price at Morrisons. I also did some diy, completing the lower half of my compost bin including a cover made from a saved piece of roofing rubber. Eventually there will be a top section for filling and the lower section will be the previous year's weeds composting away.

Now back to holiday stuff. 

The mountains of Crete contain some pretty spectacular gorges. 

Not too far from Agios Nikolaos is the mountain village of Kritsa home to 19 churches plus many tavernas and gift shops as it is a tourist hot spot.

The gorge is a little way outside the village and I was hoping it would be suitable for us to walk.

But unfortunately after climbing down some fairly steep steps to the then dry river bed,

the way led over a series of large boulders, 4-5ft high which were just too much for Peter. I climbed over them and went on a short way into the gorge to take photos but knew Peter would be fussing if I took too long. He has become quite a worrier in his old age.

At first we thought that was it for our walk but then saw the end of the return route which goes around the side of the mountain. Peter took some persuading that we weren't just marching across somebody's land and would have irate farmers shouting at us. In fact the Greeks have immense respect for older folk and will do anything they can to help you. It was only after we saw returning hikers that Peter agreed to take the track.

We had a fairly gentle climb up the stony path which gave us far reaching views across the mountains down towards the sea.

Below us were more olive groves.

By the time we decided to turn and head back dark clouds had gathered overhead and eventually thunder rumbled but no rain. However as we drove back to the city we could see where there had been quite significant cloudbursts across the road.