Crete, Greece

We went exploring the next day and found a good path down to a lovely rocky beach, but the wind was blowing so badly that our beach umbrella would not stay put. The weather was all sunshine, but the wind was terrible. We decided to head up the coast and explore the area, and we found Palekastro, a mid-sized town with a butcher and a few larger mini-marts.

Our days consisted of taking walks, finding uncrowded beaches, and just hanging out by our pool. On a relatively calmer day, we headed up to Kato Zakros, about 25 minutes east of our town. We found a good hike near there at the Gorge of the Dead, a 3-mile in and back trail. It was a great hike, although a little challenging in spots where we had to climb over boulders to stay on the marked trail. After a good long hike, we rewarded ourselves with a frosty Mythos at the local taverna. Turns out the three tavernas along the beach have free umbrellas and sunbeds. I now knew where I wanted to go on the next beach day.

Our days in Xerokambos consisted of relaxing by the pool, reading books, and a few road trips to the local mini-mart or to the larger town to restock supplies. I cooked most nights because our patio was so beautiful and the views out to the sea could not be beat at any restaurant—besides, after a few days of Greek “Cuisine”, we were ready for something besides roasted meat and potatoes!

A few days later, Jack wanted to try a little slow trail running at the same hike we had done a few days before at the Gorge of the Dead, but this time he wanted to do the whole 5.5-mile loop. I dropped him off at the start of the trail, and I went down to Kato Zakros and the Akrogiali Taverna and plopped myself on a nice sunbed and waited for Jack to finish. Unfortunately, it took longer than he had anticipated. Initially, he planned on spending maybe 1.5 hours, but called me to say he would be longer. Due to the spotty cell service, I really couldn’t understand him and didn’t know he had cracked his head wide open. After another hour, I received a text with an ETA of another 20 minutes. I drove to pick him up at the trail exit, but Jack did not arrive. Over an hour later, I see a bloody mess walking down the hill. He had slipped on a rock and split his head wide open. He was covered in caked blood, but his head wound was still raw and bleeding. One look at it, and I knew he needed stitches. I drove back to gather up my things on the beach, got him cleaned up the best I could, and then drove to the nearest hospital, an hour away. €24 and 7 stitches later, Jack was as good as new. I don’t think he’ll be hiking alone for a while!

Southern Crete Beaches

Gorge of the Dead

Minor Mishap in Gorge

End of Day

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