Twisted Mountain Roads

Today was a trip out to Elafonisi beach and lagoon.  Its one of the most popular swim spots on Crete and one of the most beautiful (supposedly).  The drive was a twisting one through the mountains.

We went through a lot of hairpin turns with fairly sheer drops, a single lane tunnel, and GOATS.  Cute little buggers sitting in olive tree shade off tot he side or munching shrubs.  We stopped once borh ways at 2 different tavernas.  The first was really great, maybe odd that we were geeting food at 10am, but we were hungry.  We had feta stuffed zuchinni blossoms lightly battered and fried, and a Cretan vegetable dish called Boureki made of Zuchinni, Potatoes, and cheeses.  Along with bread and olive oil and some Raki and yogurt with almonds and honey afterwards.  Was awesome.  

Along the way we stopped at The Cave of Agia Sofia (Wisdom of God).  It was a small chapel in a cave at the top of stone stairs (i counted for sarah it was ~240 steps).  Pretty large almost spherical shaped cave with stalactites/mites and home to quite a few pigeons.  The cave has a long history, but more or less is now just a historical site with prayer candles and an now unused confessional.

The beach was busy, but probably far short of what it is during busy season, about 1/4 of the cabanas were in use.  We parked after a rugged rock and dirt road.  Helped another person push their car who got it stuck in the sand.

Even though it had been raining earlier it was cleared up and sunny here and about 82F.  Slathered on the sunscreen.  Dipped into the beach for a bit but didnt really want to swim much.  Especially since we were keeping our passports and money in the pack.  Instead we opted for the lagoon.  It was thigh height in most places, with absolutely crystal clear water.  Some fish swimming around.  We spotted 1 crab.  Got about as far as stomach height.  Just walking around and getting feet in the samd was a lot of fun.  Coulle topless folks but no full nudies.  There was a nearby beach that had been recommended by Tiama that coincidently is also popular with naturists, but figured that this might be tge least busy this beach was in some years, and we didnt want to do 2.

On the way back we stopped at another taverna.  It was Antikrista Taverna and Rooms.  It was just ok.  We had Lamb with Fries, and Mousakka.  Both were just ok.  The beer was good and there was a cat that hung around us for food and had a purr that sounded like a Dove or Pigeon.  He also hiccupped like a water drop sound.  It was the funniest cat, he got a lot of food from us.  After the meal offered Raki which we passed on, i had to drive more but they did bring us cakes and some apples for the road.

Its only 9 and Im exhausted.  Just the time in the sun and concentrating on driving.  Tomorrow we'll have breakfast here and be heading out on a different route to Heraklion again with some cool stuff along the way.