Crete to Athens

The final leg of the our Crete bike tour took us to Elafonisi. We prepped for a large uphill climb and  smooth descent to the beach. It was both of those things. The road was challenging but much more manageable than other roads we had this far done in Crete. 

Next up, the journey to Chania. We opted for a bus due to being limited to a major road that was known to be busy. Great choice! 

Once in Chania, we discovered a charming and lovely port town. We met up with Dean and headed out of town to do Olive Oil tour. It was a huge highlight! A great afternoon spent learning about the process from the owner of the company. 

An overnight ferry took us to Athens where we hur the highlights, strolled the city streets and caught up with Dean. 

Crete by Bike - Part 2

Sitting in a cafe in Paleohora reflecting on Crete so far. We have spent a lot of time diving into the ocean and checking out seaside villages while spending more time off the bikes than we thought. The heat is extreme and the many beaches made the decision to stop easy. 

Yesterday, we hiked the Samaria Gorge and I must say, I loved being back on a hiking trail. The gorge far exceeded our expectations. It was massive and seemingly endless. Access from Sougia and ferry rides connecting the journey had us checking out the island from a seaside perspective. We even left our bikes at the port in Sougia for the day while we hiked the gorge. Hard to believe it felt okay to leave all our belongings out in the open for almost 12 hours but there really is no worry of theft here, a comfortable way to travel for sure. 

Tomorrow we will set out for Elafonisi beach, the last leg of the bike tour prior to making out way to Hania. 

Crete by Bike - More Pictures - Part 1

 

Crete by Bike

Landing in Haraklion and setting out on our bikes we had a rapid reality check, Crete is hard to cycle. We headed south and over the next few days have found ourselves somewhere in the middle of where we wanted to be a few days ago. Along the way, we have hauled our bikes through impassable tracks but also discovered the most incredible coastal road we have cycled yet. This evening we are checked in a mini apartment style accomodation to reconsider maps and take a break from the unexpectedly record high temperatures. Another adventure that has challenged us physically and mentally but we have communicated and adjusted, with more to come for sure! 

The Lost Years

 The lost years cover from 2020 until current day. I feel like we did really well during the pandemic to keep up our travels. I stopped posting as it seemed weird during a worldwide pandemic. I have decided to list a few highlights to get the "blog going again"

2019- step back in time for a quick sec and we did Newfoundland with our good friend Dean. The main part of the trip was completing the "Long Range" in Gros Morne. Dean's first backcountry hike and a real "Canadian" experience for our British friend seeing bear and moose in the wild. 

2020 - as per previous post we did Killarney Cloche Silhouette - amazing 

2021 - Headed up to Sault Ste Marie as a launpad for hiking the coastal trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Incredible rugged coastline and trails to ourselves. A special part of this trip was taking a trip back to Healey Lake where I grew up at my grandparents cottage outside of my dad's hometown of Mactier, Ontario (first picture)

2022 - Bonus of staying in Canada. We "finally" biked the Cabot Trail. Such an amazing part of the country. Finished off with waterfront fun in Halifax and catching up with friends at an Oceanside cottage on our way home. 

2022 - First territory, the Yukon. Goal: hike the Grizzly Lake trail in Tombstone Territorial Park. Achieved, including northern lights and a day trip to Alaska to see the grizzlies fishing for salmon. Finished off with another epic multi-day in Kluane National Park and Reserve. 

2023 - "We biked the Alps". For 18 days from Munich to Salzburg via the Italian dolomites. Return to international travel doesn't get much better. Of course, Dean had to make a guest appearance. 

2023 - Keeping it Canadian - great times with friends, new and old, in Vancouver, Whistler and squamish. 

2024 - planning has begun. Cannot wait.