Crete - Mk11

Downtown Iraklion excavation

Knossos

Knossos

Fresco knossos

Jack Tar at Iraklion

Venetion fountain Iraklion

Fishermen adjacent to our berth

Venetian arsenal Iraklion

Lounda on Spinalonga Lagoon

Spinalonga Island

First Mate at Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos

Street scene Aghios nikolaos

It is high season for tourists in Crete, with thousands of them, mainly Greek, flocking to all the sights. We enjoyed Aghios Nikolaos despite them. A very pretty town centered around an old fishing port in an old volcano crater lined with tavernas and souvenir shops. We had a comfortable berth at the marina, but decided to sail as the forecast was once again for inceasing winds and we wanted to make ground to the west. First stop was Spinalonga Lagoon, a shallow almost enclosed waterway below Spinalonga Island, the subject of the currently popular novel, The Island; soon to be made a movie. The island houses the remains of a Venetian fortress and a leper colony, the subject of the book. On entering the passage past the island, we were reminded of the aerodynamic effect of accelerating strong winds blowing over the steep cliffs in this part of the world. A 50 kt gust took away the solar anchor light [a $6 Bunnings garden light] and almost shredded the bimini which remains a bit stretched. Fortunately we had taken in all sail. Next day we motor sailed into a 25 kt headwind to Ireklion, the capital of Crete and the fifth largest city in Greece. Here we remain sheltering again from the meltemi, but what a great place to do it. It is a vibrant city with a fascinating cafe society and many wonderful examples of past civilisations. Nearby at Knossos is a partially restored Minoan palace, while the the neo-classical buildings of the city reflect the venetian influence. It is probable that the whole city is built over the remains of many of those ancient societies. When the next opportunity presents we will press on westward.