Читать книгу The High Mountains of Crete. The White Mountains, Psiloritis and Lassithi Mountains онлайн

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Mist

When the notos or the sirocco – warm winds from the south – cross mountains recently cooled by a north wind, or vice versa, a period of up to three days of mist and rain may follow. (Northern slopes are more prone to mist.) In the high mountains, always assess your next day’s route and the whereabouts of the next shelter and water source. From June to October shepherds’ huts may be in use. Some shepherds are more sociable and welcoming than others, but all would make space for walkers in bad weather.

The winter months

Although Askifou, Anopolis and Hora Sfakion are inhabited all year, many coastal facilities in the White Mountains close after October. Building construction and maintenance goes on at this time, so that some facilities need to remain open. However, for accommodation it is wise to expect to camp.

On the path to the Katharo Plain in April: a short-lived springtime snowfall has transformed the landscape (Walk L4)

Depending on conditions, the Gorge of Samaria National Park will close to the public from mid- to late October, and will reopen on 1 May (but this, too, can vary by a week either way). The New Omalos Hotel is open at weekends in winter. Although November is a good month for off-season walking in Crete, it is also the kri-kris’ mating time, which can be dangerous because they may disturb loose rocks on the high crags. Whatever the regulations of this national park, the gorge will always be tempting to trekkers as a north–south through route and it is not fenced-off. Omalos and Ay. Roumeli people are very knowledgeable about the gorge and its hazards; listen to their advice. Conditions in the gorge can change at any time, but it is seriously impassable when winter snow starts to thaw. Flash flooding due to thunderstorms is now a potential danger all year. Do not start up (or down) it unless you are fully prepared to retrace your steps. The best secondary trail has long been closed to the public as a result of the death of one lone off-season walker who had the misfortune to break his leg.