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

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Rain shell

Insulated waterproof garments are too warm outside the winter months. Lightweight Gortex or similar is best since ‘breathable’ materials double as windproofs, but any waterproof is better than nothing; at the very least, kit yourself out with a big dustbin bag. However settled it looks at first, storms can develop in half a day at any time of year. On mountain treks and summit ascents you must have a rain shell. Overtrousers and gaiters are a welcome luxury. An umbrella is always a useful travel item, especially now that ultra-light models are available.

Protective clothing

In summer, wear loose-fitting cottons for protection from the sun and from chafing. Check beforehand that all clothes are comfortable in use, and bring long-sleeved tops and long trousers, which also help protect against insects, numbers of which build up over the summer. If you find the heat exhausting, use an umbrella – your own pool of shade makes all the difference.

Boots

Cretan footpaths, with loose stones, are relentlessly rough underfoot, but there are also lots of new service tracks in the mountains. Ideally your boots need to provide good ankle- and foot-muscle support and yet also be flexible enough to suit road-tramping. Shock-absorbing footbeds are particularly helpful in Crete. However, in hot weather your feet will seem to swell. You will need generously sized boots; the introduction of either thick insoles or two pairs of socks, or both, could make your boots too tight – consider these options beforehand.