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

87 страница из 113

THE OMALOS PLAIN

Walkers pause above the wooded spur that forms an optional return route to the Omalos Plain (Walk 3)

The Omalos Plain (also called ‘plateau’) is the largest of several high plains in the White Mountains. On the south side, 1.5km beyond the periphery of the plain, is Xyloscala, the busy trailhead for the walk down through the Gorge of Samaria National Park. From Xyloscala other footpaths lead eastwards to the high mountains via Kallergi Refuge, or southwestwards to the summit of Gingilos, its massive grey cliff forming part of the northwest wall of the gorge.

At Omalos hamlet (often simply called ‘Omalos hotels’ by the bus crew) and Xyloscala, various establishments, run by people from Lakki village, specialise in providing quick, sustaining breakfasts for the thousands who walk the gorge each day. Trekkers leaving for the high mountains should note that the only shop, at Xyloscala, does not stock provisions other than snacks. The New Omalos Hotel (at Omalos) can normally supply meat, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, fruit and bread. Otherwise, bring lightweight food supplies up with you.