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

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At any time of year, and in spite of all the tourist activity, the gorge remains a wild, rugged and potentially hazardous place. Always be on the alert for falling rocks. Rain followed by wind dislodges them most readily. The park will be closed if such conditions are expected. Tired or injured people, who finish the trip riding one of the few ‘rescue’ mules from Samaria village (which is expensive) sometimes hurt themselves further by falling, as the pack saddles are extremely uncomfortable. On rare occasions desert-like flash floods occur in Crete, when the parched land cannot absorb the first storms of winter. It is sensible to be aware of this if a storm develops (at any time of year). Unmaintained paths off the main trail are closed to the public (due to accidents in the past) and special permission from the Forestry Directorate of Chania is needed for access to them.

Towards the end of the walk, note the Turkish fort on the western skyline above the valley. The climb to it is not as far as it looks, and for unhurried walkers (wearing boots) it makes an interesting and unconventional way of arriving at Ay. Roumeli.