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lindoig8 · 4 years ago

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Halls Creek (almost) to Katherine, 15-17 June

Tuesday, 15 June

We were preparing the van to move on when I got a call from Toyota in Katherine where I had made an online booking on Friday night for a car service. They have a 7-week waiting list – do I want to add our car to the list? No thank you, I will look elsewhere. I tried Toyota in Kununurra – their wait-list is only a bit over 6 weeks – but again, no thanks! I hadn’t tried Halls Creek where we had the car in a few days ago because they had told me that their mechanics were out of town so their workshop would be closed all week. I just rang them to see if they had any other suggestions and they said it was an easy service and one mechanic was there who could do the job if we came in at 1pm. They had fewer bookings because their main mechanics were away so we got in without delay. They had already promised to make time to replace an Anderson Plug on the van for us as we left town so it was easy to add the service too. We were delighted to get the service done: a few hundred clicks earlier than necessary, but certainly better than 4 or 5000 clicks over given the nature of our travels.

As soon as the service was complete and we had let some air out of our tyres, we topped up with fuel and hit the road at 3.15 pm. We were heading out on the Duncan Road – yet another iconic stock route, very bumpy with steep, deep dips and crests and constant corrugations, but not as horrific as some we have driven recently. Our maximum speed was restricted to about 55 to 60 kph due to the dips – as well as quite a few rough water crossings.

We passed the China Wall as soon as we were on the gravel but didn’t get out of the car – just stopped and looked. We visited it more closely last time we were here – while waiting to get the van towed to Kununurra to get its axle replaced. It is a remarkable white quartz wall up to 6 metres high that runs for over 100 kilometres in a more-or-less straight line – amazing stuff, but we were suitably amazed 4 years ago and kept driving. A little further on was Old Halls Creek that we also explored at length last time we were here. It is the site of the original township and is quite extensive (probably a bit bigger than Farina that I discussed in a post several weeks ago), some of it is moderately well preserved, but most of it is just dilapidated ruins or worse. Once the residents leave and it becomes a tourist destination, there is obviously no reason to spend money on maintenance so the whole edifice collapses – if it didn’t, I am not sure how many tourists would bother visiting. Again, we stopped and looked from the Road, but then kept going.

We only did 42 kilometres for the day and camped in wonderful gravel pit. (We have had some wonderful nights in gravel pits!!!) We were expecting to find a place called Palm Springs (hopefully, with no luxury high-rises, 5-car garages and casinos) but saw an inviting side road that took us out of sight of the main track and we camped there for the night. It was very special! I went for a walk to the top of a craggy hill near the caravan to take some photos and saw some Rainbow Bee-eaters among other things. The whole area is covered with green spinifex so walking is sometimes painful, but the view was certainly worth it. The gravel pit was in a green valley (almost lush by local standards) with a spectacular red stone ridge and associated cliff running for at least a kilometre above it. Quite beautiful.

We sat outside for our Happy Hour with an excellent red, great nibbles, a fantastic sunset, extraordinary fishbone clouds and superb company, surrounded by birdsong in some of the most specky country we have seen. We were looking at the silhouette of a beautiful drooping tree just in front of us when the skyline behind it started to move – and a big old kangaroo hopped from centre stage to exit right! A cool breeze, glorious solitude (except for the world’s most wonderful lover), a velvet sky splashed with glittering diamonds, embedded in nature…….. How could it possibly get any better?

Wednesday, 16 June

We woke a little later than usual for some reason. It was almost full light when I opened my eyes and a wake-up coffee was soon on the way. We both seemed a little reluctant to start the day so sat up in bed and did more than our usual quota of puzzles - but all good things must come to an end and time and breakfast waits for no man.

We ate and did the dishes and were all ready to go when we decided to explore the area a little more as I did last night before moving on. We climbed the nearby hill again, eschewing the spinifex with only moderate success and we were on our way again.

The whole area is a hodgepodge of red stony ridges, green spinifex, beautiful white-trunked (and other) trees, picturesque lumpy hills popping out of the plain at random, rolling pastoral country, craggy rocks – a truly wonderful place to visit. No wonder so many people come to visit and never go home.

After only a couple of kilometres, we found the place we had been looking for the previous evening – Palm Springs! Not too glitzy, but a lovely little area at the side of the road with a very small creek fed by a very small waterfall (one of the springs?), but with enough birds to keep me busy for half an hour or so. The Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters were the best.

It was a great little area and we took a few pics, but we still think our hidden camping spot out of sight of the road last night was better. It gave us some wonderful privacy, and solitude that we wouldn’t have had immediately beside the roadway at Palm Springs.

A few clicks further on, we saw the turnoff to Sawpit Gorge so off we went. It was only four kilometres in - but four kilometres back out again with virtually nowhere to turn around. (Reversing the caravan 4 clicks on that terrain was simply not an option!!!) We did all sorts of manoeuvres to turn the car and van around – and then undid them all when we couldn’t quite get around without completely jack-knifing the rig. We eventually backed far enough into a partially cleared spot to turn around and off we went without exploring the Gorge at all. We were just glad to be out of there after the trauma of turning the van around. Then, perhaps a hundred metres up the hill, we found a place where we could have parked and turned relatively easily, but there were no warning signs and then it was too late.

This whole area is spectacular. It is very hilly with hundreds of dramatic rocky jump-ups, often heavily vegetated and with beautiful, graceful trees. There is a lot of vicious spinifex, but also extensive areas of softly-waving grassy fronds. For kilometres, there was a uniform mantle of soft creamy 30-centimetre high grass, interspersed every 3 or 4 metres with a 2-metre spike of some sort of recently-deceased reeds. The topography was outstanding: colourful rocky outcrops, undulating hills and steep cliffs, but the trees and grasses were also quite arresting – so different from what we are accustomed to.

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. After yesterday’s bumpy drive with dips and crests, the road improved. It was still very corrugated with rocky patches and numerous shallow creek crossings – deepest probably 35-40 cm deep – but we were still rarely up to 60 kph maximum. We eventually reached the point where Duncan’s Road turned north and where we turned south onto another stock route, the Buntine Highway – hardly recognisable as a highway, consistently corrugated and sometimes barely wheel-track wide. This track took us back into the Northern Territory again with no Quarantine or Covid notices – but they came a little later.

We only drove 200 kilometres for the day and camped just off the road near a windmill and bore and sat outside the van with cold drinks and nibbles as the sun went down and the heat of the day was blown away by a gentle cooling breeze. There was a bit of dust in the van but not too bad and we are looking forward to some bitumen and slightly faster speeds tomorrow afternoon.

Thursday 17 June

So much for faster speeds! It was pretty rough for half the day, but it certainly improved once we hit the bitumen – not too hot in some places, barely wheel-track wide, but it improved the further we went.

As to internet speeds, the opposite occurred. We had a good signal at Kalkaringi but no signal at all in Top Springs tonight and the people in the Roadhouse say that Vodaphone is the only provider that covers this area. Good old Telstra fails again.

So where are we and how did we get here? We are in Top Springs at the intersection of yet another

part of the Binns Track (part of the Savannah Way that we drove end-to-end four years ago) and the Buntine Highway (aka the Buntine Goat-track in places).

We drove 330 kms today, half on gravel (superb to terrible at times) and half on often quite poor bitumen, mostly barely wide enough to keep all wheels on the paved surface. Almost all drivers we saw today were really good though, getting completely off the road to give us priority - something I have tried to do most of the time, but have rarely seen others doing it before today. It is far better to vacate the road, even to stop, and let the oncoming maniacs roar through on the bitumen than to drive into the wall of stones thrown up by them. And depending on wind direction (why is it always blowing into my side of the car?), we have to stop for up to 30 seconds every time a car passes anyway so we can see the way forward and not drive into a possible second oncoming vehicle.

Today, we drove quite a few kilometres at 20 kph or less due to the vicious corrugations. Faster than that and I had no control at all. The brakes were entirely ineffective and the steering wasn’t much better because no two wheels were on the road at any time. It was horrendous until we got to the roadworks where two graders were carving out a beautifully smooth passage for us, albeit on the wrong side of the road - but out here, there is rarely a right side: the right side is the one that’s not quite as bad as the other side, i.e., the side that everyone uses. Of course, that changes frequently, so we zigzagged back and forth (as did any other vehicles), just hoping that we didn’t zig when we should have zagged or vice versa.

We drove through another area of dramatic jump-ups – small sharp hills erupting out of entirely flat grasslands. I mentioned The Granites on the Tanami and a possible extension of them on the way to Halls Creek and we encountered another similar few square kilometres again today.

We ate our lunch at Kalkaringi, formerly Wave Hill, where we tried unsuccessfully to find a workshop to which we were directed to put a bit more air in our tyres - so we drove the next 170 kms with slightly lower pressures than intended. We also tried to find the Police to comply with the requirement to complete a Covid form immediately we crossed back into the NT but the local cop was out of town. Next cop will be in Katherine tomorrow, but maybe by then, the urgency to complete the form may have abated. (And it had! Approaching Katherine there was a roadside sign asking interstate travellers coming from a declared hotspot to ring the local health authorities – nothing more!)

One good thing about Kalkaringi was the strong internet signal that allowed us to download close to 50 emails each while we ate our lunch, very few of which warranted any action.

We then drove on to Top Springs – bitumen all the way and set up behind the Roadhouse with good water, hot and cold showers, power, but no internet. We were hot and dusty so went for a drink at the Roadhouse bar and the barman recognised us. We had been chatting with him and his girlfriend, backpackers from Germany, when we were all exploring the Henbury Craters south of Alice six weeks or so ago. It is a small world and we may cross paths again on our way back west.

It was great to have a shower and to plug the fridges into AC power overnight as well as mains pressure water. And I even added a couple of bird species to our trip list. It currently stands at 137 including six additions to our Life-list.

Despite our drink in the bar (and one in the van with the fan on), we were still hot so we ate our dinner outside, augmented with some hot chips straight from the bar. They cooked a batch specially for us, all double-fried, and just enough for 3 meals each.

And after dinner we watched the very final episode of White Collar, all six series of which have accompanied us most nights since we left home. We enjoyed the series and I am delighted to report that ‘the gooduns won’.

That just left us with an easy run into Katherine tomorrow, but I will leave that for another post.

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kingbrunnhilde · 7 years ago

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🦄hi my name's alyssa :D i think i just love going to the beach and reading during summer tbh (also congrats !!!!!!!!)

join my 1.1k celebration!

i love catching up on reading during the summer too! and thank you :)

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itsthegrandindianroute · 4 years ago

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Top 16 Natural Wonders in India That You Shouldn’t Miss

Think of India, and you’ll immediately think about the Taj Mahal, the Indian culture, monuments and streets brimmed with people.

For a country with so much geographical diversity, it’s a shame that India’s natural treasures get far less attention for a country with so much geographical diversity than all its other fronts. But not anymore!

From mountains to deserts to forests and caves, here are 16 stunning natural wonders that one should consider before planning a trip to India.

1. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

Pangong Tso is the world’s highest saltwater lake, notable for its dramatic landscape and waters that change colours throughout the day.

A potential Ramsar Site, the lake stands in stark contrast to the arid mountain surrounding it and experiences a swarm of tourists every year.

2. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra

Located 500 km east of Mumbai is the beautiful Lonar Lake of Maharashtra. This basalt crater lake is 50,000-year-old and is drop-dead gorgeous.

Fringed by dense green forests and a handful of ancient temples, the lake presents an awe-inspiring view to anyone who visits it. Plus, its unique geological makeup makes it a must-visit natural wonder to see in 2021.

3. Needle Hole Point, Maharashtra

Tucked 7km from Mahabaleshwar is an aesthetic view of the Deccan trap that needs more attention.

A natural rock formation with a hole that looks like an elephant is what this fantastic site Needle Hole point offers. Come here to fall in love with nature and its exceptional creations.

4. Sand Dunes of Hunder, Himachal Pradesh

India’s cold desert, the Nubra Valley is located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Beautiful, barren and unfathomably cold, the land features magnificent white vastness that can give other landscapes a run for their money.

Furthermore, its rolling expanse of dunes and Bactrian camels makes it a natural gem for the state and the country.

5. Borra Caves, Andhra Pradesh

Enroute Araku Valley is the vast million-years-old limestone Borra Caves that go 80 m into the earth’s crust.

This largest cave in India is famous for its graffiti-like illusions created by moss and algae clinging to rough erosions.

6. Gandikota Canyon, Maharashtra

India has its own version of the Grand Canyon that no one talks about. This spectacular gorge formed by river Pennar is one of India’s most handsome pieces of nature’s architecture.

Apart from its natural boulder beauty, the gorge is also famous for its magnificent fort that sits atop this panoramic view.

7. Loktak Lake, Manipur

Do you know that there is a lake in India with the only floating national park of the world?

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular attractions in North-East India, Loktak lake owes its ethereal beauty to the island lookalike swamps that harbours vegetation and wildlife.

8. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Do you know that India is home to living and breathing rubber tree bridges that carry the local traffic even today?

The two living root bridges of Meghalaya are 500 years old. Located in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, the indigenous Khasi Tribe built the bridges by bonding the naturally occurring rubber tree with Betul nut trunks.

9. Bhedaghat Marble Rocks, Madhya Pradesh

The Bhedaghat Marble Rocks is an 8 km stretch of the stunningly beautiful landscape set on River Narmada.

Laden with white, black and brown coloured marbles, the play of light and shadow by the sun on these marbles accords a kaleidoscope of unforgettable images.

10. Sangetsar Lake, Arunachal Pradesh

Surrounded by wonderfully lush green valleys and snow-capped mountains, Sangestar Tso is a beautiful freshwater lake that bejewels the state.

Often regarded as one of the most secluded lakes in India, the Sangetsar Lake is the epitome of purity on Earth according to the local Buddhists.

11. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

If there is heaven on earth, it has to be in the valley of flowers Uttarakhand.

A trekker’s paradise, Valley of flowers as the name suggests is a meadow of wonder laden with green carpets and flowers.

Not so easy to reach; this whimsical landscape is definitely a treat for the soul that you need to see at least once.

12. Hide and Seek Beach

Hide and seek beach or the Chandipur beach is a sprawling golden stretch of sand lined with Casuarina trees and lush coastal vegetation.

This mysterious beach got its name because the seawater here disappears and reappears periodically during the day. Doesn’t that make it a natural wonder?

13. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh

Do you know that objects and cars roll uphill defying gravity at Magnetic Hill?

The region is an optical illusion of sorts that makes the actual downhill road appear as if it is uphill. Plus, imagine all this happening with the gorgeous backdrop of Ladakh. We mean what else can one ask for?

14. Krishna’s Butterball, Tamil Nadu

Perhaps one of the rarest sights on Earth – India’s balancing rock is a formation that defies all laws of gravity.

This gigantic rock weighing over 250 tonnes rests on a slippery slope of a hill in Mahabalipuram looking as if it will fall any second. Interestingly enough, it never does.

15. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Dissimilar to the rest of the region, Rann of Kutch is an unearthly salt marsh found in the northern part of Gujarat in the Thar Desert.

Despite being amid arid lands and harsh climate, Kutch has always been fertile with culture and diversity. A superb area for camel safari, wildlife escapades and cultural immersion, this land of multiple horizons is definitely a must-add bucket-list item.

16. Hogenakkal Fall

Also popular as the Niagra Falls of India, Hogenakkal Waterfalls brims with beauty and is famous for its healing power.

The carbonatite rocks found here are the oldest in South Asia and the world, when combined with the cascading waters, making for scenery that’s whimsical in every way possible.

These were our top natural wonders of India. If you are interested in other such places, tune in to our landscape of India blog. However, if you plan to book a trip to any of these places, ping us! We will happily help you.

#India #best places in india #travel

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kyloren · 7 years ago

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GIRL IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. YOU DESERVE THIS SO MUCH AND I LOVE U MOM YES ❤️💙💙💙 ♛ please ily thanks and people are messaging you about recs?? if you havent ever watched one tree hill you should. and actually watch the 100

CHLOE, MY DARLING DOTTER!!!!!! 💖💖💖

okay, I watched One Tree Hill tangentially when my sister watched it…and DON’T COME AT ME ABOUT THE 100, OKAY!!! I WATCH GIF SETS. I KNOW THE PLOT. .>

distribution of free cookies!

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colouring: noice | lovely | excellent | perfection |

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title: i don’t get it, but it’s cool | witty | charming | can i steal it? |

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myjaguar96 · 5 years ago

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Living The Fitness Lifestyle

We tend to call these"off days" or"rest days," some people even have an"off-season" and I often think these names are fairly appropriate. I believe the significant idea or concept individuals who participate in and live the fitness lifestyle must have is that there's never a time when our body is doing nothing. The only time that your body will even come close to doing nothing is when you're dead and then it's still doing something; it is called decaying. However, on a serious note, we must get it in our heads that living healthy is more than a gym workout or a set of well planned meals, it really is a lifestyle. Media and marketing do a excellent job of selling goods but they also have given many people an unrealistic idea of what being healthy is, what it looks like and how to live fit.

Popular mindsets to Prevent

So often I speak to people who engage in bodybuilding and physique competitions. These are sports that I personally love and esteem. These sports are characterized by a massive number of amazing athletes and they've always had a firm place in my heart as a few of my favourite personalities and friends. But most people (but seldom the athletes) often put the incorrect label on these folks and wrongly think of those people as the supreme symbol of the fitness lifestyle. In the vast majority of cases (there are exceptions) I will tell you that nothing could be farther from the truth. I lived that life for the vast majority of my life so I know what I am talking about.

In my experience most these individuals only take part in fitness lifestyle jobs around the clock when it is time to prepare for a competition. The remainder of the year most of them will not train for months at a time, they eat whatever they please and participate in binging, literally gorging themselves with food then turn around and initiate intense dieting practices to be able to get ready for their show. Besides this, the majority of the people I have known in such sports (including myself at one time) only exercise and eat"clean" at different times during the year during the years they're competing.

Over time, the fantastic changes in body weight, the steroid abuse and continuously changing dietary practices take their toll. After their lives have moved beyond the competition phase, the majority of them are inclined to become recreational exercisers and end up using the identical physical exercise shortcomings that most other individuals face. While game is a tremendous way to remain in shape and revel in our lives we must make sure that we create lifestyle traits that will remain once our times of contest have passed. I fought with this for many years and can tell you that this is a huge challenge for the former body athlete.

Living healthy (for life) is all about you becoming aware of your body's fitness shortcomings and designing a lifestyle that will improve them and keep them at a high level. It's really that easy. It is not a get ripped-up for summer then gain all of the weight back in the autumn type of lifestyle. Sure there are times when a healthy person might decide to take some part of fitness and improve it substantially so as to enjoy the benefits of it, but the thing to remember is that there is not any stopping point.

This is a vital concept that's so easy, but so absent from most people's lives. The fitness lifestyle never ceases. It does not end when you stop playing a game, it does not end when you get married and it does not end when you start your own business. There's not any stopping point for people who live fit. Sure all of us have insecurities, struggles and challenges to overcome; but we defeat them. We all know that these drawbacks, struggles and challenges will be overcome while residing in the gym. In other words we don't modify our lifestyle so as to take care of issues, we deal with problems while keeping our lifestyle. As simplistic as this sounds, I have discovered that this is possibly the hardest aspect of living healthy which most men and women deal with.

Of course there are foods, times and days when we do things which are contrary to our physical fitness beliefs and lives. But they're the exception, not the rule. These items are allowed into our lives as a break from the norm, as short events that increase our lives in different ways and are worth the price tag.

Some examples could be:

1. Eating cake with your child on their birthday - there are so many advantages that come out of this

2. With some drinks with an old friend who wants to speak - friends are priceless, this will not hurt you

3. enjoying cultural events by partaking in its foods and beverages - lots of things in life can not be substituted

So you understand. Living fit isn't about sporting six-pack year-round (but can incorporate this) until you get married then embracing the beer belly. Living healthy is about a life of choices and actions that result in your physical improvement as your life continues out of phase-to-phase and relationship-to-relationship. The best thing I love about the fitness lifestyle is that it's never too late to start. This is an awesome concept that has changed the lives of countless, myself included, and it can do the same for you if you so choose.

I challenge you to take a long look at lots of the lifestyle choices you currently make and think about ways to integrate a healthier fitness mindset to these things so as to create and build a lifestyle that will offer you a terrific degree of fitness in this moment forward. You can do it! Living match is a choice and that choice is yours.

Top Tips To Live A Frugal Lifestyle

Tired of having nothing left over to treat yourself ? Need to reduce your spending to make ends meet? If so then you need these top tips to live frugal:

Get into the 'make do and mend' mindset. Folks throw as much stuff away nowadays, and frequently buy a replacement or employ a professional whenever there's a problem. Learn how to sew and you'll be able to fix or make your own new clothes. Invest a few dollars in a guide for your vehicle, and learn to perform the upkeep and minor repairs yourself. And locate as many people as possible that have some ability in repairing things - someone who will fix computers, somebody who can perform DIY jobs that you can not and so on, and then try to trade together. Give to do favors in exchange for favors and then you won't have to cover so many things.

Try to anticipate your needs. If you know that you're likely to need something later on, then begin searching for it straight away. Then you can buy if there's a super cheap special offer on, as opposed to buying the very best thing you can discover on the day once you truly need it at the moment.

Have a vegetarian afternoon weekly. Meat is usually the most expensive part of any meal, so leaving it out at least some of the time will save you money. For those who have a local butcher then you might also inquire about cheap cuts of meat, and there are a few pieces of an animal that people simply don't usually purchase, but that are still good to eat, and you might have the ability to get yourself a deal.

The internet is a superb place to find coupons in addition to using price comparison sites that you may need later on, as opposed to simply trying to locate something which you need now.

Organize a celebration amongst your friends where you bring in your old stuff and swap with one another! Alternatively sell you old items that you no longer need or use online and get yourself some excess cash.

Use natural alternatives to brand name cleaning products wherever possible. There are 1000 different ways to do this so I am not going to list them all here, but a simple Google search will throw up heaps of terrific stuff and if you're willing to devote a little extra elbow grease it could help you save money.

#lifestyle #fitness lifestyle #frugal lifestyle #lifestyle tips

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studytothe97 · 5 years ago

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Clifton - Bristol's Coolest Neighbourhood

The city of Bristol flaunts, by all accounts, one of the kingdom's coolest areas, Clifton, which is an extremely hot area to be. If that seems like a comparison, it fits. Contrasting preferred tourist attractions bring great leisure as well as education during the day, and also offer plenty of crackling home entertainment in the evening. The neighbourhood has a storied background, as well as a lot of the vintage taste has been preserved. That background gets on complete display screen in the popular Georgian Period houses. Room was restricted even after that, so many of these 3 and 4 floor residences were developed as affixed terraces. Perhaps the most excellent is the regal Royal York Crescent, perched above ground with a superb view of Avon Gorge below. The area's balcony houses flaunt some of the most fantastic displays of Georgian construction discovered in England. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Cathedral are 2 of the lots of various other noteworthy building and construction operates in Clifton.

The Bristol Zoo Gardens provide an up-close look at even more than 400 types exotic critters if recreation pursuits are on the program. The 12 acre park uses a location of break, with broad grass as well as lovely gardens. Clifton is populated with small, clean parks with inviting sprinkles of environment-friendly and also towering trees, providing the ideal setting for an outing capturing up on one's reading. Background lovers spend unhurried hours at the Bristol City Gallery and also Art Gallery discovering exhibitions like the BAC 100, a summary of a century of air travel that began with the beginning of the Bristol Aeroplane Business in 1910.

A positive mid-day may be invested strolling Clifton Gallery taking in the Victorian Era's version of a shopping center. A set of extraordinary stores make up the game. It's just one can not-miss purchasing quits visitors to Clifton select to peruse. Some of the very best hotels Bristol deals are within strolling distance of these quirky and also perfect shops.

After dark, this area gets hotter by degrees. Starving visitors appreciate the variety of fare and also places, from enchanting three-table dives to upscale eateries, with lots of good food for all. To quench the resulting thirst, local clubs as well as clubs deliver a kicked back, exciting ambience, with real-time songs included in lots of. When you go to Clifton, the perfect mix of trendy and conventional, publication holiday accommodations at one of the local hotels in Bristol, enjoy yourself until closing, as well as have simply a brief walk back to your space.

#Travel #Holidays

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guidetourme · 5 years ago

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Mauritius tourism-places to visit

Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean and is a paradise on earth. It is a place where you can colonisation of different cultures and people from various countries appear to enjoy the serene beauty of the place. The island is very peaceful and you can experience complete pleasure whether you come with your family or friends. The place lying on the Indian Ocean is popular for the lagoons, reefs and the beaches. The most beautiful tourist attraction includes waterfalls, rainforests, national park and the most uncommon wildlife, the flying fox. The location of Mauritius is in the south east part of Africa. Here are some of the best Mauritius tourism places to visit that would make your selection easier.

Belle Mare Plage Beach

Those who can wake up early, this place is a good choice for them as the view is awesome and enjoying swimming is another aspect in this beach. As because the water current is little bit higher as compared to other beaches and experience swimmers would find it a thrilling experience to swim in deep fast flowing waters. The place is undoubtedly best for them who are keen to do windsurfing and swimming.

Lle des Deux Cocos

If you want to dedicate your sometime of your holiday to nature, then this private island far away from the madding crowd is a true match for your planning. Located on the Blue Bay Marine Park, it offers a pack of activities and serene beauty to spend your time ast the shoreline under the sajde of coconut and palm trees. The most attractive feature of the place is the underwaer reserve where you can spot amazing colourful fishes and lovely corals. And if you are feeling your stomach grumbling then there are lunch buffets that would be served in the open beach. All together the place is a heaven of tranquillity.

Black River Gorges National Park

This is the largest wild life home in the nation of Mauritius that provides shelter to diversified wildlife. Situated in the heart of tropical rainforests, it attracts nature lovers and enthusiastic tourists interested in adventure treks. It is located at the highlands of south western part of the island and the density of the forest increases as you go uphill. You can spot waterfalls and ranges of mountains on the way that offers superb dramatic views.

Eureka Mauritius tourism

This is a museum built in the year 1830 with an insight into the plantation period of the place. The museum represents a colonial life of Mauritius of that period. The house is worth noting and you can watch the informative including antique maps, colourful flowers, lush greeneries, leafy trees and small waterfalls. With widespread plants in the gardens and a part of marine life feeding the waterfall, it has created an overall tranquil as well as educational place to visit.

Leas 7 Cascades

A trekking to the Sept cascades is truly a mesmerising trekking route with scenic beauty and challenging adventure. It is the most famous of all the treks in the region and is one of the best places to visit in Mauritius. Trekking to the forest in the south west Mauritius would give a challenging way to the seven stunning waterfalls and a pool formed by these falls. It is better to take guide if you are there for the first time.

Places for shopping in Mauritius

Shopping experience is fantastic and you could find a mix of brand products of the world and native creations. Artistic handicrafts and art fanatics are available at the island beach and picking souvenirs for your friends is easy as ever. Places like Port Loius Market offers products for home decors as well as for personal use. This place is basically popular for bamboo products and herbs. Moka is another shopping mall for making your style statement. Famous brands like Body & Soul, Armani Jeans, Colours and Senses are favourites of native people. Mauritius is a place where you can lay on the sandy beach, enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water and have a delicious bite at the continental restaurants. Mauritius has a great nightlife and unlimited avenues for shopping, and obviously the breathtaking island that would leave memories to cherish forever. Read the full article

#BlackRiverGorgesNationalPark #diversifiedwildlife #Mauritiustourism #placestovisitinMauritius

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noble-pro · 5 years ago

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Cape Town Adventure - Two Oceans Marathon (56km)

Officially Cape Agulhas is the place where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, and not the “two oceans” as believed at the Cape Point, near Cape Town. This was made up for publicity reasons. Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa. However, Cape Town and its surrounding ocean makes a stunning backdrop to this race. The race was on Saturday 31st March. 0630 start which meant the sun rose on route. I had a race strategy and despite the previous day driving the old porcelain bus 🚽 🤮. I thought I had nothing to loose to stick to it. The first 20km or so rolled around with little lumps to ascend and descend. Nothing that really unsettled a steady pace though. It starts in Newlands and snakes 28km to the first of two major climbs, Chapman’s Peak, then dips down to Hout Bay reaching the marathon distance and then up to Constantia Nek where one part of the hill is about 10%, in order to navigate seeing the two oceans. The wind was really strong especially at the peaks. The last 5 km felt like rolling lumpy again and my legs weren’t really playing ball. My pace slowed to 7.25 and I couldn’t make up going down what I lost going up. I felt a bit lifeless in my legs whether this was because of the previous 24 hours or, probably more likely, lack of essential marathon work/ pacing in my legs. It’s a marathon runners race which I realise sounds stupid because 56km is obviously longer than 42km but the race pace needs to be built on after racing a good marathon in training. All the top women had done a 2.37marathon in 2017/18. It is excellently supported by the organisation with water stations practically every two 2km. The water was gloriously cool provided in really convenient bags (although not ideal for the environment being plastic). Due to the drought and the need to use less plastic people were protesting with banners that the runners should be carrying their own water supply. It was a fair enough protest but in this particular race I can’t see it happening because of the need for speed! I crossed the finish line is 4hrs 16mins. If I’d raced last year I would have got in the top 10 with that time but this year I was a mere 26th. The whole trip was a rollercoaster ride; my luggage got lost and on its eventual return to me items were missing (a massive thank you to Jim Murray who lent me his spare Garmin watch); I picked up a stomach bug so spent the day before the race vomiting and in actual fact the night after the race I also spent enjoying the company of the bathroom (Sorry to my room mate, Renee Metivier and thanks for being so nice!); I got to race a fantastic course against superb competition though and explore Cape Town. After the race I threw off my vest and threw on my tourist guise and headed to the Waterfront and it’s vibrant and creative atmosphere. Really lovely place to hang out. I then moved accommodation to an Airbnb, a traditional Bo Kaap house where the houses are really colourful and the street cobbled, and met Stu (or Stew?!?) the house rabbit!

My post race aim was to climb Table Mountain which I did via the Platteklip gorge route. I actually walked up from the city but after descending I hitched a lift back into town as my legs felt done by then and it was supposed to be rest day! I got talking to the chap that gave me a ride and learnt much more about the severity of the drought. The water levels are at 22% and at 17% the taps get turned off. I had been drinking the water and some people thought that it was this that made me sick because there are higher concentrations of bugs in it at the moment (?). They are praying for rain and so fingers crossed for them! As I walked out to get some food I was lucky enough to watch the most fantastic sunset over Table Mountain. I headed to Kloof street which was really full of live. I enjoyed a local wine and just soaked up the atmosphere. On my last day I woke to a call-to-prayer (very very early!) and wet fog. However, I still aimed to climb Signal Hill where there was no view at all but I did it with good company (Thank you Gerda Steyn (The Champ!), Duncan and friends for your great hospitality). I got talking and asked more about South Africa. I was intrigued by the call-to-prayer when I thought I was in a Christian country. I learnt that the Bo Kaap area I was staying in is a multicultural area and the first mosque was built there in 1844. I was told that the SA’s are very tolerant of different religions but there is still racism. The Black Economic Empowerment is a racially selective programme launched by the government to redress the inequalities of Apartheid by giving certain previously disadvantaged groups of South African economic privileges previously not available to them under white rule. It is called Affirmative Action. I learnt and experienced a lot about a country I had always wanted to visit. I packed in as much as I could! I did not race as well as I wanted to but I gave it all I had on the day and so walked away contented. Thank you Cape Town you’ve been amazing! Read the full article

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tripstations · 5 years ago

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Fall travel 2019: 10 fantastic places and what to do there

(CNN) — The end of summer doesn’t mean the end to your fun. Some folks think the best season for travel is about to arrive. We’ve done our homework to come up with 10 of the best places to go in the fall of 2019 and what to do there when you arrive at your autumn destinations:

Munich, Germany: Oktoberfest

Much copied but never bettered, the original Munich Oktoberfest runs from September 21 to October 6, 2019, and will welcome millions of beer chuggers from around the world.

It’s the world’s largest folk festival — you can tell by all the tourists in dirndls and lederhosen. The fancy clothes get them in the mood to consume millions of liters of beer and tons of pretzels and wurst.

British Columbia, Canada: Grizzly bear viewing

Grizzly bears are active in British Columbia in the fall.

Jorge Esquivel

For most of the year, North American brown bears (aka grizzly bears) are shy around humans and can be tricky to spot.

In British Columbia, that changes in autumn when the majestic masters of the forest food chain descend on rivers and streams to gorge on spawning salmon.

From late August until early October, we know of few better places to see this annual feed — and get closeup views of grizzlies — than Bear Camp, where migratory bears join a large resident population in reliable masses.Located on the Chilko River in central BC, the secluded tented camp built around an authentic 1950s fishing lodge offers rustic luxury along with world-class bear viewing.

ROAM (Bear Camp), Nelson, British Columbia; +1 888 639 1114

The Caribbean’s ABCs: Shoulder season getaways

The Caribbean’s sandy beaches and clear, blue waters can make other islands look almost dreary in comparison.

In fall, they’re less crowded than in winter high season and hotel rates are considerably lower (with an exception around Thanksgiving).

This comes with a caution: Hurricane season coincides with this slower time in the Caribbean. You should purchase travel insurance and watch the weather reports, especially for places such as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos, among others. But minus a major storm, you’ll likely find fall a superb time to be here.

The post Fall travel 2019: 10 fantastic places and what to do there appeared first on Tripstations.

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alexllove-blog · 6 years ago

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Visiting Crete in October is a great choice, as the weather is still warm and you can still swim in the sea. Here's all the things to do in Crete in October.

Crete is the Best Greek Island in October

When people talk about “the Greek islands”, they mostly have in their minds a group of islands with whitewashed walls and blue domed churches.

While this is quite true for Santorini and other islands in the Cyclades group, many people haven’t heard of the biggest island in Greece, Crete.

Crete is in the south of mainland Greece, and is blessed with amazing landscapes, otherworldly beaches, fantastic food and an overall laid-back atmosphere. With somewhere between 600-700 thousand people, it’s understandably an ideal place for your Greek summer holiday.

At the same time, Crete is also a great choice if you want to go somewhere in Europe off-season. The October weather has more pleasant temperatures than summer’s scorching heatwaves, and it's perhaps the warmest Greek island in October.

What better place than Crete from some autumn sun?

Weather in Crete in October

After a long, scorching summer, weather in Crete in October slowly cools down. However, while other areas in Greece can get pretty cold, the weather in Crete in October is still mellow.

The average sea temperature in Crete in October is around 23C / 73F, which is slightly higher than June.

Crete Weather October

In fact, Crete enjoys two types of climate – the northern part has a Mediterranean climate, while the southern beaches and Gavdos are significantly warmer and drier, as they are quite close the African continent.

So, if you don’t like very high temperatures, one of the best time to go to Crete is October.

I've got a guide here to the October weather in Greece you might also find interesting to read.

Crete Holidays October

Another bonus to visiting Crete during October, is that hotel prices will be at some of their lowest of the year.

Many travel agents offer cheap holidays to Crete from the UK. You might even be able to pick up some significant and of season discounts on hotels in Crete at this time when booking yourself.

What is Crete like?

Crete is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus and Corsica. Considering that it’s 26 times the size of Malta, it could be a country in itself.

In terms of landscape, Crete is really varied. There are long sandy beaches with crystal clear water, but also smaller coves and rocky cliffs.

And don't forget the mountains. The White Mountains and Psiloritis, that dominate the island, are among the ten highest mountains in Greece.

Scattered around all this, are seaside towns and small mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Forests, sandhills, lagoons, a few rivers and many gorges, of which the most famous is the popular Samaria gorge.

Food and Drink in Crete

Unlike many other Greek islands that have to import products from the mainland, Crete is pretty much self-contained, as it produces lots of fruits, vegetables, olives and olive oil, cheeses and meat.

The island also produces a strong distilled alcoholic drink called tsikoudia or raki, made from what’s left of the grapes after wine production – more on this later.

Cretan food is famous around Greece and beyond, and the Cretan dakos, made with a barley rusk, tomato and a salty soft cheese is almost as common as the Greek salad.

Meet the Minoans

Crete has a very rich history. In ancient times, it was home to the Minoan civilization, the earliest civilization in Europe. As such, there are several superb ancient palaces and archaeological sites for you to explore.

The best known is the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, but there are also Phaistos, Gortyn, Malia, Zakros, Kommos, Lissos, Falassarna and a few more scattered around the island.

As Crete became a part of the mighty Byzantine Empire for almost 1,000 years, there are over 300 Byzantine churches and other constructions all around. The most famous ones include Arkadiou Monastery, Chrissoskalitissa Monastery and Toplou Monastery, which produces great quality wines.

In the 13th century, the Venetians arrived in Crete, and built fortresses all around the island. Many of them still stand in very good condition, such as the Fortezza in Rethymnon, the Venetian walls in Chania, and the Koules fortress in Heraklion. Even if you are not overly interested in history, there is no way you won’t be impressed.

Crete also has plenty of archaeological museums, of which the best is in Heraklion. Make sure you allow a couple of hours to explore the superb collection.

In a nutshell, Crete has it all, and probably more. Try to have enough time to explore it, and you will definitely enjoy it.

Things to do in Crete in October

With Crete being so big, you will always find plenty of things to do. From sightseeing, to exploring the ancient sites, to swimming, to enjoying the lovely Cretan food, there are so many things to do in Crete in October that you will most likely have to skip a few, for your next trip.

As fewer people visit Crete in October than in summer, you will generally find that the island is more relaxed. At the same time, there will still be cruiseships coming to Chania and Heraklion, so take that into account when you are planning your day-to-day itinerary in Crete.

What to do on your holidays in Crete

If you only have a week in Crete, it is best to base yourself either to the east or to the west side of the island, rent a car and see the nearby sights. Two weeks would give you more time to explore Crete on a road trip, but you still won't see it all.

At the same time, if you aren’t keen on renting a car, you can try a private tour of the island. This is a good idea if you want to visit places off the beaten track, where buses don’t go.

Best Places to Visit in Crete in October

Visit Balos lagoon and Elafonissi beach in October

Balos lagoon and Elafonissi beach have been featuring among the best beaches on the planet for several years. The landscapes are truly stunning, and they are definitely among the top places to visit in Crete.

If you travel to Crete in summer though, you will realize that these two places are really popular with visitors, and as such they get very crowded.

If you're spending October in Crete though, make your way out there. You'll enjoy them a lot more!

Public buses from Chania to Elafonissi run all summer long departing at 9am, and leaving Elafonissi at 4pm. If you are going to Crete in October, it’s best to check the timetable closer to the time, as autumn schedules often differ.

Other options are to get there by rented car, or on a day tour to Elafonissi from Chania.

To get to Balos Lagoon and the nearby Gramvousa island, you will need to go on a boat tour. If you only want to go to the Lagoon you can also hike there, but Gramvousa is totally worth it.

Tours allow enough time to climb to the castle on top, and take in the views.

Visit the Preveli or the Vai palm forest in October

If someone asks you about palm forests, you will probably think of the Caribbean or southeast Asia. However, Crete has a couple as well.

Much like Cretan bananas, Cretan palm trees are smaller than the ones growing in tropical countries – but they are palm trees nonetheless!

The Vai palm forest, a half hour’s drive from Sitia, is a popular landmark with a superb sandy beach, and it’s best visited off-season if you want to appreciate the natural beauty. Tip – there is a semi-hidden path to the right of the bay. Hike up, and you will discover another beach that not many tourists know of.

Preveli beach, about an hour’s drive to the south of Rethymnon, is at the end of Kourtaliotis river. As a result, the water can be quite cold at any time of year.

If you like rivers, you can walk along Kourtaliotis towards the mountain – if you look hard around the reeds, you will most likely spot a few freecampers.

Visit the less famous Crete beaches in October

With a coast length of over 1,000 kms / 621 miles, Crete has an uncountable number of beaches and coves. While Elafonissi and Balos are the most famous ones, if you like exploring there are hundreds of beaches to discover.

As the weather in Crete in October can be variable, your best bet is to go to the south, and in fact the south east. Areas like Ierapetra and Makrygialos are likely to have better weather than the north, so you can base yourselves around there.

If you don’t mind driving, rent a car and visit places like Palaiohora, Sougia, Loutro, Hora Sfakion, Frangokastello, Plakias, Triopetra, Agios Pavlos, Matala, and Lendas. Then get to Ierapetra, and take a day trip on a boat to Chrissi island – heaven on earth!

If you are feeling really adventurous when planning where to go in Crete, take a boat to Gavdos island, the southernmost point in Europe.

This is a place popular with freecampers and naturists, but there will only be a handful at that time of year. If you want peace and quiet, Gavdos is one of the reasons to visit Crete in October.

Visit Chania in October

Arguably Crete’s most picturesque town, Chania (pronounced HaniA, with the stress on the second “a”), is a lovely little town. Picture a maze of cobbled streets, neoclassical mansions, Venetian constructions and the famous landmark, the lighthouse. Not just that though – it’s full of souvenir shops, bars, restaurants, and it’s an overall lively, charming little town on the coast.

Though Chania can get quite hectic and too busy in summer, visiting Chania in October can be a very rewarding experience, as you will get to enjoy the ambience a lot more.

For an off-the-beaten-track experience, walk to the old tanneries, known as Tabakaria, to the east of the town.

Chania has a port as well as an international airport. Several airline companies fly directly from many European cities, even in October. Chania is a popular arrival point by the ferry from Athens. More here: Athens to Chania ferry information.

Visit Heraklion in October

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete, with a population of around 140 thousand. Among Greeks, it is said that it is “as ugly as Athens”, but in reality it’s a truly enchanting town.

Apart from the massive Koules Venetian fortress, you can visit several Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, but also wander around the cobbled streets in search of some of the best food in Crete. Make sure you visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the best in Greece.

The city is very lively, partly due to the presence of university students, and you will probably enjoy it more if you visit Crete in October. Note, however, that cruise boats are still running in October, so the city will be fairly busy with tourists.

Like Chania, you can get to Heraklion on direct flights from Europe and Athens, or on a boat from Pireaus or Santorini in early / mid-October. More here: Ferryhopper

Visit Rethymnon in October

A town often overlooked by visitors, Rethymnon is right between Heraklion and Chania, about an hour’s drive from each. Rethymnon is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece, where all types of architecture and several religious monuments co-exist.

You can visit one of the best preserved Venetian castles in Crete, Fortezza, which offers excellent views of the sea and the town itself.

Visit Knossos Palace in October

One of the top things to do in Crete is to visit Knossos Palace, just a 15-20 minute drive from Heraklion.

The Palace of Knossos was first built around 2.000 BC, but was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake. It was later rebuilt, and the new, grandiose palace became the home of several kings.

It was last used as a palace until it was destroyed by a fire in the 14th century BC.

The Knossos Palace is the most popular site for people who travel around Crete, but also for people who come on cruise boats. As a result, it can generally get quite crowded, given that plenty of cruise boats arrive in Crete in October.

As the temperature is a lot cooler in October, you can visit any time during the day and avoid the masses who will mostly be arriving in the early morning.

Visit lesser known archaeological sites in Crete

If you want to visit some ancient sites that have not undergone excessive restoration and are less crowded, Crete has several to offer. Some of the most important and interesting ones are Phaistos and Gortyn.

Visit the Palace of Phaistos in Crete

The archaeological site of Phaistos, also known as Festos, is located an hour and a half’s drive southwest of Heraklion. It is one of the finest Minoan Palaces.

The first Palace of Phaistos was constructed simultaneously with the Palace of Knossos, around 2.000 BC. According to legend, its founder was King Minos, the first King of Crete, the son of Zeus and Europa. It was destroyed due to an earthquake in 1.700 BC, but was rebuilt quickly.

The Palace kept being in use until around 1.450 BC, when it was destroyed again, though the reasons seem to be unknown. The city never lost its importance until the 1st century BC, when it was destroyed by the nearby Gortyn.

The remains that can be seen today date mostly from the period 1.700-1.450 BC. There has been extensive conservation of the Phaistos Palace, but no restoration works, as opposed to the Palace of Knossos.

Visit Gortyn archaeological site in Crete

Gortyn, known also as Gortyna or Gortys, is about an hour’s drive east of Phaistos. Confusingly for Googlemaps, there is another Gortyna in the Peloponnese!

The area of Gortyn has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Period. It took over Phaistos’ power, after the 5th century BC.

After the Romans invaded Crete in 67 BC, it also replaced Knossos as the capital of Crete. It remained powerful until about the 7th century AD, and was subsequently conquered by the Arabs in 828 AD. At that time, Crete’s capital was moved to Heraklion and Gortyn faded.

The site of Gortyn in Crete is home to one of the most important inscriptions ever discovered in Greece, the Law Code of Gortyn, referred to as the Great Inscription.

The Law Code is set inside the walls of a public building, and is composed of 12 columns which have been preserved to a exceptionally high standard. The laws which are carved on the stones are the oldest Greek law code. They regard civil matters, and are very progressive for their time.

Within the site of Gortyn, you will also see the famous Plane Tree of Zeus and Europa, St Titus’ church, ancient temples, the Odeon and the remains of some Roman buildings, such as the Praetorium.

Visit Spinalonga in Crete

Spinalonga Island is found to the east of Crete, next to Elounda, one of the most popular destinations in Crete.

The island, with an impressive Venetian fortress, is known for being a leper community from 1904-1957, as this is where people who had contracted the disease were sent to die.

Victoria Hislop’s book “the island” offers a superb account of the history of Spinalonga and is highly recommended.

You can either take a guided tour to Spinalonga, or get there independently taking a boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka. Guided tours depart from Agios Nikolaos port.

If you go on your own, do read up beforehand, in order to appreciate better life on the Spinalonga leper community.

Caves in Crete

As Crete has some of the tallest mountains in Greece, it naturally has a large number of caves, which is estimated to be about 3,000!

According to legend, Zeus, the king of the Olympian Gods, was born in a cave in Crete. Two caves fight over this – Diktaion Andron and Idaion Andron.

Diktaion Andron, also known as Dikti Cave, is a massive, impressive cave in the Lassithi prefecture, just under an hour and a half’s drive from Heraklion. It is full of stalactites and stalagmites, and has been used as a place of worship since ancient times. It is very close to the Lassithi Plateau, which offers superb views over Crete. You can read more information here.

Idaion Andron, in the Rethymnon prefecture, is an hour and a half away from Heraklion and just under two hours from Rethymnon. It has shorter opening hours, but it’s free to visit. This cave isn’t as impressive as the Dikti Cave, but its historical and cultural significance is huge. If you drive there, make sure you stop at the traditional villages of Anogia and Zoniana, two of the most quaint villages in Crete.

Matala Caves: Another popular cave is the one at Matala, on the south. People used to live there since ancient times, and the area revived in the 60s-70s, when hippies from all over the world moved to live there. Today the hippies are gone, and the place is quite touristy, but interesting nevertheless. You can stay in nearby Kamilari, a half hour’s drive from Festos, if you prefer.

Cretan Gorges – Not just the Samaria Gorge

One of the reasons to visit Crete in October is to hike the Samaria gorge, the largest gorge in Crete. There are plenty of other gorges though, so outdoor lovers have plenty of choice!

Samaria gorge, in the Chania prefecture, is the most famous gorge in Crete. Even if you are not a regular hiker, it would definitely be an activity to consider. If you are reasonably fit, you shouldn’t have an issue – I remember hiking Samaria gorge as a kid, with my parents! That said, it is around 16km / 10 miles long, and is one of the longest in Europe.

Although it’s perfectly possible to visit the Samaria gorge independently, it might be easier to book a guided tour from either Chania or Rethymno, especially if you are not keen on organizing the logistics of getting around Crete.

Apart from Samaria gorge though, there are several other gorges worth visiting in Crete. Kourtaliotiko gorge, Imvros gorge, Agias Irinis gorge, Agiofaraggo, Tripiti gorge, Zakros gorge / (also known as Gorge of the Dead) and the gorge of Ha are just a few of the popular ones. Some of them are short, some are longer, and they offer different levels of challenge. Do your research before you decide which one to visit, as they vary a lot.

Safety first!

A word of caution though: Apart from the obvious advice of having the right shoes and bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat with you, it is important to remember that some of these gorges are off the beaten track.

You might not meet any other people if you are visiting Crete in October, and as such safety should be a concern.

Coming from me, this might sound strange, but it is true that a handful of tourists disappear in Crete’s gorges every year – the latest incident was in April 2019.

So, if you decide to explore a Cretan gorge on your own, make sure that you know what you are doing – otherwise, go with a local guide.

The Local Food

No words can really describe the quality and variety of Cretan food. From goat meat and butter to tender green salads to amazing cheeses, Cretan food is amazing.

Make sure you try the different local pies, such as kalitsounia, lichnarakia and bourekia, the dakos salad, the gamopilafo rice, the graviera and ksinomizithra cheeses, and the various lamb dishes.

If snails are your thing, you will love Crete, as they cook them in many different sauces. Or just taste everything, and find your favourite Cretan dishes.

Bonus – if you have been to places like Mykonos and Santorini before, you will be thrilled with the meal prices in Crete, as they are much lower, due to the fact that most of the food is locally produced.

Two people can easily dine with 20 euros, including the tsikoudia, which often comes as a treat – see below.

Cretan Tsikoudia

Special mention goes to Crete’s “national” drink, tsikoudia, also known as raki, not to be confused with the Turkish raki.

This strong distilled alcoholic drink is consumed by Cretans at any time of the day, and has traditionally been used as medication.

Like olive oil, most Cretans either produce their own tsikoudia, or buy it from a relative or friend. It’s an inexpensive drink, and it will cost you around 5-6 euro a liter if you buy it from a market.

Tsikoudia is offered everywhere as a treat, and you will probably come across it on day 1 of your trip to Crete. If you are not used to drinking strong drinks, you might find the flavor a little too crude, but it also depends on the quality.

In general, you will get the best raki in the least touristic places. Raki is not meant to be consumed as a shot or drunk on its own, but to accompany meals and long chats.

If you don’t like the taste of raki, don’t worry – just leave your glass full, as if you drink it you will most likely get another serving.

Unless you want a bad hangover, don’t mix it with other drinks, like wine or beer. Even if you have a glass too many, you will be surprised at how well you will feel on the next day.

If alcohol tasting is one of your interests, the best time to visit Crete is October in order to experience the production of Cretan raki – read about this below.

Kazanema – Tsikoudia in the making

If you are in Crete in October / November, one of the most unique events to look for is the making of tsikoudia. This is known in Greek as kazanema. It’s a social and cultural celebration that most locals expect for months as it gives them an excuse to get together. If you get the chance to go to a kazanema, you shouldn’t miss it.

Tsikoudia is made out of grape residue, after wine has been produced. You could describe it as the Cretan moonshine. Seeds, grape skins and other leftovers are distilled for a few hours in large copper cauldrons. The liquid that comes out has 37-43% alcohol and it’s an acquired taste, but many people get acquired with it all too soon.

During the kazanema, everyone who is present tastes the raki for alcohol content and taste. As you can imagine, a lot of food is brought along, and shared by everyone. As the tasting progresses, spirits get higher. The whole event, or should we say ritual, will stay in your memory forever. Or perhaps not, depending on the amount of raki you get through.

St Dimitrios traditional festival – 26 October, Chersonissos

All year round, there are traditional celebrations / festivals in Greece, called panigiria. While most of them are in summer, there are also a few off-season. Chersonissos / Malia, the summer party resort area, comes alive with the panigiri of St Dimitrios.

Expect plenty of raki, lots of Cretan food, and some live Cretan music. If you want to have an idea of what to expect, scroll through this documentary (in Greek), where some of the most famous Cretan artists play music.

youtube

“Ohi” day parade – 28 October

Just like anywhere in Greece, Crete celebrates the “Ohi” day with student parades. If you happen to be in Crete in October, don’t be surprised if you see school children marching around the towns and villages.

More about the “Ohi” day here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohi_Day

Last but not least – Run the half marathon in Crete

This annual event takes place on 6 October 2019, and attracts participants from all over the world.

If you were ever interested to do a half marathon, this would be one of your best choices. The climate is generally mellow and the landscape is amazing. For more information, click here.

Best things to do in Crete in October

This is nowhere near an exhaustive list of reasons to visit Crete in October. It should give you a pretty good idea of what off-season Crete is all about though.

Let us know if you have more suggestions in the comments below!

The post Crete in October – Things to do in Crete during your holidays in October appeared first on Dave& Travel Pages.

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