A minature continent!

One of the things that makes the island of Crete so intriguing to me over the years is that it is a minature continent. About 200 miles long and from 15 to 50 miles wide, it contains within this relatively small space four major, rugged mountain ranges, and numerous bays and peninsulas. When we drove from Iraklion to Chania on Tuesday, we drove within sight of three mountain ranges in the space of two hours.
Almost always you are within sight of both mountains and sea! This makes any travel on the island endlessly fascinating!
Yesterday our family drove up one of those mountain ranges to the plain of Omalos, a high mountain plateau in the White Mountains. We had hoped at one time to walk the Samaria Gorge which descends to the south shore of the island to the sea from the plain of Omalos. The hike, which is very popular these days, is not open yet. However, we enjoyed the high mountain air (nearly 2,000 meters high), and we all enjoyed seeing the plethora of wild flowers. Because of the ecological isolation, there are many plants endemic to Crete, which means they can only be found on this island. Yesterday we say a rare tulip that blooms only on this high plateau. At places the ground was covered with these magnificent blossoms. Sorry not to have photos, but maybe we can add those later.
We have had a good week. Loretta did get out of the hospital in Iraklion on Tuesday. She is a bit weak, but feels good and is recovering strength as well. Wednesday our family hiked up the Rodopos Peninsula where the Orthodox Academy is. Loretta and I drove up and picked up the family and had a nice picnic high in the olive groves, and goat and sheep pastures. That evening Kaitlyn's Dad, Steve, left for home on the ferry boat, so we took him to the harbor at Chania. He is so good with Kaitlyn, and I know both Kaitlyn and Joanne are missing him. We are so glad he could join us for about ten days.
Today is Dora and Susanna's last day with us. I will take them to the airport in Chania tonight and turn in the Fiat van we have been driving these two weeks. Joanne and Kaitlyn will stay with us here at Kolymbari until we all come home together in just over a week, April 29.
So much for this time.
Roy