A dominant feature of the area of Ierapetra is the Ha Gorge. It slices through the mountains on the east side of the isthmus between the north and south coasts. Instead of being carved by water, an ancient earthquake probably caused this fissure. It is closest to the small village of Vassiliki.  The house pictured below is one I have my eye on if I win the lottery! Not only does it have a fabulous backdrop, it looks out to the north coast.

After heavy rains in the Thripti Mountains, water gushes down the gorge to create the highest waterfall in Greece. However, the gorge acts as a giant drainpipe, and the water quickly rushes away. Several natural basins have formed and perhaps that’s why Minoans built a settlement on one side of the gorge. 

I belong to the INCO (International Community) camera club and in January 2020, our set subject was water. I expected the Ha Gorge, with its impressive waterfall, to make a great subject.  Sadly, I was too late, and this green slimy patch was the remaining evidence of water. To rub it in, a fellow photographer had got there a few days before me and took some tremendous shots of rushing water.

Never mind, these two photos from 2009 show the water and our posing shows scale.

Although I love to peer up or down the gorge, I will never see the length of this rare split rock like these brave souls. Would you abseiler?

 

A favourite drive for us is a trip to Thripti village above the Ha Gorge. A slight diversion en route, towards the lovely woodland church of Agia Anna, provides wonderful views down towards the isthmus linking the north and south coasts.

With all the restrictions due to Covid19, we have no idea when we can return to Crete. Meanwhile, we can enjoy remembering good time. Stay safe and well. X