We woke and saw the beauty of the area. Our first adventure was a trip down the Cretan Coastline to the a marina where we boarded another boat. We motored over to Spinalonga, a small island that once was a leper colony in the first half of the 20th Century. We learned about the island and then had time to explore it on our own. From there, we sailed to Plaka for lunch on our own. After that, we drove to an olive oil farm. Finally, we had time on our own back at the resort and then we had dinner on Disney at one of the resort restaurants.

Spinalonga

The sunrise was beautiful, and the resort breakfast was extravagant. In the light of day, it was even a more beautiful resort than it appeared at night.

BACK TO EUROPE

08/29/23—09/11/23

Marina Plakas was also beautiful, with the multi-colored boats all moored in the area. We boarded the Anastasia and began sailing east along the channel. It was a wonderful day and our friendship grew with the other adventurers. Spinalonga came into view and you could tell where it once was attached to another island.

Our mornings always began early, but it was worth it because we always beat the crowds. We were the first on the tiny island, so it was easy to hear Mary’s story of the leper colony and also easy to take great photos without others to deal with.

When we had time on our own, a number of us began walking counterclockwise around the island. There were so many places to take great photos. The cemetery was the last part of our walk, and when we finally left Spinalonga, the crowds were crazy.

Lunch in Plaka along the sea

The olive oil farm was less of a farm and more like a store with a few exhibits on how olive oil was processed back in the old days.

We had the afternoon to ourselves at the resort. We walked over and checked out the pool area for a while, but noticed that the rest of the gang seemed to be hanging out in the sea. Charlie had bought a snorkel mask, so he let me borrow it and explore the area. Both the pool and the sea were warm and relaxing. It was a wonderful afternoon.

AbD bought dinner. We made our restaurant and time selections earlier in the week. We chose to eat with Jim & Megan before we really got to know everyone. They were decent company, though, and the Yacht Club was an excellent choice. We could pick any starter and main dish that we wanted, along with some wine. Everything was delicious.

 

Back at our room, our neighbors, Charlie & Celeste, yelled over the wall and told us they just got engaged!