Crete Is Taking Names Photos

Pictures Top to Bottom: Gen in the ambulance; Gen in her gold gown; bored in the ER led to fancy braids by Georgia on Lucy; and Georgia decided to change her earrings around, which led us to discover her unfortunate earring tan.

Crete Is Taking Names!

Georgia and I should be aware, Emma says accidents come in threes and one of us is next. Here is a story to explain.

We woke up to rain and lazed around a bit hoping the showers would pass. I was able to update the blog and the others were able to do research and such. It was another relaxing morning. Around 11 we set off towards one of the other larger cities on the north coast of Crete, the rain still slowly falling. Approximately five km out of the city we hit detour, a bridge was under construction. Often friendly construction workers let us through in such situations; however we soon realized they were not budging. We stopped to snack on some trail mix and decided what our next move would be. Within seconds a car had pulled up beside us and rolled down their window. Georgia was closely and friendly banter (basically professional talking) began. He explained how he was part of a cycle club and we explained what we were doing. We parted ways after a bit of simple conversation. It is always nice meeting people passionate about cycling and supporting our tour. He even invited us to the cycle team’s yearly party.

After making it around the detour we were on our way again peddling through crowded streets. It was near lunch hour and school had clearly just let out. Spotting two bike stores within two city blocks I thought it might be a good idea to stop and see if we could get some repairs and tune ups done. Mostly Gen needed a cable replaced, which was causing her gears to act up. But as we soon found these were as we had found previously false bike shops, unlike a real bicycle shop they cannot repair the expensive fancy and not so fancy bikes they sold. Frustrated and annoyed we moved on. Emma, as always led the way, Gen followed with Georgia next and myself bringing up the rear. We traveled as a well organized pack, calling to each other, bump, or car back weaving in and out of the traffic, pot holes, and the recently released high schoolers.

What happened next was quicker than a lightning strike, but at the same time as slow as an C.O.L (cute old lady) crossing the road. It was like how most athletes explain time and being in the zone, everything is slowed down, until the crack of the bat or the swish of the net, when time again starts moving very quickly. We accelerated downhill around a roundabout and peddled quickly uphill to make it around the roundabout. I looked down slowly; Emma was far ahead, Gen and Georgia in the middle close together. Man Gen is getting close to that parked car. Time slows. CRACK. I caught up. "Holly sh!t how did that just happen?" Georgia and I were pulling our bikes off the road. I raced to Gen, Georgia got to the bike, Emma appeared.

"Stay still don't move, did you hit your head, you can cry it’s okay." Gen lay on the ground next to the car in agony; I could see it in her face. People started gathering, a man asked if we wanted an ambulance. "No it is okay, we are fine." Gen was saying the same thing. A police man showed up, more people, are you sure you don't need an ambulance. "NO, no really it is okay." Moments later a lady with a medical badge and gloves was there, an ambulance is coming. We sub came, Gen cried, I told her it would be okay, then she laughed "Lucy why aren't you filming this?" We prepared for our departure, Georgia and I discussed we wanted to make sure the ambulance wasn't expensive, it was free we were told. Okay we thought who should go. "I will" I told Georgia. "What do I need?" My wallet and Gen's, her journal for insurance purposes our iPods, headphones. The ambulance was there I needed to leave. "You guys stay here, find us at the hospital, I guess?" I hopped into the ambulance and we were off.

"You look great Gen." She laid strapped to the backboard with a neck brace, a small bit of blood leaked from her pointer finger knuckle, which was slowly swelling. Other than the small amount of blood she looked and acted fine. I told her I was there only to make sure they didn't cut any of her clothing. This was a big concern. Once in the ambulance and driving I realized what an epic mission Georgia and Emma were into. They had four fully loaded bikes to deal with and only two bodies. If one rode a bike anywhere it wouldn't be safe to leave. In my mind they were subsequently stuck. Even more they knew where we were, there was only one hospital, but I had no idea where we had just left them and our worldly possessions. There wasn't much I could so I joked with Gen as we bumped along in the back of the ambulance. We arrived at the hospitable the ER guys questioned and tapped Gens shoes; the metal cleats are very fascinating. I stayed close. There was one ER room we entered. I asked politely not to cut any clothes; they were all we had I explained. They agreed, the doctor wasn't so pleased. I was told to wait outside.

I waited and waited. There was lots of commotion and then Gen appeared wrapped in a gold tin foil looking emergency blanket. I couldn't help but laugh. "What's happening?"
"Who knows" Gen replied. She had gotten x-rays. I went to find a bathroom. When I came back Gen told me that there was just a car accident so we might not be first in line anymore. More waiting, I stood next to Gen in her C3PO costume as she lay helpless on her stretcher. I thought about how it was great that many of the doctors and nurses spoke English. We would have been so lost with only Greek. A nice nurse came up to me and told me I should go look for Gen's blood tests, it could be a while she hinted. I went to check the laboratories and the front door, maybe Em and Georgia would show up? When I returned my golden friend was gone. Oh no I lost Gen. I wondered around and soon found her empty bed being wheeled out of a room. I collected her clothing and started to wait. Ten or so minutes later Georgia and Emma appeared around the corner. Looking concerned they asked me what I knew. I knew nothing, well not nothing but very little. Seconds later Gen and my favorite ER tech showed up leading a mysterious man. I was still trying to update Em and Georgia and I was just telling them I didn't really know what was happening. I was more curious how they had faired with their end of the deal.

"Georgia what is going on?" we heard. Huh? I was confused. "That is the guy." Georgia was explaining. What guy huh? "From before the guy, the cyclist." He looked different outside the car and close up. He looked very concerned. He wanted to know what had happened. I explained how (now that I knew the story from Gen herself) Gen was looking down at her gears since they weren't changing and she was about to try and fix it with her foot, so she unclipped and then bam, hit a parked car. The concern was wiped off his face, he was so worried that someone had hit her. He seemed really concerned about bicycle advocacy. We asked him how he knew we were here or how he knew what had happened. He explained how it was a small town and that he had heard while he was out getting something to eat. Since we had met him earlier he wanted to make sure we were okay. "Yeah I think we'll be alright, it doesn't seem that bad." We asked about payment in Greek hospitals, free a couple Euros maybe. "Do you need money" he offered. We shrugged it off, a couple Euros was no big deal. He left giving us his phone number, if we needed anything. We are so thankful for his concern and help. We are sorry that we can't join him and his cycling team for their yearly party, but we are on the move leaving Crete and heading north again.

After he left I wanted to hear how Em and Georgia had dealt. They explained their struggles, finding a hotel and than making their way to the hotel with all the bikes and stuff and next to hospital. We waited. Gen appeared wheeled in a wheel chair all bandaged up. We visited. "What the is going on?" Gen seemed just as lost as we did. It would be three more hours, we had already been there for three. Em and I left so I could change and get dry non biking clothes for Gen. It was still raining. Back and fourth we went, Gen and Georgia were still waiting. Three more hours past before Gen was officially discharged with orders to reappear on Friday. The unclear diagnoses was a broken or torn ligament in the right hand pointer finger (Gen is left handed). We will know more tomorrow. We left the hospital without paying for anything entered the night into pouring rain. We got the medicine and finger brace prescribed and taxi-ed our way back to the hotel. We were all famished and exhausted. We stumbled our way down the rainy streets to a previously spotted Mexican food restaurant. It may have been the worse Mexican food I have ever had, but at the moment it was the most perfect thing.

Gen's doing great, we are all in good spirits. Even though we have been on Crete much longer than we thought we have all agreed we are just 'doing what happens.' We will find out soon Gen's further prognosis, and her riding capabilities. We are planning on showing up at the hospital ready to ride. We are ready to make our way north again.

Rain, Wind and Hills

Rain Wind and Hills
We made it to Crete an island that we at first compared to our home island (Long Island), mostly due to it's long narrow shape, however we learned that Crete is 2.5 times as big as Long Island. Over the past couple of days we have been taught some lessons.

Lesson Number One: Wind
We arrived on Crete by ferry, as one might imagine how you arrive on an island, at the wee hour of 6am after a night of restless sleep on the ferry floor. 3/4ths of our crew was feeling slightly under the weather and the closest place stay was over a mountain and down the coast. We took off sleepily peddling into the valley, the mist raising off the olive trees as we passed them. The sun slowly started to shine emitting a purple orange haze over the peaks of the mountains. As we started to climb the sun emerged and the air was still. I thought about how the weather was perfect and riding on Crete was amazing. We were in for a good week. After traveling up one often goes down, so down we went. The down hill was glorious with large straight sections where we clocked some fast speeds. Emma reached the highest at 72kmh (44mph). We reconvened at the bottom and bought some snacks and food for dinner not knowing what the campground town would have. While waiting outside all slightly delirious from the early start, lack of sleep, long climb up and unconditioned bike muscles (lack of bicycling on our island vacation) we lingered outside the shop for a bit. Whilst lingering we heard a shot, which scared us all half to death. We all looked around for the source. We soon found that Georgia's tire had blown. A quick fix and we were on our way. We made it to the camp ground, a lovely beach front establishment. We settled in. The next morning we awoke (I am not sure any of us were actually asleep) to howling winds. We all laid in our tents hoping that everyone else was thinking the same hung that it would be crazy to ride. Slowly we emerged, a consensus was made, we weren't going anywhere. The wind continued to blow gusting hard, probably 30mph at least. It seemed like a hurricane. We were happy to have wind block from the campground and a communal kitchen to cook with. We agreed that we would wait and see what would happen the next day. The next morning we didn't even get out of our tents we simply yelled to each other, "there's no way to ride in this." Grounded again. We knew we couldn't bike, Gen even mentioned slightly jokingly that it was hard to walk in the wind let alone ride a bicycle. Luckily on the third day we woke to calm skies and were able to ride. However we still encountered strong head winds, which are more menacing than steep hills.

Lesson Number Two: Hills
Crete is Mount Everest compared to the flat Long Island. This says it all. On our second day of riding we headed up into the hills, well they are really mountains. We stared to climb gazing upwards and sheer cliffs and rugged landscapes. Even in the distance we could see snow capped mountains. We climbed for the entire day gritting our teeth, clenching our handle bars, and pumping hard to get up the various twists and turns of the mountain road. Em even said at one point her stomach muscles were trying to peddle. There was even still a head wind taunting us, forcing us to peddle down the couple short declines we encountered. It was the type of day were you are no longer peddling with your legs but with your mind. We shacked up for the night in a small mountain town, just where the road turns downhill (for the most part). The next day was glorious we flew down in seconds wiping the turmoil of the day before completely away. Crete will get us in shape quick.

Lesson Number Three: Rain
Em recently read that Crete has 300 days of sunshine. To say the least we found some rain, it is the end of the rainy season. Our fourth day of riding was beautiful, we all really enjoyed it. While smoothly riding downhill along slowly sloping river valley we chatted about how much we liked it, how much we enjoyed the beauty of Crete. The Crete we rode threw these past couple days is a blanket of olive tree fields sprinkled with yellow flowers and a touch of sheep and goats, interspersed with wild rugged looking mountain landscapes and small villages. We laughed and reminisced as we turned a corner and started to climb, our pace was halted our cheer interrupted. We had a late start in the morning wanting to check out a map store and a bicycle shop, so we had a lot of miles to cover in a shorter time. We continued to peddle hard. Rain drops started to sprinkle our heads. When the rain really started comping down I stopped to wait in a large town under some shelter. Georgia arrived next, she had to pee and went off on a mission. Em and Gen appeared soon after. "Georgia's peeing I" said first. Em retorted quickly "I just fell really bad.". The story was recounted. Em was traveling around a downhill corner and in combination with the slick roads spun out. She slid thirty feet down the hill still attached to the bike. Gen saw it all, cars slowed and luckily didn't hit her. Emma's fine, as she say "I'll heal my gear wouldn't." She ripped her pannier, which is now nicely repaired, or so we think. The combination of rain was curse but also a blessing, it made her slip but if the road wasn't wet she probably would have been a lot worse off. Pavement is sticky in combination with fast moving flesh. We are lucky she is okay and happy to be on the road again with showers passed.

Pictures: Gen looks small compared to the looming mountains; Gen and Em with their Valentines Day gifts; Some Valentines Day graffiti; Emma's heaven , a map store; and Gen and Georgia's morning surprise.

Book Review

You might have heard about all these books we have (we left a lot on our island) and all our reading we have been doing. Here is an insight into the books we read and finished. Maybe you'll get some good ideas on which book to read next.

"Darwin's Island: The Galapagos in the Garden of England"
By Steve Jones Published by Little, Brown

"Jones does a fabulous job at bringing Darwin's lesser known publications, not only, to the forefront but also up to date, weaving historical information with current day fascinating facts. Jones easily describes scientific complexities allowing any reader to enjoy his work. This is a must read for any Darwin enthusiast, simple scientist or, an interested intellect. " L. H. Woodward

"The Children's Book"
By A.S. Byatt Published by Vintage

"The saga rings true, 'don't judge a book by its cover' or its title or description for that matter. The Children's Book is neither for children nor does it fully developed as one might imagine from the description on the back cover. An interesting story beautify portrayed of turn of the 20th century England. Byatt weaves the lives of her well developed characters with detailed descriptions and historical accounts of art, Socialism, theater, Fabianism, and much more of England and the world during the time period. Traveling through the 600 plus pages is a journey of many years with many characters, and many adventures. I would have enjoyed this book much more if there was less historical development or a shorter description of each play that opened or book written of each year the book takes place. In the end (if you make it) the reader travels more then 20 years, Byatt does a great job at making the reader fall into the passing time." L. H. Woodward

"Agreeing with L. H. Woodward don't judge "The Children's Book" by its cover. Although the story was mildly interesting and entertaining, there were many long unnecessary passages. The task of reading the book was grueling, however I persevered only skipping 15 pages." E.W.

"The Booker"
By John Grisham Published By Arrow Books

"Grisham is great, his books are quick thriller reads. This particular book follows a pardon prisoner wandering Northern Italy. It was fun being able to relate some of my travels and tribulations to the main character of the book. This was not my favorite Grisham, but it was perfectly entertaining for relaxed "vacation" reading." gew

"The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing"
By Melissa Bank Published by Penguin Books

"This New York Times bestseller is a fun, humorous, and emotional quick read. Follow a young girl to adulthood on her journey of love, loss and everything in between." L. H. Woodward

"This book will not stick in my mind but was perfectly enjoyable to read." gew

"Hot Time in the Old Town: The Great Heat Wave of 1896 and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt"
By Edward P. Kohn Published by Basic Books

"Reader beware, if you want a historically accurate account of the Great Heat Wave coupled with an even more precise description of presidential campaign of 1896 read on. However be aware that this book deals more with William Jennings Bryan than the young Teddy Roosevelt. For those looking for descriptions of turn of the century New York City, Kohn is able to transport you to the stifling tenements with ease. Overall this book was slightly disappointing and drawn out." L. H. Woodward

"I special order this book after hearing the author on NPR and seeing him appear on the Daily Show, however, since I was a senior in college I was not able to read it then. I was excited to read this educational book after graduation, as L. H. Woodward mentioned I was little disappointed that it focused more on Bryn than Roosevelt. I was thrilled to finish it. People interested in New York City history will enjoy this book." gew

"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind"
By William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer Published by Harper Perennial

"I picked this book up because I saw the author on the Daily Show (a long time ago), did a project on him in one of my college courses, and have enjoyed his TED talks. I really enjoyed this book because it pertains to want I studied in college. It is a humorous, yet sad and inspiring tail about poverty and development in Africa. A must read for everyone." gew

"ripley under water"
By Patricia Highsmith Published by Bloomsbury

"A little bit wired. A Quick thrilling read, and interesting view of a murders mind." gew

"A bizarrely fascinating page turner." L. H. Woodward

"Committed"
By Elizabeth Gilbert Published by Bloomsbury

"After much discussion of "Eat, Pray, Love" I discovered there were some people who didn't really enjoy it. However, I was one of those who were absolutely crazy about it, and was excited to read "Committed." I can't say I learned much, since I have decided that love and marriage are things left to be discovered by each person on his or her own. That being said I did enjoy her account and really like the way she writes." gew

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"A short and simple tail where Harry's innocents is still apparent, not one of my favorites but Rowling still makes it exciting and worth it." L. H. Woodward

"A riveting tail that proves curiosity may just kill the cat or the Weasley." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"love it" gew

"I like the whomping willow, and the dementors are creepy." E.W.

"Harry spreads his wings as a magical power, but still has not collected enough pieces to complete the puzzle." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"My favorite of the series, Harry is plummeted into a world of magical competition. If you are looking to re-read one of the HP series I highly suggest the Goblet of Fire." L. H. Woodward

"love it" gew

"Harry's magical skills progress beautifully." E.W.

"Twists and turns at every flip of the page, who knew! The plot thickens." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"love it" gew

"Number 12 Grimmauld Place rocks my socks." E.W.

"Harry is tested by, tragedy, uncertainty, and puberty, oh no!" G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"What a surprising ending!" E.W.

"Unexpected opportunities arise with even more unexpected outcomes, Rowling continues to amaze and surprise the reader, as she has done throughout the rest of the series. Holy moly who knew that was going to happen! (reference to ending)" G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"Fabulous, stunning, and absolutely exciting, however I still don't really like the ending. Re-reading the last book has made me only more excited to see how the last installment of the HP movie series turns out. If you need a refresher on how Harry's seven year battle with the Dark Lord ends I suggest reading Deathly Hallows, however if you haven't read any of the HP series, please do us all a favor and start at the beginning." L. H. Woodward

"love it" gew

"Although I have read this series many times, I still find the story intricate and interesting to read. I personally enjoy re-reading the series each time picking up foreshadowing, character details, and plot developments I hadn't previously. I can't even choose a favorite." E.W.

"The Chosen One? I think not, the series proves that friendship, magic and trust will prevail. But above everything, love conquers all. Not a fan of the ending. As a whole this is a great series, highly recommended." G. Davis S.

"Sea Urchin: A Childhood at Sea"
By Christina Reese Published by North River Press

"'Sea Urchin' is a fantastic tail of a family doing something out of the ordinary, experiencing all of the same emotional turmoils of any other family in a variety of alternative settings. At times hilarious and heart retching, the reader fully experiences life on the sailboat the Tapanzee." G. Davis S.

"Playing Cards in Cairo"
Hugh Miles

"This memoir of a British freelance writer dives head first into the busy concrete streets of Cairo. Examining first hand the social, economic, educational, religious, and political struggles of women in Egypt. By involving himself in a traditionally female played card game/social group, Miles is able to learn from the women their experiences of predaceous, poverty and corruption. Connected to recent political tension in Egypt this book is an eye opener, it allows the reader to be transported to the streets of Cairo helping to understand their views and where they are coming from. A must read." G. Davis S.

"Slumdog Millionaire"
By Vikas Swarup Published by Black Sawn

"Having not seen the movie I was excited to read the book and discover the story. This book introduces an unconventional way of telling the tail of a boy growing up in India. Using a TV game show format each chapter reveals a segment of his life and how this helps him answer the trivia question. Overall "Slumdog" is an interesting book with many twists and turn that keep you guessing. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read." E.W.

Wind

Hey all,
A quick word. We have been on Crete for a couple days but the winds have been howling and we haven't ridden far. We are on the move and riding again, thank the wind gods. Hopefully we'll find some time to fill you in on our recent adventures.

Pictures: navigating in Greece and Georgia fixing a flat.

Heads Up

A Days Happening

Here we are sitting around doing what we do on our Island, playing cards and listening to the news.