Crete Crossings

My husband and I and our three daughters (ages 14, 11 and 4) thoroughly enjoyed “Crete Crossings” (Oct. 1), having spent four days on Crete in late August. Our all-day hiking adventure through the 16-kilometer Samaria Gorge was indeed the highlight of our experience, even in late August. We did not find the “press of humanity” that writer Linda Liscom cautions about, and no other Americans. In fact, our young Dutch bus leader (most everyone trekking the gorge purchases a package that includes bus and ferry transportation) told us she had not seen or heard another American since June, nor another 4-year-old all summer. (Ours conquered Samaria sitting in a sturdy child-carrier strapped alternately on my husband’s and 14-year-old’s back.) This, of course, made the all-day Samaria Gorge adventure far more exotic and memorable for all five of us, particularly our children. While hiking it in late August may not provide an opportunity to commune privately with the exquisite scenery, we enjoyed a truly international experience.

ROCHELLE BUCHSBAUM

Rolling Hills Estates