After Knossos, we drove south to see the other side of the island and stopped at a remote beach town called Mátala. It was the type of place we had hoped to find in Crete, so we decided to stay two nights.

Mátala was immortalized in the song, “Carey,” by Joni Mitchell in her 1971 album, “Blue.” I couldn’t think of a better title, given the wonderful hues of the sea, sky and beach umbrellas.

Looking north across the beach we could see the caves that became a hippy commune in the late 60s where Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell both spent time and Joni was inspired to write her hit song about the place.

The caves were actually Roman burial tombs from the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., during a time when there was a Roman presence in Crete, primarily at Gortys, about 25 miles from Mátala.

We spent the afternoon laying in the sun, enjoying a day of relaxation.

It took some coaxing, but Dale finally made it into the water; at least thigh deep.

Wash, rinse, repeat. Back again the next day.