Nine Sailors and two tour guides fit snuggly in a Ford van; a relatively large vehicle for the narrow mountain roads. Looking out from the gray upholstered interior of the van, the Sailors watch the rich Cretan scenery float by.

The mountainside resembles a patchwork quilt in various shades of green and alabaster. Precious olive trees are assembled in orderly rows while the local pine trees and vegetation mix in simple, chaotic beauty. Off-white marble, known locally as the "Greek diamond," is boldly illuminated by the morning sun peeking through the peaks. Windmills spin relentlessly on the mountain tops, standing watch over the west side of the island like Greek gods. The Sailors make their destination along the switchbacks of the White Mountains.

The opening of the Agia Irini Gorge is the ultimate destination for the vans. The hike follows a seven-kilometer path that continues the switchback pattern which began during the drive. Tour guides armed the Sailors with hiking sticks and set out for the two-and-a-half-hour trek.

"This place is a treasure and it is wonderful that people can enjoy and respect that treasure," said Maria Petakaki, one of the guides for the tour.

Petakaki is a local civilian from Crete that has worked for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) for the past 19 years and says that the Agia Irini Gorge hike is one of her favorite tours.

The trail sported multiple stream crossings and a slightly rocky, but still easy-to-follow, path. As the group enjoyed the scenery, Petakaki pointed out sharp, earthy-smelling sage and other local flora.

Seven kilometers and many exclamations of "wow" and "how beautiful" later, the group arrived at the end of the path and made their way to a taverna for a fare of traditional Cretan dishes. Lamb, roasted potatoes and wine were served with a large helping of conversation as the Sailors learned about the ins-and-outs of the easy-going Greek culture.

Their muscles pleasantly tired and their stomachs pleasantly full, the van zig-zagged along the Cretan switchbacks back to the ship they all call home.

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests.

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