High in the mountains of Crete there is a plateau which once, some years ago, was famous for windmills. The scene of so many fluttering windmills was a sight to see. It used to look exactly like this.
Lassiti Windmills as they used to be
In fact these were not so much windmills, but windpumps. Almost every field had one and it used to pump water up from the ground to water the fields. This picture was taken around forty years ago. Today the water is supplied by electrical or oil driven pumps and the windmills are, alas, gone with the wind.
Today Lassiti has changed. It still grows the staples of Crete, potatoes, apples, vegetables etc. But sadly without the wonderful windmills.
Lassiti Today
But do not worry, that is the way of the modern world. There is a consolation, of course. On the edge of the Lassiti Plateau were some real windmills, built many years ago to grind the corn. Today some of them have been rebuilt to house modern people. What goes around comes around.
So here they are
Crete 
Obviously ahead of their time! They look so much like the windpower windmills of today!
Very interesting that the windmills are now gone, while generating electricity with wind power is a new and exciting technology
Beautiful photos.
Windfarms are increasing in popularity, it’s a shame the original ones are no longer there. Ceative post.
This is quite interesting. I knew nothing about the windmills. Its sad to see them gone but all for “progress” I guess.
So much has changed! But I am glad there are still windmills around.
My L pictures are posted here and here. Hope you can drop by, too! Thanks!
Hallo. Thank you for reading my story and telling me the plural of leaf.
I love your old photo on the top. Greate to see all the watermills. Sad they are gone now, but thats life.
Have a nice ABC!
I have been just once to Crete and missed this (and many other things). I will return
thanks for sharing that wonderful photo of the windmills on all the fields – amazing how different one side of the island is to the other side
Fascinating windmills – quite different to ones I’ve seen anywhere else.
Lovely photos of Lassiti
Bear((( )))
And in the Americas, we’re looking towards using alternate energy sources instead of oil and electricity. Windmills are on the horizon soon for many people who want to “go green.”
Interesting… And windmills are making quite a comeback these days…
It has been many years since my last visit to Lassiti. I am crushed to learn that the windmills have been retired. What a cultural loss. Ah, progress… 😦
Just amazing–the story and your photos to prove it!
I love before and after photos–these are beautiful shots.
Wonder how long it will be before the hillsides are dotted with windmills again? What goes around comes around!!
I was there 40 years ago and it was amazing!
I talk about it today.