Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Naxos


Ferry from Kos arrived on time for 7:30 departure. Hotel provided a ride to the dock. I was very happy to see luggage rack noted with destinations near the entrance. Loading ferries is a story in itself. Passengers arriving and departing hustle along the gangplank at the same time vechicles are loading and unloading. It seems to be much less orderly than my experiences with the Alaska and Canadian ferries but it works. The ferry was very nice with comfortable seating areas. I had a window seat. As we closed in on Naxos the wind increased and shortly after arrival it rained. It took a while to connect witH Marco who would take my suitcase up to Panorama Hotel in the Kastro (castle) area not accessible to vehicles. The photo is of the harbor from my balcony. The wind continued but the rain stopped causing the evening concert at the nearby Venetian Miseum to be moved inside but was a most enjoyabe two hours of local music and folk dancing concluding with audience dancing something I had wanted to experience the whole trip! This followed awonderful dinner at Lucullus where I treated myself to lamp chops in honor of my wedding anniversary . I also met a couple from Toronto there and we went together to the concert greatly enhancing my evening. What could have been a downer day was instead a real high. Tonight begins the long journey back to Miami. I can't say enough about how beautiful Greece and it's people are. I couldn't ask for a better experience!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Westward Bound


Our last leg of sailing was only 19 miles over glassy seas and no wind. Our crew was reduced by 2 more as Phil and Lynn had to move up their departure to avoid problems with a planned British Air strike. I'm sure Phil will have more details on the Sailing Greece Blog. We did make one stop at a shoreline hot springs sign of the volcanic activity of the past. Part of the group swam into shore to check it out. On returning to Kos we fueled up and took 151 liters. Docking in the very crowded marina was again with the assistance of the inflatable pilot boat. In the evening our hired captain Gilles arranged for transportation to a country taverna were the 9of us remaing enjoyed sampling many local specialities.
I stay tonight at a small hotel not far from the ferry dock where I'll leave Kos. The island has held many surprises including a significant archeolgical site I visited today The Asklepieion a medical sanctuary of ancient Greece. I'll post photos and more information when I can work from a computer; typing on the Iphone is tedious at best and only uses photos from phone. Photo above is part of Kos castle where we walked the ancient walls only 2 weeks ago. On to Naxos !

Friday, June 4, 2010

Symi 2


The entire group rose early Wednesday to see Emily off. We then left the Rhodes Mandravi harbor through the haze Our course allowed us to benefit from the light winds and we had a gentle sail sometimes augmented by the engine. Less than 5 hours we entered into the most secure harbor that I've seen on the trip Panormitti on the island of Symi. The land feature is the Monastery of Archangel Michael. The focus of the complex is a tall bell tower. Visitors are allowed to tour some of the facilities including 2 small museums & the very impressive church covered floor to ceiling with frescoes. We were beginning our visit when a large excursion boat off loaded hundreds of tourists. Fortunely they only stayed an hour, hardly adequate but leaving us and the other sailboats anchored there to enjoy the tranquility. However we were later entertained by 14 Italian sailboats as the anchorage filled.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Rhodes


After a fantastic sail from the charming island of Symi we are on a two day visit here one of the oldest continuos European settlements. Walked and shopped Old Town area yesterday and today will tour some of sites. It is Emily's last day. It's been wonderful to have her a part of the crew especially for me! I've put some emails for access to sail blog. If you have not received let me know. Made arrangements for the end of trip Saturday Kos Sunday 8 hour ferry to Naxos Monday night ferry to Pireaus arriving midnight hopefully bus to Athens airport for 7am flight.

Sailing Days


We took high speed ferry from santorini to Ios. The minute ride was a third of the time &cost 3 times. We enjoyed uphill walk to see Hora-the main village. Most shops closed-siesta time. Some of the group toured the island via atvs. Took local bus back up the hill for dinner Piperri run by an English man with a great menu and fun atmosphere (photo). Walked back down hill. 6am depArture after very little sleep due to a mooring line that squeaked & snapped all night. At 3:30 am An alarm started beeping No one responded so finally I got up discovering that the voltage was flashing & beeping. Not wanting to act alone I woke Phil (writer of sailing blog). We agreed to cut off the refrigertor. An hour later time to get up. Very lttle wind with following seas & 70 mile trip @ 8mph + fatigue made for along day,

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Santorini


Sorry for the poor quality last blog. I phone problems hopefully solved by Emily. Leaving here by hi speed ferry at noon. Had a great time but all anxious to resume sailing!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Satorini

HaVING a FANTASTIC TIME BE SURE TOLINK TO SAILING BLOG FOR PHOTOS & INFO. TODAY TOUR OF ISLAND. TOMORROW BACK TO  SAILBOATS. GOOD COMPANY FOOD & WINE. TAKING LOTS OF PHOTOS,