Tuesday 19 June
Poros

We decided to leave Old Epidavros on Sunday afternoon despite the wind forecast, if anything the wind had dropped.  We were a bit late in making the decision but attempted to leave at about 1.30 p.m. only to find we were firmly stuck by two lines which had crossed our anchor chain.  We had heard about this happening in various places, usually when a flotilla is in port, but had hoped we would avoid it.  Fortunately the rep from the Sailing Holidays boat that was one of the culprits was on hand in his dinghy to help out and he also managed to remove the chain and anchor of a fishing boat which we believe another flotilla boat had carelessly dropped over our anchor chain after they had disengaged it from theirs!  The whole thing took just over half an hour and was all very exciting. 

Crossed anchors

It then took just under 3 hours to get to Poros, a small island just off the Peloponnese, which again we had been told was lovely and that we would prefer it to Epidavros.  There was loads of room on the town quay but unfortunately our anchor chain is not very long and it was too deep close to the quay for us to anchor there - there is a pontoon where we could have gone alongside but it was, and still is, occupied by sailing boats that do not seem to want to go anywhere so we had no alternative but to drop our anchor in a small bay opposite Poros Town where it is shallower. And it is lovely.  We have been here for three nights now and they have been the quietest and darkest we have experienced.  The Captain has got the dinghy out and he rowed us over to the town yesterday morning - because we didnt have any fuel for the engine, not because he was keeping fit - we found the fuel man on the pontoon (and those sailing boats not going anywhere - in fact we have hardly seen any sailing boats with their sails up even when it is windy - and when it is windy they all seem to scared to go out - what is that all about?) and we decided we much preferred it where we are at anchor as it is so noisy in the town and very crowded with tavernas and tourists.  We came back to the boat and rowed across to a small beach and had a lovely afternoon lying on sunbeds and actually swimming in the sea. We were even more adventurous last night and went out in the dinghy in the evening to a taverna, supposedly for a meal, but really because the Captain was anxious to watch the footie - again.

On the pontoon at Poros Town for a coffee and shopping trip

Forecast still for very strong winds so think we will now be here until Saturday - we are taking very quick showers to make the water last - start practising Matt & Heather!

At anchor in quiet, sheltered bay opposite Poros Town