Wednesday 12 September

The (northern) Cyclades - Kea

Finally the wind dropped and after a morning of filling up with water and fuel we left Olymic Marina for Kea, a small island about 15 nautical miles away.  Unfortunately  the sea was still very stirred up after four days of meltemi and it was not particularly comfortable.  However, it was a fairly short trip of about two hours so bearable.  We moored at the town quay in Vourkari which was ideal and within a short walk of a small beach where we were able to have an early evening swim.

Sunset at Kea

For our evening meal  we decided to set off on foot  for  a taverna we had seen advertised cooking typical Greek home food.  We had to walk up a very dark road and just as we were deciding to turn back a woman arrived on a scooter and ushered us along giving us some light for a '10 minute' walk to her restaurant.  She tried to persuade Heather to get on the scooter but Heather wasn't having any of it. We were able to choose our food which was displayed in their kitchen and the whole lot arrived at the same time including Matt's  very evil looking sausage - and it certainly proved to be the next day.  We decided that 'typical Greek home food' was food which could have been cooked about a week ago. The best bit of the whole evening though was the lift the proprietor gave us in her van.  I sat in the front and the others sat on stools and an upturned crate in the back.  

 

Thursday 13

Siros

Siros town square - and Heather scattering pigeons

Had a great trip to Siros with perfect sea conditions. Siros is the capital of the Cyclades and the harbour was quite busy.  We found a great place on the town quay but within less than 5 minutes of tying up a ferry came in, did a 180º turn and sent a wave towards the quay which had us rocking and rolling all over the place.  Within another 5 minutes we had left the town quay for a marina across the harbour which reminded us very much of Trizonia, the graveyard marina. It was an example of what we have experienced a few times now in Greece of projects not being completed and left to decay and possibly a sign of the economic times - or are they just not bothered?

Friday 14

Mykonos

We left Siros this morning despite the fact that a southerly wind this time had been forecast and headed for Mykonos from where Matt & Heather are due to fly home on Sunday.  We have found a mooring in the 'new' marina and, despite the fact that no-one else seems to have any, we have found a supply of electricity and water - for the time being at least.  And for the first time since we arrived in the Greek islands in May it is now overcast and there have been a few spots of rain.  Matt & Heather have gone to the beach anyway and the Captain is having a lovely time washing salt and dust off the boat and playing with the lines.  We intend to head into the town this evening which has quite a reputation for being a very lively spot.