Kos, Dodecanese, to Samos, Eastern Sporades

Wednesday 06

Sequel back in the water and tied up in Kos Marina by10.30 a.m. We had been checking the weather forecast for our onward trip to Samos and decided Thursday was going to be the best day for some time so worked hard all day to sort out priority jobs before we could set off, not least of all going to the newly opened Carrefour supermarket within easy walking distance to provision the boat.  But in the meantime a small problem with the battery for the generator which is on its last legs and a new one needed.  It is after all nine years old. The generator is used when we have no shore power i.e. when the boat is underway for coffee (essential) and if we spend a night at anchor.  Unfortunately it was too late to order one  to arrive by Thursday in Kos and it was arranged for one to be sent to Samos (battery coming from Athens - 300 euros plus carriage).

The Captain being delivered back to the boat by forklift before going back into the water

Thursday 07

Set off by 9.20 a.m. for Samos, the closest Greek island to Turkey, after Captain had done some minor repairs to leaking diesel fuel lines on the port engine.  Had a great trip to Samos taking approximately 7 and a half hours in good conditions, although a lot of jostling for the warmest position on deck as a very chilly wind. Decided to head for Samos Marina rather than the town quay as knew we would be guaranteed electricity and water and also to where we agreed the new battery would be delivered. The marina is in the process of being sold, possibly to a Turkish company which runs the best marinas in Turkey and owns three in the Greek islands. However, for the time being, the marina is only about a thrid full and we are almost on our own (apart from a sailing boat) alongside on a pier away from the rest of the marina which is perfect and quite private. The town is a fifteen minute walk away on an unmade path around a headland and has everything we need, good restaurants and a supermarket.  The town, Pythagorio, was named in honour of Pythagoras who was born on Samos. The Captain tells me Pythagoras is his hero.  See below. We had hoped to meet our friends, Geoff and Anne on Bula, in Pythagorio and just as we were setting out for our evening meal on the first night we received a text to say they had arrived and were tied up on the town quay (the boat that is)so we were very happy.

Bruce and Pythagoras

Friday 08

Spent most of the day catching up with news of the election. 

'Cycled' up this hill - marina and Sequel in the distance

Pythagorio

Saturday 09

Back to polishing, washing, cleaning etc. and wondering if the strong northerly wind is ever going to die down. It does not look as if it will until Thursday of next week by which time we could have had enough of worshipping at the statue of Pythagoras.

Sunday 10

News that the battery will arrive on Monday but have decided to hire a car with Geoff and Anne to see the rest of Samos island including Vathi, the capital and principal ferry port of the island. The wind has been strong all the time we have been here and in the middle of the Aegean, where we hope to head next for Mykonos,  the forecast is for winds of 41mph on Tuesday. Strictly speaking the meltemi is not supposed to get going until the middle of June but it obviously could not wait.  The Americans in the sailing boat close by told us they have sailed all around the world and have spent more time in port in the Greek Aegean islands than anywhere else. So a few more days here.