Monday 11

We hired a car to explore the island of Samos but first visited Samos Town (aka Vathi) so Geoff & Anne could sort out sim cards etc for mobile dongles, telephones etc. Only too happy to do this as relieved that we are not alone in being slightly obsessed with being able to keep in contact with family, friends and the news and, possibly most importantly, the weather forecast. Drove from Samos Town along the coast road and into the mountains up a steep road with hairpin bends to a delightful village, Manolates, where we had a walk around the tiny, almost vertical, alleyways and had a great lunch with an orange pie (which unfortunately I had to share) which was so delicious. And then back down the hairpin bends and round the island back to Pithagorio and the man himself.

Taking a break in Manolates

Had a little bit of excitement whilst relaxing on the back of Sequel after our day out when the wind swung round, the temperature dropped dramatically and a squall seemed to come off the nearby mountain on the Turkish mainland. All hell was let loose finding flat fenders to stop the boat being bashed on the rough concrete quay and when they were all sorted out the wind died down again.  Never a dull moment.

Tuesday 12

The new battery arrived and was fitted by 10 a.m. and the generator has been declared fit again.  We could leave if the wind wasnt still blowing strongly from the north so nothing else for it but more chores.  The washing, however, is dry almost as soon as the last item of clothing is pegged out. What's not to like (as Heather would say)? And a good thing this was done early as again, but a little earlier, the sky changed to an alarming dark grey and a storm came in along with heavy rain.  We were at a bit of a loss what to do as only salad to be eaten on board, no ice, warm white wine which had been on the boat for some time and no beer.  We were contemplating an omlette when thankfully the rain stopped and we were able to splodge along the headland to meet G&A for yet another meal out.

The Captain and Sequel in Samos Marina

Wednesday 13

At last some purpose to our day with some shopping to be done for our onward journey and some battening down of hatches etc. Have been checking forecast endlessly and finally decided Thursday is the day to go.  The Captain has decided we will make straight for Mykonos, which is in the middle of the Aegean and therefore usually in the middle of the meltemi, about 80 miles from Samos, and a journey for us of about 11 hours. Ate out with G&A for the last time, planning to have a reasonably early night, only to walk back along the headland in the dark with a small torch as usual at about 11 p.m. A little bit spooky.

Thursday 14

Set off at 6.15 a.m.

Sunrise over Turkey

Still a little windy but not too uncomfortable and for many hours made good progress finally reaching Mykonos some time after 5 p.m.  Helped ourselves to a berth alongside, which is what the Captain wanted, tied up beautifully, when the 'Harbour Master' came along and said we couldn't go there and to drop the anchor and come in stern to. Aaaargh! But for once no wind so at least it was a good time for anchor dropping practice - really not my favourite pastime. We came here almost three years ago with Matt & Heather and nothing much had changed except now electricity and water terminals on the quay which always makes us very happy and a 'sea bus' to take us into Mykonos town.  Mykonos town is an experience and not one I would necessarily recommend.  It was absolutely heaving with tourists of all nationalities, many Americans and Japanese. Really wondered what the Japanese make of it all. It is also very expensive compared with the other Greek islands and has a strong Italian influence, especially on the food, which is not very Greek at all.  Actually quite a relief to have something other than lamb kleftico and slouvaki.

Lighthouse on the end of Ikaria - 6 hours into our trip

Friday 15

Set off early again after successfully raising the anchor without mishap and pulling up any other lines, chains etc. which I could clearly see beneath the boat.  Headed for Kea, again where we have stayed previously with M&H and now very close to the mainland and Athens where we hope to be by Wednesday 20. A seven hour journey which again went well enough with a change of wind direction this time to the south. Almost entirely alone on the town quay until mid-afternoon when a sailing boat came in and managed to make more of a hash than we have ever done, which is so reassuring, and even with all the room they had managed not only to cross our anchor chain but in an attempt to go out and uncross it caught their anchor on our chain. It kept us all amused and I was so impressed that the crew of the sailing boat didnt yell and swear at each other. Have often wondered how many boats are called 'Carpe Diem'? Think it should be banned. We may stay here for a couple of nights but as usual a little undecided.