Cabotage in the Cyclades 2
We continue our cabotage in the Cyclades at the discretion of the wind blows and shelters that we find. The time is beautiful with beautiful sunny days and the heating is no longer necessary to warm evenings. In this season of the gusts of wind force 8 or 9 regularly sweep the Aegean Sea. Fortunately the Islands and offer many bays to hide a day or two, the time that it calms.
Tuesday 02 February: Island of Sifnos
We arrive in the Bay of Vathi, to the South West of the island. We get wet in front of the Church in 4 m of water, on a bottom of sand between the massifs of herbs.
It is the first time in months we put the feet in the water... it's worth a photo!
In the meantime the gust of wind , We walk through winding paths, goats and sheep surprised to see "the tourist" at this time of the year… Back we go along the edge of sea, feet in the water a little fresh!!! 6 families live in the village all year round.. the Bay back to life in the summer, as in most of the Cyclades.
The next day, on the advice of a "local", We start perpendicular to the dock at several meters, for that rear skirts crashing against the concrete does not. We secure the boat with 6 moorings, big dampers stainless and stiff anchor on the front. The Bay is almost closed, We don't imagine once the swell can go.... Night is falling and the wind increases as expected. Overnight the swell formed the Southwest and cogne against the hull which in each Jolt is "couiner" the moorings on the tabs. We sleep one eye!
In the early morning wind turns from Northside and strengthens gusting to more of 50 Nodes, We are well protected, but residual SW swell made for vas and just brutal to the boat. We leave the dock to the faster... anyone ashore to help us in this turmoil. Engines running, I am at the front to release enough chain and close the boat from the dock so Philippe can jump to the ground and release the moorings. The wind is violent, the waves break. I'm in charge and with two engines I stabilize the boat while Philippe takes care of the moorings that I recover then on board. I manage somehow to get closer from the dock to retrieve Philippe who jumps "like a gazelle" on the back of the boat.
We give the anchor a bit more far away from any danger - nothing beats a good anchor with chain and rope that cushions shock!
Sunday 07 February: Folegandros island
The weather forecast wind and Karavostasi East of Folegandros port remains the only sheltered place. Small navigation from 5: 00 to get there.
Visit the following day of the Chora perched on the edge of a cliff and "climb" to the chapel that offers breathtaking views...
Wednesday 10 February: island of Ios
We have no other choice that us Moor at the wharf we ourselves sufficiently from the dock, as the ferries arrive at any speed in the port and create one dangerous Undertow for others. The boat we spot 2 bars open with young people on the terrace, a bakery and a few passers-by. We have never seen so many people since we left Poros.
We visit "Chora" accessible by concreted and winding staircase. The storefronts of the taverns, bars or stores are closed
We climb up to the chapel overlooking the Bay. The same evening, motivated to find a place where dinner, We're heading the single enlightened Tavern… 2 tables are occupied by men "focused" front of the TV... it isn't really "ambiance" expected, We make way towards the boat eat our spaghetti Alla carbonara.... We do some shopping and buy a few pounds of local oranges to make jams.