As moorings of dream…
Alain (the brother of Philippe) We made the surprise to come and spend a few days on Tao. Of Koufonisia, We organize our way to get it back a little more to the North, on the island of Samos (Eastern Sporades). We take the opportunity to explore a few anchorages around Patmos.
Wednesday 18 May – Samos
We ask the anchor in front of the beach of Pythagorio, behind the broken blade (South East of the island). The village lives at the pace of the tourists and in may it's not yet the crowd. Well aligned beachfront terraces are deserted, the many souvenir shops are ready. The time to locate a few "supermarkets" to do a few races and we ship Alain.
Saturday 21 May - provided
In the morning we sail towards the island of provided.
It's not hot, but navigation is rather relaxed
The East wind is announced and we find an anchorage sheltered with sandy bottom in Ormos Marmaro. A fishing boat comes also to the shelter. We take advantage of the lull to a walk through a path bordered clumps of thyme. Seen from above strong gusts are beginning to sweep the coast, We prefer to go back and join the boat.
Sunday 22 May - Patmos
We return to Ormos Meloyi. We find a corner of sand with difficulty and we must go about several times to hang the anchor.
The port of Patmos is only a ten minute walk and we take the bus to go up to the village.
We do around the village in the countless alleys whitewashed,
to the ramparts that dominate the Bay.
These "Popes" seem to meditate… well no, It's time for the ice!!
I must say that the location is superb and we contemplate the Bay without ice-cream cone
Never disturb cats their territory, especially when it's NAP time!
A great day ends with a nice dinner accompanied by a great Bordeaux Alain had carried in his suitcase, with lots of other "victuals" cheeses, legs, sausages etc. that we consumed with great pleasure and moderation.
A few miles further, a small Bay North of Nisos Koudhros seems us well protected from the North wind. The area is not mapped and we spend with caution over the Rocky bars. The advantage is little yachts venturing outside areas listed in the guides...
and we are only facing the beach and herds of goats.
Today's day hike through the rocky hills that stretch to the horizon. Only the goats
make their field.
Too much our captain!
First lesson for Alain : "kneading"... without bread machine bread!
Tuesday 24 May – Arki
We liked it so Arki during our first visit we want to go with Alain. Philip gives the bar to his brother for this short trip under sail.
It seems to get a taste!
There is just a tiny free room along the quay - too small for the 6,81 meters wide of Tao? Philip asks us to put the fenders and despite the suspicious looks from those who have already taken possession of the dock, the stern of Tao undertakes delicately between two boats that eventually deviate to let us go to the dock.
The owner of the tavern cleans his calamari that we go eat at him. It's his father who built models of all types of boats and pieced together an area of anchorage in miniature.
Blue Sky, wind zero... a good day to explore bays uncharted Southeast of Arki we had spotted from Earth during our first visit.
A heavenly anchor in the middle of the gulls!
Small drink on the trampoline
Facing the sunset.
Thursday 26 May - Vrak Aspro (White Island)
Heard us this anchor of (very) weather where the monk seals are used to lounging on the rocks. We have a few hours before the wind picks up and we try our luck. We cannot divert our eyes these white rocks that emerge from the turquoise water.
We are back twice to ask the anchor on a small Sandy area where the anchor is finished by "hook".
We jump in the annex to the research of monk seals. No luck, they must be away fishing. We take still the clear water to explore the funds and the many caves.
NAP in the meantime that the wind rises for us push north of Leros and the island of Arkhangelo.
On Arkhangelo we see with pleasure the tavern which we had opened a few months earlier.
It's the opportunity of a good dinner before filing Alain in Leros.