With the Kafireas Strait and storms behind us, 'Pacific Pearl' zig zagged between all the cargos and ferries, to anchor in the small bay of Ormos Pisa on the craggy island of KEA....we chose a new anchorage this time, as have already passed by here several times in the past. The valley behind Ormos Pisa is a pleasant green oasis in comparison with the high barren surrounding mountains. Yet again, a wonderful calm night....NO GUSTS!
Already, so many more sailing yachts in the area, presumably as being not too far from Athens, Poros and Aigina. Heading west towards the mainland coast, we had a great sail towards ERMIONI, especially in the passage by touristy HYDRA, also an island with very little vegetation. Not far further along, just after the island of DHOKOS, we slipped into Ormos Kapari, a very secure anchorage, just south of Ermioni. An enormous bay for just 3 yachts, and complete calm....BBQ evening! Actually now anchored in sticky mud off PORTO KHELI, a huge landlocked bay, great protection, still many yachts around, even big private motor boats. It appears that this area, including Hydra & Spetsai is called the GREEK RIVIERA! Certainly some amazing villas built on the water's edge facing the green pine clad , attractive island of SPETSAI. On the island are many grand old houses built during the prosperous 18th/19th centuries, very much in the Italian style. GLORIOUS WEATHER for September..... Bruno and I are now looking forward to our next destinations .... Kiparissi, Monemvasia, then around the 3 caps of the PELOPONNESE! Back again soon with further updates!!
17.30hrs. a very damp Friday afternoon, our first rain since last Spring, so the riggings are receiving a great wash down. Thunder around as well, maybe rain again tomorrow?
The team from Ecker Yachting (an Austrian yacht charter company) have been marvellous and extremely helpful. They run a very well equipped efficient base... merci beaucoup! Last night, we had (YET AGAIN ) a GORGEOUS meal with GREAT company in our FAVOURITE TAVERNA.....joining us (Bruno & I, Rosemary & Rob), Pippa & Rod, who live in Auckland, sailing on beautiful S/Y 'Christina'....we so enjoyed meeting you!
Unfortunately, our friends are all leaving today heading up into the Gulf of Volos. (S/Y 'Christina' will also be hauled out for Winter in Volos, as 'Sea Dreams') ......strong southerlies have been announced for the next couple of days, and where are heading? South!! Typical....on verra??? SO SWEET! Turning around us at anchor in Loutro, a small protected bay, so so peaceful, situated on the north coast of Ormos Ptelou. After our week in Volos, just perfectly heavenly!! We had the lovely surprise to yet again share our anchorage with 'Sea Dreams', arriving from Skiathos, & also looking for peace and quiet after the hustle & bustle of that busy tourist island. Rosemary and I walked all the way up to the top of the headland for the amazing views of the Gulf from the ruined Achilles Tower. PELION , 'le mont des Centaures'...24 pittoresques villages avec leurs maisons de pierres traditionnelles, ruelles pavées, fontaines colorées. Des villages nichés sur les coteaux boisés.. platanes, hêtres et de peupliers sauvages. L'eau fraiche coule continuellement partout, nous sommes en montagne. Il y a aussi des maison-tours remontant à l'occupation ottomane, ainsi que les maisons de maître néoclassiques. Et bien-sur, innombrables églises et chapelles de style Byzantin plus ou moins recentes. De Makrinitsa, et autres villages, la vue panoramique sur Volos et le Golfe, est splendide! En plus, une 'station de ski' se trouve entre 1200 et 1450 m.!! Donc, notre ballade en voiture etait vraiment très agréable pour changer nos idées! Nous espérons quitter Volos dans 2 jours.........la Sicile se trouve à 650 n.miles environ, ou on va hiverner. |
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