However, one also, cannot help but notice, the hundreds of yachts (private, charter, flottillas) sailing around the islands...hit us like a shock!
Before arriving here to Vliho Bay, we anchored for the very first time behind the barren island of Petalas off the mainland, just south of Nisis Kalamos and Nisis Kastos.....we were certainly not disappointed.
Although hugely remote, we were several 'liveaboard' yachts, incredibly protected from the prevailing winds....tres sauvage, shallow anchoring in mud and best of all absolutely SILENT....not a sound!! All through this area, there are quite a few fish farms, which obviously deter the charter boats....(I could even connect to internet!!)
Continuing north, via Meganisi.... strong southerlies with strong thunderstorms had been predicted.......Our plan A was to find a 'hidey hole' in Meganisi, BUT after exploring the indented bays, changed to plan B, direction Vliho Bay, near Nidhri.
As there were so many boats at anchor, also tied to the rocks and trees, we did not feel comfortable anchoring in the depths, especially if 40+knts gusts pass thru the area!
To arrive in Vliho Bay, one passes by the picturesque Nisis Skorpios, which is private, once in the Onassis family, now has a Russian owner.
The impressive Baroque mansion on Nisis Madhouri is next, see photo above....then one arrives at Nidhri.
Of course, the season here is still in full swing with hordes of tourists from all over...plus I cannot imagine the number of boats, all shapes and sizes!
Bruno and I found our niche at the head of Vliho Bay ...60 metres of chain in 6.5 metres....ready for anything!! We know the holding here is excellent in sticky mud....tested many times in the past years!
It has rained and rained, incredibly WILD thunderstorms, lightning striking like huge New Year's Eve fireworks displays....THE WORKS, plus gusts of up to 45 knts at 4.30 this morning.
Obviously boats were dragging, so there was a lot of activity for a couple of hours, poor things with the torrential rain etc.
No doubt we will be here for a couple more days, as it is still raining solidly ......'Pacific Pearl' is now a very clean yacht!! But enough is enough!!