Greece - land of the unfinished project Part 1

Hi every one,

Greece - land of the unfinished project. The landscape is covered with unfinished projects. Commercial buildings, houses - just abandoned. If its not finished, its for sale!

We are currently berthed in a small remote fishing harbour called Skala on the island of Astipalaia. Its very off the tourist trail with only two French yachts at the quarry. The township is picture post card Greece. White houses over looking the harbour with blue shutters and roofs. Old ladies dressed in black hanging out washing in the alleyways. Several tavernas overlooking the fishing boats. Fishing nets on the pier. Extremely Greek, but wait, were in Greece!



Born to be wild

Coorabell's travels since leaving Turkey have been. Bodrum - Agothonision - Samos - Fournoi - Ikaria -Arki - Lipso - Leros - Kalimnos, Kos and now Astiipalaia.

Sailed south from Leros under good conditions. The meltami, the north west seasonal wind has certainly kicked in, blowing 25 knots almost daily, but keeping the temperature at pleasant 30 degs.

We were expecting to have to go the expensive marina at Kos Town for repairs to our gooseneck on the mast. A washer had disintegrating causing an annoying creaking noise above our bed. I anticipated an expensive repair. However, on entering the quarry at Leros, an English couple beside us had a spare washer, and with some ingenuity, we had it repaired in less than an hour. Beers all round.

We decided to stay in the harbour for a few extra days so anchored out. Each Greek Island has a different feel. This one was an Italian naval base in WW11 and the atmosphere and architecture remain. We hired a trust 50cc motor scooter and explored the island, which was barren but beautiful.
Discovering the "European riviera beach scene " we scootered across  the following day and joined the sun worshipers. Beach lounge chairs, waiters with cocktails and the tiniest bikinis. Lunch at a taverna with tables and chairs in the water.