Greece - the unfinished project Part 2

With the repairs done, sailed five miles south to a small fishing village, took a mooring and ventured ashore to the local taverna - sundowners with grilled octopus.

Continued onto the island of Kalimnos for our "paper work ". Non EU yachts must report into the Coast Guard at selected ports, producing their ships papers, insurance, crew details and transit log. These are sighted and stamped. Tax collected. Finally completed and with "Coorabell" stern too the seawall we spent the evening exploring the back alleys of this harbour town.

Woke up to a beautiful wind, so off lines and up sails. Enjoyed a most delightful sail for the twenty miles across to Kos. Wind on the port quarter, hand steered with the gunwale awash doing 13 knots
"Coorabell" in her element with Kath enjoying the new lounge chairs.

Flying the Flag @ 13 knots

In Kos Town, formalities completed and alongside, we explored the town at sunset, joining the hordes of English and German tourist. Alleyway after alleyway of junk tourist gift shops selling the same item. Next morning,enough is enough, departed for the marina to refuel and water. A beautiful dark blue Discovery 55 yacht pulled in front of us flying the Australian flag. A family from Melbourne on a circumnavigation. We have been cruising with them since.

We continued on with them for the 25 mile sail to a large bay on the islands southern tip. Due to the meltami blowing gale force, in company with the other crew we secured our yachts and took the local ferry across the strait to Nisiros Island, famous for its dominant but active volcano. Quite fascinating to walk across crater with steam rising from the fumaroles. ( you didn't  think that I would know that word ) but the sulphur smell!

 

Next day at dawn we weighed anchored and sailed the 34 miles to Astipalaia. We anchored in a fjord type bay with the meltami blowing 35 knots across our deck. Decisions have to be made here as we must be in Paros on the 16 to hopefully collect our new outboard ( that's a story in itself ) and meet our first guests on the 20th.

 

All going well aboard "Coorabell" (except for the outboard saga ) and am still enjoying the fresh seafood and cheap white wine. Keep in contact and we hope that all is going well for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captain Ron and First Mate Kathleen