More Moped Action!
26 May 2009 | Nisiros, Greece
Kat
Yesterday we left Simi early after managing to check into Greece without paying the "agent" an extra 50 EUR fee. I managed to avoid paying the agent in Yat Marine an extra 60 EUR earlier this week too - you have to watch these guys!
After a quick stock up on non-Turkish provisions (gin and pork) in Simi's main (only?) town we headed off West through the Greek Islands.
Yesterday we managed to get some good sailing in cruising at up to 9 knots with one reef in the main but as the breeze built I finally managed to persuade Brad that we are cruisers now and reefing the headsail was a good idea - no, we were not racing the boat next to us!!!
As we neared Nisiros however the wind came onto the nose so we turned on the motor and headed toward what was reported to be a sheltered harbour on the North side of the island, called Palon. We had read in the sailing bible that the depths were very shallow, only 2.4m in some places. Given that we have a 2.3m keel and there was some serious swell we were worried but as we approached we saw them doing work moving breakwater stones to adjust the entrance to the harbour and it appears that they have dredged the harbour too. No worries!
Despite very windy conditions that continued through the night it is a really delightful place, with a church, and around 20 buildings including 2 restaurants... and a moped hire place! We had originally planned to leave today but couldn't resist the opportunity to explore the island which is basically one big volcano that has risen out of the Agean.
After a quiet meal on board last night we set off early this morning on our mopeds and visited the steaming crater before the hordes of tourists arrived. There was a distinctly sulphurous air and in places you could see liquid bubbling through vents in the crater. We topped off the trip with a visit to the volcano museum which lists the volcano as potentially active! We then explored the underground monastry in Mandraki (the main town on the island) and managed to find an internet cafe with cool beers and exceptionally fine nuts!
Later we'll head back to Palon which is around 5km down the road and have a cold beer on board with a couple we met who are moored near us but don't have a fridge, and then we'll head off to a lovely looking local fish restaurant.
Tomorrow the plan is to brave the windy conditions and head to an island called Anti Pasta.. ok well is does have a real name but I don't know how to spell it!
So that's it for now - off to see if I can beat Brad home on the moped - I go faster up hill but he is braver on the corners....