Another great little spot on the Pelopponeses coast. Had a really fun time with Jo and David with lots of laughs especially at my karakoe attempts. Weather was good except for one rolly night. Jo didn't quite make 5 swims every day but went close. David was relaxed, but took over the helm each time we sailed as he loves to do.

Time goes slowly whilst in Greece
Particularly on the good ship Rialto
Greece really agreeks with me

Time keeps on slipping back at the coal face I call work, much faster than Rialto time

It didn't take too much effort to relax in Greece and on Rialto.

Revisiting the friendships of Michael and Cheryl was like putting on your favourite shoes, very comfortable.

Turquoise bay after bay passed, short distances sailed between ports and bays, long warm swims where sea temperature matched air temperatures, mostly, equilibrium

My favourite place was Monemvasia, I was completely taken by surprise when I saw the walled city from the sea, such history
More so when I walk the cobblestone streets and climbed to the upper town
In awe, blown away

We are now planning our next Greek odyssey
With all the challenges will come much joy again

Thanks to our hosts, I can remember no better time
Love David

Omg, how best to describe a glorious time sailing the edges of Greece? We hopped on board the sleek and tidy boat Rialto and into a dream. Cheryl and Michael's hospitality was second to none, generous, warm and caring. I felt right at home and very welcomed.
Poros, our first stop was bustling and busy and my first introduction to stern tooooing!! My first introduction to "The walking of the plank", nerve wracking initially but finally mastered which made me feel like a well worn sailor. Only the occasional wobbles while crossing were seen when I wasn't holding someone's hand!!
And off we went, I cant remember all the names and the order of the astounding bays and towns we stayed at but I do remember my first of many, many swims in warm velvety, shiny turquoise water. My first was by a cliff in many many metres of water - more than a hundred apparently- eeeek!! It was like paradise, the freedom and the feeling oh so small in this very very large and generous bathtub. I tried to keep up to "five swims" a day but around the middle of our stay at the most relaxed point (I call it the dribbling stage), it was very hard to actually raise my head and contemplate even my naval let alone the onerous chore of putting my swimmers on and covering my modesty!!
We had lovely dinners and lunches in lone tavernas on the edges of small bays, with lots of Greek white or Rose to wash it all down. Many "Rialto" meals where I mastered the pouch bbq style taught by the delectable Cheryl. Meals cooked to perfection and again accompanied by fine Greek wine which I'm sure tasted better on hols but who cares! All accompanied by laughter and fun Rialto style. Dice where Davo kicked our arses, karaoke owned by Michael and and his side kick Dave! Banana scrabble where Cheryl wiped the table with us scaring David into not playing. Wonderful laughs and merry making kept us all holding our sides.
My favourite place was chapel cove where I could pretend I was on a movie set with a wonderful cast. We even contemplated more karaoke with our neighbours using their national songs, one from the sound of music and one with a repertoire from last night of the proms with waltzing Matilda in centre stage. Sorry Cheryl can't remember what the American national anthem is called but you certainly could of made it star spangled with your talents!
I loved the quiet of chapel cove and the walk to Kiparissi dodging the swarms of marauding cicadas, just like home! Watching boat telly and trying to workout how many types of fish swam past and what their day would bring them. Superb contemplation.
I could harp on for many more lines but all in all I want to be back-NOW. Thanks admiral and captain of the Rialto, a holiday never forgotten and always yearned for. Next year perhaps??

Even tho I can't remember the location and order or all the sublime spots we ate, swam, laughed and goggled at in awe, a couple of places that were visited by land stick out. From Leonidio we made a visit to the Monastry some half an hour away by taxi. What a place. Seeing the mountains from the land was a different experience and one I loved. The mountains hold a rugged beauty and energy that is strong and fits in with whatever sky is above. How can they not? The monastery was perched atop a high cliff and was built around a church that honoured Mary. What a beautiful and overwhelming place it was for me. The church, not too old but obviously much loved was small and built with the cliff hugging its sides. The inside visited by many pilgrims there to satisfy their curiosity like me but maybe also to leave with a sense of peace and belonging?! I don't know but it has left a lasting impression on my soul.
Another special land locked place was the walled village of monemavasia. Such a surprise to see it hanging on the the edge of the island as we came around and such a privilege to see it by sea. Walking through the streets conjured up scenes of years gone by. It is in such good condition and if you have the energy you can drag yourself up to the old town now in ruins to see the extent and sophistication of the lifestyle. Another church graces the top and again wonderful. Such care given to it. Old and soft with a welcoming feel. What a friggin holiday, how lucky am I??

Bec and I spent a magic week with Michael and Cheryl on board Rialto mainly cruising around islands and bays in the Argolic gulf. Among many memorable places we visited was the 7 citadel fortress at Naplion above the town. A memorable afternoon and night spanning over six hours was spent in a cafe overlooking the water at Ermioni. A bit dusty the next day! A visit by ferry to Hydra so Cheryl could have her nails done was another highlight. Also got a torrential rainstorm moored in a bay not far from Piraeus - very unusual for Greece at this time of year. Finished back at Poros where we checked out as David and Jo checked in! Many thanks to our hosts.