We're now in the marina being entertained by the flotilla and charter boats arriving in the afternoon when the wind blows at its strongest.
The weather has been very hot with only the afternoon sea breeze making it bearable but as I sit writing this the sky is grey and it's raining. I'm rather enjoying the change!

We went ashore for a short walk and coffee and then headed 5 miles along the coast to a bay called Ormos Varko. We anchored in close to the shore and during the baking heat of the day were able to have lovely swims ashore. As the sun went down we took bbq and food ashore and sat watching the sun set, eating our chicken and potatoes and drinking wine. Now this is the life!
We spent 2 nights here in this sheltered bay - very very peaceful even though there were 10 other boats anchored. Everyone was there for the tranquility. But it's a strange place. There was a small holiday complex here, most of which looked abandoned and we couldn't make out whether it was still open for business. There were sun loungers on the beach but no-one around.

It took us almost an hour to get the anchor and chain cleaned of all the gloopy sticky mud before we could head off to mainland Greece. We had an uneventful motor across and anchored close to the entrance to the little harbour of Palairos. It was another hot day so we decided we would head ashore in the early evening for a walk and an ouzo. Unfortunately the clouds over the mountains were gathering and rumbles of thunder could be heard. We were definitely not leaving the boat until we were sure that wasn't heading our way! And suddenly the clouds descended and it was all hands on deck to shut hatches and ensure the anchor was holding in the deluge and fierce blasts of wind. It only lasted half an hour and then we were blessed with a rainbow. By this time it was dark and neither of us felt like heading ashore. Oh well there is always tomorrow.

We've had a few days of decent weather which has allowed us to do some boat maintenance. Our plan is to head off towards the mainland and find a nice quiet bay to anchor, away from all the flotilla boats which are still out in force.
And then we'll head up to Levkas marina where we can sit and chill and wait for Alice to arrive on 30 September.

We took it in turns to do the anchor watch but by 2 in the morning the wind had died to nothing and we were both able to go to bed. All that anxious waiting for nothing.
The following day was beautiful - sunshine with a fresh breeze enabling us to dry everything out on board. The evening was glassy calm and we went ashore to try the delights of Taverna Dimitros. A very pleasant evening and we went to bed slightly tipsy.
By 5am the wind was screeching across the bay, the thunder and lightening was biblical in proportion, the thunder echoing around the surrounding mountains and the rain was torrential. Chris quickly put our engine on and we kept it just in gear to take the worst of the pressure off the anchor chain as the wind came at us furiously. All around us people were shouting, boats dragging in to other boats. Carnage! And of course it was pitch dark, with just the occasional glimpse of the nightmarish scene as the lightening lit up the bay.
Fortunately no-one or no boat seems to have been injured. But it's left us anxious about when the next vicious squall will hit us. As I type I can hear the thunder rumbling round the mountains although the rain seems to be lessening - for now.......

I had been saying for sometime I'd like to see some rain to wash all the salt from the decks and cabin tops. I've also been looking forward to cooler weather.
By 2:30 this morning we were experiencing torrential rain and dramatic thunder and lightening - which of course brings with it strong gusts of wind. Chris sat up for 2 hours watching to make sure we didn't drag. 12 hours later and the rain is still coming down by the bucket load and it's a good job the temperature has dropped because we are having to sit inside with all the hatches firmly closed.
The very strong winds are forecast to arrive this evening and last throughout the night.......... Okay bring back the sunshine now!