Saturday 12th September 2020
We left the beautiful anchorage at Mongonisi on the island of Paxos to visit an old favourite, still on the East side on the island - the port of Gaios. This is a rather different Greek harbour as it has two entrances behind the tiny island of Agios Nikolaos. Both lead you in a semi circle behind the protection of the rocks. This time we opted to stay on the town quay. Although this is a popular spot with yachties, it hasn't yet succumbed to a bland European, Ikea furnished, soulless cafe waterfront, like (sadly) others have. It is picturesque, feels traditional and the walk around the harbour between the 2 islands, at sun down, with the tall slopes of Agios Nikolaos a few feet away is rather magnificent.

The following lunchtime we sailed further up the East coast of Paxos to another favourite anchorage at Lakka. Lakka is a glorious place. It features on many postcards as it typifies Greece. The bay is shallow, with a sandy sea bed and clear water, so as you turn into it you are met by the most amazing turquoise sea, that takes your breath away. There is a little port at the far end of the bay, with a couple of tavernas. A perfect place to either moor your boat, or as we prefer, to tie a dinghy alongside and go for a walk.

Monday 14th September
The wind was favourable to cross back over to the mainland and check out some new places, so we left Lakka after lunch and set the sails. We thought we'd head for one of two anchorages either side of a sandbar North of the island of Navros Notos. Despite mixed reviews, we found the tucked away anchorage on the West side of the sandbar delightful. The anchor set well and the snorkling was great. We were one of only three boats, so it was very peaceful. Early evening we swam up to the sandbar, across which locals were wading back from the beach on the island to the mainland. It looked odd seeing them ankle deep in water, walking on the sandbar between the two anchorages where boats were bobbing about. The beach began to empty. Even the goats took their leave and disappeared, back through the undergrowth into the middle of the island, so we sat on the sand and watched the beautiful sun set. I apologies for the cliché , but it was 'The perfect end to a perfect day.'