We left Paros behind on the 28th and headed south and east towards Ay Yeoryios on Iraklia. There is not much of a town there and the harbor is quite limited for anchoring - small and the sea bed is littered with quite a bit of old mooring. We anchored just around from the town dock in a small alcove large enough for one boat. Being surrounded by rock on three sides we decided to take a line ashore - which is fine as long as the anchor holds!
Swimming here was the best so far in the Med. Crystal clear water, nice little fish, and many kinas (plus kina shells of varying colors), and even a few sea shells (first I've seen). We rowed ashore and met Margaret and Pete on Market Lady. They are headed to Crete to winter over, but had wintered in Marimas (where we leave Revilo) two years ago. Next winter they plan to be in New Zealand, leaving the boat in Ionia.

Once we set sail from there we headed over to Paros (not to be confused with Poros). We had a delightful full day of sailing with a good breeze on the beam. It is the first 'all white buildings' town we have visited. Had a lot of nice boutique shops- though I have a feeling most will be closed for the season come next week! The Greeks are especially good at crafting great wall art from drift wood! We anchored both nights off the boat yard across the bay from the marina and town. During the day we did anchor off the beach right outside the marina - as it is a small anchorage surrounded by rocks or stone wall we decided not to stay there for the night.

While anchored in Kithnos I decided to venture up the mast! Kevin (with the help of the wonderful Winch buddy) hoisted me up to the second spreader - really quite HIGH!!!! Good view - shame I didn't make the most of my photo opportunity!

As mentioned in the previous blog message, we headed to Kithnos after Poros. This is a secluded little harbor which has a sand spit across two connecting bays. Dean picked it out on a post card as a gorgeous place for us to visit - so there we went. However, the sand was not quite as white as pictured! It was however great to go ashore and have sand, not rock or gravel under foot! It was quite exciting the second night there....A sailboat entered the harbor just after dark, acted like he knew just what he was doing - sped through the few boats anchored there - aiming for the boats anchored just across the sand spit! Not sure if he actually touched bottom or not - he surely was backing out past us in a hurry! Certainly would have added excited if he had beached it - obviously a charter boat.

We departed Poros shortly after sunrise this morning heading for Kithnos. As there were no facilities where we were tied stern to at Poros - it was optimum timing to get away - and be able to empty the black water tank...6 days may be pushing the limit! We had a good breeze most of the way and sailed along nicely at 6 knots with the wind just forward of the beam with 5-8' seas.

Kevin, not wanting to leave the boat in the wind, stayed behind when I jumped on the Flying Dolphin the (hydrofoil fast ferry) to Hydra .- Zipping over the tops of waves at great speed - really like being on a plane! . The trip was great fun (though my Sarah says on her trip she didn't like the motion one little bit!) Once at the little port I walked around the many cobblestone streets meeting only people or donkeys - there are no cars on Hydra. It was fun to watch the donkeys cart people's luggage, packages, produce etc all over the village - especially intriguing to see them go up and down the many steps! The entrance to the harbor is narrow - and the harbor space not visible from outside - and once in, there is very little room to maneuver or to tie up. We had been warned not to take the boat but enjoy visiting by ferry from Poros. As I was leaving on the ferry to return to Poros, five sailboats and a launch came in and were jockeying for position (though I could see no place to tie up) and then another ferry came in as well....I almost hated to leave the excitement as the boats were virtually bouncing off each other in the small harbor.

While in Hydra I decided to do a little retail therapy! Found a nice pair of earrings which I liked (enough to want to try on) - but not committed to buy. To make a long story short - I put one earring on - and I, the shop assistant, and many people passing by, could not get it out!! We tried everything save ripping my earlobe (though I times I was sure they were trying that too). The little lady didn't want to part with just one - and not really my style either - so I managed to knock the price in half and was allowed to pay by credit card! It was still an hour after I got home before Kevin and I managed to get it out....and I've been afraid to put them back in!!