Karen & Bud have now been onboard for four evenings and today was the first stress-free, incident-free day since their arrival. I'm hoping it was a turning point since the experience they've had so far has been atypical of the Greek cruising lifestyle that we've come to enjoy. Some of the challenges we've faced have been weather-induced and impossible to control, but the grand prize of mishaps goes to the skipper for neglecting to properly secure the dingy on a night with 20+ knot winds blowing. The consequences of that oversight will be described in more detail later, and we'll know tomorrow if the story concludes with a semi-happy ending.

In the meantime, my mother Karen was kind enough to compose some thoughts on her experience thus far:

"Winds and seas are well respected KINGS and QUEENS here in Parikia harbor, where sizable sailing vessels like ours toss like plastic bobbers and rubber duckies. Keeping a keen eye on the reigning royalty, we stroll to and from a charming town, fascinated with the sights and sounds, marveling, and appreciating. For this guest sailing grandma, the incredible Greek panoramas are being replayed like old 8 track tapes . ..quite an emotional return to my adopted American Field Service roots.....nostalgia with a pinch of sugar!

Dan, Chris and Tyler welcomed us aboard "Interlude" last Thurs. PM...after a bumpy Alps crossing, Paris to Athens and then to Paros Island. We immediately joined a literal convention of harbor moored sailing craft, joyously jigsawed together, bobbing and heaving. It was a mini family reunion of sailing folks, all of whom are wandering in and around the Cyclades group. How fantastic to be joining this Rice family 's dream travel as the honored, senior member guests!!

Interlude is a magnificent floating B&B ....so weighty and sleek, with every amenity at the fingertip. But don't get me wrong...those "systems" ALL need much tutelage as do the major techniques of footwork to move from Level to level AND the prime challenge....exits made across the heaving passerelle...(the 10 inch wide, hinged gangplank). Oh to have the power to calm those persistent waves!

Now today attention to a few repairs...our dingy motor now sunk on a distant rock shoal needing to be lifted out.....the dingy itself with shredded hull .....(or perhaps purchase a used motor/dingy? ) certainly a MAJOR decision for Captain Dan....Speaking of our fearless son, he's passed the test of ultimate sea worthiness, along with first mate Chris, and agile boat-boy, Ty.

Heading soon towards Milos, after some fond goodbyes to charming Paros.
Seas have finally calmed....so after loading the new dingy and motor, the sails MIGHT be unfurled as we sneak around the vicious winds to make friends with the manageable ones!"