THE CYCLADIES

THE CHORA NISSOS
KEA

Since passing through the Corinth canal and into the Agean sea we spent a few days in Poros and then continued our journey east to the Cyclades islands.

This delightful archipelago is situated in the center of the Aegean.  The numerous islands are all individually different and have their own character,

Nearly all are mountainous and rise up out of the sea to some very impressive heights.

The islands are steeped in history both modern and ancient.

Our first Island was Kea, the most northerly of the Cyclades  This area has a reputation of strong winds which we can vouch for.  The day after we arrived strong force 6 to 7 winds were predicted and arrived exactly as fore casted

We decided to remain safely moored and took a taxi to the Chora (village). This amazing ancient settlement is perched on the steep side of the mountain and is well worth a visit.

THE GREEK ORTODOX
CATHEDERAL
(note the long carpeted climb)

From kea we went on to Andros a very mountainous island rising to 3712 feet.

We had been told that it was very quiet and rarely visited by yachtsman. We entered the small harbor which only had two other boats in it.

Two hours later a large flotilla of twenty three 45ft+ boats arrived all at the same time. The boats were crewed 8-10 per boat by Russians and for thirty minutes chaos ensued.  

They were all eventually crowded in often three and four deep with mooring lines and anchors all over the place.

ONE OF THE MANY FINE VIEWS
FROM THE BALCONIES OF THE CATHEDRAL

From Andros we traveled south to Tinos, an island that we had not realy considered and knew little about.


We discovered that this is a major place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox church and is the Greek equivalent of Romes Lourdes.

On ceattain feast days Pilgrims arrive from all over Greece to pay homage to a miracle working Icon of the Madona.

AFTER THE LONG CLIMB ON YOUR KNEES
JUST A FEW MORE STEPS TO GO

The pilgrimage involves making the long climb from the harbor front to the cathedral on your knees and must take some time and cause considerable discomfort.

As shown in the picture above a carpet has been laid to make it a little easier!

We visited the cathedral appropriately dressed. It was well worth the visit and climb.

The town and port of Tinos is a very pleasant place and well worth adding to your itinerary if visiting the area.

STORM BOUND IN PAROS
From Tinos we traveled south toParos and had a few days in Portes. Then true to Cyclades  reputation strong winds were forecast to set in from the north. The infamous Meltami

We quickly moved to the north coast bay of OrmosNaousis.. This is a large bay with many indentations and provides perfect shelter from the north.  We arrived in the empty bay on Monday 5th with the gale forecast to start on Tuesday and last for several days.

At the time of writing Thursday the 8th we are still here with two anchors set and with ten other boats sheltering alongside us.

The fore cast is for the wind to abate in another two days!!

RAY & MANDY
37 09.4N X 25 14.4E