Since leaving Olympic for the last time we have had a comprehensive cruise down through the Cyclades Islands. We have visited old favourites and many new places including going further East to Amorgos.
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| Paros old town |
We have had quite unusual weather for this region. The Cyclades are infamous for strong winds. Recently we have had very little wind and have had to motor a lot of the time.
It has been amazing to see the transformation from what was initially a very quiet area to a bustling and busy sailing and tourist region.
The ferries become more frequent disgorging droves of Island hopping back packers
The end of our Cyclades tour was the southern most island of Milos.
Milos is a sizable extinct Volcano crater formed many millions of years ago. Over a period of time the sea eventually broke through into the central crater and formed what is now a large and well protected natural harbour.
We decided to stay for several days and generally chill out mainly at anchor although the marina/harbour here is very good and reasonably priced.
After a few days we decided to circumnavigate the island over a few days. it was an excellent way to see the island and appreciate its size. One of the highlights of the trip was the amazing rock and cave formations at Kleftiko on the SW corner.
A selection of the many photographs below.
The entire circumnavigation lasted three days and two nights and a total distance of fifty miles. The last leg involving a brisk sail in 25Kn winds and a big sea until we reached the calmer waters of the crater.
A LONG DAY ON THE LONGEST DAY.
Constantly monitoring the weather forecasts it seemed that the winds were steadily falling to nothing and so we decided to make a break with an early start to travel seventy miles west to Monomania on the E coast of the Polyponise peninsular.
The weather forecast was surprisingly accurate almost to the minute. starting with a brisk NW wind which lowly fell to zero and then by mid day starting to fill in from the South.
We left the Cyclades to avoid the anticipated winds and ceartainly got what we wished for.
We have now for some time had virtually no wind. Temperatures are continuing to rise and are daily in excess of 40 degrees. The local Greeks tell us that we are heading towards a serious heatwave.
We have therefore decided to return home for a few weeks in mid July to avoid the heat.
Monovasia
Known as the Greek Gibraltar this harbour and town situated near to the southern tip of the Peloponese is well worth visiting.
An ancient and fortified village on the rock has been tastefully restored. Wandering through the narrow alleyways lined with multi coloured shrubs and bushes islike going back in time.
Having travelled north up the coast we are now at anchor and caught in the midst of the predicted heat wave. Tomorrow is predicted at 45c and possibly 47 -49. Serious heat.
RAY & MANDY
KHAIDHARI
