We have now been one month in Greece and despite the fact that we have not been sailing around a great deal due to family commitments we are enjoying the scenery and way of life.
Svein’s children and their families arrived in Nidri for their holiday. On their arrival Svein got a very big surprise as his parents also turned up. He had no inkling of their arrival as the family had kept it a secret from him. Our friends on “Swedish Girl” Kay and Doug also arrived and are moored opposite us. The next arrivals were the three brothers and their families whilst the sailors gradually arrived in time for the party: Niels and Ellen on “Lærke” having come from Spain, Nigel and Rochelle on “Crackerjack”, Robert and Chantal (ex ”Solent Wader”) arrived from Belgium and finally part of “Anelo” Anne Laure and Antoine as Laurent had left to return to his ship. They came by camping car with her parents. The count was complete.
The weather had become a little unstable and we juggled with thunderstorms, showers and sun for part of the time whilst we caught up with the news from everyone. One outcome of the unstable weather was a drop in the temperature so early one morning Svein and I decided to visit the famous waterfall inland. We started out on foot and followed the signs going through winding lanes, along main roads and finally off into the hills. Several 3km signs later we finally approached the site having gone through olive groves, lemon and orange orchards all covered in the smell of wild herbs and now following 400m signs. After several of these we started climbing the gorge and eventually arrived at a clear water pool. Exhausted and not very reassured by the safety rails I waited by the pool and Svein continued to the actual waterfall which he captured on video. We began our climb down and stopped for needy refreshment at the tavern at the foot of the climb before undertaking the return journey. This seemed to go much quicker and we even managed to find a shortcut. We arrived back in Nidri town with very sore feet and blisters from our walking shoes as neither of us had worn anything but sandals for 2 months. After a footbath in the sea and a rewarding Greek salad we walked home but after having purchased a pair of flipflops. We only hope that when you are all looking at the photos you will realise the “hardship” that was involved.
As some of our guests arrived in Nidri they were kind enough to take us on a few trips. “Anelo” took us to Vasiliki, a large bay on the South coast of the island that also has a harbour and plenty of taverns.
“Solent Wader” took us to Ammouso Bay another day. This little bay lies between Sivota and Vasiliki. It seems to be only known to the locals and has a tavern and water that is crystal clear and the true Mediterranean blue. It has a pebble beach but once past this discomfort it was glorious to swim and enjoy the cooling Southerly breeze that blew into the bay.
Currently days are being taken up with swimming in the pool of one of the local hotels or off the beach or off the boat (depending where we are moored), chatting with family and friends in person or on Skype and daily chores – a hard life away from the hustle of past working days.
The day of the party arrived and to all accounts it was a success. 40 people from all nationalities gathered in a local restaurant for Greek wine and food and the opportunity of getting to know one another and, for the sailors, to exchange tips and experiences. The last ones to bed got there at 07h00 the next day!!!!!
Whilst “Swedish Girl” sailed off to continue their holiday the others went on a sailing cruise on MS Christina (a Turkish caique). This was a delightful experience and for a whole day we were able to sit back and relax whilst someone else did the sailing. We visited a famous cave on Meganisi where the Greeks had hidden a German U boat during World War II, the islands of Kastos, Kalamos, Skorpios, Madouri . The visits were interspersed with swimming stops in clear waters and visits to local villages with a delicious Greek lunch also included. We returned to Nidri at the end of the day with our heads full of places and quiet bays to visit by ourselves when we leave here.
The family is starting to travel home and the first ones left at the end of their week’s holiday, the second group will leave shortly to be followed by the final group early next week. A visit from 25 members of the same family over a period of 3 weeks is quite something and although we have enjoyed the visit immensely we will be happy to return to our quiet ways.
We will be heading up towards Corfu for the next stage of our trip as we have 2 Norwegian friends coming for a week’s holiday who we have not seen for a few years.