We went ashore to get the required hoses for the toilet as they fill up with limescale very quickly. A nasty job waiting for Svein particularly as the temperatures are rising quickly. Svein took our shopping back to the boat whilst Caryn waited at the restaurant. This took some time as the outboard (which was nearly 20 years old) decided to die on him on the return journey so he had to row ashore. We took the decision to buy a new Tohatsu outboard. We got a very good price and if all goes well we should be able to get the VAT back (along with that of our other purchases) when we leave Turkey. Hopefully the bank balance will not look so gloomy in the end but we have managed to invest wisely whilst here. We treated ourselves to a delicious fish lunch at half the price of our fateful dinner and then back to the boat to cool down (temperatures nearing 40 on the water).

We stayin in Gocek an extra day in order to visit the market. It was certainly worth the effort and we managed to buy goodies for Svein to take back to Norway. We also  got  the washing done. Svein installed the new toilet hose and we returned to town in the evening to enjoy another fish dinner. Bed early for both of us for once.

We left Gocek early and headed east on our way to Kas.

Laerke went into harbour for 24r hours. We left bay heading for Kardinga Limnia. We tested the stay sail and sailed down to bay. We arrived but had to re anchor 3 times because of winds that came from all directions. We then had some amusement watching some charter boats anchoring. We enjoyed a good chicken dinner cooked on our Cobb before settling down for the night.

Both of us were up very early and we were ready to leave anchorage at -7h30 after collecting the line ashore and checking the engine oil. We had a scare on the way out of the bay with smoke coming from the engine. Svein had forgotten to put back the oil filler cap!!! We hoisted the sails and sailed all morning until we reached the new anchorage outside the beach of Eknicik. Good winds all day. We took the  dinghy ashore and chose the restaurant with the most people in front where we had a superb lunch of fresh fish – probably our best meal in Turkey so far. We spoke to “Bird” our waiter about visiting the Dalyan river and Turtle beach and he organised everything. We were to report to the restaurant the next day at 09h15. We returned to the boat to swim and rest. As we were rolling quite a bit we  put out a back anchor.  Our English neighbour did the same thing and we went over to speak to them as we were curious about their flag. They gave us the explanation. We went back to shore in the evening when Svein tried a water pipe (nargile).

Our day on the Dalyan river is covered in a separate write-up.

We returned ashore in the dinghy to say goodbye to Turcus (Bird). After storing the dinghy and bringing up the stern anchor we brought up the main anchor and motored out of the bay. Once out of the bay we raised sails and managed to sail for one hour before a wind change. After a short time with the engine the wind enabled us to hoist the spinnaker that we sailed by for several hours until we rounded Kurdoglu head taking us into the bay of Gocek. We anchored for the night in Kizilkuyruk a beautifully safe anchorage with clear water to bathe in. Crazy Dreams was anchored beside us so they came aboard and had a drink whilst we got the information on the different places to stop at further down the coast.

Crazy Dreams left for Marmaris and we decided to stay another day in the anchorage as we are in no hurry. Svein worked on the engine start system so that we can now start with the key and not just the button. He also installed a roller on the pushpit for the line ashore as it was rubbing the teak deck very badly.

We left Kizilkuyruk bay mid morning and as we were heading north we saw Sybaris. We came alongisde to say hello and then continued on our way. We went into Skopea Limani and explored some of the bays before deciding to anchor in Seagull Bay.  We spent the day on board swimming and chilling out and in the evening went ashore and had a BBQ on the beach.

The next day after breakfast took the line from ashore and stored the dinghy. We motored up to thennext bay in just under 2 hours and visited others on the way.  We anchored freely in Boyuz Buku just before lunch. A quiet bay with fresh water entering so marshland around. Impressive restaurant with jetty but unfortunately the same cannot be said of the food there. Very expensive and not good.

After a good night we left the bay early to ensure good anchorage in Gocek. We saw dolphins playing in the water. The journey took one hour and we anchored in 5 m near Skopea Marina.

What a day. Got to the restaurant at 09h15. First we walked to the meeting point to pick up the bus from the hotel Falcom Crest then switched to a bigger bus and were driven into Koycegiz. This town is situated on a lake so in fact we were making the trip in the opposite way from usual. We visited the market and found some trinkets. “Bird” was so annoyed at the price that the seller was asking that he got Caryn back half the amount she had originally paid!!! Caryn thought that she had originally bargained quite well. Svein also found some Turkish rolling tobacco (at last). Then we had lunch and took the tripper boat that had been organised for us by the owner of the 2 restaurants. We were the only passengers. We crossed the lake and then meandered up the Dalyan river through the rushes – sometimes with only a passage the width of the boat at other times crossing large open sections. We passed through Dalyan town that was full of tourists and hotels and saw the rock tombs on the cliff. Eventually we arrived at Turtle beach under a terrific thunderstorm. We waited until the rain had stopped before visting the beach and seeing the barrier between the fresh water lake and the open sea. On the river also went through a fish trap. A cushy job pushing the button to lower the barrier when the tripper boats pass in both directions. We ended the day by visiting the mud and thermal baths on the shores of the lake. Although we did not try out the baths we had fun watching the people trying out the different options. Eventually we were brought back to Ekincik by the owner of the restaurants who had organised the whole outing. Again a thunderstorm on the way back from Turtle Bay and another whilst waiting to be picked up so 3 in all during the day. Fortunately the boat was locked up so she stayed dry and the storms were not so bad on that side of the mountain. We had a quick dinner when we got back to Ekincik and then back to the boat for a cosy evening.

After anchoring we launched the dinghy and took the dolmus to explore Marmaris. Svein bought some aluminium so that we could strengthen the windlass fitting.  We called in at various sail repairers and arranged for North Sails to come and collect the stay sail that we want altered. We also asked them for a quote for a  new main sail.

After our first night a anchor here we took the dinghy into Yacht Marina and explored. First we found the technical shops, supermarket, library, swimming pool, restaurant and finally the laundry. It really is a big place.  On returning to the boat Svein started repairing the weak spots in the deckhouse and main door with epoxy and filler. He also painted  the back hatch cover and put antislip on it so as to avoid any further accidents.

The next day we again took the bus into Marmaris having found a jetty nearer to the bus stop.  This time we bought the pole for the staysail plus fixtures. We also bought more green paint and epoxy. We had lunch in a great restaurant before returning to the boat when Svein painted a second coat on the deckhouse window frames. He is always finding some to do and cannot sit still!

We are still anchored outside Pupa and again we took the  dinghy into Yacht Marina. We wanted to do some laundry but it is closed on a Sunday. We did buy the tokens necessary and then went and spent the afternoon at the pool. Stronger winds have blown up and it was a wet ride back to the boat.

Calmer seas today when we returned to Yacht Marina. After a great deal of hassle  we finally got the washing done and spent the day at the pool while we waited. They also have an extensive library so we have been able to  swop our stock of books for the next stage of our trip. We have been surprised at the difficulty in getting internet whilst in Turkey so took full advantage of the free service at Yacht Marina and called our families to reassure them that all was well.

Another day and a very expensive one at that. We went into Marmaris and ordered a new main sail (made to measure) from North Sails. We also bought new diving equipment for Svein.  The temperatures are rising so we were glad to get out of the town and back to the boat for a swim in the sea.

Today we waited for North Sails to come and measure for the new sail.They came  in the late afternoon as took numerable measurements and delivered the  altered stay sail.  We had moved to Pupa jetty so it was easier for them to come on board and it gave us a chance to have electricity so that Svein could do the necessary work on the staysail fittings and windlass.

It had been our Intention to sail today when the work was finished but Laerke rang to say they were on their way so when we were ready we moved out to anchor again and visited them. We all went into Pupa hotel and had a fantastic dinner.

On our last day Caryn took Niels into town to show him shops and to get the last minute shopping. Once back on board we spent the day on the boat.  As some very strong winds blew up in the evening we moved anchorage and then Laerke  came to a farewell dinner on board.

We left Orhaniye for the trip to Marmaris. We managed to sail a little but it was mostly head winds. We decided to break the journey and stopped for the night in Serce bay where we bought some local honey from a fisherman

After several swims we moved on to a new anchorage in Kidragi Limani. We had very strong winds that made for uncomfortable sailing. Svein succeeded in painting the deckhouse window frames. He also managed to injure a thumb whilst  hoisting the mizzen when he slipped on the back hatch.

After two days we arrived in Marmaris and anchored near Yacht Marina outside Pupa hotel. 

Svein is continuing to help Per on Sybaris so they both went into Marmaris to get some parts made. Caryn stayed on boat and tidied up and went for several swims during the day as the temperature is rising. The boys got back late from town and we then took the dinghy into the marina for a hot shower.

The next day it was the turn of the girls to spend the day in Marmaris. Elly got lots of things repaired and Caryn bought Svein’s belated birthday present. She also managed to find the shoes for Aphrodite’s son who takes a size 48 at 16!Svein and Per worked on the propellers all day and he came back late to the boat. Sybaris came for drinks on board.

Svein continued working on Sybaris and they came for a curry on board. Caryn swam from the boat. There was some rain

Svein finished on Sybaris and during his absence there was a visit from the coastguards telling us to re anchor as we were too close to the marina. We moved back to Kadir jetty at the head of the bay.

Svein reinforced the headrests on the seats and the passerelle fixture. There was more rain and lots of boats at anchor.

Plenty of thunderstorms and rain. We walked to the market in the rain and took full advantage of the truly cheap and good fruit and veg.

Again we stayed on the boat the next day as there was more

Our last day on the jetty so we filled water and then moved to anchor outside Marti so that we were not too far from the boat after we had our goodbye dinner with Sybaris.

As we were running out of some essential items for us (wine, beer, ouzo – Svein) and pork products for both of us we decided to make a quick trip over to Pedi. We left Kadir jetty at Orhaniye and sailed for 3 ¾ hours under full sails ending up  with 2 reefs in main. We then motor sailed for the last 90 minutes and anchored in Pedi bay with 16 other boats.

The next day we tried to get to Symi by bus but after a long wait and some enquiries we found out that the bus had engine trouble so we took the boat round and anchored outside the harbour. We did all the shopping and returned to Pedi. The round trip and shopping took us 3 hours and then we sunbathed and swam. Svein  had his first swim of the year. We also bought wine in Pedi and filled some fuel cans so we could fill up the tank before leaving for Turkey again.

We had plenty of entertainment during the afternoon as a cargo boat came to make some deliveries including livestock. The unloading process was fascinating and gave us many hours of amusement.

After a swim left Pedi to return to Orhaniye. On this occasion we were able to use the spinnaker for first time and sailed most of the way. We eventually lowered spinnaker at the entrance to Orhaniye Bay and  anchored outside marina. Svein filmed the sail and has put it out on Youtube.

We were up early gently got ready to leave. We hoisted the anchor and made our way out of the bay heading for Orhaniye. We had head winds until we were out of the bay and had rounded the head going North but we were able to open the genoa and hoist the main and mizzen. The wind did not last long so we lowered the main and continued motor sailing. We continued in this way until we entered Orhaniye bay after 3 and a half hours on the move. The first thing we saw was Sybaris still in the water. We anchored near them outside the marina. They were waiting to be lifted out so whilst they were called we saw Charisma sailing past and had a quick chat with them. They will be returning to Orhaniye in the middle of next week.

Once Sybaris was on land we went in to join them and brought them their dinghy. We visited the marina and had a cooling drink in the restaurant. The next day was very windy so we stayed on the boat but Elly and Per came to dinner on board.

We had arranged with Elly to go and visit Marmaris which is a short 30 minute bus ride from Orhaniye. We had prepared our shopping list and at 08h45 we met up and walked (up the steep hill) to the bus stop. We dolmus duly arrived and we began our journey to Marmaris taking in the scenery on the route. After the short trip we were dropped off and began our guided tour of the town. Elly is an excellent guide and we were soon checking out the shops and buying. We visited electrical shops and chandlers but also found time to explore the hardware stores and the bazaar. We took time out to eat a traditional Turkish lunch and once we had finished the food shopping finished off with a Turkish ice cream before getting the dolmus back to the marina thoroughly worn out from the day.

Svein immediately started installing the items he had bought in Marmaris. He installed the fittings for the spinnaker. He also scraped the waterline on one side of the boat as a slimy beard had started to form. As the water was a bit bumpy he decided to wait for calmer water before tackling the other side. In the afternoon we took the dinghy ashore and whilst Svein checked out the work he would help Per with Caryn went to the marina “beach” and read in the sun and swam.

Whilst Per and Svein worked on Sybaris Elly and Caryn took the dolmus into Marmaris. They got the telephones sorted out and then window shopped. The main aim of the trip was to get Elly’s hair cut. They duly found a hairdresser and whilst Elly was under the scissors Caryn had her eyebrows threaded and then continued with some waxing. Once out of the salon they then decided to have a pedicure so returned and had that done and finally whilst Elly had a manicure Caryn had her hair trimmed. All in all a few very well spent and thoroughly enjoyable.

Per and Svein’s turn to take a trip to Marmaris to find items needed for the boats. A dull day with even some rain but perfect to tidy up the boat and prepare the laundry.

Another visit to Marmaris with Elly where we played tourists. We visited the permanent market as well as the tourist bazaar and water front.

Saturday is market day in Orhaniye so we took the opportunity of visiting the jetty installations and having a coffee with Charisma. The market is small but very well stocked and at last we found some shorts for Svein that were a perfect fit so lets hope he can keep them clean and not decide to work on boats in them! Pictures

We really like this area and will shortly move from the anchorage outside the marina down to the jetty at the head of the bay.

Bright and early Svein altered the cabling on the electrical switchboard to enable us to save more energy. We then changed the genoa to a larger one to try and take advantage of any light winds. Caryn took her first swim of the year although the water was not that warm. We weighed anchor at 09h30 and set off for Bozburun in Turkey. After an uneventful journey and motoring all the way as we only had head or tail winds we anchored outside the harbour at 13h30.

We immediately set the dinghy in the water so that we could go and check in. We first visited the harbour master who duly called an agent. We went to the agent’s office where he filled out the details online and then back to the harbour master. Here we waited whilst all the offices were duly visited. After 90 minutes we were handed back our documents together with a transit log valid for one year and visas valid for 90 days and we parted with €115. We are now officially registered to sail in Turkish waters. We then wandered along the main street and treated ourselves to a lunch whilst answering our craving for internet and catching up on emails.

First impressions are good. The town harbour and any other available mooring is full of gullets that have wintered here and are being prepared for the new season. There are not many sailing boats and the season seems to be behind Greece. The people are very nice and helpful and it looks as though we should enjoy our visit to these waters.

Tuesday is market day in Bozburun. We needed fruit and vegetables so we duly took the dinghy into town and followed the people pulling empty trolleys. It was quite a walk to the outskirts of the town but proved to be a delight when we eventually found it. We wandered round managed to find a replacement for our 5l spray can that we use to shower after a swim. We had not succeeded in finding one in Greece. We also stocked up on fruit and vegetables that were nice and fresh. We also found a very spice stall so bought a few things there as well. We then wandered back to the town and had a refreshing drink in a local bar. We investigated the town in more detail in particular looking for ship chandlers but did not find the items we were looking for. The waiter in the bar where we had eaten the previous day kindly offered to buy us petrol for the outboard (there is no petrol station in town) so once back to the boat Svein took our can into him and we shall get the petrol tomorrow.

We are in no hurry to move on as the town is peaceful and we have Southerly winds blowing for the moment. We will wait until they blow out before moving round to Orhaniye bay to meet up with Sybaris and Charisma.

We duly went into town and collected our petrol. We also took the opportunity to have showers and swap books so that Caryn is stocked up on reading matter as she finds it impossible to read the E-book in the sun.

We left the harbour bright and early on 30^th April and headed for the bay of Panormittis on Symi. On the way, just by the head of the Datcha Peninsula we lost the hydraulic steering. Fortunately Svein was able to repair it fairly quickly and it was mixed journey of sailing with NE winds, under engine and motor sailing with strong tailwinds until we reached the bay. We were very surprised to see so many boats in the bay so early in the season but we found a quiet spot opposite everybody else and had our first night at anchor for months.

We woke early and despite the clouds and periodic rain had a quiet day on the boat.  Svein fixed the steering and did a few other small jobs in the cockpit. We also took some time out to

go on land although there was not much to see. This gave us the opportunity to test the outboard now fitted with “wing”. What a difference. The engine started (after its long winter hibernation) and ran smoothly and behaves even better in the water. Our investment proved to be very wise. We did witness 3 large ferries come in and disgorged their tourists despite no shops being opened. The bay is now calm again although there has been a changeover as far as the boats are concerned.

Tomorrow we shall make out way to Turkey to begin our adventures there: First stop will be Bozburun where we will check in before making our way to Orhaniye bay where we will meet up with Sybaris and perhaps Charisma.

We have recovered from Easter and in particular the enormous firecrackers that were being set off day and night. On Good Friday there was a procession of the statue of Our Lady round the harbour of Pali. People have been going to church every day and the culmination was the Saturday when the service started at 23h00 and went on until gone 02h00. Caryn went to the first part and left the church just at the firecrackers were being set off in front of it. Svein went out to get some more video and was met by Anna (our sewing friend) and was dragged in to sit through another hour. It was a strange ceremony as the congregation kept wandering in and ut all during the service and lighting candles whilst the priest chanted. Then just before midnight the lights were dimmed and everyone rushed forward to light their candles from those held by the priest.

Caryn cooked an Easter leg of lamb which was shared with Niels and Ellen from “Laerke”. The weather is still not settled with strong wind from all directions. We have been into Mandraki several times to shop and also made a visit to Kos as we wanted to stock up before our trip to Turkey as we have heard that everything is expensive there except fruit and vegetables. We also saw “Laerke” in Kos harbour where they have left the boat whilst they take an emergency trip back to Denmark.

Svein did some work for Antony in the pitta gyros restaurant and we were treated to a homemade moussaka as a thank you. We have also said goodbye to all our friends on Nisyros. It was sad leaving but we will be back there in July.

Svein has installed the remaining 85W solar panel on the coach roof. Originally there should have been two but unfortunately the second one got smashed to smithereens when Svein tried to take off the frame. We have also scrubbed the dinghy bottom as it has managed to get very dirty lying in the harbour water.

Another very busy time where the improvements have come along very rapidly. We at long last received the solar panels and wind generator. They were quickly installed but only the solar panels were connected as we still had not received the regulator for the generator. This, however, duly arrived and now the wind generator has also been installed. The new lazy bag has also been installed and is looking very good. The remaining sewing now is the new bimini that is coming along nicely with the top already made and installed and the sides are being made as I write.

There have been several anniversaries that were duly celebrated in style both in a restaurant or on “Laerke”.  

We also found some time to visit the island again and found some places that we had not seen before. It really is an incredible spot and this time Caryn went down to the crater.

There are still new flowers to be found growing wild and they are really unbelievable. The pictures already out on the net have been added to and there are still more to come!

We are eagerly awaiting Easter and the island celebrations that seem to be out of proportion in relation to the size of the island. As soon as Easter is over we should be moving on and starting the season as we will have finished all the tasks we set ourselves and made the boat shipshape for the new season.

Already nearly one month since the last update. Time is flying but we have been very busy.

As we were expecting strong North winds we moved across to Kardamena (on Kos). It was also logical to leave the boat there during our trip to Kalamata as we had been unable to get any reliable information about ferries. We consequently booked flights to Athens. On our arrival we hired a car with “Charisma” and visited all the shops so that we were well stocked. We also found the padding for the seats whilst “Charisma” ordered the stainless steel for their targa. Lidl and Carrefour (the new one beside the airport) and the local Chinese shop were well plundered so that our cupboards were once more fully stocked.

We duly left for Kalimata to see Laurent and Anne Laure on their new Venezia “Catanelo” and to attend the christening of their two boys Antoine and Arthur. After an interesting journey by taxi, plane and bus we duly arrived and starting catching up on the news. We had not seen each other for one year. We spent a great deal of time in Kalamata eating and drinking. There was a memorable BBQ of lamb as a christening lunch and this was held in the garden of the house Anne Laure’s parents have rented on the outskirts of the town. A lovely spot with the house in an olive grove and the beach and the sea across the road. We also had a second BBQ there with 10 kilos of beef a couple of days later once everyone had recovered from the christening.

The christening was held in an Orthodox Church that is lent to the Catholics once a month so we assisted as both the baptism of the two boys and a mass that was conducted in both Greek and French. It was conducted by 3 priests and turned out to be an interesting experience.

We were very lucky with the weather in Kalamata to such an extent that some of the more hardy ones went swimming after our beef BBQ. The boys also played football and rugby on the sand whilst the ladies relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine.

Our return plans were changed a little when we discovered that the French contingency would be returning to France on Wednesday and Anne Laure and Laurent would not be returning to Kalamata until the Friday. Consequently we took a bus back to Athens and met everybody at the airport. After the goodbyes Anne Laure, Laurent,Svein and Caryn went on a shopping spree in the stores next to the airport. Leroy Merlin and Ikea were duly received some of our hard earned cash. It was fun wandering round the stores as it had been quite some time since our last visit to such a place. After having exhausted ourselves in the shops we headed for the hotel in Porto Rafti that we were treating ourselves to for the night and spent time in the jacuzzi restoring our weary bodies. Fit once again we dined in a superb Italian restaurant where the food was excellent as was the service and the view over the bay. Once we had eaten we returned to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. The next morning, after a substantial breakfast, we were driven back to the airport where we said au revoir to Anne Laure and Laurent and caught the plane to Kos.

Back on the boat we found everything in order and were glad to be back. We spent the next day in Kardamena and returned to Nisyros on Saturday.

Once back in Pali harbour we buckled down to finishing the seats so the padding was fixed and then the sewing machine was brought out and the covers were fitted. We managed to get everything done just before the arrival of “Laerke” who had returned to Leros and sailed down to join us. Svein has also installed the targo on “Charisma”. So all in all it has been a very eventful time. 

Our solar panels and wind generator on on their way but have still not reached us. Once they arrive it will be a case of installing them and we shall be ready for the new sailing season. Our plans are not finalised yet but we will be meeting up with “Sybaris” at the end of April and will take things from there.

After a week of heavy North winds again the weather is now warming up and it is nearly time to start the swimming season again. The island is truly in bloom with a wide variety of plants and flowers.

Pictures

Caryn has returned from a frustrating and cold trip to the UK. It took her nearly a week to recover with plenty of sleep. The journey worked well but it very tiring particularly the return journey as it means two nearly sleepless nights. However it is cheap and comfortable.

Svein has been very busy. He has serviced the bicycles that take a beating in the sea air. He has also covered, at long last, the ceiling in the saloon and above all he has really made progress on the new seating arrangement. It is built and now needs to be treated and fixed into place. It looks good and will give us valuable extra storage as well as the possibility to entertain on deck and enjoy the scenery when we sail. It only remains to find the cushion material and cover them with the material bought in France.

Once the sewing machine is out we will also change the lazy bag on the main sail and make new sail bags for the sails and also new bags for the bikes.

We are still waiting for solar panels and wind generator from the UK and hopefully it wil l not be too long now as we are getting itchy feet and trying to plan the summer sail.

Before we leave here we will be visiting Kalamata where our good friends on “Catanelo” will be christening their two boys. We have not seen them since March last year so it will be fun to catch up.

The ferry is still out for servicing and it looks to be out for another month so before the trip to Kalamata we will sail over to Kardamena (Kos) and hire a car as we need to do a big shop. It has been over two months since the last one so the list is long.

We are also busy sorting out Sven’s pension that he can now receive from the age of 62. As he left Norway many years ago we now have to apply via France so we hope that all will go well.

The weather has been very unsettled since Caryn’s return with thunderstorms and hailstones that have covered the boat. It has also made driving into Mandraki very uncomfortable as the roads have been flooded and awash with mud from the hills.

One can feel the island getting ready for the new season. Restaurants are starting to open again after the winter and buildings are being renovated and spruced up.

The island is now very green and more and more flowers are in bloom. The trees are also starting to flower and the hens have started to lay again, according to the locals a sure sign that winter is over and warmer weather is on its way.

Pictures

Been a busy period since I last wrote. We received our first packages from Germany and as it included a new PC Sven has been busy installing it and creating an internal network within the boat so that all the computers are linked. In addition the parcel also contained a Christmas present for Caryn in the form of an e-book. Svein has already uploaded some 1800 books so there is plenty of reading material in the days ahead. We are still waiting for a package from Germany that has pingponged its way between German towns to such an extent that the supplier has sent out another package so it looks like we might end up getting the items twice over. Lastest news the goods were in Athens so we are keeping our fingers crossed.

The new structure for the solar panels and wind generator is also complete and we are waiting for their arrival from the UK. Again we hope that it will not be too long so that all the winter projects can be completed in time.

Caryn is busy preparing her trip and has booked a boat trip from Nisyros to Athens and then a flight to London. It will be interesting to see how the journey works out. Svein could not resist the temptation and has ordered himself an underwater camera – well he has not had a present for a long time and with all the work he is doing deserves it. Hopefully we shall have fun using it when it comes.

Pictures

The weather has turned very mild and the wind has at last dropped after a week of Northerlies. It has been so good that Svein has been able to start work on the davits. The new elements duly arrived as planned so he has been busy dismantling the old parts and welding on the new. The new structure should be much stronger that the previous one. We are now waiting for the new solar panels (2 x 140W) to arrive as well as the new wind generator. We shall be fixing the old panels (2 x 80W) to the doghouse roof so that once everything is installed and connected we should be very self sufficient for energy once the new season starts.

We are still waiting for some supplies from Germany that were shipped on 22^nd December but until yesterday have been ping ponging backwards and forwards between Munich and Nurnberg. We were assured that they have now left Germany and are in Italy but have no explanation for the delay.

The mild weather has brought out the spring flowers that are filling the roadsides with colour. Let’s hope it lasts as it really is tee shirt time when the sun is shining although temperatures drop very rapidly when the sun goes down.

Caryn has planned another trip to the UK at the beginning of February so is busy ordering the supplies needed from there on internet so that they can await her arrival.

Pictures

We thought we had chosen a good day to take the trip over to Kos island. We duly caught the ferry and had a calm crossing but on our arrival we hit torrential rain. It was so heavy that we managed to miss the turning for Kos town and instead ended up taking the complete opposite direction and ended up on the South West tip of the island. We had to drive through flooded roads up and down hills twice as we had to retrace our steps completely. Eventually the rain let up and after an uncomfortable drive we started our shopping list for the day. Our first stop was the stainless steel shop. A real Ali Baba cavern where Svein went to town and bought the new elements for the davits as well as the ancillary stuff needed to weld. He made arrangements for the new elements to be delivered to the ferry the next day so that he could collect them on their arrival in Nisyros. We then drove down to the marina to see if we could find some replacement oars. The first shop was shut but we then went to Pavlos and found everything we needed including a few extras (as usual). We now have “wings” for the outboard, a shackle for the anchor and anchor chain markers.

Finally we were able to concentrate on the food shopping so visited Carrefour and Lidl and the Chinese shop between them where Svein found a very nice Canadian shirt that he is forbidden to wear when working on the boat!!!!!!!

We duly returned to Kardamena with the boot filled and the pockets with big holes and had a delightful lunch before taking the ferry back to Nisyros.

All in all a very nice day (apart from the rain) where we had managed to find everything we needed plus a few extras.

Pictures

We had some fun and games with the electricity this week that suddenly went down in the harbour after the rain. We spent 2 days without but the town worked hard to get it back on and after a few hitches they have at last located the fault and sorted everything out. It came just in time for us to have some heating for New Year’s Eve.

The local band came round the village again playing music in the afternoon together with the mayor whom Svein met.

Svein has also been very busy on internet ordering the equipment to replace the damaged stuff. We have a new wind generator and solar panels on their way together with a new main PC. Caryn has also been treated to an e-book.

We celebrated the New Year quietly on board Charisma. We had done the shopping in Mandraki earlier in the day when the strong North winds were blowing although the sun was shining and out of the wind it was beautifully warm. We enjoyed a very good meal on the boat and after seeing the New Year in Svein and Carmen went looking for the locals to also wish them a Happy New Year. They came back as they had found no-one out celebrating. Everyone was already in bed!!!!!!!

It is obviously not a cause for celebration on the island.

We shall be off to Kos via Kardamena on the Tuesday ferry so that Sven can order the stainless steel pipes needed to repair the davits that were damaged after the storm. We shall also take the time out to stock up for the next month.

Pictures

On Thursday we went into Mandraki to collect the pork joint we had ordered for Xmas lunch and to do the shopping that was needed to see us over the holiday period.

Once we had fortified ourselves with frappe coffee and orange juice on our way home we saw some activity on the square. On closer investigation we discovered an 11kg fish for which lottery tickets were being sold. We bought one but were wondering what we would do with it if we won. Fortunately we were not so lucky.

Xmas day we spent quietly after Carmen and Peter came to lunch. where we had foie gras, pork ribs with potatoes, leeks, a Norwegian cabbage dish and a potato and cucumber salad (brought by Carmen). We finished off with a Tiramisu and a chocolate mousse (brought by Carmen). A simple but delightful meal in good company.

Despite the glorious weather on Thursday, when Svein  went swimming in the harbour looking for our lost dinghy oars and the temperatures reached the mid 20s, it has today been overcast and windy but that did not dampen spirits.

The DVD was finished today so we went into Mandraki and found the envelopes and will be spending a busy night getting them ready to post out tomorrow.

The Christmas spirit is coming to Nisyros. The street decorations are up and the houses are decorated. We have tried to contribute a little by decorating the doghouse. On Sunday we were treated to a short concert by the school’s brass band. We are starting to plan our Christmas meal but are not sure yet what we will be eating.

To everyone following the blog a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.