8th August 2010
After a lazy morning shopping, filling the water tank and catching up with the family on Skype we hoisted the anchor at 13h45 and starting making our way towards the island of Alonnisos about 17NM further on. As soon as we left the harbour we were able to hoist the sails and only had to start the engine when we came to the tip of the Skopelos. The scenery was spectacular with steep cliffs covered in olive trees dropping to the blue water. We crossed over to Alonnisos and by 17h45 we were anchored in Ormus Roumousi. Again a small bay with 2 other boats anchored here and clear water. A small settlement on land but for any shopping one has to go to the neighbouring town of Patitri. It is our plan to stay here until Wednesday so we shall explore on land tomorrow.
9th August 2010
We are still on the boat at 10h00 as we are experiencing our first thunderstorm and rain. The rain is pelting down so it is a good test to see if the work done on the deck has been successful. It would appear so. It has given me time to update the accounts and do some chores in the boat as it is cool enough to stay indoors. Svein has also worked on the fuel tank. He has measured it so that we now have its exact capacity – a pleasant surprise to find that it contains 30 litres more than we thought and we have been able to calculate our average fuel consumption so far this trip. Jolly glad that we are not on the water today.
As soon as the rain had stopped we emptied the dinghy (approx 50 litres had collected in it) and then put the washing to soak in the collected rainwater.
We then proceeded to walk over the hill to Patitri. There we browsed and bought the postcards for the family (who receive one from every port of call) and then found a wifi cafe. Svein collected the latest weather forecast and we braced ourselves for the walk back. We returned to the boat at 15h30 and proceeded to rinse and hang out the washing. We then had a well deserved swim. In the late afternoon Svein took the dinghy into shore to deliver the rubbish and take some photos as we had forgotten the camera earlier in the day. We shall have a dinner on board tonight and tomorrow we shall make our way to Skyros. This will be our last island before we make the crossing over to Lesbos.
10th August 2010
As we had made the boat ready the night before we were able to leave early for our crossing to Skyros. We hoisted the main and mizzen before lifting the anchor and headed out of the bay. The wind was right but we motored sailed for 90 minutes in order to charge the batteries as the clouds the previous day had cheated us of our full charge. Once the engine was stopped we sailed on a comfortable tack throughout the day with the wind speed varying between 10 and 15 knots until we reached the island of Skyros. Here we encountered such strong gusts that we were obliged to lower the main and bring in the genoa. We carried on under engine and once we had gone through the narrow pass discovered the town of Limaria. With the gusts blowing there was no way we were going to try to go to quay so we headed for the anchorage just to the North of the town. When we arrived there was one other boat but by the end of the evening we had 7 sail boats and 4 hugh “gin palaces” in the bay. At least it meant good business for the local taverna on the beach.
11th August 2010
We are staying here for another day to be sure of the best weather forecast for the crossing to Lesbos so bright and not too early we took the dinghy into town and caught the local bus up to the Chora. This delightful town is built on the top of a hill (originally from where the territory was defended) so we climbed up through the narrow streets windowshopping. We also managed to collect some money from the ATM and spent some on the local speciality – embroidery – for which the island is renowned. We then caught a bus back to Limaria and went in search of internet. The cafe was just beside the ferry quay we had an enlightening few hours whilst the ferry discharged and then reloaded the passengers and cars. It was a never ending ballet of comings and goings but eventually everyone got on board and the ferry was able to leave. We are not sure of its destination but it seems to do at least two rotations a day.
The latest weather forecast confirms that tomorrow is the best time to cross to Lesbos so we shall be leaving early to make the 16 hour crossing and be there is time to greet our Swedish friends.
12th August 2010
We made it. We have reached Lesbos. After a very early start (03h00) when we left the anchorage on Skyros we motorsailed/sailed all day. The tack was tight and the wind played games but all n all it was a good crossing. We saw absolutely no other sailboats but danced among the cargoes on two different occasions. We reached our anchorage in the bay of Apothekes at 18h55 after a 16-hour crossing and an 84 NM journey. There were no other boats in the anchorage. It is a quiet fishing hamlet surrounded by land with a very narrow entrance into the bay. The breeze, bringing the heat of the land, can really be felt but the sea is not far away to cool off in. We treated ourselves to a fish dinner in the local taverna and although our pockets are feeling the pinch it was well worth it after such a good day. We are undecided as to whether we shall stay another night here or go into the harbour but the thought of one week in a harbour is a little daunting at the moment.