After a week in Milos we left the town quay and motored out of the long bay. We started heading East and our goal was to reach the island of Sifnos. It is many years since we had last been here. It was a question of motor sailing all the way. We sailed round Kimolos arrived in the early afternoon and after trying a first anchorage Ormos Faros (where the holding was bad) we eventually anchored in a big bay (Limeniskos Platy’s Gialos). We spent a peaceful night at anchor.

The next morning we set off early with the intention of reaching Naxos. We wanted to check out the harbour as we have some very good Swedish friends who wintered there last year and will do so again this year. We had wind all the way and motor sailed for the most part. , Anti Paris and Paros. Before rounding the south part of Paros we brought in the sails as we were heading straight into head winds that increased as we got nearer Naxos marina. It was a very bumpy ride with big swell and winds of up to 36 knots on the nose. With the water washing over the front of the boat we discovered that the deck hatch of the front cabin is not watertight!!!. We shall have to dry out the mattress that took a great deal of water. We arrived at the marina to find it was really full but after some catamarans left we managed to find a spot on the outside wall. A fairly hazardous  place as it receives the full backlash of the numerous ferries that dock all day and night on the island.

Once docked the washing machine went on to wash the soaked bedding and the little clothes that had been used. Three hours later all was washed, dried and put away. We spent a good night and will stay here another  as there is big blast coming through again.

From Naxos we motored round the North tip of the island and headed for the island of Donouysa. The sea was calm and there was no wind. After 5 hours under engine we anchored in the beautiful bay all alone.

We ate ashore in the local tavern and enjoyed the warm crystal clear water. A fabulous safe anchorage that we would certainly use again. We were entertained by the local fishermen who rowed round the bay either letting our or taking in nets.

The next morning, after Svein had treated the hull with oxylic acid to remove the rust stains we hoisted the anchor and set out for the island of Levithia. Our last visit there had been in 1994 on our first charter trip to Greece.

Again the sea was like a millpond and we gently motored across it to arrive in a nearly deserted anchorage. Although by the end of the evening it was completely full. We took up a buoy and settled in the cockpit to recall our first visit with an Elan 43 called Loretta with Caryn at the wheel!!

We booked a table at the taverna and after enjoying the warm water we trekked up the hill to the restaurant where we had an excellent meal of goat casserole in good company. We walked back to the dinghy in the pitch dark but managed to find our way back to the boat.

Another day and a south westerly was forecast so it was the perfect wind to take us up to the northern tip of Leros to the bay of Pantheni. It was a bumpy motorsail with plenty of swell but after a failed attempt to anchor we hooked a buoy from the shipyard and sat out the blow.

The next morning Svein went into the yard to collect our outboard and Cobra anchor that they were holding for us since the fire last year. With the anchor firmly in place (we were not happy with the anchor on the boat) and the outboard fixed to the stern we were ready to make our way down to Lakki marina. We were a little hesitant about revisiting the scene of the “crime” but we had some bikes to deliver. We had an extremely bumpy trip down the coast but eventually moored in Lakki marina and delivered the bikes to Pauline and Gordon (Crazy Dream). After a welcome anchor dram we arranged to meet up for dinner at our favourite gyro restaurant. A lazy afternoon snoozing and catching up on emails and phone calls we met and had a good meal.

Today we shall meet up for a swim and leisurely lunch before we set off for a new destination – not sure where yet as we are filling in time until our visitors arrive on 11th August. It will all depend on the wind.