Time to move on so we left Pali and took the long trek (2 hours) over to Kardamena where we had organised the work to be done to change the fridge compressor. We managed to choose the hottest week of the summer to be at quay in amongst the concrete. Fortunately the sea was not too far away and we were able to cool down fairly regularly. There is plenty going on in the harbour with tourists wandering along the quay and the day tripper boats going out on their excursions packed to the gills. We also watched a wedding party boarding a “pirate ship” for an evening cruise.

We had the work done on the fridge and hopefully it will prove to be efficient and electricity saving. After a quick telephone call to the hospital it was time to move to Kos and get everything checked over.

We motored up there leaving in strong winds until we started reached to coast and then there was nothing until we got to Agios Fokas and there we saw over 30 knots. We rounded safely and continued until we reached the anchorage we had chosen outside the marina.

The next few days were spent toing and froing to the hospital for the various tests and scans but outside these appointments we were able to wander round the town and also spent quite some time on board watching the traffic round us. It was extremely busy with plenty of boats at anchor and also ferries and tripper boats passing incessantly as well as a regatta.

The weather was still very warm so we appreciated the breeze whilst at anchor. We also visited our favourite restaurants and shops and generally took it quietly.

Unfortunately the compressor does not seem to be meeting our expectations. We have had to use the generator morning and evening to keep the batteries topped up as it is starting every 10 minutes. Once the medical side of things is sorted out we will return to Kardamena and see if anything can be done to improve the situation.

A final visit to the hospital for the OK and now not another scan for one year. We can now enjoy the rest of the summer.

Whilst we have been in Kos we have visited the marina and found that they are avidly promoting for the winter with the same prices as 2012 but with an added 10% discount for 6-months in the water. We have discussed it and have decided to take a contract there from 1st November so Svein’s final act before we weighed anchor this morning was to sign a contract. We now know the town very well and have our favourite haunts as well as all the supplies available that are needed to work on the boat.

Our trip back to Kardamena was uneventful and again under engine as we had a headwind all the way after rounding Agios Fokas. We managed to find a spot on the harbour wall and are now awaiting the engineer for the fridge. Once that problem has been sorted we will return to Nisyros to catch up with our friend Con and Barb on Big Sky (hopefully) and then plan how we are going to spend the time until 1st November.