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Return to Leipsoi

We set sail to the island of Agathonisi first which took us about 5 hours with the wind behind us. (see video last post). 

We thought we would venture out now springs here, away from Samos and further afield! The small island of Agathonisi was the first stop. Agathonísi, a gorgeous isolated place, A small Greek island about 4 hours from Samos and located at the northernmost point of the Dodecanese. It is surrounded by many smaller islands and is home to two villages, both inland; Megálo Chorió ("Big Village"), and Mikró Chorió ("Small Village"). Between them is the small settlement of Agios Georgios (Saint George), which forms the island's only harbor and consists of a few hotels and restaurants. The island is also locally known as Gaidaro ("Donkey"), or by its ancient name Tragea.

After a few days it was onto Arki another small island 4 hours motoring west. Weather was sunny but with a good swell especially around the head of the island where 'Christinas' heavy keel was tested!

The small population of Arki means that there is no real capital, but most inhabitants live close to the main harbour with the rest living scattered around the island on higher ground. The majority of the population find employment in fishing, goat herding or running one of the island's four tavernas.

Onto Lipsi, this time another 4 hours sailing south. We love this place, the small cobbled back streets are quinticentually Greek plus the people are so friendly and great fishing! We also met another British couple Dennis and Sandra who are lovely and have spent time sailing their Catamaran around the Med for many years so they were able to tell us a few tales  and places to look out for ! 

Yep.... I finally caught lunch!After the local guys gave me some tips !! About time. A perch type species and new to Greek waters apparently,  Made for a simple brunch ..... healthy and a good eater...

Lipsi Town is the main village and centre of activities for the island. It spreads along the port and has traditional architecture.

Wine oclock in Lipsi. Due to its small size and the long distance from Athens, this island has not developed much in tourism and remains very peaceful. This will be a favourite of ours !!

Christina did us proud once again getting us to our destinations safe and sound. What an amazing yacht ! She can handle any sea ! Everywhere we go people stop to look at her and ask about her history . All say how beautiful she is and she draws people to her because of this. We are so proud of this wonderful boat ! Thank-you Christina! We love you !!

Might be a very quiet and intimate wedding lol! 

Heading into Lipsi....

Had a slight accident in Lipsi!! Another boat caught our 'Dolphin' (wire at front of boat) and waiting for a new one to be made in Athens.... it'll be Greek time - so might be a while and will limit our sailing capabilities until its fitted! 

Errrr a little bent. Apologises all round from a group of Doctors who were driving a little to quick!!

Hmmmm! 

One of 20 odd churches you can see from the port. God knows how many on the whole island.
What an amazing and beautiful place ! Definitly  returning soon once this next spell of windy weather settles.
We have returned to Samos after a wonderful trip back on the crystal clear Agean and are looking forward to many more advenures visiting  these gorgeous islands  and beyond.

Heading for Arki

No internet for a few days so will BLOG when we're ashore...

Winters gone!

Well its the first of April and we're thinking the winters definitely gone as we are seeing temperature's of 24C at the moment!!. We've just got back to the marina after a 4 day trip to test the boat. (Shakedowns we use to call them in the Navy)! The new batteries and the solar panel are working great, and with careful water consumption we guess we can stay out at sea for about a week. All the outside and inside of the boat is finished for now.... well until next winter! With just the mast to finish over the next few weeks. Our little town of Pythagorio is starting to liven up too! A cruise ship now stops twice a week and unloads lots of American tourists, so the town suddenly 'packs out' and all the bars and shops are opening. After the deal with Turkey and Greece on the refugee crisis things have apparently slowed when it come to them crossing the Samos strait, so I guess that will be good for tourism and business for the locals. They are even tidying up all the bays and removing all the rubber dingys and life jackets that have been left when refugees come ashore.

If the weather stays settled we plan to set sail  back to Lipsi , the beautiful little island we stopped at briefly on our way here from Marmaris . It was out of season then so nothing was open apart from the local shop and bakery , so it will be interesting to see what it is like once the tourists arrive. Having gotten used to having places to ourselves we have to admit in some ways we aren't looking forward to having to "share" places with other people!! There's nothing quite like anchoring off in a beautiful bay knowing you are the only ones there! Quite magical and so "Robinson Crusoe!!"

We are also looking at which other islands we will travel to during the summer months ,possibly taking a couple of weeks island hopping to the eastern side of mainland Greece , stopping at islands like Mykonos , Paros etc. Exciting times, and who knows who and what we will meet and discover along the way!

Karveli Bay in the Samos stait

Got the sun awning up! 

Repainted the deck and finished all the woodwork for now.... 

Temporary wind break - Taras crashed on the new cushions...!! 

Kelima Bay 

Spot the boat.....

Everywhere so green this time of year..... weird for Greece! 

All the hard work this winter has paid off.... 

Our berth back in Samos Marina...

Happy days.....