Myrina to Kira Panayia island nature sanctuary

We waited until Wednesday the 2nd September for the Meltimi to die down, the crossing we were to make can be treacherous as it is wide open to the north where all the weather comes from. The climate up here is more Baltic than Mediterranean, the rainfall higher, the islands greener, the temperature cooler and there are seals! We've only seen one at a distance, shyer than your average dolphin.

The bay we headed for has a very narrow entrance facing north and not to be attempted in unstable conditions. The sea piles up at the entrance making it very difficult to get in or out.

It then opens into a large and most beautiful of land locked bays where there is nothing but wild goats and gulls.

The crossing was tamer than I'd hoped. In other words there was absolutely no wind which meant we motored the full 56 miles. Any wind would have been on our starboard quarter and pushed us along very comfortably..... Never happy are we?

It was nice to be in an anchorage for a change.

It means exploring in the dinghy, snorkeling into caves, diving off the boat, home cooked meals and total serenity.

For some reason the water is warmer in these parts too. Around 26 degrees.

These photos were taken first thing in the morning just before that early morning dip.

I got the diving gear out and checked on the anchor. It is nice to breath underwater but also good to stay current with the gear. Unfortunately, as calm as this bay is, the silt is so fine that the visibility is only a few meters if that.

We are noticeably back in charter boat territory. It has been a long time and it is going to mean calling ahead for space in harbours and company where ever we go.

We only stayed the one night, the following day heading a short 19 miles to Patitiri on Alonissos. Another surprisingly nice place.