agility @ sea

Jerri:

Our three nights in Kea were a ton of fun.  We went on a couple of long walks – to a lighthouse on a point past an ancient city ruin and another up into the hills.  We also did some work and had a few nice meals out.  I don’t think we had ever stopped in Kea for more than a night in the past so it was fun to explore and interesting to see how the town appears to be thriving despite the Greek economy.  It was entertaining as well to get our first taste of Med mooring on the town quay.  Med mooring involves putting the anchor out, backing into a cement quay (sea wall) and throwing two stern lines out – usually to the wait staff of the nearest taverna.  The first time we did it 16 years ago was also in Kea, we fouled a German boat’s anchor, everyone was screaming at us in several different languages and it was very dramatic.  This time it went well.  I forgot how fun it is to watch and help the other boats come in. We left Tuesday morning to head for the small island of Thermia.  We missed the natural hot springs although we were very close to them.  Tim did talk me into going for a swim to the shore that about killed us.  It is definitely early season!  So so cold.  At least we had the sense to wear our wetsuits and it was a great opportunity for me to get my heart rate up for a change of pace.  I’m sure it was the fastest I’ve ever swum in my life.  The next day we went on a nice hilly hike through farmland and lots of goats and sheep before leaving on a semi-rough sail to Syros.   We planned to anchor in the harbor, but upon arrival that didn’t appear to be an option.  We scoped out the fishing boat marina that seemed too small, skipped the town quay due to ferry traffic, and not wanting to med moor in the wind and ended up at another marina across from the city center.  The winds were blowing about 35 knots pushing Agility away from the dock as we pulled up to side tie with several people waiting to help us out.  There was some drama, but we came out relatively unscathed. Syros is a unique Greek Island.  It is the capital of the Cyclades and the past importance of that is reflected in the architecture, lots of marble, and a thriving port.  However, it’s an odd juxtaposition of cool architecture and a very industrial, ugly harbor.  The sewage treatment plant that was appearently dumping water back into the sea is the first thing visible upon entering the harbor.  We were tied up directly across from the electric plant’s two huge smoke stacks.  The marine shopping was excellent as were provisioning options.  We also enjoyed stopping by a wine shop operated by the grandson of the original owner that had recently celebrated their 100 year anniversary.  The grandson remodeled, but kept all of the old casks, marble, and beautiful wood carvings.  It was super cool.  However, I would not recommend the island as a vacation destination. This morning we woke up to the winds blowing us into the dock.  It didn’t seem wonderful to leave or to stay, but we managed to ease our way off the dock successfully.  Our 5 new fenders paid off, although they aged quickly. Now we are anchored by ourselves in a little harbor near Delos.  We’ll go explore Delos once the weather clears a tad and then head to Mykonos.  At the moment the weather is dreary, breezy and chilly without a clear ending in sight.  I’m preparing chicken with pesto, roasted red pepper, broccoli and zucchini noodles as a side for dinner.  I finished Boys in the Boat this morning and loved every minute of it.  Next book is My Struggle by Karl One Knausgaard.  I’ve been wanting to read it for awhile, but it never seemed like the right time.  Now seems perfect.