South down Mani to Diros caves and on to Mezapo

chrisandjane aboard Liveloula
Chris Cooke
Mon 30 May 2016 09:14

36:32.56N 22:23.37E

 

Mon 30May No wind, lots of sun again motor further down W coast of Mani to Mezapo via stunning Diros caves 12nm (M4)

Irish chaps on charterboat just outside try to leave 0700 but anchor snagged on rope on bottom. Goodness knows why a block and rope out here – way outside small craft moorings. Assist with magic trip hook. Have to add extra lengths to get hook deep enough and use mask to see whats going on. Works a treat. We depart 0800 arrive Diros 0945 anchor in 18ft. No rocks here. No wind but thundery looking clouds out to sea. Duck ashore. All on coffee break so hang around for 20mins. Ushered in. Punt to ourselves. Given lifejackets but crash helmets would be more appropriate as driver paddles us (by poling on cave roof and anything else in reach) thro 1.6k of waterfilled lighted caves. Spectacular but brief. Then dumped to walk out 300m and emerge further along. Ominous clouds gone. One of the main tourist attractions on Mani, tho no one else here yet. Raise anchor 1200 motor s to Ormos Mezapo. Difficult to find sandy spot without nearby rocky bottom. End up just off tiny horseshoe cove by village with three fishing boats inside. Can`t quite lay extra chain as could swing onto cliff rocks. Calm and settled so will be ok tonight. Brief walk ashore. All very quiet.

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