On 25th July we lifted anchor and motored in calm seas and very light winds through the narrow channel between Samos and Turkey. The narrowest points have a look out post on each side with the Greek and the Turkish flags proudly displayed on the opposite coastlines.

We motored the 27 n miles to the port of Ayios Georgios on the island of Agathonisi which is a dot in the Aegean sea, approx. five miles long by two and half miles wide.

The anchorage was recommended to us by another travelling yacht, so we anchored stern to some rocks in the bay with mooring posts ashore.

 

Tony dropped the anchor whilst Pat and I took the dinghy to the rocks and Pat gallantly scrambled up the rocks taking the stern lines to secure on the posts and rocks.

There is room for 3 or 4 yachts with sterns into the prevailing winds, the space astern creating a private swimming pool. Tony took Alex to the beach with his scuba gear and Alex was able to try diving in shallow water for the first time. Carol and Pat enjoyed some chill time sunbathing on deck, whilst Imogen and I had a fab time snorkelling and following fish, the most we had seen in the Aegean.

My dear mate Carol has never really enjoyed swimming, and never out of her depth in the sea, she wins a bucket load of gold stars for facing her fears and not only swimming off the boat but also snorkelling for the first time--- ‘face your fears, live your dreams’, girl !!

 

By complete chance we managed to be in Agathonisi for the annual religious festival of Agiou Panteleimonos on 26th July, when the tiny village of Megalo celebrates with food, music and dancing. So on the evening we walked up the steep hill to the village and joined the fantastic local celebratory atmosphere.

Carol and I joined the Greek dancing--- fab night had by all---- photos tell the story.

 

After a really great stay on the Island we untied the shore lines, lifted the anchor and sailed to Port Augusta on the island of Arki.

 

Photos of

Agathonisi, Port Ayios Georgios

Swimming/snorkelling

Taverna meal/ Tioram in background with ‘bling’ lights on transum

The festival of Agiou Panteleimonos 26th July./ Carol and Tina dancing

 

Love to all our families and friends,

 

Carol, Pat , Alex and Imogen--- Tina and Tony x x x x