On 31st July we lifted anchor and slipped our stern warps from Skala on the island of Patmos and sailed in 13/18 knots T wind to the Island of Arki. Pat enjoyed helming in some wonderful sailing conditions.

 

Lipsi is approx. 6 miles long by 1 mile wide and has been officially owned by the Monastery of Patmos since Byzantine times. We were able to get a good spot on the town quay and set off to explore the small port, beach and upper village. From the quay, Pat counted about 13 white churches with typical blue domes. The largest church on the hill is the church of Agios Ioannis. We visited it the next day to see the famous icon of Panagia. In the frame behind glass is the wood of cut lillies which miraculously bloom on 23rd August each year. It is said that historically, the blind lady who picked the lillies offered the flowers to Panagia and from then gained her sight for one day each year on 23rd August when the flowers bloomed.

We were told by a local gentleman that several scientists have examined the frame and lillies and cannot explain the phenomena.

 

Lipsi is a small, sleepy island, very typically Greek, a traditional village with a light dust of tourism in the form of taverna's and a lively travellers bar on the quay.

 

Photos of-------

 

Lipsi town and bay

Tioram on the quay

Church of Agios Ioannis and the Icon of Panagia

Breakfast in the village square

 

Love to all our families and friends,

 

Tina and Tony

Carol, Pat, Alex and Imogen x x x