Fai Tira leaves Ios for Sifnos, Kithnos and Sounion 37:39.37N 24:01.24E

28^th – 30^th  June 2011

We smoothly left harbour from our lazy line – the boat next to us waved us off.  It was 6 hours minimum sail to Sifnos but at least the seas are more settled.  Judy eventually settled down for a long snooze and when awoke found the sails up and Fai Tira thoroughly enjoying her trip.  Unfortunately the wind died, so down came the sails.  Now with the seas flat calm, Judy was able to see a pod of dolphins, unfortunately they didn't stop to play.  The gentle conditions continued so it was a joy to sit and watch the island gradually get closer.  I got my head down for over an hour and left Judy in charge.  The landlocked bay where we anchored is lovely.  Not too over populated and apart from a couple of yachts and two very large cruisers the bay was open to dropping the anchor. 

 The sea was calm, the sun hot so time to read and chill.  Strangely for both of us we are sleeping so much and both spent the afternoon snoozing in the sun or shade.  I had a quick swim but the sea still very cold.  More yachts arrived during the later afternoon/evening but plenty of room for everyone.  Looking forward to a peaceful evening.

The next morning we woke and set off at 6.30am, still no wind and haze looking very similar to fog.  Motoring north we travelled past lots of islands.  On arrival we anchored up at Kithnos in a bay with a sandbank across it. 

It took two attempts to anchor as first picked up lots of weed.  I went for a snorkel and was surprised to see an underwater garden of white flowered plants.  Unfortunately my underwater camera is broken so no photos.   The wind changed direction and we found ourselves swinging around.  However, the anchor was in tight and we held fast.  There was a motor cruiser moored between us and the sand bank and the owner had put a yellow umbrella on the top deck which looked very funny.

Woke up early again and set off at 6.30am heading for Sounion, a bay Hans and Monica had advised us to visit as there was a Temple to the God Poseidon.  I was pleased to do an hours’ sailing on the way. 

On arrival there was two bays - one with a large hotel and safety buoys along the beach.  We checked out the second bay and Judy thought this okay.  Only one other boat moored and that appeared to be vacant - a motor cruiser.  Anchor held and I started to prepare to launch the dinghy for the first time since Oman with engine attached.  By the time we had sorted it out a few other boats had moored - notably the catamaran with 5 nudists.  We went ashore dragged the dinghy onto the sand and then called into the hotel and found internet connection - free.   I uploaded the blogs and then we set off to explore Poseidon's Temple.  Temple was built 444 BC.  To reach it we walked along a rocky uphill path. 

The Temple looked imposing sitting on the cliff top, we later found they lit it up, which looked great.   On our return to the beach we went for a quick swim, but the water still not warm but refreshing!

Next stop Aegina.