Day 8 - Sail to Kalamos

There is a cool small church on the way out. Wonder who would use it and why - seems to not be very accessible, and tiny. Well, I'm assuing it's a chrch by the looks of it. Maybe it isn't.

One of our water tanks is now empty and the other is at 80%. Should be enough to last the rest of the trip but we try to top off in a nearby harbor.

The shipwreck at the entrance is a reminder of the hazards of the sea.

It is a large harbor. We contact the harbor master on the radio and are directed to dock at slip 137. There are no visible numbers on the slips, and people on shore are not particularly helpful when we yell for info. There is no dinghy to direct us as there has been in other harbors. Guess you just have to know or you're out of luck. Also there is strong side wind. After some pondering we decide to skip it. Another illustration of the planning/logistics side of sailing.

Out in the open we get a good downwind run and sail wing-on-wing for a while. Tough to do without a jib pole, but Anthony manages to hold it for some time. I occasionally take the helm, as does Randy, but mostly I work the sails and anchor.

Next we anchor at a beach where wild pigs come up to the human visitors, no doubt expecting treats.

The bay is picturesque.

Once we are anchored I put on the water shoes, take the phone in its case, and swim to shore.

There is a large boar very interested in some German tourists' dinghy. So much so that he literally gets into it. They have to convince him out and flip it to prevent re-occupation. The boar gets a bit aggressive at times but I did not witness any physical confrontation. More like an argument.

Then a long-ish swim back and we are once again underway.

Next stop is Kalamos, a small harbor run by a man named George, who also owns a dockside restaurant where we're having the 'white dinner' tonight. There is a line of boats on approach, and the harbor is both tight and full. We are told 'George will take care of you'.

After assisting the boat ahead of us, George greets us in his dinghy. Friendly and efficient, he instructs us when to turn and when to drop anchor before backing in to be rafted to the flotilla boats already there. There are dozens of boats facing each other with criss-crossing anchor chains in a tight space. This will be fun tomorrow.

Before the dinner I explore the town a bit. There are a few customary shops/restaurants near the docks, including George's.

And cats, of course.

Heading up the hill away from harbor, the streets are completely deserted and many buildings are abandoned. Still, a picturesque place. Feels surreal somehow.

Then, back at the boat and ready for the dinner. I bought (and brought) this outfit just for this. There is no special reason for it, someone said we're doing it and so we are. Those who know me will likely find it very odd that I went to the trouble. As do I, to be honest, but here I am - dressed in white.

Half-liter of wine is served in a metal cup. Cool.

The food is plentiful and excellent. I order 'sea bream', which I've never heard of. Similar to sea bass but slightly different texture/flavor. Delicious.

Dinner runs late into the evening, after which I make it back to the boat without incident, despite some rather precarious climbing over multiple rafted boats to get there.

>> Day 9