David's Visit Part 2

Extra photos from David to add to Part 1

Beautiful evening colours in Russian Bay

Amazingly clear photo of the moon as it rose in Ermioni

Coffee stop in Ermioni 

(I didn't realise I was still wearing the kill cord from the dinghy as a necklace!)

Setting off on our walk around headland in Porto Kheli

Chilling out - guitar practice and Scrabble / crosswords

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Early morning cappuccinos at the bakery before leaving Porto Kheli

Next stop was Khaidhari - this was the entrance into the bay with the usual isolated little chapel on the headland

We went ashore and had a walk around the lagoon nature reserve - very hot, bright sun.

The view across the bay with rickety fishing boat jetties in the foreground and Serenity anchored off the far shore.

From Khaidhari we headed back south, stopping off to anchor in the bay off Koiladhia.

As we approached the anchorage we saw two turtles - one of which you can see - just! 

Amazing colours as the sun sets.

Regular evening game of cribbage.

The yellow lights in the background are the spotlights on the three entrances to the cave.

The next morning we took the dinghy to the small jetty this time to get to the cave along a much easier path!

Detail of the rock formations - like curtains of liquid flowing down the cave wall and setting.

Dave decided he wanted to explore the other entrances but it was quite a climb up the rocks to get to it - David and I followed so far!

The climb up to the third entrance

The sun just coming up over the craggy hillside.

Leaving Serenity at anchor in Ermioni, we took the ferry across to the port on the island of Idra.

A bit windy on top deck!

We remember bringing the boat into Idra harbour many years ago and it was very busy but not like it is now! Mayhem!

I have never seen boats moored three deep off the harbour wall with anchors down and stern lines attached to the bows of the boats behind.

You can see why it is so popular - a very pretty little town with buildings stacked up the hillside.

There are no vehicles on the island so ponies and mules are employed to carry goods. They were in good condition and well looked after - some had leather pads on their feet, they were kept in the shade and were well fed.

A great message on the steps of a taverna we passed on our way up through town.

The bell tower in the harbour and very ornate tower behind.

On the ferry back to Ermioni we were chatting to a chap who lived in the town and he was telling us about the lovely walk around the wooded headland so, after a stop for ice cream, we headed off.

This was a rather strange sculpture on the water's edge.

It took us a while to spot the cicada that was making so much noise!

Drifts of tiny cyclamen around the rocks.

Huge agave plants on the point - Idra is in the distance.

The ruins of Poseidon's temple.

Back in Poros the next day, we walked round the quay and over to the beach - love the driftwood fish!

Dave and David studying a table made from driftwood, an old door and window shutters.

Contemplating a paddle?

After a really great twelve days, David caught the early morning ferry from Poros to Pireaus, then a flight home from Athens.

We are now staying in Poros for a couple of days awaiting Harry and Eimile's arrival on Saturday............

David's Visit Part 1

Back in Poros for a few days before David's arrival, we spent time repairing decks, sewing mossie nets and exploring a bit more of this lovely town.

The clock tower at the top of town

The view from the clock tower looking across Navy Bay towards Russian Bay in the distance.

The steel cables and stakes holding the enormous boulder poised above the town.

Bougainvillea bracts against the blue sky - beautiful!

Walking around the quay and to the back of town, we came to the beach and a huge sailing ship anchored off.

Doing our research of places to eat when David arrives, we went to the Butcher's Taverna up in the town. This was the view from our table - photo taken to show little rooves on the  chimneys.

David arrived in Poros having flown into Athens, taxi to the port of Piraeus and then a ferry across to the island.

We went for a walk up around the maze of narrow alleyways and steps and paused in the dappled shade of the bougainvillea.

First coffee stop at the Garden restaurant looking down to the channel.

From Poros our first trip was out to Russian Bay - ouzo at the beach cafe.

Views through the ruins of the Russian Navy warehouses to the bay beyond.

We walked up the headland behind the boat with views back to the bay and channel. The island with the chapel on is just to the left of Dave's hat.

Interesting rock formations and strata as we sailed between the islands east of Poros and into the Argolic Gulf.

Anchoring in the bay outside Ermioni.

Sunlight on still water.

From Ermioni we continued north up the Gulf to Porto Kheli - this is the approach to the large bay off the town.

Healthy Greek breakfast - fresh figs, yoghurt and honey - yum!

Old and new 

Very modern motor boat next to old sailing ship.

Interesting colour combination of sky and water. We always seem to be in Porto Kheli to shelter from bad weather.

We took the dinghy to a small bay off the entrance to the bay.

Church on the edge of the water.

Tiny fishing boat in the inlet.

Looking across to the wooded headland - you can just make out the top of the turreted house above the trees.

Across the inlet and off to explore that wooded headland.

Not such a bright sunny day, but a good walk around the shore.

Spot Dave!

Back onboard for afternoon tea - baclava, kataifi and orange pie.