Argolic Gulf

 From Poros we headed south, past the island of Idhra where we had been many years ago, and into the Argolic Gulf - a new area for us to explore.

Soupia island - a rocky outcrop that looks just like a crouching toad from this angle

First stop was anchoring in the bay off Ermioni. Much blaring of car horns announced a wedding was about to take place outside this beautiful church typically situated ...........

......on a remote headland at the end of the bay.

Continuing north up the Gulf our next stop was Porto Kheli - a good anchorage at the end of a beautiful channel. Lots of space and good holding - we stayed here for a few days and met Brian and Mari from the CA. Having our CA flag flying means we meet other members.

Evening skies over Porto Kheli

Sailing north from Porto Kheli we then anchored in the bay off Koiladhia. This is the view looking back to the village.

On the shore opposite the village we noticed lots of white blobs painted on the rocks.....

..... and realised they were showing the route to the cave we had read about. We took the dinghy ashore and headed off - this is the "footpath," indicated closer in by blobs or arrows of red paint - you can just see them on the photo.

A rest stop along the footpath

But eventually we did get to the huge cave. Here they had found the oldest skeleton discovered in Greece

Amazing colours looking out  from the cave to the private island in the mouth of the bay.

On our way back now to meet David in Poros, we sailed past the island of Spetses. The island has an area of 10.5 square miles but Spetses town is the only settlement. Here no vehicles are allowed so transport is by horse and cart, motorbike and moped.

We stopped off to investigate a couple of possible anchorages but they didn't have enough shelter, space or depth so opted for Ermioni.

Sailing out of Ermioni into the sunrise, heading for Poros.

We spent a couple of nights in Ermioni bay, where we met Phil and Maree on Redroo (they had seen our CA flag and come over to say hi) and also the new HLR for the CA in Crete so we were able to catch up on news of friends we had made during our first winter onboard in Agios Nicholoas.