The Meltemi winds are on the way and we are headed for a safe anchorage. Tim and Angela leave on Wednesday, meaning we need to travel back towards Santorini. And yes, the gales reminded us not to mess with Mother Nature. Life jackets were a must in the crazy, strong gusts and choppy, ink colored seas. The force of the winds made getting the main sail down and back into the lazy bag a true challenge. These type of sailing days are not for the faint of heart.

Once back in Paros, we lounged on Monastiri beach, enjoyed the relaxation, sipped cool beverages, and savored another delightful dinner. Tomorrow we will be sailing back to Ios.

Happy birthday, Patricia!!

(07/17) This is the last day before our guests leave for Paris. We are back in Ios because the anchorage closest to the ferry in Santorini would not allow any more vessels because of the high winds and approaching ferries. Mylopotas was our best bet.

(07/18-07/20) Sadly, our entertainment and wine con-issuer have left and we are once again fighting the winds to get to the boatyard in Leros by Friday. We saw no one else sailing, which was unsettling to me. Once there, the boat will go into the marina for repairs, we will check into a hotel for a few days, and then fly to Athens to come home.

The anchorages along the way have been quite interesting. We have seen goats on the countrysides, woken to their braying and tingly bells, have been serenaded by Greek music from taverns, had fly swatting competitions, viewed small chapel like structures in random locations, met people from all over the world, and lastly, stumbled upon an anchorage the must be a cover for a nudist colony. As Elaine in Seinfeld proclaimed, “The female body is a work of art. The male body is utilitarian-it’s for getting around. It’s like a Jeep.” I was over dressed!