After a long journey involving every mode of transport except a bicycle, Dan and his mate Wilf joined us for a week onboard. It was great to see them and, tired as they were, we went for a late dinner and a couple of beers to celebrate their arrival.
Next day we headed off to an anchorage on the back side of Spetses, where there were caves to explore. We were joined there by Ant and Ros and their guests on Aro for the afternoon and evening. Pre dinner drinks on board Kerensa turned into dinner on board Kerensa, for 10 people! That's the most we have entertained so far. A great night and a few sore heads in the morning.
Kerensa and Aro crew dinner
Next day we took a long beat to Poros in 20knts and anchored just outside town. A quick trip ashore for dinner and 4 tired bodies had an early night. Close to Poros is Vidi, where there is a 35 Yr old shipwreck with its stern above the water, the bow approx 7m down. Great to snorkel and see the ships deck details but the visibility wasn't as good as we have come to expect in Greek waters.
Snorkeling on a wreck
After lunch we headed off to Agistri, the smallest island in the Saronic. We later discovered that we had anchored at the wrong end of the bay for the nightlife. The two boys made the 20min walk there but Nigel and Amanda left them to it and had a couple more drinks before heading back to the boat. Early next morning we anchored just off Metopi island, a very small place that felt like we were alone on a deserted island. After a few swims and lunch, we headed off to Moni island, also uninhabited but very popular and crowded anchorage with a taverna there. We anchored with small scope, but after staying aboard for a while waiting for the crowds to disperse, we felt able to go ashore. The island is full of deer and peacocks, both of which we were able to see on our walk. After a sleep, we motored around to the other side of the Island where we were able to anchor up against the cliffs and swim into a cave. A stunning spot, Wilf became the first person to catch a fish on Kerensa, sadly the Sea Bream wasnt big enough to feed us, so was released unharmed. We stayed for a few hours and lunch before heading off to Aegina.
Kerensa anchored by the cliffs
Kerensa from inside the cave entrance
First fish on Kerensa!!
Nigel took the boys ashore in the dinghy as the wind was building in the anchorage, the bottom was full of weed so we weren't confident enough in the anchor set to leave the boat. Finally the wind dropped and Nigel and Amanda joined the boys for dinner. Aegina wasn't our favourite stops, but the beauty of this lifestyle is that you can just move!
Next morning we headed back towards Poros where we would be dropping the boys off. En route we stopped at Russian bay, so called as it was a Russian naval base from 1834 until the early 1900's. It was built to supply and repair ships that were helping the Greeks in their war of independence with Turkey. More swimming, jumping off the boat and fishing occurred before we ate and had to head off to get a berth at Poros town Quay. We were glad we arrived early as it was packed full an hour after we arrived. We had an excellent meal at Gia Mas followed by a big night at a busy bar before heading back to the boat, we needed several alarms setting to ensure we didn't sleep in past the boys 8am ferry home. They made it OK though and we were sorry to see them go. Sore heads and a couple of boat tasks kept us in the quay for an extra night. Nigel went to change our alternator as he suspected that it wasn't working. A few curses and banged heads later it was done and we are looking for somewhere to get the old one tested/repaired. That will probably be in the Ionian when we get there in 10 days or so.
Poros town, lovely place.
We had a great week with Dan and Wilf, they were great fun to have around and we hope to see them again soon. We are now preparing to head around the Peloponese, its looking like there are a few hours of motoring ahead, hopefully that forecast isn't correct!
