Panormitis (Symi)

 

23rd June 2018 (Symi)

Anchored in the bay of Panormitis on the island of Symi, again surrounded by a ring of protective low lying hills. 

These are dotted with olive and pine trees and hardy clumps of bushes, all just about managing to cling to the sun bleached rock. The constant hum of cicadas fill the air, mixed with an occasional goat bleat.

We arrived here yesterday afternoon after a close to perfect 4 hour crossing from Alimnos - calm seas, enough wind to blow us along at around 5 knots without the need for motor, both sails up. We both felt really relaxed... then came time to anchor. 

A few factors made this process less than ideal:

A little confusion around exactly where to drop.

A jammed windlass from not flaking the chain.

Helpful but hard to hear advice from our travelling companions (Dave & Paul)...

Anyway, after a frantic, red faced and stressful 20 mins we were well set.

In hindsight, it’ll turn out to be a good learning experience - but none too pleasant at the time.

Once we’d cooled and calmed down, we lowered the dingy.

 It’s leaking through the transom’s bung hole at the moment, so rather than sink, I left the heavy motor off and rowed us across to the jetty.

Large austere buildings line the waters edge. Their terracotta roofs and white and pastel balconied facades, give the appearance of something between a luxurious health spa on the French Riviera  and a South American Dictator’s residence (a fully revitalised Zorro wouldn’t look out of place leaping from a first floor balcony window).

We bought bread and a few provisions for dinner at the small shop and bakery along the jetty. Whilst there, 2 large day trip ferries disgorged tourists onto the dock.

Back to Serenity Now - lazy afternoon / evening, me polishing a little piece of wood from Alimnos beach and Chez reading.