‘How do you fancy Schoinousa?’ (Schoinousa)

 1st Oct 2020 (Schoinousa)

Having left our boat guests and the crammed lanes of Santorini far behind, we headed for the little Cyclades. Had an unexpectedly good sail across to Ios - the current wind forecasts seeming to seldom match reality. Found a nice beach to linger on for a day or so - what few people were there, all seemed to have forgotten their clothes. We’ve paid another months Cruising tax, and are mindful that we need to head South to Crete at some point. With a view to launching that last leg from either Astipalaia or Amorgos we tootled our way across to Irakleia to an equally nice beach to the one we’d just left. Enjoyed a peaceful nights sleep there with waves gently lapping on the hull. Next morning we headed over the hill separating our bay from the main town - a short but demanding walk up and down the steep hill in still hot September sun. The small town was quaint, more village than town really. The beach, quay and streets all but deserted. Chez (who’d remembered her mask) did some provisioning at the small and expensive mini market and we headed back for a lazy afternoon - it was not to be. From nowhere some large annoying swell began rocking the boat in an uncomfortable way. The boat was laying perpendicular to the incoming rolly swell, making for a cupboard cup rattling roll back and forth. Expecting it to stop we both waited... it didn’t, and Chez asked ‘How do you fancy Schoinousa?’

It’s a short (less than an hour hop from where we are) 

‘Yep!’ And with that snap mid afternoon decision we rapidly made our departure. 

Motored across to Schoinousa, and found a gorgeous little bay, minus the swell, and dropped anchor and set easily. 

Both at Irakleia and here, the close to empty beaches are dotted with nudies - not sure if this is a location thing, or an end of the season thing.... or perhaps someone has a radio and updates where we are:

“Serenity Now is sailing your way. Quick take your clothes off!” 

I beach combed the little island that sits in the middle of our bay, finding:

A deflated Chelsea football, a ‘Finding  Nemo’ kite, and a carton of drink, which I rowed over to shore and dumped in the bin. Then rowed back to the boat taking photos along the way as the golden sun setting directly behind.