We returned to Skala, this time mooring stern to the quay with anchor to the bow. The reason being there was a blow forecast for the afternoon and evening. This harbour is safe in certain winds though the quay wall was destroyed in a storm two years ago. We had a few questions to ask about the dongle but really the internet connections are not very strong.
Monday 26 May 2014 Skala, Astipalaea, Greece
The ferry which links all the island of the Dodecanese came in to Skala.It’s not like in Scotland where the passengers and vehicles have separate exits. It’s a jumble of people and vehicles. On the shore you are met by people with rooms to rent as well as the taxi offers.
We walked up the hill towards the castle stopping to have a conversation with a shopkeeper who said he was based in Athens though had a few crafts shops in different islands. The shop didn’t seem busy at all. Then we walked to the phone shop where Bob bought a Vodafone dongle for fifty euros so he could have mobile internet. It didn’t last long. We were disappointed. When we reach Lakki I will buy a phone and internet sim card but both of these are so expensive compared to the deals you can find in India.
We sailed off from Skala ferry jetty to the bay called Vathi in the afternoon.
Sunday 25 May 2014 From Livadhi Bay to Skala
Sailing out of Livadhi Bay
Below is the view from the top, with Bob looking out. The fort is mostly ruins.
Bob at the gateway to the fort.
We were tied up at the jetty when the ferry came in.
Saturday 24 May 2014 From Nikolaos, Crete to Astipalaea Island
Bob repairing deck lights.
We are now in the area of Greece called the Dodecanese. We had a great sail all the way.I’m still taking motion sickness medication though Peperuka seems to slice through waves like a knife in butter. We anchored in Livadhi Bay, Astipalaea.
Dawn. An early start. Heading North from Crete.
Friday 23 May 2014 From Pouru Bay, Crete to ASTIPALAEA
We set off quite early but an engine problem, the alternator, caused us to sail to Nikolaos Marina for repair. Bob contacted marina on VHF and we were directed to space. We moored bows to with double lazy lines. Met Niklaos the talkative engineer who fixed the engine. I washed our laundry and coloured my hair. The marina charged us thirty-five euros for the night so we left early next morning even though they gave us a complimentary bottle of wine and one of oil.
Palo Stickland 
