Back to Greece and Songster

We got up at the crack of dawn on the 27^th of August (yes I am still about 3 weeks behind in the blog) for the 26 hour journey back to Lakkı, Leros and our Songster.  So a bus and train to Gatwick Airport, a flight to Istanbul, three hour layover then a flight to Athens and finally an overnight ferry to Leros then to the marina and Songster.  Songster was covered in dust and grime on the outside but the inside was as we left her and all in good nick.  We had 6 more days on the marina contract so we spent the time cleaning and provisioning Songster, installing the bits and bobs we got in the chandleries in England and minor maintenance jobs.

Bob up the mizzen - no more clang clang of loose cables inside the mast

We left the marina and anchored in the bay for our last two nights in Lakki.    An Italian training Barque, the Nave Palinuro, was visiting Lakki and was tied up to the ferry dock.  This pretty steel boat was built in 1932 and opened to the public.  We went for a tour and chatted to the trainee naval midshipmen.  They all seemed so young!

The Nave Palinuro

On the deck

We managed to finish our visit before the local Scout troop came on board

Finally it was time to start sailing again. We have spent several weeks all told on this pretty island of Leros and have gotten to know the town of Lakki quite well.  I was a bit sad to leave but it was time. As we left the Italian trainee sailors were up on the crossbars.  Very impressive and a nice send off for us.

The crew on the crossbars

We were going to have and easy start to our sailing and check out some anchorages we had seen when we took scooters around some of the islands in the spring.  First stop was Xerokampos at the southern end of Leros.  Light northerly winds were predicted but typically we had barely any wind and what there was came from the south.  So it was a motor to our destination but fortunately it was not too far.  We spent two nights in this pretty anchorage enjoying the tavernas and taking a walk to the chapel on the hill and even back to Lakki (only 3km over the hill) when Bob had lost his adjustable spanner in the water and we needed to get another.

Songster in Xerokampos anchorage

Xerokampos, Leros with Kalymnos island in the distance

While snorkling off the boat in Xerokampos I notice quite a bit of growth on Songster’s bottom.  Two months sitting in the marina and the marine flora and fauna just take up residence.  Bob rigged up some scrappers; one on a string and buoy and another on a wooden pole and we set about cleaning the old girl up.  This is the type of chore I enjoy – swimming, snorkling, feeding the fish and staying clean.  One can get to be quite a grotty yachtie with most boat chores.

Cleaning Songster's bottom

The next stop was a pretty anchorage, Emporios, on the northern end of Kalymnos.  This was another short sail in light winds but at least this time we did sail, averaging only about 2 kts but it was still very pleasant.  

Songster on a mooring in Emporios

The town and church in the evening sun of Emporios

We picked up a mooring and that evening had a delicious dinner at Kapitan Kostas’.  Bob had his usual Mousaka and I had goat in the oven.  We rounded the meal off with a bottle of Ouzo.  It was good to be back in Greece.

Ouzo - perfect summer drink