Woke early, to a dog barking! The Small Cyclades ferry was just pulling into Donoussa, he loaded up and was gone again in the blink of an eye, possibly to Amorgos. We had stowed our belongings and managed to untie by 09.00 hrs, with only 6 knots of wind, we won't be sailing quite yet! Over the next hour or so the escalating wind gently allowed us to unfurl our sleep sails, but not for long. Motor sailing most of this journey at least allowed for a reduction in the revs, saving fuel a little. Fortunately our little 29 hp Yanmar engine seems to aknowledge our need for saving money, about as much as we do, pity the wind hasn't cottoned on! The sea swell is persistent which when coming onto our bow, adds to the power required to push Kejstral through the waves, had it been coming onto our stern......It would have aided our journey. Passing the large Island of Naxos we begin to see more of those fast, jet ferries which tear through the water at an almighty 27 knots! They must consume so much fuel, yet must make enough profit from ticket sales to continue the service. Naxos is one of the backpacker Islands, 18-30 year olds taking time from studies to tour this beautiful section of Greece, they cause chaos, however, they clearly add to the tourist trade which as we all know is very valuable here. Passing this island, we begin to see the green foliage and bust bay of Naoussa, Paros. This harbour is large enough to accommodate quite a few boats, and lazy lines are dotted around everywhere. We realised that the only space left for us, had no lazy line. This meant dropping the anchor into a harbour filled with chain and ropes on the seabed, not a great idea. Knowing that the winds were expected to be high over the next day or so, we felt safer within a harbour rather than bobbing around in an open bay. So, drop the anchor we did. Reversed back onto the jetty and tied nicely secure. Having arrived at 4pm, we decided it surely must be beer o'clock, therefore, shoes on, and ashore we headed. What a really well presented town, clean, tidy and a little more commercial than our last few moorings. Geese waddled alongside our feet, while children scurried past with bikes and balls. The harbour is set out beautifully with bars and restaurants, each building beginning their seasonal restoration. New cushions and painted chairs, stand idly waiting for their position within these freshly cleaned and titivated eateries. Plant pots and tubs indicate each sectioned area, while coloured awnings and tableware depict where each restaurant starts and ends. Pretty linens are unpacked, with nautical themes and schemes highlighting their client and customer base. We find ourselves settling into lovely plump chairs, wedged between canvas cushions with navy stripes and anchor patterns. The beer is cold, however so are our fingers but that lovely refreshing taste signifies our new Island, it also seems to be the acknowledgement that sailors have completed their passage! Having enjoyed the afternoon relaxing in the sunshine which was gloriously warm, so much so that our thick jackets had been discarded as soon as we sat down. We ate lunch onboard Kejstral, before an evening stroll through this pretty town All of which comes to life at night, shops opening, people emerging from their homes and children playing everywhere. Easter holidays have just begun, so children are free to play until they are exhausted as clearly school is out of their minds for a week or two. Through this town we find the usual gift shops, a beautifully stocked bakery, fuel station and plenty of supermarkets, we use our afternoon to restock both Kejstral and ourselves with bacon and cheese pastries for tea. The harbour Kejstral is situated within is a rather deep bay facing north, however, the fleet of fishing vessels which moor in Naoussa are tucked away in a pretty little town quay slightly further around the bay. These small boats are painted beautifully in white with stripes of bright blue, red and yellow, the workmen diligently redecorate their pride and joy each year and manage to maintain the amazing paintwork, despite the hard work carried out onboard throughout the season. Bobbing around in the gentle swell within this small harbour, these vessels look fabulous against the pristine white church on the quay side, traditional fish restaurants and quaint little bars, encourage tourists into this lovely setting. We saunter through chequered tablecloths and yellow nets, lobster pots and dining tables, while the aroma of fabulously presented platefuls of yumminess are transported from stove to stomach. What an amazing atmosphere to end our first day in Paros. The warm orange glow of sunset, replaces the fiery sunshine which we embraced this afternoon. Even in the sunshine, this afternoon, the chilly air reminds us that April is still with us and that the evenings are best spent indoors.
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Sailing Kejstral AdventuresRetired and following our dream of sailing around the world Archives
April 2019
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