Patmos 1

Saturday, July 18, 2009 We sail to the island of Patmos. It too is not a large village but white 2 story houses dot the hillside.
It was a glorious sail, sunny skies, magnificient royal blue water, gentle breeze and soft seas. It took about 6 hours and we motored part of the time too.
This was our first test of docking the boat - stern first. You throw the anchor chain out as you back in toward the cement dock, then as you near the dock you hope someone is there to catch your line which has to be attached to the back of both sides of your boat and looped around the shore capstan then returned to the boat and tied off. Meanwhile keeping the trailing dinghy out of the way of our boat and any nearby.
We finally installed the passarelle (gang plank) so that we can come and go with ease.
We were somewhat apprehensive but did an excellent job and congratulated ourselves soundly. People to both sides of us did not have such a uneventful docking but we helped secure their lines too.
We stopped all activity to have a celebratory lunch and we made it totally Greek. A plate of tomato slices, cucumber slices, and slabs of feta, all sprinkled with a dribble of olive oil. We saluted each other with our choice of peach juice or beer.
Another wonderful day.

The final picture is of The monastry of St. John at the top of the hill on Patmos.