Hydra Aug 7/09

August 7, 2009

Today we had our best sail yet. We left Serifos at 7 a.m. and arrived in Hydra (Ydra or Edra too), at 3 p.m. We had expected it would be a long day of sailing or motoring but it couldn't have been better – or quicker. The big jib was filled with a lovely breeze and we skimmed along.

We are always amazed at the beauty of the water, such a deep blue with violet tones and turquoise when shallow.
We are also amazed the how few boats we see as we travel. It does make it more relaxing.

We are astounded at the number of ferries that are available to take you from island to island. That is the only other way I would recommend you travel in the Greek Islands. There are cruises too but they will only go to the big touristy centers and you'd be herded around like so many sheep. Not for me!
There must be at least 15 ferry companies that ply these waters. They look good and they are big and fast.

At first impression, Hydra looks like a great pile of rocks.That has been true of most of the islands we have visited. Once up close you can see patches of olive orchards or vineyards or tomato gardens, etc. but it seems to me that life cannot be easy for most islanders.

On the west side of Hydra is a town by the same name. Immediately we know we're out of the Dodecaneses and the Cycladic island groups. These houses are grand and look much more like we are arriving in Italy. Very stately home, perhaps belonging to wealthy Athenians and Europeans who would summer here.

There was no room on the quay so we are again anchored in a nice bay called Molos. There are a few vacationers here and a couple of very nice homes but it is quiet and we should sleep well.

Tomorrow we will go back to the town and explore.