Ithaca Island, Aug. 28

Ithaca Island August 28/09

Last night we were on a pier with boats on both sides of us and cafes all along the beach. Busy and noisy compared to tonight.

Tonight we are anchored in a tiny bay on Ithaca Island and there is one other sailboat (Spanish flag) anchored farther out – so we are virtually alone. The hills have lots of trees, many olive trees which are greyish green and round in growing habit, and then some tall, slender, dark green cypress dot the higher landscape. A lovely combination.

On land are two beaches, separated by a rocky wall. We anchored out from the wall and Dave dinghied in and stern tied us to some rocks on the wall – just for sabilization if the winds pick up or change.

We see/hear German and Greek families enjoying the beach area and there are a few tents back in the trees where they are likely camping.

Again we were quick to get in the clear inviting waters. At least we thought we were all in until we realized Jim was rowing around in the dinghy – he wanted to get some pictures of Cariad without the usual various boats alongside. He quickly joined us in the water and we had a fun time just checking out the beach and rocks. I picked up a few lovely treasures on this beach, such beautifully smooth pale stones.

We saw a variety of little fish, and a few bigger blue coloured ones. By big, I mean 10 inches max. It is fun to watch the really small ones, like minnows, swim on the very surface of the water as they look for little treasures to nibble. 10 to 15 in a group.

Tonight we ate aboard, no taverna in this bay. We did read that this bay has a reverse osmosis plant that is used for the whole (small) island.

After dinner Marg and I sat in the cockpit and read our books. The sounds of the families enjoying the beach, playing beach ball, picnicing, children laughing only adds to the charm of this place. As things quieted down and the sun set we could hear the bells on the goats as they undoubted made their way back to the stables for the night.

Except for a visit of 3 wasps at our supper table (in the cockpit), it was all very lovely.