{"id":2995,"date":"2020-06-27T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-27T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/?p=2995"},"modified":"2020-06-05T15:02:35","modified_gmt":"2020-06-05T20:02:35","slug":"caves-and-cliffs-and-haystacks-oh-my","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/?p=2995","title":{"rendered":"Caves and Cliffs and Haystacks, Oh My! Ep. 124"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The last blog left off with us on the verge of practicing\nour meditative states as we outwaited a Meltemi wind that hammered Paros and\nthe surrounding Cycladic islands for over a week. We were in for at least\nanother day of 35 knots-plus winds and we were also about to welcome Steve and\nChristy on board. Steve was our broker for when we purchased Sea Rose two years\nago. He helped us take delivery of her in France so we could sail in the Mediterranean\nbefore taking her to our home waters of Maine in the United States. I went to\nelementary school with Christy and we were friends throughout our school years.\nWe lost contact with one another for a while as we each raised our families\nthen reconnected again when we were planning a sail through the American Great\nLakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At least we knew these two would understand the challenges Mother Nature introduces to sailing schedules and plans. They are located on the eastern end of Lake Ontario which sees its fair share of crazy weather and demanding sea states! Tom and I spent the summer of 2017 getting up into and navigating throughout the Great Lakes. If you are interested in learning more, see our Youtube channel playlist, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eDwuBY70vZA&amp;list=PLaZg3oVuseakoYzMTF5y6B18XtC3qu6-W&amp;index=2&amp;t=6s\">Sailing Into The American Heartland<\/a>\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sailing Into The American Heartland - Part 1 | Ep. 19\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eDwuBY70vZA?list=PLaZg3oVuseakoYzMTF5y6B18XtC3qu6-W\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>First in our seven-part series!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Steve and Christy came to Paros a little early and enjoyed some couple time before jumping on board with us. Since we had rented a car to explore the island, we drove over to their Airbnb in Nauossa Bay to pick them up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Steve &amp; Christy&#8217;s get-away on Paros Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tom and I were a little stir-crazy from being on the boat all the previous day so after we returned our rental car, Tom and Steve took their bags to the boat while Christy and I explored the town of Paros. It seemed we would be able to depart the harbor the following day, especially if our intended direction was somewhat south! If it meant we could leave, we would go south \u2026  no problem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Paros Town &#8211; couldn&#8217;t be cuter or more pleasant!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Paros_SC_1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>One of the many Greek flags we&#8217;ve seen on display in this proud town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaving the protection of Paros\u2019 main harbor the following\nmorning was a rolly but we all tolerated it knowing the swells would soon be\nastern of us. We would be heading southwest around Antiparos. See our route on the\nmap below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"567\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-1024x567.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-1024x567.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-768x425.png 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-1536x850.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Steve_Christy_2020-1-2048x1133.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption><em>Our route through the southern Cycladic Islands, Greece \u2013 with friends Steve &amp; Christy <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The northwest coast of Antiparos was wonderful to sail along\n\u2013 craggy, jagged coves that are nearly uninhabited. Continual white water\ncrashing ashore with each swell made us happy to be passing a good distance offshore.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Chapel on an out-island off the north point of Antiparos, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We hooked below the small island of Despotiko which is\nnearly attached to the southwest corner of Antiparos. We found a cove along the\nsouthern shore that we would have all to ourselves; however, we would need to\nuse more than one anchor point to keep us from swinging into rocks or shallows\nwith the ever-changing wind strength and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3002\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_3-2048x1535.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>We dropped our anchor in shallow water near side of cove then tied our stern off on a rock out-cropping across the cover.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The swimming and snorkeling here was pleasant and it was great\nto be back in the water after so many days of howling winds. The evening was\namazing \u2013 perfectly clear with a million stars and the brilliance of the milky\nway lighting up what was otherwise a dark sky. We always feel very special to\nhave a cove all to ourselves, especially one as beautiful and peaceful as this\none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Our family car and in the distance our home!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Despotiko_2-2048x1535.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Photo from drone looking back at cove with tiny Sea Rose on the left fork &#8211; Despotiko Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the morning, we had some fun getting ourselves out of the\ncove. If we just released our stern line, we would blow too far into the\nshallow, rocky waters to our left. We needed to keep our stern pointing out of\nthe cove while we raised our anchor which was further in the cove, qiute close\nto very shallow waters. We slowly released a little stern line while taking up\nanchor chain. Tom was in the dinghy pushing the port-side of our mid-ship point\ntoward starboard so we wouldn\u2019t swing. Slowly, we got closer and closer to\nlifting our anchor and when it came up, Steve hauled in on our stern line\nquickly as I used the bow-thruster to push our bow to starboard. When we were\nclear of the shallow water, I put the engine in gear while continuing to coax\nthe bow around to starboard and we were off! Nice teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we departed for places further afield, we had to\nexplore a cave located along the coast of Antiparos in the bay formed by it and\nnearby Despotiko. We swam through the rock opening and when we looked back, Sea\nRose was perfectly framed. We were all thrilled to have taken the extra time\nand effort to make a quick stop here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Antiparos &#8211;  Can &#8216;t quite see the cave we will swim through but it is the dark spot in the center of photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"694\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-1024x694.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3006\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-1536x1042.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Antiparos_1-2048x1389.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>From the beach looking back through cave &#8230; notice Sea Rose perfectly framed inside rock opening?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We made a quick lunch before we set off on a terrific sail toward\nthe western end of the island of Irakleia. We had read that a crashed world war\nII plane had been discovered by a fisherman and dragged into the cove here. If\nyou anchor nearby and swim over the center of the cove, you can easily spot the\nwreck with your naked eye. It is always eerie to swim over anything that\nindicates a life once occupied a space which is now underwater and below you. I\nfind it easier with a plane than with a boat but I still cannot shake the feeling\nof the immense fragility of life which overwhelms me in these situations. I\nalways swim very close to Tom \u2026 I\u2019m sure I bug the heck out of him! Sorry dear.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3007\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_WWII_plane-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Photo of crashed WWII plane in 14 meters of water off of the island of Irakleia, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It was late afternoon, but we would not be able to remain in\nthis cove for the night, since the winds were predicted to shift. Back\nunderway, we scooped below Irakleia and headed up the east coast. This is a small\nand sparsely inhabited island so we knew any stop for the night would be more\nfunctional than fun. However, because this wasn\u2019t a hot-spot for cruisers we\nfound a perfect spot to anchor in the center of the large harbor off the tiny\ntown called Livadi. We had no threat of crowding us, there were no swells to\nspeak of nor any wakes from passing boats! Everything has a bright side and we\nwere thankful for the peaceful night\u2019s sleep. It was late when we arrived and\ngot settled in so we stayed on-board for the night and would do our land-based explorations\nin the morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We walked from the beachfront of Livadi up and over the hill\nto the nearby town of Agios Georgios. Although this town was probably five\ntimes the size of Livadi, it was still tiny! This is where the ferry for the\nisland docks and it couldn\u2019t be cuter. We grabbed some fresh veggies from one\nof their markets and made our way back toward Sea Rose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Overlooking Livadi bay on our walk back from town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_4-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Friends Steve &amp; Christy on our walk into Agios Georgios ~ Irakleia, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Irakleia_Livadi_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Agios Georgios harbor with small ferry dock in view ~ Irakleia, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;We left the quiet\nanchorage of Livadi late morning and looked at options to make a lunchtime or\nafternoon stop along the way before we found our home for the night. Steve and\nChristy were having so much fun just sailing that we kept moving along! By late\nafternoon, we curved up around the northeast point of Kato Koufonisi and began\ndiscussing our options for the night. We could anchor off of the town on the\nsouth coast of Koufonisia \u2026 or \u2026 then off to our left several beautiful\nhaystack rock structures came into view. Or, we could anchor off that stunning\ncliff with the scattered blond-colored haystacks all around us. The debate was\nover \u2013 we had literally stumbled into a very special place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_1-2048x1535.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Sea Rose anchored among the haystacks off of Kato Koufonisi Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_4-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>View of haystacks while we snorkel nearby<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>One of the many caves and holes in the rocks along this coastline ~ Kato Koufonisi Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3014\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_5-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>More rock formations as seen from water level while we snorkel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"648\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-1024x648.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-1024x648.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-1536x972.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_2-2048x1297.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Sea Rose near sunset with golden cliffs behind her &#8211; Kato Koufonisi Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Kato_Koufonisi_6-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Leaving this stunning spot at sun-up ~ Kato Koufonisi Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We snorkeled in the waters around these haystacks for well over an hour and as night fell, boat after boat raised their anchors and moved on. It might be a little rolly here overnight but we all agreed that the view of our surroundings made it all worth whatever we had to put up with. Besides, we needed to get an early start in the morning \u2013 we could sleep underway if we needed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steve and Christy would catch an early evening ferry from\nthe main port town of Naxos, on the island of the same name, bound for Athens. Tom\nand I also wanted to tour the old town of Naxos \u2013 we had come to the Greek\nIslands on our honeymoon 27 years ago and one of our favorite memories is of\nNaxos. After saying good-bye to our friends, we would be heading south to the\nisland of Ios. Instead, of taking Sea Rose all the way up into the Naxos\nharbor, we decided to anchor off a place where we could catch a cab into the\nold town. One thing we didn\u2019t factor in was the difficulty we would have in\ngetting Steve and Christy\u2019s luggage ashore! There was an easy place to tie the\ndinghy up to but there was no easy way of having a taxi driver find us there.\nThere was a beach around the corner but there were very sharp rocks all along\nit and it seemed to be a beach for the nearby hotels. They wouldn\u2019t appreciate\nhaving a dingy left on their beach all day. So, Tom dropped Steve and the\nluggage on the beach (not an easy task) and then took Christy and I to the\nlanding on the other side of a headland where we could leave the dinghy. Uugh \u2013\nlogistics!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Tom, Christy and I were making our way over to the\nbeach, Steve hauled the luggage over the beach and to a hotel whose concierge\nwas nice enough to call us a taxi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we waited for the taxi, Tom and I thought how nice it\nwould be to stay on land for a night at a beach resort. We inquired and there\nwas a room \u2013 yippee! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There were a couple sights around the old Naxos town which\nlooked familiar, especially when we walked out a causeway connecting the town\nto an islet. However, it was so crowded with tourists and loud buses going\neverywhere that I preferred my memories to our return visit. Still, I am happy\nthat we returned. We said good-bye to Steve and Christy mid-afternoon so we\ncould get ready for our big night ashore! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_Town_1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Looking back over causeway toward old Naxos Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We taxi\u2019d back to where we had left the dinghy and packed\nour overnight bags. We decided to move Sea Rose around the corner so we could\nsee her from the hotel. Now, we again had to get bags ashore over sharp rocks \u2026\nTom took me close enough to walk the last couple meters to the beach and I\nshuttled our bags to a nearby bench to wait for him. He took the dinghy back to\nthe boat and locked it for the night. He then swam ashore and together we\nwalked into the lobby of the luxury beach resort \u2026 me dry and somewhat\npresentable and him soaking wet!&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shortly, we were settled into our lovely and very\ncomfortable room! We went to the pool and relaxed \u2026 read \u2026 swam \u2026 and ordered\nfun drinks with umbrella decorations in them. We would eat dinner that night at\nthe resort\u2019s restaurant so we didn\u2019t have to work hard for anything! What a\nfantastic belated celebration of our anniversary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>What a spot we ended up at! We are excited to celebrate our anniversary in this lovely beach resort, Finikas Beach Hotel,. Naxos Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_3-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Finikas Beach Hotel pool &#8211; notice Sea Rose anchored just off the beach &#8211; Naxos Island, Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Naxos_anniv_2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><figcaption>Beautiful sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We took our time getting around in the morning \u2026 comfy beds,\nhot showers, a house that doesn\u2019t move with each passing boat or swell, a\nbreakfast buffet made for a king. Aahhh \u2013 we better not get used to this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just before noon, we were checked out and reversing the\nprocess from the afternoon before. We carried our bags to the beach. Tom swam\nout to the boat, climbed on board, unlocked the dinghy and came in to get me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We raised our anchor with a spring in our steps. We felt so\nrelaxed and pampered after just a single night at a nice hotel. We have just\nover two weeks left of this summer\u2019s adventures. At that point, we\u2019ll be at or\nnear the island of Leros, Greece, preparing to haul Sea Rose out of the water\nfor her winter rest. For now, we pointed our bow south-southwest and began\nscanning the horizon for the island of Ios! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The last blog left off with us on the verge of practicing our meditative states as we outwaited a Meltemi wind that hammered Paros and the surrounding Cycladic islands for over a week. We were in for at least another day of 35 knots-plus winds and we were also about to welcome Steve and Christy &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/?p=2995\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Caves and Cliffs and Haystacks, Oh My! Ep. 124&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2996,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[32,164,144,55,57,172,170,36],"class_list":["post-2995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-med","tag-cruising","tag-cyclades","tag-greece","tag-lifefourpointzero","tag-mediterranean","tag-naxos","tag-paros","tag-sailing"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2995","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2995"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2995\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3100,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2995\/revisions\/3100"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2996"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2995"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2995"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lifefourpointzero.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}