Simi, Greece
Jerry installed that winch and it worked like a charm, so we cast off our lines and headed out into the Aegean again. We planned on stopping overnight at Ios, but after 3 tries at anchoring in a cove which was supposed to have great holding, we aborted. We could see the anchor bouncing off the hard pan.
Thirty hours later, we sailed into the beautiful bay of Panormitis, Greece on the island of Simi. Jerry always does a system check before we settle in. We were very tired because it takes two people on guard to sail between the islands and islets. Jerry did a great job of navigating, but it was a dark night with no moon or stars due to the overcast. Jerry finished his system check; Grace had run like a dream all night. He says the gate valve has dissolved and the exhaust water is running into the stuffing box; there is a vibration in the propeller. We had again done the cruiser dance-sail, sail, sail, fix, fix, fix, cha, cha, cha.
Here we were again on a remote island with only a monastery. Fortunately, it is a famous monastery to which many ferry loads of tourists come each day. We dinghied into shore to see if we could find a bus-a taxi-an anything. The ferry from Rhodes had just arrived. Jerry hates that I talk to everyone, but I headed for the ferry. Who best would know about parts? We met the engineer and soon the captain came back. He said, "Hop on. We'll take you." It was a hydrofoil with a tour group and empty seats. During the trip, the captain asked Jerry to come to the bridge. The engineer told him how he could best fix our problems. He also said he would bring the parts from Rhodes in the morning. He even came out to Grace to check Jerry's work after Jerry installed the parts.
If it weren't for all the white knight's who have saved us during our travels, we would be home in our rocking chairs giving our kids problems right now. As it is, we are just waiting for the epoxy to dry and we are off to Turkey. Less than 40 miles to go-then rest!!!
- October 19, 2004