Happy "Midsommarafton" !!! :)

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Chania, Crete, Greece, 22/6-2012

Midsummer Day in Chania, Crete...

Just to wish you all a wonderful Midsummer Day!!!("Midsommarafton" in Sweden today...)

After many hour in salty waves we enjoy our evening with a calm but ohh so cozy and funny "Midsommarafton"-celebration. Many laughs included... ;)

Here in the harbour of Chania we have two turtles (Caretta caretta) as next neighbours. It is always so nice to see their heads above the surface looking around before diving to the bottom again...

 

As normal the Mediterranean Sea is clear and blue and the water temperature is getting warmer and warmer...

However, considerably colder latitudes and waters are waiting ahead soon, very soon...

... :)

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Amorgos - Folegandros - Milos - Crete

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Chania, Crete, Greece, 13/6-2012

N35°31.123´
E024°01.144´

Sailing distance made: 8399 nautical miles

From the "Big Blue Island" -Amorgos, we continue our voyage...

... to Folegandros, a small island (about 32 square kilometres) with a totally calm and relaxed atmosphere.

There are almost no tourists here, we just meet some few hikers while walking up the hill to Chora, the "capital" of the island.

Chora is built on the edge of a 200-metre high cliff and from here you have a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea.

The sailing continues further west to Milos island.

Here, at the east coast of the island, we anchor in a small bay with crystal clear water. Our zodiac need some maintance, when this is done it is just a "must" to give the under water world a visit... :)

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One night in the small bay of Milos and we set sails again...

4 am and we are already on our way south...

About 80 nautical miles or 16 hours later, we arrive the old harbour of Chania in Crete. The old buildings are shining in the sunset light and the golden scenery gives us a picturesque welcome.

Surrounded by high mountains (up to 2456 m) and really deep waters (thousands of meters not too far from shore)... a mountain loving sea creature as me truly look forward to coming adventures... ;)

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Kalymnos - Amorgos

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Amorgos, Greece, 31/5-2012

N36°47.561´
E025°44.740´

Sailing distance made: 8191 nautical miles

Kalymnos is well known as ”The Sponge Diver Island”, but also famous for its good climbing.

Here we stay in small sheltered bays...

Great mountains, small villages and a lovely atmosphere...

... a wonderful place to explore! ;)

But it is not only the mountains that are calling for a visit...

... with other words; time to take the camera under water... :)

And also to make some test dives with our new monitor...

 
We enjoy our work in Kalymnos and so it is getting time to head further west again...

Almost 60 nautical miles later we arrive Amorgos, the island were Luc Besson´s film "The Big Blue" (Le Grand Bleu) was filmed... :)

 

There are also vampires and ghosts on the island, they say...  So far, I have not met any... But who knows what is coming for a visit after twilight... ;)

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Peaceful Nisyros

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Vathi, Kalymnos, Greece, 16/5-2012

N36°58.427´
E027°01.709´

Sailing distance made: 8089 nautical miles

The small volcanic island Nisyros is located in the Aegean sea.

With silent atmosphere and great surroundings this is a lovely  place to explore...

While many other islands are being over run by tourists, traffic and commerce, Nisyros remains as a unspoiled quiet paradise...

On the beaches, both cows and bulls are laying, spending their time enjoying the sun and salty sea breeze.

Further up in the mountains, the goats are climbing the trees and are curiously watching every step I take.

The happy pigs are energic, running around with an impressive speed and you can easily see that they are enjoying their free life.

 

From being quite shy and wild, the pigs start to become more and more curious. Well, I think they are mostly curious about Laritza... :)

Up in the mountains we visit the volcano and make some filming of the crater. Also here, the surroundings are quiet and peaceful...

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After a great stay in Nisyros, it is time to leave the small harbour of Paloi and continue our trip...
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We sail between Greek islands and a bit along the Turkish coast. Dolphins are jumping in distance, but do not come close, this time...

A great day out at sea and we finally arrive Kalymnos island, our current destination... :)

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