Photos of the trip 'oop north' (Aegean)

After saying goodbye to Lynn and G on Kalimnos we eventually departed for the Island of Leros – the main harbour at Lakki was built in a grand Art Deco style by the Italians between the wars. We liked it!

Next island was Patmos. In searing heat wed climbed to the famous, well fortified monastery of St.John there.

It’s beautiful but was mostly rammed with tourists – a quiet moment.

Leaving the Dodecanese, northwards again to the Island of Samos in the Eastern Sporades, to have Brenda’s uncle Tom join us for 2 weeks!

We together investigated the amazing 2500 year old, 1km long aqueduct tunnel built through the hill behind Pithagorian. TOO HOT in town suddenly!

We moved on to the delightful, most friendly island of the Eastern Sporades, Nisos Khios. Unique home of mastica products, so coveted by the Ottoman Turks...

...The lovely shop had some unique and delicious products

This little place on the north coast of Chios is almost completely unspoilt, as much of the property seems to be owned by Greek ship owner magnateswho like things just the way they are. A gem!

The walk west was beautiful and reminded us of Cornwall's north coast back home.

Cleaning the barnacles from between the rudder and the hull. Tom is always a most useful person to have around! 'Mr. Fixit' himself.

Next we landed on Lesvos at the rather run down southernmost town of Pserimos. Time to stock up.

The main town on the east coast of Lesvos was really hot so we moved on after a walk to the huge fort. I just liked this very positive photo!

From the fort looking over to Turkey.

We had a fair wind leaving Lesvos so kept going to Limnos - which we REALLY liked! (Myrina here also has has a fort, spectacular both during the night and day)

Myrina is the place where we had to say goodbye to Tom as he catches the ferry to Kavala. 'I'll be back!' he says.

Onwards to the Greek mainland to finally see our darling Fay, after nearly a year! (she has been working on the superyacht schooner Windrose for a whole year).

Even more beautiful!

3 days exploring the Khalkidiki region by car - Alexander the Great's home land.

Well inland, in the mountains, are small towns like this with a distinctly alpine feel.

We looked for windsurfing on the two inland lakes, but (only) stuled upon a marvellous value, restaurant with delicious food and a fabulous view.

Back in Nea Marmas, Friday is market day - time to stock up again; all this marvellous fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, local wines, olives etc we have got very use to.

We then sailed up the east coast of the middle finger of the Khalkidiki 3 peninsulas and found this REALLY cool Africafe campsite with live music on the beach that night (Saturday). A top night!

At last, somebody dares to cut my hair!!