Converging from 3 continents, Shane, Lillian, Eric, Lori, Jessica, Daniel, David and Manolis arrived by plane, train, bus, van, ferry, car, and boat, to meet on a small golden beach on Skiathos for a week long sailing trip in the Sporades.
A group of islands north of Athens, on the Northwestern corner of the Aegean sea, they make an ideal sailing spot for the countless beaches, few tourists, steady winds, and a surprisingly green landscape, rich in sealife, and decorated with unspoiled villages of traditional whitewashed houses.
Sailing with dolphins, swimming in deserted coves, hiking in dense forest, sleeping under the stars, napping on the catamaran's hammock, sharing fresh fish with the locals, diving for shells, climbing in search of ancient tombs, relaxing in mid-sea pulled by the boat, skipping pebbles, exploring caves, dressing up for church, strolling through port towns, and the obligatory pictures, moorings, docking, adjusting the sails and lines, quickly filled up our schedule, and the week passed by like a gentle breeze we wished could have lasted longer.
A short day with my parents in El Passo, our magical summer home near Saronida, and a day trip to Sounion concluded our short journey, and our many guests flew back after a well-deserved lamb roast, good wine, ouzo, and spirited greek dancing for all. Here are some pictures, reviving our many memories for years to come, and keeping the dreamers dreaming. Enjoy, and prepare for Kefalonia next year!
