Panormitis

18th June 2011 – Panormitis

We were up early and I went for a walk through town and around to the only beach, before returning to the boat to get organized for our sail today to Panormitis.

The fisherman returned from their catch in Symi

The water man appeared with a key to the padlock on the tap and we topped up our water tank . Went to the bakery to get fresh bread, and were ready to cast off at 9am.

This time “Pamina Blue” and “Xenia” both snagged anchor chains from other boats and had to clear them before they could leave the harbor. We had a trouble free exit. The wind was light, so we motor sailed all the way, about 20nm in total.

Panormitis is a lovely little village which revolves around the Monastery of the Archangel Michael, a place of pilgrimage for sailors. We anchored in the bay and had a swim before going ashore in our dinghy (it was the first time it had been off the deck). There is a restaurant, a bakery and pretty much everything revolves around the monastery, which is very well kept. The scenery is great and the water crystal clear.

Xenia at anchor with the monastery in the background

Pamina Blue at anchor in Panormitis

Swimming off the back of Xenia

View from inside the monastery compound

Courtyard in the monastery compound

Shoreline view of the monastery

We decided we would eat on board tonight and the girls cooked an excellent pasta dish, and a very tasty mushroom side dish. “Xenia” crew also ate on board, whilst the “Pamina Blue” crew ventured ashore to try the local restaurant, which they later reported served very good food. We were a bit worried they wouldn’t make it back to their boat, as the dinghy was deflating and they had little freeboard, but made it home safely.

Joy serving up the pasta

Sunset view of Xenia and the monastery

The crew from Pamina Blue on their way to dinner

Tomorrows plan is to go to the island of Tilos, around 22nm west of Symi.