I wake while it’s still dark to the sound of the wind howling through the hatches and the boat shuddering and creaking. From my berth it sounds like it’s a gale force, but I find out later that 25 knots isn’t considered a storm. I feel the boat rocking underneath me and I worry about becoming seasick. I’ve not had to use my Gravol yet and feel like I’ve grown into my sea legs until this morning. I decide to go above deck and upon popping my head through the main hatch, my hair is whipped around my face. I remember that I had put my towel out to dry last night and I see that its barely hanging on with half a clothes peg. Luckily I had brought in my swim suit the night before or it would be in the drink.
I carefully cross the gangplank and hop onto the dock. Even though I’m on land, it still feels like I’m moving. Fotis has decided we will stay another night in Koufonisia just to be on the safe side so we have the day to spend how we wish. For the first time this trip, there are storm clouds on the horizon and a distinct chill in the air. I bundle myself up in my sweatshirt and scarf and head off to check out the “Devil’s Eye” which is a pool of water surrounded by rock on the edge of the sea. On a calm day, you can swim in it but it doesn’t seem like the safest option today with the roiling water.
On the way back, I head to the south side of the island in hopes I can find a sheltered beach to warm up now that the sun is out. I find a shelf of rock down by the water where I can sit out in privacy and pick my way down the path. Despite having the place to myself I don’t go for the clothing optional tanning like I’ve seen on my walk this morning. Apparently its common practice to have nude sunbathers in Greece and I caught my first glimpse of an elderly gentleman’s bare ass this morning. A sight I would prefer not to repeat but I have a feeling it won’t be my last encounter with nudists while I’m here.
I spend the afternoon lounging in the sun and listening to podcasts. It’s been a very chill day and nice to recharge the batteries. We all meet back at the boat in the late afternoon and Fotis announces that we’re having a “pita party”. He will order us all gyros and they’ll be delivered to the boat so that we don’t have to go back out in the cold. After dinner a few of us play cards and although Fotis professes to not know how to play Shithead, he wins every bloody hand! Incognito card shark!
Tomorrow we should have a bit calmer weather and we’re off to Ios for a swim stop and then on to a small island off the coast of Santorini called Thirasia, where we’ll spend our last evening together. As always with holidays, the time flies and I’m a bit sad knowing that my trip is almost half over.
