Nisos Patmos - much to do.

We've been on the island of Nisos Patmos for the past three days due to the Meltemi winds. These are the seasonal winds that blow constant down the Aegean Sea in the summertime. They use to begin in mid July, now it's mid June and sailors don't like them. We want to. Head north while they blow south at 25-35 knot gusts (30-40 mph). Bummer. Well at least this aint a bad place to be stuck.

With scenery such as this.

And this.

And this.

Yeah baby, we are riding this island in style. I upgraded to this orange scooter. I am now ruler of all these lands I see!

Whew! Feeling better now. And this view of yet another harbor.

And this. Anchorages everywhere.

Water everywhere.

Tomorrow we tour the Patmos castle and St. Johns Monastary. Both about a million years old. for now we get some work done on the boat and go to the beach. The castles and the original island villages are usually built at the top. It's a better location to spot pirates and have time to hide daughters and valuables.

It's tomorrow and we are closer to the castle. There is a museum with 1000 plus year old artifacts and books, but cameras are strictly forbidden so can't show you much.

Further proof I'm going straight to hell. I snuck some pictures as the place was empty. Here is a gospel from 1334/1335 on parchment. Look at the colors.

Here is the manuscript; Homilies of Gregory of Narssisus (sp?) 941 AD. Are you kidding - 1071 years ago! Hey lookie there, lightning on a sunny day, getting closer - cool!

Well Jenée is going straight to heaven because she brought a shawl to cover her shoulders - a requirement in these parts.

A view down to our harbor. It doesn't show in these photos but the winds are blowing at a constant 20 kts with waves as high as 8-10 ft. That's rather bumpy.

Taking in the sights, looking out from the Monastary entrance. The Monastary is still active with some 30 priests in residence.

There is a white painted Chora (town) all around the castle and we walk up and down stairs and on narrow streets. The place is fully populated.

We walk around until we catch this view on the backside of the castle.

We did more work including installing all new head hoses - 8 hours job. After that fun day, we are back to the beach. Here is something you don't see everyday - a goose that follows this couple all around including into the water. Turns out this nice German couple come here every day with food for the goose and it comes as soon as they do and follows them everywhere. It's actually a little possessive and threatened to bite our toes. No pictures of the couple as they were nude bathing and checked in at 500+ pounds. Excuse me while I clear my eyes with a screwdriver.

Now I'm feeling better. Jenée and I went to a secluded part of the clothing optional beach so we could sneak in and you know, do something crazy, such as, wear a bathing suit. This is a suit bought in Islamic Turkey - great style.

We had this little piece of paradise all to ourselves.

So, we decided to stroll around and show some of the scenery.

If you can see the face of the fisherman returning home you see him smiling. If I can read his mind, it's something like "and this one WEARS a bathing suit"?! Ne. (yes)

Well, we two prudish sailors decided to pack up and go over to the windward side of the island to catch a late lunch and more swimming.

Again we had the beach pretty much to ourselves, except for the topless lady over a bit. You get used to it, no biggie.

The water is clear as can be on this side with a nice little chop, good breeze.

Now Jenée is scoping out her next plan of attack.

Walking this way.

And that way.

The beach is quite rocky.

She found something.

I know what it is!

Pretty rocks! Very nice. Bye for now. Yassou.