Yammas, Yassou.

Cheers, Hello.

Oh I hate the goodbyes, especially with a group of swimmers that really gets what we do, gets what an amazing week we have had. Yammas, to you, my dears. That’s cheers. I send you that and more.

And now, the arrival of one of my two Hawai’ian little brothers, Kekau. He has flown ½ way around the world to join us here, his first time beyond the US, and another new waterbody for him. I set him up with Athens driver pal Dimitris, who gave him a grand whirlwind tour of Athens during his 11 hour layover there. That Kekau flew all that way and was game to explore in such a short period of time  is amazing to me. I specifically asked Dimitris to take Kekau to Cape Sounion, where sits the majestic Temple to Poseidon. To see a photo of him, a true waterman, it this ancient Greek temple to the original waterman, brings a tear to my eye.

He got here late friday night and hit the ground running with us on Saturday. Laundry, moving new provisions on board, resecuring internet, all while making sure he got a good look at this little Greek town and a good taste of its flavors. Today, Sunday, Kekau and Simon went to pick up the laundry. They had to wait another 5 minutes, and in true Richie Rome fashion spent it with an ice cream. Romesie, you have another Brother from another Mother. And we miss you and Lou every day.

And we are so grateful for Joao and Henry who have become part of our little family and are ready to care for us for another (windy) week.

Yassou our new guests. It’s blowing out there. Adventure hats on.

Welcome to Catherine & Patrick, Heather & John and Rick! All 5 of these swimmers have been with us before and it’s so great to see them again. 

We lunched on the dock instead of under way as we had steady 30+ knot winds with gusts about 45. Everyone picked their spots and Joao got us safely and smoothly across to the protection of the southern shore of Skopelos where we jumped in for a quick (not short) get to know you again swim. We headed right for the cliff and explored a small cave and noticed a man and a woman there also “exploring” the cave. Without their bathing suits on. Smushed together. Mating behavior. Tee hee! We all giggled like children and swam away.

Around the point to where it got a little bouncy and exposed. No matter, they plowed through. Back into the bay to explore the stunning rock shelf where we encountered Joao having his daily swim. He’s so graceful in the water. The sea was so clear, the rock formations so beautiful.

Two miles later, we climbed back aboard to Henry’s hot noodle soup waiting for us in glasses. The wind was chilly so it was just perfect.

Simon made some cocktails and these 5 settled right into getting to know one another. Dinner came out and these 5 fell right into easy conversation. Dessert has come and gone and they are still at it out there, gabbing in the dim. 

One thing these 5 swimmers have in common is that they all like to cover some territory, so no question my fellow guides and I will get a lot of exercise this week. We also intend to slow this pack down and get them playing. It’s what Greece wants from us.

Love,

Heather