Friday Finally Calm.

Finally, calm. The wind slowed to a gentle breeze. We did a good job tucking in to hidey holes this week and so our guests barely knew how windy it was, but it sure was a relief to wake to still waters. And so, to Dasia Skopelou, an island we like to swim around when the conditions allow. What a perfect beautiful morning. Glassy water, crystal clear. A cave, a cut, a tunnel! Please please can we do it again they said? Yes! We went through the tunnel and around the point three times. Totally fun. Managed to make a 1.5 mile swim into a 2 mile adventure. 

We were on a deadline because we had to be at the dock on Skiathos by 3pm. So we hit one more island on the way in and I jumped in with my big camera and we had fun making pics in the beautiful turtle grasses and clear blue. A little chilled, we downed Henry’s home made hot chocolate on climbing aboard.

Into port with us, the gang hung around on the bow and Henry put out some lovely appys, Simon made a final cocktail and I could really feel the bond of this week on them all. Henry put out his finest meal yet - a lovely plated salmon with potato mash and incredible salad. Apple crisp finished us for dessert. 

Skipper Joao and Chef Henry stepped into big big shoes this year and both made this trip smooth and delicious. Our SwimVacation family is growing, as are our hearts. At the center of our hearts will always be Richie & Lou Lou, without whom we wouldn’t even be loving Greek shorelines the way we do. 

Joao, your seamanship and humor kept us moving, safe and laughing, and your poetry added a layer of special to our time with you. Henry, it has been a delicious joy watching you get better every day, every meal. And to hear from you that you love the job is just icing on a chocolate rolly poly. 

Simon, Greece would not be the same experience for me without you and your boundless enthusiasm for exploring shorelines and play. You have found all of our favorite spots, and I have learned that when you come to me with a pin on google maps, pull the anchor, it’s time to go see. 

Kekau, watching you discover a new country, new water and new new new everything has been such an honor and joy. You have spent every minute of your time in Greece eating it up and living wide open. I’m so thrilled you’ve joined us out here.

To our fantastic guests Heather & John, Catherine & Patrick and sweet swim-through Rick, thank you for joining us, swimming us, playing with us and soaking it all in. You are why we do this thing.

Hopper, thanks for this crazy idea. 

I write this final Greece blog post while sitting on a beautiful Gulet off the coast of Turkiye. Transitions are always a little hard for me, even the very best ones. And did you know you can feel two things (or more) at once? That I can so acutely miss the Greek Aegean and the people I had fun with playing in it  while simultaneously being so excited for the Turkish swimming adventure ahead is enough to make my head and heart spin. What a life.

Efcharisto Greece, see you next year. Merhaba Turkiye! I can’t wait to see what you’ve got to say this week.

Love,

Heather