After the steamy preparations on Saturday were finally completed, exacerbated by lack of sleep, we sailed off to Koukounaries Bay on the south of Skiathos island.   Arrived around sunset and dropped anchor without too much fuss.  Fantastic cook-up followed and as is customary the wine, whisky and beer all came out.  So despite an immense lack of sleep we ended up with another very late and exuberant night.   So far so good.  I had not however banked on the strong gusts that were to hit us in the early hours of Sunday morning. Although we were well anchored, our swinging motion caused the anchor chain to drag over the rocky sea bottom with alarming sounds – which got me up at least three times during the night until I was convinced we were actually going nowhere and were totally secure. 

  
 Breakfast on deck was a challenging event, as the wasps wanted what we were eating which resulted in both Astrid and Dani being stung.   Later headed out on a good wind for an exhilarating 7+ knot sail across to Panormou Bay on the island of Skopolos (of Mama Mia fame).    Nice protected anchorage but in addition to the anchor we still relied on another two shore lines to stop us swinging into our neighbour.

  Took the dingy ashore to a busy taverna in the next bay  for sundowners and a stunning sunset.  Very special!    

 On our return we found that not only did the neighbouring boat have a South African flag, but they were from Cape Town, AND Craig Middleton went to Rondebosch Boys High School a few years after me.  How’s that? 
 
Unfortunately the lack of sleep on previous days did not damp everyone’s spirits, so once again it was a laaaate and noisy night.   The main reason was that it was Simones birthday at midnight so presents came out along with the champagne.  Beautiful setting to turn 50.