Left Nisiros early, before dawn. Had a spectacular sunrise with the moon and the commet. Smooth sailing day, actually mostly motoring (though we did get to shut down the engine a couple times). We made great time and had crossed 40 miles when we docked at Skala.
The afternoon was spent walking around town, topping off the water and diesel tanks, and some minor cleaning. Bill and I dropped the dingy in the water and motored over to an adjacent bay for some snorkeling. Unfortunately the diving was lousy. Beautiful clear water, but only a few small fish, some sea urchins, and a few sponges. The highlight was a four or five foot eel, black with bright yellow spots.
After returning to the boat Bill and I hiked up to the crumbling castle above the town. It was a huge fortress with evidence of serveral different ages (big shaped stones, small mortored stones, ornate columns, Greek orthadox churches). We explored the ruins, watched the sunset, found are way back to the boat, and had a great dinner on the beach in town.
