The winds picked up today, gusts starting thing morning. A bit cooler but still warm in the sun.
Did not slow us down though, this afternoon we took a cruise on the Thalassa, a replica of the kind of Santorini sailing boats that were used during the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. First stop was the island of Nea Kammeni and a hike to the top of the volcano. Quite a view from the center of the caldera. Whoever thought this would be a relaxing vacation was wrong… Between the hike and the wind we got quite the workout. We were given a little history of Santorini eruptions while we were there a found out that the island of Nea Kammeni was not the volcano that blew the island apart 3600 years ago but a newer one that only made itself known 300-400 years ago. The one that destroyed the island is farther north near the village of Armeni. It is the more dangerous of the two and expected to cause quite a bit of destruction the next time it erupts, more that the volcano that created Nea Kammeni. But this is expected to be a long was off and other changes are coming; Nea Kammeni is growing and is expected to fill the water filled caldera of Santorini in 300 years. So plan your visit soon!
Next we sailed over to another island, Palaia Kameni for a swim in waters heated by the volcano. A wee bit of the sulfur smell was in the air… There was a bit of a current due to the wind and the distance was a bit farther than we expected. Sydney was game and swam with us across what was for her a slightly intimidating distance of open water. A real trouper she was, keeping her cool and following directions that we gave her. The springs were a relaxing to be in after the hike and swim. Sydney did great through the whole swim, her parents are quite proud of her for taking on this task and keeping her head.
Off next to a stop off the the town of Thirasia and more swimming in some of the bluest waters around, this time only for dad. The hike and swim wore Sydney, Kim and many others out. After pausing to watch the sunset we were back in Fira (the port) and quickly the hotel, all exhausted. Quite the workout today! A nod to the crew of the Thalassa, a great cruise and they kept it entertaining and educational.
Sailing from Fira on the Thalassa
Sydney and the Blustery Day
The island of Palaia Kameni from the island of Nea Kammeni.
The hot springs at Palaia Kameni.
The red, white and blue….
Sydney and Kim on the Thalassa
The captain guiding the Thalassa.
A fellow boat at sunset.
