The Northern Tip of Kalymnos

With a very doldrum forecast for both sea state and wind we decided to tackle the remotest part of the island. From Emborios right around to the most northerly tip - Akrotirio Tilos. After a few beaches there was no place to land and no walk out. To be honest due to the flat conditions and no wind it was quite an easy journey, both there and back. We had amazing views of Leros and for a brief moment was tempted to cross, a few strong gusts from the west soon put that thought to bed, though we needed not worry as the breezes subsided as quickly as they appeared. A simple journey in hot, benign conditions, 13 km covered.

Palionisos, Kalymnos

Thankfully again the winds have subsided here on Kalymnos which means we can get to paddle for the remainder of our trip. We'd identified a really featured coastline on the east coast below Palionisos a place we launched from last week, albeit we headed north that time. Today we got to paddle south, not a huge trip, 6km out and 6km back but it didn't disappoint. Caves, isolated beaches only accessible by boat and goat and Chrystal clear waters.

Vlychadia, Kalymnos

Today we travelled to Vlychadia on the south coast of Kalymnos, the winds have picked up a bit. On our first attempt to access some of the isolated beaches we were beaten back by the head winds. But eventually it settled and we made progress to an amazing cove. After a couple of hours of swimming and snorkelling on our own beach we headed back, the down winding was absolutely awesome. We moored the boards under a bar for lunch, it meant a swim ashore and then again to retrieve them... The warmth and greeting from the owner of the bar was immense, this place is beautiful, the people even more so.... Two days of strong winds ahead of us, it will be nice to chill a bit and do a little touristing

North East Kalymnos

We were supposed to be having a gentler day after doing 16kms yesterday. We chose a journey on the north east side of Kalymnos, leaving a south facing bay and working our way up the coast to a north facing bay. We had headwinds on the way out and the sea was quite lumpy. It was a bit of a grind to be honest but we finally got to our destination. The breezes dropped away and we returned keeping out to sea, with just a tiny bit of wind assist. The sea state calmed somewhat and it was wonderful running an open sea on our feet. 20kms covered in 30 plus degree heat.. The food back at the beach bar was very much appreciated..

The Circumnavigation of Telendos

Our hotel sits across the sound from Telendos, a small island across from Kalymnos. Today we launched from our nearest beach and crossed the sound, ultimately circumnavigating the island in a clockwise direction. A good 16 kms covered, as we approached the end of the journey we stopped for lunch at a lovely cafe bar prior to re-crossing the channel back to the mainland.. Holiday days don't get better than this.

 

Vathys , Kalymnos

With the terribly sad news of the Queen passing we wanted to be away from the crowds on Friday so we could be alone with our thoughts. With that in mind we got up early and headed to the east side of Kalymnos, specifically to a pretty little port called Rina, Vathys. Here we pumped up the boards before the heat set in and headed out of this natural harbour. It wasn't long before we were discovering beautiful little isolated beaches that can only be accessed from the sea. An amazing day, after our journey we found a little cafe bar on the front, staying here for several hours just chilling and having amazing food. The local people are just so nice..

First Paddle in Kalymnos

The Meltemi winds have subsided enough today here on Kalymnos, Greece, for us to get the paddle boards out. Not a long journey as we had to be cautious, these winds blow up very quickly but still a very pleasant day on the water. After lunch we simply based ourselves on a small beach with an amazing little bar, lots of swimming and fooling around on the boards too.

Filey in the Sea Fret

An odd day yesterday, sadly spoilt by a little sea fret. We were hoping on a journey behind the Brigg but it soon became obvious this wasn't to be, winds were way stronger than predicted and visibility was poor. We played in the bay, the sun even shone for a little while and we nattered with our sea kayak mates, then the mist descended again. After approaching a couple of people on SUPs and advising them that disappearing off into the fret without leashes and buoyance aids really wasn't a good idea and demanding they head back to shore we headed in ourselves...jeez the mentality of some people... Wonderful to spend a little time with Jacqui on the sea.

A Run Up the River with Rudi and Jacqui

A quick run up the river with Jacqui and Rudi , jeez these ladies can paddle...

Humber Bridge to Kilnsea

A journey we have done many times, what should have been a simple but long trip turned into a real grind. Forecast was for southerly breezes with a touch of westerly in it. The westerly never materialised and instead what we had was a touch of easterly, just what you don't want for this journey. To add to this the seven metre tide just didn't really assist as well as it should have, maybe due to the high pressure system. Fi, Glenn and Dave did bloody brilliantly and took the conditions on the chin. We ran out of tide coming up the seaward side of Spurn but the group ploughed on.. I think we are all pretty knackered right now...

Wilfholme to Hempholme on the SUPs

A couple of hours on the river with Fi tonight, nice to have a little work out. Wilfholme to Hempholme and return. Wildlife of interest included marsh harrier, three kingfishers, egrets, buzzards, oyster catchers, warblers, buntings and many, many damselflies..

The Farne Islands

 A lovely day circumnavigating one of our favourite places.