The Meltemi was crazy and we needed to keep ahead of it. Gusts were 40-50 and higher and if we stopped we would be stopped in a marina for 2-3 weeks until a gap opened up. So, we needed to go west and be up before dawn each morning to head off before the wind built.

Half way across the Agean, where the fetch was greatest (waves pushed higher by strong winds. the longer the distance at sea the bigger the waves) exists a small island inhabited by a single family of 5 who has been living there for 7 generations. The total area of the island is 9.2 square kilometers (4 sq mi) and its total coast line length is 34 kilometers (21 miles). When we went into the lee of the island at the end of a days sailing we found a small crack in the southern coast at led us to a beautiful sheltered harbor with 12 mooring balls ready to tie onto. Most were taken, but one was reserved with our name on it. What a relief!

We tied on and put another safety line on and then went for a much deserved refreshing swim. The phrase ‘safe harbor’ really takes on a different meaning when you really need one.

A quick dinghy ride ashore and up the hill to the families little restaurant by their small family home. Fresh fish, grilled lamb, fresh salads. Yummy.

Levitha is so far out that there was no cell service, so we couldn’t check the weather forecasts but we slept very soundly that night knowing that we were protected.