Poliegos & Sifnos
Early this morning the Panorama left the dock in the main port of Adamas on Milos Island heading for our morning anchorage off the small Cycladic island of Poliegos. We would be spending the morning exploring both land and sea. The early morning would be dedicated to a long exercise walk in search of vistas, while another group of us explored the world under foot; in other words, closer examination of the unusual and diverse botanical world, that is part of the Greek islands. The long hikers headed up over rocky terrain covered with a large population of small spiny shrubs. Poliegos Island was our second visit to a volcanic island and the long hike wound its way up and along a spectacular display of colorful cliffs of eroded compacted volcanic ash.
A second group wanting to explore the botanical world of a small Cycladic island were dropped off on a beach slightly north of the long hikers starting point and just behind the beach the rich world of Greece’s botanical world opened up for everyone! Wild rockrose and Myrtle presented us with flowers within minutes and as we moved inland the aroma of familiar plants filled the air. Lavender and thyme scented each step, and as we began to look closer, we could see the bees working hard, particularly on the thyme.
In the late morning, everyone was ferried to another small, protected beach for a chance to swim and snorkel. The beach was encased in cliffs of compacted volcanic ash protecting us all from the continued strong northerly winds. The clear deep blue of the Aegean Sea called to us, and shortly many of us were enjoying either a relaxing swim or snorkel in the healing salt water that adds to the beauty of the Cycladic Islands of Greece. All too soon it was time to return to the Panorama and begin our journey towards our afternoon destination.
Just two hours to our west, we would be coming into the protected harbor of Kamares on the southeast portion of Sifnos Island. Like many of the Cycladic islands, the harbors are the entries or gateways to the islands, while the villages are perched on the mountaintops. At approximately 4:00pm we boarded busses and headed for the village of Kastro. Guided by Ellie and Stella we wandered through white washed buildings encased in narrow alleyways with buildings of several stories, all constructed to head up to the center of this island mountaintop. It was a photographer’s paradise with each corner turned, providing yet another interesting photo of shadows and angles.
After circling this tiny village we returned to our waiting busses and headed out for a surprise visit to the most southern end of the island. There built on the very tip of land was the church of Chryssopigi dedicated to the Virgin Mary the source of life. This very well known church was built in the middle of the 17th century and the stories about its construction are filled with pirates and earthquakes! It was safe to say that it is a pilgrimage site for many Greeks and today it was ours to enjoy. A caretaker had been called and was waiting for us as we approached over a small bridge, up through the main courtyard, past the bell tower and into the quiet entrance. Many old icons decorated the walls and once again Ellie and Stella regaled us with the history of this unusual and beautiful Greek Church. As if only a moment had passed, it was time to leave the peace of this place and return by bus to the waiting Panorama waiting at the dock in Kamares. We remained in the shelter of this port for the evening, and after dinner many guests of the Panorama took time to explore one of the smallest ports of Greece. As is true for most of the country, once the afternoon siesta was over, the town came back to life. Many families were out having dinner, a coffee or a drink in the local tavernas or just taking the time, as we were, to enjoy a leisurely walk along the water in the cool evening air. Indeed, a wonderful and relaxing way to finish a day full of exploration of land, people and the Greek culture; just as has been done for many thousands of years in the southern end of the Balkan peninsula in the land of Greece.
