Kythnos
Teddy Spencer’s Lucky Day started in a calm bay on the west side of the island of Kythnos. Panorama anchored here as the tenth and final Cycladic island that we would visit in this action-packed week of great weather and exciting opportunities. Our final morning aboard would be devoted to relaxation and reflection, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. One special guest, Teddy Spencer, has been helping the expedition leader as safety assistant on the kayak patrol watch-boat, and with today’s perfect weather there were sure to be a lot of kayaks and swimmers in this lonely bay. The bay at Kythnos actually has a double-sided beach – two for the price of one – because there is a large tombola that creates a sheltered anchorage. Tombola is an island that has been connected to land by a narrow sand spit created from passing currents, and it makes for a perfect beach and kayak launch area.
With many swimmers in the water and hikers following the goats and trails up the hillsides, the kayakers launched and kayak patrol assistant Teddy Spencer watched closely to see if kayakers seemed Calm, Confident, and in Control as they set out. If there was any question, Teddy signaled a comforting “Okay” safety signal, waiting for the delighted reply of the reassured kayakers. One of the important duties of the safety boat is keeping all kayaks in sight and accounted for, and Teddy gave frequent confirmations when kayaks poked into small inlets or caves and out of momentary sight. It was a fine morning, and the expedition leader and his kayak patrol assistant were very happy when they had their turn to finally jump in the Mediterranean water. “Ted in the Med” was a delight for everyone.
After lunch we weighed anchor and departed for the mainland and our return to the port of Piraeus. Michelle Graves gave an excellent overview of Mediterranean physical geography, before we passed under the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion to give thanks for a week of amicable seas. We passed in front of the city of Athens during our Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party, and during the Farewell Dinner the hotel manager Yiannis brought out a cake to commemorate Teddy Spencer’s Lucky Day on the last day of our lucky voyage. Who could have imagined that Teddy would get his surprise wish by meeting Captain Mark Graves, who arrived to the ship early and met him in the dining room. What a Lucky Day!
