The Franklin / Rudram Dodecanese Flotilla.

 This was the longost passage of the holiday. The wind was on the fore quarter approximately force 6 and the sea was moderate.  To ensure we got to the evening destiantion in time once we were in open water we motored all the way. Approach to the harbour was straight forward but had to stay in channel with enough depth. When moored we were able to have a proper shower.  As the following day was a free sailing day we deciced to opt out of sailing and instead rent a car and explore the island. Went swimming and had a drink in pleasent beach bar.  Team meal again in Ellini's a pleasent  harbour side restautrent. The advantage of holidaying in Seprtember was that the islands were peaceful and plenty of room. We visited the volcanoes on the island getting there before the cruise boat crowds and then walked up to the old castle bfore going into the main town and having a short walk around the streets and harbour.

 The passage from Panormitis to Pedi around the tip of Symi was relatively short at 15 nm. Once moored we had the flotilla beach party which was actually a Quay party. Yvet had done us proud and a good time was had be all.  Angelo briefed us for the next days sailing to Niseros.  2 Liz and I then took the bus into the town  We had an amble around the harbour looking at the Turkish registered but probably Russian owned. A fun ride back to Pedi onthe bus.

 The get to know the rest of the flotilla members punch party on the Quay at Lavidia wS followed by a group supper. On the following morning we were briefed on the 26nm passage to Symi. This was another session of copy water and variable strong wind. We resigned ourselves to motoring all the way. The destination port was . Pandamitis with a working monastery making the most of the tourist trade. We ate in the only restaurant for the punters and found it surpassedall our expectations with prompt service ice and an extensive menu. Having eve tray eaten two and half hours later we talked to our fellow travellers who were not rushing to award 5 stars on trip adviser 

 Saturday and with ride taxi to correct Kos  marina we found d Saltshaker amongst loads of other yachts. We were duly briefed a d introduced to the workings of our boat.  Stowed our luggage we had super in the marina cafe. The foowing morning we were briefed by Angelo and Yvette we had a long passage to make to Tilos of 30kn. This was something of a learning  curve with a group d swell producing a moderate sea and a 10kn wind on the port beam.  We concluded that while raising the main sail was possible to lower it was a challenge to far for short individuals.  In fact the boat really required a crew of six plus footers.

 Left Lyndale at 03.00 hours, Easyjet flight on time and no problems . Arrived at Kos Airport just after 12.00 local time. The next town bus was at 14.15 so queued for taxi and finally made it to The Costa Palace Hotel. After a couple of drinks on hotel terrace we did a short exploratory trek around some of Kos town. We ate in small cafe before searching for the Seafarer fleet in the harbour. This was  NRs first cock up we had based ourselves at the wrong harbour the yacht marina was around 2 km away.  We managed to contact Yvette the flotilla first mate and arrange to drop off our cases in the morning.