Our Environment

World Environment Day at Vathy

Today, around the world, there is an increased focus on the environment. Its World Environment Day. What does this really mean to you and me?

For me, it’s a time to reflect on how I have contributed to improving climate change educational opportunities available online since last year. It’s my aim to have freely available project material for all ages of students in a variety of formats. By the end of this month the first packages will be ready for download so I’m very excited about the progress being made whilst I am continuing my research here in the Cyclades.

One of my colleagues is involved in the management of national parks and wildlife reserves in Australia. For her it is a reminder that our climate is changing and there is a limited time to carry out research into native habitats before we need to be preparing plans of management for the changes that are already occuring.

Take some time out today to think about what World Environment Day means to you…..

World-Environment-Day-2009

Mooring in the heart of Katapola, Amorgos

From the impressive wind generation activities on Levitha we sailed to our next island call of Amorgos.

Wind was quite strong and the sea a little unfriendy although this helped us manage speeds of up to 9.2 knots. The water colour is always amazing. Here is a case in point where we dropped the anchor for a spell after a 4 hour push to Amorgos from Levitha – about 30 nautical miles. I cannot imagine the devastation that would be caused here if any environmental incident occurred.

Liquid turquoise sea color in Amorgos

Amorgos, the island of the “Deep Blue” is located at the southeastern edge of the Cyclades. It features two natural ports, Katapola at its centre and Aigiali at the north. Katapola is considered the best natural harbour of the Cyclades.
We moored in Katapola where we found a small, vibrant community. The mooring is right in the center of town as you can see. Our favorite spot for frappe and waffles is “El Greco” a mere 10 paces from the back of the boat.

On the hill above Katapola you can find the excavations of the ancient city of Minoa. They provide the thread to a continuous 3000 year existence.

The local residents are farmers as well as fishermen. Once again we have found an island that has developed itself for tourism to boost incomes. Here it has also enabled many families who had migrated to return to the island.

Sunset in Katapola with Roger Johnson from South Africa - a good guy

Rounding the south west corner of Kos

A comfortable sail from Leros brings us to Kos. Here we see the magnificant sheer cliffs that form a part of the south west corner of the island. They are about 150 to 200 meters high.

The third largest island in the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Karpathos, Kos lies between Kalimnos and Nissiros. It is mainly flat with a mountain chain running along the south coast. Famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos is also known for its lovely, gentle scenery. It is both lush and fertile, with an abundance of springs and streams, gorgeous beaches and a marvelous climate. I wonder what Hippocrates would think of his birthplace now – has the climate changed?

Kos today has developed into a cosmopolitan resort, which is becoming more and more in demand. Apart from its physical beauty, it possesses some remarkable archaeological sites and important monuments.

Today we also sailed into Ormos Kamares. This small bay is located on the South end of Kos. It offers good shelter from the Meltemi and there is a small mole to moor on to. Water is also available at the mole as well as a few tavernas where I hope to talk to the locals about changing weather patterns, particularly the Meltemi. During my sailing in the Cyclades this time last year, the Meltemi was at it strongest and most violent that many sailors I encountered could remember.

The natural arch at the end of Ormos Kamares