Halki Closed 15/07/09

[carol]

Hi Simon, do we know if all has returned to normal with the ferries today ?

With regard to the other matter, you are being very understanding but rest assured we will deal with any further unpleasant posts.

[Deleted]

Well dealt with Simon.
Come to think of it,you do have a faint resemblance to a Buddha, specially when sitting nursing a large ale ;D

[Liz]

Sth !

[Kinygos]

The ferries ran this morning early and returned with tourists. Also some more were delivered from Rodos on larger ferries from Colonia or Akantia.
No doubt someone from these boats will post messages about doing battle with "The Cruel Sea" when they return to UK!

I think you owe me a beer Mr sth! Would that it were "Real Ale"!
My First Officer would accept one too! Hopefully they will not cost you too much more than €8.

Be prepared for tales of the sea and fishing; only the truth, for we are honest men!

[Deleted]

Fear not Liz, the old boy can take it.

[Deleted]

See what I mean, never short of a retort. I will give all due consideration to the free beer, in the course of time.

[Kinygos]

Just returned from Halki and updating the áðáãïåõôé÷ü* of 15/07/09.
Halki had been subject to violent gusts N/NW. This had a catastrophic effect on the pontoon, or “Marina”. Large motor yachts were moored on the top of the “T” with sailing yachts moored stern-on on the leg of the “T”. The windage of the motor yachts is greater than the sailing yachts. The result is:





So moving on, the reps. concerned, checked, on Tuesday, with the ferry captains for the weather conditions on Wednesday; all OK.
Wednesday morning the closure papers were issued; no discussion.
This was thought to be a bit high-handed, BUT it was a valid move because of the difficulty, or impossibility, of mooring at Kamiros Skala.
The passengers leaving on the Spiliani arrived 40 minutes late due to the weather, and some flights were missed, I stress, only some, and these were sorted out.
What can be derived from this?
Firstly, please don’t panic, this does not happen very often.
Secondly, the reps. cannot always predict a situation like this, so if you are worried you are at liberty to leave a day early and stay a night in Rhodes as your backup. This must NOT be a last minute, hysterical, panic; think ahead.
The morel is, particularly for independent travellers; have a plan “B”. This means checking out the possibilities BEFORE you go. This gives peace of mind. If you can manage to use this site, a bit of research should not be beyond you.

*Note flash use of Cyrillic script

[Kinygos]

OK Cirillic sript didn't work; not so flash!
Idiot!

[stan]

We were one of the effected parties involved in missing our flights & Kinygos is quite correct about having a Plan "B".
Although in this instance the foresight shown by the excellent "Reps" had sorted alternative arrangements before we even knew we needed A Plan "B".

One thing we did learn for any future Plan "B" is that your Flexible Friend is not as helpful as he insists, last minute bookings/arrangements require Cash! But this involved A panicking run composed stroll to the nearest ATM and all sorted.

we arrived home none the worst for wear and only two hours later than expected, with A story to relate that has grown to include missed flights, battling the elements tied to a mast and being two days adrift in an open necked shirt.

[Kinygos]

Ah, those tales of "The cruel sea", as I predicted!

Second correction to my last post: for morel (a mushroom with a distinctive honeycomb appearance) read moral (a lesson that can be derived from a story or experience)! I wrote it late at night, and the spell checker does not reject valid words.

Plan "B" possibility; the new big water taxi which can take 20 people and runs to Kamiros Skala at 18:00 taking 45 minutes for €12.50. I used it yesterday and was impressed.

I have paid at the Olympic desk with a card, but I would not rely on plastic in Greece. It seems to frighten some of them!

[lisa]

Simon
I don't think that you would ever offend any of us ladies. Now if you mentioned how many fish you catch you could offend John though!!!!

[Kinygos]

Lisa, not just quantity, look at the quality.
"Halki Fish" in Photo section for a sample!

[lauraloo]

Oh that cruel sea!!!! My parents and I were the only ones to reach Halki on 15th July - we came across on the bigger ferry (although not much bigger than usual Halki ferry) and boy did we have a journey! As the Gatwick flight was first in, we were taxied round to Mandraki and piped aboard the Spillani - buckets and macs were handed out as we boarded! (Joke!). Wow - what a journey. I've been to Halki on some rough rides before, but this one was the worst! I couldn't sit inside (feeling too queasy), so I stood on the deck and was, within 2 minutes of leaving Mandraki - totally soaked! The sea was coming right over the ferry - it was rough, but fun (once I'd got my sea legs on!). We were just grateful to reach Halki on the 15th, everyone else joined us early on the 16th. Anyhow, will report more with my ramblings of Halki over the past 2 weeks once I've unpacked my suitcase! The homeward journey (which I always hate) was made absolutely magical by 4 dolphins playing at the front of the ferry on the way back to Rhodes. They were so beautiful - will try and post photos of them once for you all to see. Anyhow, must go and start unpacking - will report again later. xx

[carol]

Lovely to hear from you Lauraloo, sounds like you had an exciting trip over, I probably would have enjoyed it but I know Graeme would definitely not have got on the ferry, thank goodness that sort of thing doesnt happen too frequently. Look forward to hearing more news when you have done all your chores ;D ;D

[Liz]

Great to hear from you Lauraloo ..look forward to hearing more about your epic adventure ;D ;D