Chios

"Your engine she very good motor."
"Your propeller is biggggg problem, maybe."

R., having discovered that we had used twice as much fuel as expected on our trip down to Chios, that and to stop my nagging, had, to my surprise, agreed to get a mechanic to look at the engine. As luck would have it there was an engine shop right beside the marina and the owner agreed to look over the engine  so down he came with his son in tow.

Despite the fact that the mechanic was obviously impressed by our engine he changed the filters, noisily checked the revs then gave us his verdict.

" She Ok maybe not OK but I think OK."
"Can you get us a diver to look at the prop?"
"Tomorrow maybe. Today I phone."

This gave us the opportunity to explore a little of Chios. We 'did' the town, walked along the coast and explore the little streets with their beautiful houses that lead back from the sea. It was lovely as were the people. I think they were friendlier here than on any other island that we have visited in Greece. Despite being moored in something resembling a bombsite, I liked Chios very much. The town harbour was cheerful and noisy, full of small boats and large ferries coming in at regular intervals. The port police were helpful and anxious that we enjoyed our stay, in fact it was all very congenial. I could have stayed.................

Next morning the diver arrived.. This turned out to be the mechanic's son glad in bathing trunks and armed with a snorkel. He submerged himself under the boat then came up to announce it was 'very bad'. We gave him a paint scraper and after ten minutes of  hacking barnacles off the propeller he announced himself satisfied that he had done all he could.

"You pay my father not me."

When we went to settle our dues I realise why we had to deal with his father. Still for my peace of mind it was the best 100 euros we ever spent as when we next set out the exhaust was clean and clear.

We should have left for Samos the next day but a weather report promised rough seas and strong winds - wrong! We ended up staying an extra night in Chios and setting our for Samos at five o'clock on Thursday morning, two days later than planned.