Tilos Sea Star - starring no more?

Tilos Sea Star in Symi, June 2011

Having just recently returned from two wonderful weeks on the Dodecanese island of Halki (a post on this will follow in the future) I was surprised to see no sign of the fast catamaran Tilos Sea Star. Taking the day trip to Nisyros, we twice called in at Livadia harbour on Tilos with no sign of the Sea Star.

Curious, I did some research on the internet and it seems that the Sea Star service was unprofitable and has been sold. I cannot verify this, but certainly it is not running a 2015 schedule. A marine traffic website shows her current position as Rhodes with no recent movements logged.

Built in 1989 in Norway, the ship was purchased by the municipality of Tilos island and commenced service in 2000. I travelled to and from the island aboard Sea Star in 2006 and saw her a number of other times whilst visiting other islands -the last being at Symi in 2011 (pictured).

It's sad to think we'll not be seeing the Sea Star again (if my information is correct). At least not in the Tilos livery (though she may well re-appear in a new guise in the future). If it seems silly to be nostalgic or sad about the demise of a ferry service it needs to be remembered just how integral to visiting small Greek islands these vessels are. They are the start of your new adventure as you arrive in the island harbour and also the setting for your departure as you watch your chosen island fade into the distance.

If you are considering a holiday on Tilos do not worry -there are still other ferry services available (principally the Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran Dodekanisos Express and Blue Star Ferries massive ferry Diagoras). Still, I'll miss seeing the Sea Star when in the Dodecanese. Regards, David.

Lefkada (Ionian):

Approaching Nidri on the car ferry

As a companion piece to my last posting on Meganissi here's a post about a day trip made in 2008 to the nearby island of Lefkada (Lefkas) to see the Ronies waterfalls near Nydri.
Arriving at the port/town of Nydri (Nidri) after the short ferry trip from Meganissi you are met with a busy harbour front lined with tavernas and shops.

Ronies waterfalls on Lefkada

To get to the falls head back through the town away from the harbour until you reach the modern looking ring road. Now, I had to turn right and follow the road for around 10 minutes or so (though this is going to depend on where you initially joined it). There is then a smaller road on the left which is the one you want. Hopefully, it will be signposted either for the waterfalls or the village of Rachi which is near the falls.

Ronies waterfalls near Nidri

This is a lovely walk through nice countryside. As you near the falls note the dry river bed to your right (well, it was dry in August). The gorge up to the falls is signposted welcoming you to the waterfalls "Ronies". Some sources refer to them as the Dimossari waterfalls -don't worry it's the same place!
When you reach the top of the gorge there are a number of pools and lagoons of water fed by the stream of water coming down the cliff face. Don't be disappointed, this is unlikely to be a vast cascade of water (not in the Summer at least) but all the same it's a novelty to see running water. Some people took the opportunity to cool off by paddling in the pools. Just be aware that there are frogs swimming about in them as well. There was also a bat hanging under the rocks which periodically went for a fly around.
As you head back down the gorge there is a taverna where you can stop for a drink or meal before your walk back to Nydri.
You should probaly allow around 45 -60 minutes for this walk (harbour to falls) and
I certainly thought it was well worth the effort. Regards, David.

Alonissos shipping:

Achilleas ferry docked at Patitiri

Oe of the fascinating things for me on Greek islands is watching the endless coming and going of shipping of all kinds. Ferries, in particular, always create a stir as people and vehicles gather on the quayside as the time of arrival approaches.

Cargo ship Ioanna Chrisoula at Patitiri

In these pictures you see the Skyros Shipping Company ferry Achilleas docked at Patitiri harbour. This was making several trips a week between Alonissos and Skopelos and its home island of Skyros during my June visit. This opens up the possibility of a trip to Skyros, though you would need to stay there for a few days before your return. I didn't see this ship when I previously visited in September so I am guessing it may only run during the peak season.
The second ship is the cargo supply vessel Ioanna Chrisoula which operates out of the mainland port of Volos -bringing supplies and cargo to the various Sporades islands.

Hellenic Seaways Flying Cat 5 catamaran ferry

Finally, we have the Hellenic Seaways fast catamaran ferry Flying Cat 5 moored at Patiri. This image is from 2012 when it had this vivid red Vodaphone livery. When I returned in 2013 this had changed to the green livery of Greek telecommunications company Cosmote. Personally I would recommend the journey on the slightly slower regular ferries Express Skiathos and Express Pegasus (also operated by Hellenic Seaways) as you can be out in the fresh air and enjoy the view during the journey. The Cats do have a small outside area at the rear (upstairs) which the crew may let you out on while docked -you'll be ushered back inside
once under way.
A useful tip for anyone interested in ships and shipping is to note the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) number of the ship (it's painted on somewhere). Then just search that number on the internet to get the ships history and details -always useful for photo captions. Ship Spotters can even get real time details of its current location and destination! Regards, David.