Modern Vespa

Ever wonder what life on a Greek Island involves? Sometimes it's not always sunning oneself on the beach. Here's a video from yesterday of a ferry making it's sail between Mykonos and Tinos, 30 miles north of us. The ferries are the islands' life line for both passenger travel and cargo, and at times they perform that function quite heroically.


http://www.cyclades24.gr/index.php/component/k2/item/8806-vlue-star-ithaki-kimata-video

Having spent a lot of time at sea during typhoons and hurricanes, I don't envy the crew of that ferry (or the passengers) the misery they endured in that crossing. Aside from sea sickness, there is a serious risk of injury/death from falls (or unsecured objects) or even being washed overboard if lifelines and safety harnesses fail.

That said, I'm still hoping that at some point, Israel will be re-added to the regular routes of the various ferry companies that ply the eastern med. I'd risk sea sickness on a rough crossing to be able to take my scoot on a vacation to the Greek isles. (and yes, I know we could rent scooters there... but arriving with your own transportation can be the difference between a costly and cheap vacation).

I'd suggest you price out rentals here, Trepp. 125s can be readily had for 20 Euro/day without a "friend" to negotiate a discount. Since the speed limits in the bulk of the islands do not in any way approach "highway" speeds, a 125 is more than sufficient.

So, don't wait for ferry service!

That was wild!

Yes, I'm hoping we can schedule a day of weather like that for the 2014 Greek Islands Rally, to add just another touch of excitement.

Thanks for posting the video. The worst we have ever had to endure in our small boat was 6 foot seas in 28 kts, and I hope to never see conditions like that again. Molly (the boat) did just fine, and she seemed to enjoy it, so only the crew got punished!

Obviously if we're just talking about the cost of rental, I know there are deals to be had. My point was that a direct ferry to the islands (with the ability to bring my scooter) as opposed flights to athens, ferry to the islands and then renting a scooter (my wife is a scooter passenger, not a driver)... and the cost difference is significant.

I'm not optimistic about the reinstatement of Haifa on the ferry routes... it was more of a daydream than a real hope.

Make sure to order up a little of that for us Al.

I remember sailing for four days through the bay of biscay in December on the Gorch Fock. We dove through about every third wave. We emerged on the other side without our figurehead, it is now in Davy Jones locker.