My fifth day of paddling saw Rod and I back at picturesque Firopotamus. Our plan was to paddle out of the bay and then left, around to Plathiena Beach where we had launched on my first paddle trip. We would then cross to the Akradhia islands off the mouth of Milos Bay.
The weather was clear and sunny for this trip, enticing us to hug the shoreline and explore the gauntlet, arches and odd sea cave or two once we rounded Cape Spilia on the very north of Milos. Rod was on a mission to find some driftwood planks to replace those washed away from his lunch spot on the smaller of the islands.
This section of coast also hosts a large purlite mine, clearly visible from the sea. After making it to Plathiena and sighting the Bears again we headed back up to Cape Ladikha before making the 1km crossing to the larger of the dramatic Akradhia islands.
It rises 250m above the sea with no safe landing spot anywhere on the island. Paddling along the east coast then left and down along the north west coast we were ale to sit in close to the base of the cliffs. Rod pointed out the large section of a fish farm washed ashore, a jumble of black plastic piping. I'd seen other remnants along the main coast of Milos earlier that day and on my first paddle. We crossed to the north coast of the smaller island before swinging around it, picking up a tail wind and larger seas.
Fortunately the tiny landing site was still viable so we pulled ashore at the base of the steep rise. Shedding our pfds and spray decks we then started the 120m climb up to the lighthouse on top of the western edge of the island. Along the way we inspected the small church and were treated to a stunning vista of Milos, Anti Milos and the larger of the Arkahdia islands. The light house is now unmanned but still operational. The interior of the main building is dilapidated but accessible.
After lunch and sunning ourselves back down by the boats we launched for the crossing back to Milos. We headed straight for Cape Spilia, using the following sea and tail wind to our advantage. The clear skies gave me good views of Kimolos and Sifnos and I could even view Serifos in the distance. Pulling back into the small bay with Firopotamus I paused to take several photos from the kayak in glorious sunlight.
Not the longest or hardest paddle of my trip but another really enjoyable day on the water.
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