Friday, September 9 – Woke up just in time to catch the sun rising over the water. Back to our hotel for a fabulous breakfast–everything homemade or locally sourced with plentiful fresh squeezed OJ and ground coffee.

Dan (yes Dan, you read that right) planned our morning agenda, a 3.5KM, 1,650 elevation hike up to a cool old monastery that overlooks the entire island. Was glad for those fitness classes when I hit that final 200 meters to the top!

Strolled around the grounds and visited the beautiful little chapel and enjoyed both the fabulous views and chatting with others who had made the trek representing multiple countries.

Once we got back to sea level we walked the 15 minutes to Kaminia and had a nice lunch overlooking its cove. Dan headed back to the hotel but I wanted to go a little further to check out Vlychos. A water taxi is available from Hydra Harbor but I am all about the walking! Only took me an additional 30 minutes or so. Beach was rocky, but water is definitely warmer than New England’s rocky beaches!

Asked our hotel host for a restaurant recommendation and he directed us to a little place tucked away down a narrow path serving traditional Greek fare. We finished the evening strolling about the harbor checking out the boats and yachts–definitely have some of the 0.1% mooring here!

Very happy we decided to spend a couple of days here, tomorrow we move on, but not until we experience one more sunrise and breakfast!