| Early Sunday, September 24, we departed Bodrum en route to Marmaris, anchoring overnight in Panormitis at the southern end of the Greek island of Symi, a sail of 47 nautical miles. Here in this small bay lay the Monastery of Archangel Michael of Panormitis, the second most important monastery in the Dodecanese after that of St. John of Patmos. St. Michael was the patron saint of Symi and protector of sailors, and this church contained treasured icons. As people came here from all over Greece, this monastery had accommodations for up to 500 guests. Except during the hours each day when tourists came by the boatload, this monastery exuded perfect peace and tranquility. It was during this time that we visited the grounds Monday morning. We headed out the bay toward Marmaris, 39 nautical miles away, just as the tour boats were arriving. By nightfall we were back in Marmaris, having enjoyed 5 weeks along the Carian coast. Our arrival marked the end of our summer cruising. |
