We got up early, had a breakfast of bacon, fried potatoes, and eggs, and then headed off for our tour of the islands. It cost 60 Euros for the whole family after our hostel manager discounted the children by 50% (he didn't have to, as the discount is usually for children ten years old or younger), and we definitely got our money's worth.

First, was our descent by small bus down to the port. Heart stopping and wild, the trip was a series of hairpin curves down to a chaotic port of full of ferries, tour buses, tour boats, and cars.

We got aboard our boat ("The Albatross", # 961) and were the first group so we got excellent seats which we got to keep all day. It was a lovely deep brown wooden ship with sails (not used) and our guide spoke many languages which, in itself, was entertaining. A young couple from Hartford, Connecticut joined us at our table so it was nice to visit with them throughout the day.

The ship left the port and headed for its first stop, the old port, and then we went on to the island of Nea Kameni, a volcano which has been dormant since 1950. We cruised into the port and began an hour long hike through the National Geological Park. The site has been nominated for the World Heritage list of geological monuments and was barren of plant or human habitation. It was a hot day, but as we climbed, the wind cooled us down. There were four points along the way where we could stop and catch our breath and take a water break. Our guide, who as we said, could speak fluently in 5 or 6 languages, managed to entertain everyone with his knowledge, passion and humour. When we had finished the tour, we were astonished at how much we'd learned. When the volcano exploded in the Minoan period, pieces of it were found in Greenland! The myth of the Lost City of Atlantis may well be based on this site.

When we returned to the ship, we headed to the island of Palea Kameni and got the chance to jump into the sea and swim into a thermal bath at the foot of the youngest landform in the eastern Mediterranean. We jumped in, and, as usual, "only 50 metres" was substantially farther. However, even Margaret managed to make it to shore and enjoy the warmth. The spring had a rocky bottom and brown, iron-filled water, which reminded us of Slovakia. The shock of the experience was swimming back out to the ship. There was a 10 degree difference from hot spring to 'open' sea, so it got progressively colder as we began heading back.

Once we were back on board, we went to the island of Thirassia for a bite to eat and another swim. The final stop was the town of Oia, on the main island. Unfortunately, the only way to join the skyline was to walk up 250 stairs or ride DONKEYS. I'll let you guess which we did. Margaret's donkey kept trying to pass Tessa and Connor's donkeys. The wall between the path and the "cliff of death" was only a few feet high and Margaret's donkey, of course, chose to be next to the wall and try to pass the other donkeys on the outside.

When we got to the top, the town was every bit as lovely as it looked from below. We wandered through the narrow streets until the kids discovered a lovely restaurant with a fantastic view. We had a light supper while chatting with a couple from Washington, DC, on their honeymoon. When sunset neared, we went to the far edge of town and gathered with many locals and tourists to watch the sun go down. It was wonderful, and everyone cheered at the climax. The bus ride home was quick and when we got back, Barry and the kids had an evening swim in the hotel pool. Then it was lights out to an excellent day!