Expedition aims
We aim to circumnavigate
Kimolos and Poliegos Islands, a distance of approximately 75km in 4 days. This equates to about 4 hours paddling per day, leaving
plenty of time for exploring, skills practice, swimming or snorkeling,
hiking, relaxing and to set up and break camp.
Expedition plan
The
advertised dates comprises 4 full
days for the expedition. The expedition
will begin and end in Pollonia, on Milos. The direction of
travel will depend on the conditions, on day one, as well as the forecast.
Maps
Laminated A4 maps, will be
provided. See
Kimolos map and
Poliegos map
Required paddling experience
Some paddling experience is required, though not necessary on the
sea. You should have enough stamina to paddle up to 20km per day. You should be comfortable with the idea of paddling in
moderate wind and waves, as challenging conditions are likely on some
of the days.
Arrival and departure dates to/from Milos
The advertised dates include 4 full paddling days. You
must arrive in Milos on the day before the first paddling day
(or earlier). You
can book your departure from Milos the day after the last paddling day (or
later). B&B for your arrival and last nights at
Petrinela's
Guesthouse, is included in the cost.
If you wish to extend your stay on Milos, extra
nights can be booked at
Petrinela's
Guesthouse, or elsewhere if you prefer. If you would like to
paddle extra days,
day-trips will be running
on most days, before and after the expedition. There is a 20%
discount on the normal day-trip price for expeditioneers.
Camping
Camping will be wild, on or near beaches. Most are
remote and there are no facilities, not even water.
Tents are recommended, although there is only a remote possibility of rain, as there will be a
heavy due. Most nights we will have a campfire.
Food
The expedition is self catering.
You must buy and prepare your own meals. We must carry all our food and
water for the entire trip. Advice will be given
on arrival day as to what is available and from where.
There may be a chance to resupply, but this will depend on the expedition
plan (see above). There is also the possibility of a restaurant
meal.
Stoves and fuel
Metholated spirits, unleaded
petrol, White gas (Kerosene), camping gaz and screw-on gas cannisters
are available. I also have some gas stoves for loan to save you
bringing your own.
Weather
For a month by month comparison of weather
statistics in the Cyclades see the
Milos weather table.
What to wear
For
paddling, shorts and a shirt will be sufficient on most days. A
cagoule (waterproof jacket) may be required if its windy or
overcast. Cold weather paddling gear, (wetsuits, drysuits, etc) are not
required.
See a complete
packing list
Skills development
There will be a strong
emphasis on development of personal and group
expedition skills, in areas such as:
expedition planning and safety;
route
planning and navigation;
paddling in wind and waves from all
directions;
loading a sea kayak,
and;
Campcraft.
