It’s the Pits

After the storm broke we continue south to our first stop in Crete. This small resort town of Vai is unique because palm trees cover the area. The legend goes that the Roman soldiers returning from Egypt stopped over in the tranquil bay and ate dates. The pits left behind sprouted into the date grove that is there today. Oddly enough, the trees do date back to around that time. While the legend certainly adds charm to this beautiful bay, it is the natural beauty of the area that makes it so appealing. We anchored out in the bay and took the dingy into shore for a nice lunch at the restaurant on the hill. And if this was not already a piece of paradise, we found a beautiful pond teaming with pollywogs and small frogs. Thinking it would be the perfect place for Runaway, we asked around to make sure the pond didn’t dry up during the summer. We were told it was fed by a natural spring that kept it wet throughout the dry season. So we went back to the boat to get our little turtle stowaway to set him free. The little children on the beach saw what we had and soon it was like the Pied Piper leading a line of children and curious parents down to the ponds edge with the waiters from the restaurant chanting “Free Willy”. After a brief speech some photos, well wishes and the rest of a can of sardines, we let Runaway go. He knew just what to do. After a look and maybe wink to us, he dove into the water and buried himself in the algae. It was sad to see him leave us, but in our hearts, we knew it was what he really wanted. Free and safe at last. May he have a happy and prosperous life.