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Steni Vala is a very attractive inlet with its own special atmosphere. It is very sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds. In its clear waters it's easy to see fresh water filtering down from the hills into the salty sea. 

Last night a helicopter went down into the sea one mile off Skiros, we don't know what happened or if they are safe. There is a very powerful sixty-five foot rescue vessel based at Skiros, the sea is warm so if they got out we are sure they had a good chance.

31.05.2001
Anchored Ormos Kira Panayias, Pelegos Island
39.19.4N 24.03.100 East
09.00 hrs
Temp 25.5C
Baro 1015
Wind NW 2

Panayias is a wide bay on Pelegos protected from the WNW right round to the SW. Its crystal clear waters are excellent holding and make it a "must" for those with time enough to come nearly 30 miles from the bright lights and discos of Skiathos. The contrast could not be more marked. Pelegos is uninhabited and is in the "A" grade of the marine park. It's the haunt of Europe's No1 endangered species "the monk seal".
Today there are only two other yachts here and one of those we are travelling in company with. No manmade noise, no shore lights, only the bells of goats, the gentle watery lapping of the sea and the far purple blue shapes of Alonnisos and Peristera in the distance. The seabed here is a type of shale and clay. Yesterday evening we watched an octopus stalk its pray as it traversed under the boat some 5 metres below us. As it passed over the rocks its colour instantly changed to match.
We expect to return here over the next six weeks so we will survey all the anchorages here for future use.