An assistant's life - part one

I have the alarm set for 07.30, so of course wake up naturally sometime between 06.00 and 07.00. Doze until 07.00 then make a cup of tea and relax reading or just chilling - maybe have a look at the forecast to see what the wind is doing - not that it is my problem, I am only the assistant - and outside to see my bit of the world.

The view from my balcony

Duties continue pretty heavily as I usually have a coffee about now before getting my kit ready at about 08.00. Put on sun screen, find a bottle of water, bring any drying in from outside, and then head down to the kafeneio for breakfast at about 8.30 - it's all go.

Kafeneio Perros

Breakfast - mainly bread and jam in my case, and lots of coffee, is a time to chat to the '6 day' paddlers who are staying in Rod's accommodation. Typically they have been to Milos before, and paddle at about 3 star standard, but can be complete beginners. During breakfast, Rod usually gives a quick briefing (is there any other sort) on the day and checks whether anyone needs additional equipment or maybe wants to try a different boat.

About 09:00 it is down to the yard with Rod to sort out which boats are going on the trailer, then back here to collect my own kit. This is here by the way:

My Room

Wander up the road to collect the car ready for 09:25, and most importantly, the towels:

Don't forget the towels

Bum's on seats are a good thing, wet bums on seats are not one of Petrinela's favourite things, and it is her car that I am driving.

The paddlers are pretty good at being ready on time, though some take rather longer than others to actually get into the vehicles, then it is off to the 'put in' beach. Usually this just amounts to following the trailer, but sometimes there are some rather more complicated pick-up arrangements for 'day trip' paddlers staying elsewhere on the island.