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Epic Mediterranean Odyssey
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Epic Mediterranean Odyssey

Chasing the dream waters of the Med and beyond. Read more
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  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler

    Day 10 on board Blue Star MV Diagoras

    August 25 in Turkey

    Transit day again! Island hopping with drop off - pick up stops between Patmos (7:30pm departure yesterday) and Lemnos (ETA 1:30pm today). These ferries just seem to run continuously around these waters. The North Aegean Sea is so beautiful. Our voyage tending to hug the Turkey side of the Aegean island hopping.
    Didn’t get as much sleep as I needed. I recon in the last 48 hours- I’ve had about 3 hours. Tonight however I have my own villa style accommodation in Kalithea on Lemnos. So will be definitely having an early night. I pick up my MTB straight away after arriving in Myrina then riding to Kalithea (16km).    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 9 - Patmos

    August 24 in Greece

    Lots to tell about last night!! As Patmos was just a stopover location - arriving by ferry at 1:30am and then departing 7:30pm same day on another ferry - I didn’t pre-book accommodation. When I did look - found that there was nothing in my budget (200€+ was all that was available - as it turned out there was a cultural and musical festival on for the whole week- so all budget gigs booked out ). So decided I’d sleep rough. Without all the details that will make a good story - I was settled in for the night in a tiny church courtyard on the edge of town. 2:30am or so and a cop car turns up and 4 police confront me asking why I am here. I tell them my story - they take my details and proceed to conduct a full body search and very thorough unpacking of all my gear and belongings- they were thorough! All the while I’m explaining my current situation and future travel plans etc. In the end they were very helpful - but insisted I move on back into town. They would have given me a lift - but their car was full. So I ended up staying awake all night - chased a sunrise location and walked heaps. A vey memorable night in Patmos!!
    Seeing as I had the day free - I booked the popular local all day cruise visiting three islands with swim and snorkeling stops. Turned out to be a great decision. The cruise was fantastic. Beautiful Aegean Sea on a day that had a lovely sea breeze to keep the heat down.
    But now I have to recount my dive experiences today. Simply the best - yep I’ve hit a new high!! Our first two dives were sensational - the first for the cave dive experience and the second for its stunning location and rock formations.
    In addition we did another two swim locations and shore based activities. On the water it was such fun in the boat. The sea was rolling and we got some real movement happening with lots of splashing. Lunch was my first grilled octopus on the trip. Apparently it was sun dried for two days before grilling. It was ok - not sensational as I was hoping for. A day for remembering!!    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 8 Kos My last day here

    August 23 in Greece

    Packed up and checked out of my digs. I’ve got the day now to relax before ferry departure to Patmos at 8:30.
    So I’m hanging out at a lovely little beach swimming and keeping hydrated.
    The day was great in that I slowed it all down a bit. Wanted to get sorted in terms of checking out and being ready for the ferry. So it was relaxing.
    I loved Kos. The water, beaches, sights and liveliness - had a nice buzz to it.    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 7 Kos Island - Zia

    August 22 in Greece

    Just completed my second bike ride for the day. Well actually I’ve still got to ride back to my accommodation in Kos (14km). It’s almost 7pm and still very hot and humid. Perhaps it’s a little cooler up here in Zia. It’s a local tourist attraction for stunning sunsets. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a few nice photos. Will post when I get back to my apartment.
    Tonight is my last on Kos bringing closure to first Greek Island visit. But tomorrow brings more exciting adventures. Catching another ferry to Patmos for a night - then another ferry way up the northern Aegean to Lemnos. Another 3 night stay. I’m hoping it may be a little quieter there and perhaps cooler.
    I’ve hired a KTM 29” mountain bike for the duration - so lots of bike action. And beaches!!    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Pserimos

    August 21 in Greece

    Amazing little village and incredibly beautiful beach front. Had an hour to wonder and swim. These islands in the Aegean Sea are stunning in their natural beauty. Very barren and rocky and rugged. Sparsely populated - tourism now the big spinner for the locals.Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 6 Kos

    August 21 in Greece

    Had a pretty quiet day - was tired and dehydrated from too much walking - not enough water and not much sleep during the ferry from Athens to Kos.
    So I’ve had a beaut sleep even though the A/C didn’t work. I’ve drunk 2 litres of water overnight so must keep reminding myself to drink.
    Today hopefully will be a high point - cruise around 3 neighbouring islands stopping off for swims and sightseeing.
    Hopefully some GoPro action.    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 5 Island of Kos

    August 20 in Greece

    Overnight ferry from Athens to Kos about 13 hours including several island stops. Saw the sunrise popping out from the land in neighbouring Turkey. The waterfront is beautiful and the water is really reaching out for me.
    I recon this place is going to be awesome. I’ve got a daylong island and secluded beach tour tomorrow. Today I’ll just get my bearings and some sleep catch up.    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 4 Blue Star II Ferry to Kos

    August 19 in Greece

    Athens is done! Time for my next destination Kos - my first Greek Island. Not sure why I chose Kos. Perhaps influenced by the novel I am Pilgrim - which while it didn’t reference Kos that much - but more Bodrum in Turkey. Kos is just off the coast in the Aegean Sea. My plan is to swim in as many of the different seas across the broader Mediterranean as possible. So the Aegean will be my first.
    Today I travelled from Athens to the port city of Piraeus by train. Went well - just tap and go system with my Wyse card (Melbourne take a lesson). Had some time to spare before the ferry - but ended up just doing a lot of walking around town after securing my pack in a locker for the day (not cheap $15) but took the pressure off my back! So I’m on the ferry overnight from 6pm until 7:30am tomorrow morning. Then 3 nights stay. So looking forward to my first swim!! Really missing the water.    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 3 Athens

    August 18 in Greece

    Time to slow the pace down a little today. So no planned activities. A day to relax before my departure tomorrow to Kos. Spent the majority of the day getting lost just wondering the local area - I’m very central - so every way you turn there’s action a plenty. Must say it’s a lot quieter during the heat of the day - compared to the night. This place really comes to life at night.
    I’ve just finished my second big meal for the day and now listening to traditional Greek live entertainment.    Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day two in Athens

    August 17 in Greece

    Acropolis Museum this morning. Simply awesome!!!!! I’m having a coffee break - so decided to make time for my first post in Athens. I’ve had an incredible time. Already have seen and done so much. I’ll have to back fill yesterday - my first day in Athens. Hopefully I’ll make time tonight. This afternoon I’m walking the site of the Acropolis. It will be hot and demanding if anything like yesterday. The weather is clear and in the 30’s.Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler
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    Day 1 Athens

    August 16 in Greece

    Survived the flights and now in Athens. Went on a sunset bus tour along the beautiful coast to Cape Sounion. The high lite being Temple of Poseidon set high on the cape with incredible views.
    Got back to Athens by 10:30pm then to a local restaurant for a very late dinner and cold beer. A fantastic start.Read more

  • SaltyNickoEpic Mediterranean OdysseyTraveler

    Somers on the Mornington Peninsula Australia

    July 30 in Australia

    Before I leave for my 69 day Epic Mediterranean Odyssey (1 day for every year of my life) - I want to share with everyone my home beach in Somers on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria Australia.

    I am part of a wonderful swim community called “The Somers Salties”. We are a dedicated bunch who try to meet up daily at the crack of dawn and swim all year round. Our beach is in a large semi protected body of water called Westernport Bay. Quite often we are blessed by visits from a local pod of dolphins. In addition to swimming together - we Salties get up to all sorts of crazy but fun antics!

    My plan is to post to this site lots of photos and videos of my travels across the Mediterranean and beyond. There will be a strong emphasis on swimming.

    Here are a few of my favourite Salties photos.    Read more

    Trip start
    August 15, 2026