I had just landed Athens, Greece from an extended stay in Canada less than 24-hours earlier and was completely exhausted. I wanted to sleep, but my family had made other plans. They organized a reunion-style trip on Hydra Island after a long pandemic year and a half apart and I didn’t have the heart to say no to it. Besides, my timing in Hydra would coincide with a rare seasonal blue moon of August 2021.
A seasonal blue moon is the third single full moon in a month that occurs between the solstice and equinox, or the other way around (versus a ‘regular’ blue moon that’s a second full moon within the same calendar month). Just like the phrase “once in a blue moon” denotes something of rarity, a seasonal blue moon only happens once every two to three years (the next will occur in August 2023). Growing up, I remember my grandmother often listening to Elvis Presley’s version of the song, and the lyrics always stuck with me.
Don’t be in the dark about where the moon will rise
It’s about a three-hour drive by car from Athens to the town of Metochi, from where you can take a water taxi across the blue watery straight to the little island of Hydra – famous for its pretty main port, bougainvillea-strewn pathways, and furry donkeys used for transport since the island has no roads or cars. It’s combination of proximity to Athens and high level of charm makes the island a favorite destination spot for a quick visit and taste of Greek island culture.
While en route, I used a mobile photography app, like Photo Ephemeris, to plan the trajectory of the moon rise for that night. Thus, I knew exactly where the moon would appear on the horizon – it would be on the back side of the island and out over the sea – which in this case meant that I’d only be able to see it by climbing up to the ridge line. I decided that Eros peak, the highest point on the island, was the best vantage point from which to watch the blue moon rise. And there’d be a photographic rocky and rugged precipice with 600 meter drop to the sea in the foreground.
Head to Eros peak for the best views on the island
Most visitors that come to the island are happy with swimming at the beaches on the northern shore and shopping and merrymaking in port – and they should be because it’s a beautiful, warm, and wonderful place to pass the time. But there’s more nature and adventure to quaint Hydra than first meets the eye. It just requires a little motivation to venture beyond the main town and onto the paths that lead to the mountains. I promise that you’ll be rewarded with incredible views that will leave you with lasting impressions.
Upon arrival to the island, I wanted nothing more than to drop my bag and head to the harbor with everyone for a great night of fine food and fun laughter. But my desire to see this blue moon was so strong that I slung the camera across my chest, waved goodbye to all, and started the climb to Eros peak (which by the way is just a continuation of the hike to the Profitis Ilias Monastery. You will see the monastery high on the hill, and almost anyone in town can point you in the right direction if you ask them how to get there).
Always expect for the unexpected
The sun was starting to set as I arrived at the top and the sky had a pleasing pink and blue glow before decisively dousing darker. It was peaceful and lovely, and I was the only person up there. I enjoyed the scenery and took a few long exposures when I heard the hard breathing and fast paced footsteps of a trail runner running up to the peak!
“Hello there” I said. It was a tourist out on an evening run whose lucky sort of curiosity had brought him to the best viewpoint on the island. He asked what I was doing up there and I told him that I was “waiting for the moon!” After some chatter, a salutation, and headlamp offering for his return run back to town (it’s extremely rocky and technical up there) he started on his way down he mountain and disappeared into the deep darkness – along with the sound of his footsteps fading away.
A perfect moment
I turned towards the direction of moon rise with anticipation … but still, there was nothing there yet. And then suddenly, as if someone had turned on a flashlight, it was there – a round and intact full blue moon – hanging there above the sea like a heavenly ornament hooked on space-time fabric; just there, like a big bowl of instant moon noodles.
In this moment, I thought to myself two things: that I was happy I wasn’t anywhere else but right there to see that blue moon rise, and, that, even if I didn’t know who that trail runner was, I wish this person had stayed to witness such a beautiful sight – the moment was truly perfect, but truly perfect moments are always best when shared.
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