Contemplation

The reason I think Odysseus must have rowed to the beach at Mikros Gialos is simply because it makes more sense to travel the distance by boat rather than climbing up Cape Lougi again. The shepherd would have gone along and then returned in his boat, after which Odysseus sits down to think about a strategy to get rid of the suitors. 'Athena' says to him:

But first of all you must go to the pig herder who watches over your pigs and who is kindly disposed toward you, who loves your child and the prudent Penelope. You will find him tending the swines who are grazing beside the rock of Korax and the fountain of Arethousa......

Odyssey Book 13 line 377-381 Barry B Powell

A clever thing to do, approaching someone you can trust first. Before 'Athena' leaves for Sparta to inspire Telemachos to sail back from Pylos, she gives Odysseus one more smart idea

Mikros Gialos

Cape Lougi