We snatched some sleep on the Grimaldi Ferry, as well as
crossing a time zone Eastwards.
The public address system announced our imminent
arrival in Igoumenitsa and vehicle passengers were summoned to their vehicles.
Dawn was breaking and clouds hung low around the mountains after the night of
rain. Once trucks had left the ferry the smaller vehicles on the top deck were
able to drive down the two ramps and onto the land. Going down the top ramp was
no problem. Italy and Greece are both countries in the Schengen agreement so
there were no formalities.
It was still only about 7 am on Sunday morning and
the roads were quiet. We followed the partially coast road south stopping a
couple of times to admire the view. The sea was rough and one yacht was
motoring south.
It was especially interesting to see the Archeron River
delta where the river from mythology, like River Styx, is an entry to the
underworld, the kingdom of the dead. We could see places where we had anchored or
walked during last summer’s sailing cruise.
The distance was short, about 84 km but after little sleep I
was happy we did not have to go far as I was feeling sleepy.
We arrived at Camping Village Kalamitsi Beach, pitched our
tent, took a shower and went to sleep after a delicious porridge.
The next day was Monday so we went to inspect the boat at
the boatyard and start cleaning up. The winter cover had blown to shreds and
some rain water was inside the boat, as usual during winter with heavy rains.
We met our neighbour at the campsite, Christopher, a young
“veteran” from the US Army. At 19 he had enthusiastically enlisted to fight the
good US causes but after tours in Afganistan and Iran was dismissed on medical
grounds with psychological traumas, and a small pension. That was the best
thing to happen to me he said. He has become conscious to fact that the US
“wars” are to protect their commercial interests, and he is a gentle, sensitive
man who is not suited to fighting.
Chris, like us, was there to prepare for sailing with an
English “veteran” and paraplegic, Tim who bought a 43’ yacht. Chris will do
much of the work to prepare the boat when Tim is away and in any spare time Chris
will help us too. The two “Vets” will link with others around the world on
their proposed circumnavigation and encourage them to be active and
adventurous, and take them out sailing.
He was very happy to drink “tea” prepared by Anita from
natural ingredients she had picked in nature plus fresh ginger and turmeric.
The view south to Levkas and the beautiful cruising area of "Inland Sea" lies beyond.
We had picked up two 10 kg bags of Siamese cat food in
Italy, also some deck cushions for Peter and Annelise. They arrived in their
boat at Preveza Town Quay and we were able to deliver the packages and enjoy a
chat with wine in their cockpit in the late evening sun.
The weather was varied with rain on most days. We were
paying 20 euros a night at the campsite to be in a tent which we consider to be
high, comparing with other countries but that rate comes with our ACSI card. The
full rate would be 25 euros. I asked the Italian owner if we could have more
discount to stay longer. She did not agree so we paid her 80 euros for 4 nights
instead of a proposed 200 and moved onto the boat. I don’t think she
understands business as we paid her 120 euros less than we offered!! 600 euros
a month for two people, hot showers and a tent… we could rent a flat here for
half of that.
We moved to the boatyard and the amazing “million dollar” view
from our cockpit.
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