Corfu to 2 Rock Bay with family

 The long awaited family visit has started. Thanks to lockdowns we have not seen Anita's daughters since August 2020 and January this year respectively. 

We have a small boat with relatively large cockpit space in which a couple can sleep in the smallest Decathlon tent we carry on board. This time they all wanted to come together,  four people,  which was nice but challenging. 

Three know the boat and the places near to Corfu, but we wanted to show them new places further south and not keep returning to Corfu, especially as they had two different departure dates.

After a walking detour to Lidl on the way back to Garitsas Bay we had everyone on board with the plan to use afternoon wind to start the trip south. The wind was slow in coming and the visitors wanted to start cooking so we raised the anchor and slowly motored to the north side of the bay as the galley team worked. We anchored close to the Fort to swim and eat.

Finaly we set off under sail towards the mainland and an inlet North of Igoumenitsa.  I plan the itinerary according to weather and cruise objectives but where possible give our visitors options so they make the final choice.

After months in the city they opted for wild nature. The wind was rising as we neared the shallow waters and waves were building and the ride was energetic and dynamic . I was watching the gps screen to ensure that we avoided the unseen hazards until it was time to make a 90 degree turn to Port (left) to pass safely into Ormos Valtou , passing the fish farm tanks until we finally turned into Igou creek and anchored with one Italian yacht.  

It was almost dark and the four visitors were choosing and preparing places to sleep. I noticed a plastic bowl had blown over the side and was drifting away fast. No time to launch the dinghy so I stripped off and swam to recover the bowl.

Greece has been so hot that the tent was not opened once during the visit, but on humid nights we can leave sun awnings covering the cockpit so it does not get damp. I think there were a few mosquitos, and always this year wasps, but they are getting less.

Joanna and Bob had liked this wild place before and chose to return.

Next morning, getting used to so many people living so closely, we set off on a longer passage to 2 Rock Bay, a favourite nature spot, and a major goal to visit. 

We arrived in stronger wind and tucked in behind the shelter of the small headland at the North end anchoring in the crystal clear water.

There is a small but busy public beach but it does not detract. At the top of steep steps from the beach is a simple shower and water tap both of which we use, and a bohemian style cafe serving food, and with pallet seating overlooking the bay and the sunset. It is really a place to chill out and owner Kris is really welcoming.

We settled in to spend two nights in the bay and blew up the paddleboard and doughnut rings for play and exploration. 

The bay is open to west winds and swell so we must always check the forecast. Only once in the past was it so uncomfortable that we left.

We can also walk from here, past waterways with beaver and frogs, to another beach.

Sailing north to Corfu Part 3, and preparing for family visit

We timed departure next day to catch the first of the west north west wind and sailed towards Corfu, 8 miles away.  From a slow 1 knot we were making 6 knots when we reached the shelter of the Lee of the Southern tip of Corfu. Then the speed reduced and for a while we held the course until the wind became flukey and we made a swim stop in the exposed but shallow water south of the small ferry port of Levkimmi.

In light wind we continued past the shallows until we could turn towards the sunset and the small harbour of Petriti and anchored in shallow water near to the entrance.

The next day we sailed again slowly towards Corfu town until the wind turned gusty and headed us, but with motor we were soon anchored in the large east facing  bay of Garitsas,10 minutes walk from the airport.

We had taken 9 days from Astakos to Corfu Town, at a leisurely pace enjoying the sailing,  mostly in light winds, and the night stops.

We have shopping to make. Lidl is 15 minutes walk away, as well as local shops. We take water from the popular public taps at the south of Garitsas Bay. We took laundry ashore to a self service place recommended by Petra from Largyalo. Excellent price of 2.50 euros for a large load, supplying own soap. We also needed to top up our WiFi internet sim at the Cosmote shop in town. Online top up the app is possible but only in Greek, much too difficult.

Anita wanted to visit a health food shop which we know and we found it was close to the laundry.

Many large and expensive "yachts" with paid crew frequent the bay. The 10m tender in the photo is by no means the largest or most powerful boat for shore trips, bringing supplies, transferring guests etc.

With family due to arrive next day all was done and a southerly wind allowed us to go to a favourite anchorage on the North side of Vido Island. Only swell from passing ferries or motor boats normally disturbs the tranquility. Images of Corfu Town.

Arriving early we found just one catamaran there so could pick a good spot to anchor away from sea grass.

In late afternoon we went ashore to find water at pen air public showers in the next bay but to our surprise the water was on again and repairs made since last visit at this beach. We washed some clothes and ourselves.  Wasps were grateful. They wait at the shower heads for someone to turn on water. As we started our evening walk rabbits also came to drink from the shower water on the ground.  Good we can help wildlife in these hot dry days.

Walking on a path we did not know we found old buildings and perhaps hundreds of years old four prison cells. This was a fortified Island to defend the access to Corfu Town just over the water.

The night was calm but earlier than expected the prevailing NW wind sent swell into the anchorage so at about 3 am in moonlight we left the bay and had a pleasant sail back to Garitsas Bay carefully avoiding many anchored yachts. Sailing yachts often use an anchor light at the top of the mast. They are visible at sea but in an anchorage they appear like stars in the sky while the boat below can be difficult to see 8n the darkness. It was still dark when we went back to sleep.

Sailing north to Corfu -part 2 - to Paxos

 In darkness we left Preveza using some light land breeze and turned after the long channel towards the north. Daylight came and we moved slowly towards our chosen destination of Paxos Island, with the advantage of going further west to minimise contrary winds to Corfu.

Greece has been experiencing the hottest summer for 30 years which has been challenging for us on many days. At least we had a few cooler hours by starting early. It became really hot and Anita asked if she could swim as we were barely moving. I consented to her holding onto the swim ladder which allows almost full immersion into the deep blue water, which here with the sun behind was just like deep ocean blue water.

Then I took my turn too.

Before we reached Paxos the afternoon head wind started and we had a brisk beat for the last couple of miles into the wind before anchoring in a really shallow corner of Mongonisi which we know well.

Later we took showers at the taverna, four euros for 3 minutes,  the most expensive we have encountered,  and grabbed a take away pizza from the cafe bar closer to our boat. Then we walked for almost an hour to the port and big town of Port Gaios where at last we could connect to a WiFi signal. The place was buzzing as in a normal summer.  We came home after midnight and an ice cream. We find good ones in Greece.

After a second night there we motored to Port Gaios where my old neighbour Peter from Spain was anchored in his 40' catamaran Windrider. We had sailed together years ago but not met up for a few years. Anchored in the bay outside of the harbour they were suffering swell from the many motor boats passing.

The Port is basically a canal between Paxos and a little island,and quite narrow in places. I decided to experience it by motoring through which was very pretty.

The north end is wider and the ferry comes to there.

 

We continued north to the Bay of Lakka with beautiful colour of water for that night and had a drink at the Taverna overlooking the anchorage. There were almost 60 yachts anchored, some with stern lines taken to rocks or trees ashore, some swinging at anchor like us. In 2018 I had counted 80 yachts in the Bay.

The water is so clear and such beautiful colours, from turquoise to deep ocean blue when the sunlight is right outside of the bay.