South with family

 By the time we had anchored briefly in front of Aktion Boatyard to put Lidia and Kamil ashore for their 30 minute walk to Aktion airport the afternoon west wind was established making a westward exit from Preveza along the narrow shallow channel to the open sea hard work for our small motor against the short waves and head wind.

Instead we set genoa and had a good sail eastward and back into the Gulf to our nature hideaway of Ay Marku. The four of us were happy to relax again in nature, swim, paddle etc.

Next morning we took a ride on the light East wind back to the Channel. Slowing passing in light wind a catamaran we had seen before in Sicily and making some photos. They took the first one of us.

We did not stop, just passed out of the long channel to the sea before the west wind set in and we turned south towards Levkas canal, arriving 20 minutes before the scheduled 15.00 Bridge opening. For the first time we heard the whistle of traffic police and watched a heavy flow of traffic crossing to the island. Time passed and the bridge did not open. 6 boats milling around waiting became 16 until finally the bridge opened to allow us through at 16.00.

As often before we stopped to swim between the south end of the canal and Ligia village. Later we took a ride on the evening NW wind to Varko Bay anchoring just before dark.

Next afternoon we used the stronger North wind to sail across towards Nydri. Bob asked if he could be towed on the paddleboard and I had no problem with it.  Naked he went to the board and enjoyed speed up to 6 knots coming back on board before Nydri. 

We anchored in Tranquil Bay and went ashore to see Nydri and get supplies.

Then we went to Vliho for water  and enjoyed showering at the tap in the hottest part of the day.

Preveza and the Gulf

 If you have been following the journey you will know we found many ants living inside the boat, having walked easily up an old sail put over the cockpit by the boatyard in our absence, and touching the ground on both sides.

We asked family to kill any they saw and indeed they killed a few. Days later we noticed no more. For sure we killed over 1000 in the first weeks, and the problem is resolved.

Reluctantly we left the relaxing 2 Rock Bay as there is more to explore and one couple only have a week with us. From here is new territory for all of them.

In light winds we continued south to our base town of Preveza, for supplies and to experience the charming old town and narrow streets full of tables and chairs for the tiny restaurants and which is buzzing like any summer.

With 6 on board water is being used fast, many showers after swimming, hair washing etc. We had refreshed some bottles at 2 Rocks, but need to top up almost daily about 100 litres. In Preveza fishing harbour is a tap with good tasting water. 

In summer heat we consume much fruit, cucumber and tomato. Sadly it is hard to find cucumber or tomato looking natural, or having good taste. Peaches and nectarines are plentiful,  water melons too, for as little as 26 cents per kilo. We found a good fruit and vegetable shop near to Masoutis supermarket in town. We love the Greek yogurt too.

In the evening we walked along the bustling town Quay and main tourist street, then sat to eat in the atmospheric Sajtan Bazar.

Soon the visitors wanted nature again so we took a good afternoon wind into the Gulf of Amvrika to our favourite hideaway, Ay Marku , where we could again relax and play to the sound of cicadas.

The following morning we motored to our nearby Vonitsa anchorage to go ashore for supplies and water. We spent the night there and moved to west side of the island in the morning as the strong east wind was making it less comfortable there. Anita took her yoga mat to the island. 

We have to find a way for the first couple to return to Corfu for their flight. Internet tells of bus and ferry connections but on closer investigation we find they do not operate daily. A travel agent in Nydri had given us name of a fast boat, and a number to call, but again the dates did not work.

Petra ( Largyalo) had spoken with a car rental owner who had said it should be possible to rent for a day from Nydri for 35 to 40 euros. I called him and later an English woman called me back and was quite rude, saying if I rented for one day she would lose 70 quid and wanted me to take a 4 day rental. Ok, it is August and they are busy now.

In the end Lidia found her own solution, a cheap flight from Aktion (Preveza) Airport so they ditched the Corfu flight and had an extra day with us.

The following morning we took the night wind from the East and sailed back to Preveza from where it was easy to drop off our departing couple on the Airport side of the water for a 30 minute walk to the airport.

I had noticed that the starboard hull had started to take in water. A taste test showed it to be salt water, and it seemed to be coming in from the aft end of the boat. Some bailing but all under control for now.

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.