Two weeks on from leaving Corfu and Paxos we have not sailed
that far south, we spent three nights in Ormas Vathi Preveza before sailing
across the bay to Vonista. We anchored just outside the outer mole, the holding
here was good and we had a great view of the Venetian Fort built on the
hillside, which we planned to visit the following day.
that far south, we spent three nights in Ormas Vathi Preveza before sailing
across the bay to Vonista. We anchored just outside the outer mole, the holding
here was good and we had a great view of the Venetian Fort built on the
hillside, which we planned to visit the following day.
The town itself looked very peaceful and so we decided to
stay here for two or three nights, that however was until 12 midnight when the
local disco started and carried on all night until 0600, neither of us got much
sleep. We decided one night of Greek disco music was sufficient, and therefore
planned to move on after we had visited the Venetian Fort, but alas that was
not to be, when we got there we were told it was closed for cleaning to remove
fire hazard debris and snakes, so it was back down the hill, for a well-earned
coffee, before going back to Miss Lilly.
stay here for two or three nights, that however was until 12 midnight when the
local disco started and carried on all night until 0600, neither of us got much
sleep. We decided one night of Greek disco music was sufficient, and therefore
planned to move on after we had visited the Venetian Fort, but alas that was
not to be, when we got there we were told it was closed for cleaning to remove
fire hazard debris and snakes, so it was back down the hill, for a well-earned
coffee, before going back to Miss Lilly.
Back on board we set off for Ormos Koprainia a bay in the
north east of the inland sea, when we arrived we were the only sail boat there,
ashore there were a couple of houses and that was all. The pilot book indicated
that this was a magical spot where we could do a bit of bird watching and be
visited by dolphins, which was not the case. We were however visited by one of
the local lads who had decided to swim out to our boat, but found it was a bit
far and looked to be in difficulty, and so Kevin invited him on board to have a
drink and get his breath back, he spoke no English and as we speak no Greek,
conversation was limited. Soon there was another Greek lad swimming out to the
boat, he however was a better swimmer and once round the boat was off back to
shore, our visitor decided to join his friend, thanked us for the drink and
waved good bye before doing a near belly flop into the water.
north east of the inland sea, when we arrived we were the only sail boat there,
ashore there were a couple of houses and that was all. The pilot book indicated
that this was a magical spot where we could do a bit of bird watching and be
visited by dolphins, which was not the case. We were however visited by one of
the local lads who had decided to swim out to our boat, but found it was a bit
far and looked to be in difficulty, and so Kevin invited him on board to have a
drink and get his breath back, he spoke no English and as we speak no Greek,
conversation was limited. Soon there was another Greek lad swimming out to the
boat, he however was a better swimmer and once round the boat was off back to
shore, our visitor decided to join his friend, thanked us for the drink and
waved good bye before doing a near belly flop into the water.
That evening we were once again treated to one of Mother
Nature’s spectacular sunsets, they never cease to amaze us.
Nature’s spectacular sunsets, they never cease to amaze us.
Our night here was very peaceful and so we were able to
catch up on the lost sleep from the previous night. In the morning the stronger
swimmer of the two Greek lads was once again swimming towards the boat, after
doing two laps we thought we ought to swim to shore and back ourselves.
Unfortunately the water was very murky and as we neared the shore we were
virtually swimming in weed, with shoals of fish around us and so we decided to
head back to the boat.
catch up on the lost sleep from the previous night. In the morning the stronger
swimmer of the two Greek lads was once again swimming towards the boat, after
doing two laps we thought we ought to swim to shore and back ourselves.
Unfortunately the water was very murky and as we neared the shore we were
virtually swimming in weed, with shoals of fish around us and so we decided to
head back to the boat.
It was then back to Preveza in order to get some provisions
and catch up on a few chores, when we arrived there were several boats still
there that had been there the first time we arrived, it is a good anchorage,
though not so good if you need to make water.
and catch up on a few chores, when we arrived there were several boats still
there that had been there the first time we arrived, it is a good anchorage,
though not so good if you need to make water.
On Tuesday 22nd July we set off at 0700 to Lefkas
intending to get there in time for the floating bridge to open at 0900 in order
for us to make our way down the Lefkas canal. The forecast had predicted strong
southerly winds around 1000 and so the intention was to be down the canal
before they started. As is our luck they started not long after we left the
channel from Preveza, and so we motored all the way arriving at the canal
entrance 15 minutes before the bridge opened. As the bridge opened and we made
our way through there was only one other boat besides us going south, however
going north it was like a mass exodus, the winds howled all the way down
reaching 23 knots at times, it was great to get out at the other end.
intending to get there in time for the floating bridge to open at 0900 in order
for us to make our way down the Lefkas canal. The forecast had predicted strong
southerly winds around 1000 and so the intention was to be down the canal
before they started. As is our luck they started not long after we left the
channel from Preveza, and so we motored all the way arriving at the canal
entrance 15 minutes before the bridge opened. As the bridge opened and we made
our way through there was only one other boat besides us going south, however
going north it was like a mass exodus, the winds howled all the way down
reaching 23 knots at times, it was great to get out at the other end.
Our original plan once through the canal was to anchor of
Ligia which is situated at the south entrance to the canal, but as the wind was
a strong southerly we would not have any protection there, we also needed to
make water and as the water here looked murky we decided to keep going.
Ligia which is situated at the south entrance to the canal, but as the wind was
a strong southerly we would not have any protection there, we also needed to
make water and as the water here looked murky we decided to keep going.
After consulting the pilot book for a good place to anchor
where we could get both protection and make water we headed off to the Island
of Meganisi and Ormos Abelike, here I had entered paradise, although there were
several other boats already there the water was crystal clear and very calm.
where we could get both protection and make water we headed off to the Island
of Meganisi and Ormos Abelike, here I had entered paradise, although there were
several other boats already there the water was crystal clear and very calm.
The following day we headed on foot to Vathi, a small town which
is the nominal capitol of the island, here you can berth stern to alongside the
town quay for free, apparently according to the locals it’s better to visit in
September when it is not so busy so who knows we may do just that.
is the nominal capitol of the island, here you can berth stern to alongside the
town quay for free, apparently according to the locals it’s better to visit in
September when it is not so busy so who knows we may do just that.
Whilst around Lefkas we decide to get our life raft serviced
by Ionian Marine Safety Services as they are approved by Sego, which is the
make of our life raft. So on Thursday 24th July we set off for
Lefkas marina, where we had arranged for the life raft to be picked up, on arrival
the marina staff were there to meet us and help us moor up, then within half an
hour the chap from Marine Safety Services turned up, it was all going rather
well for a change. Kevin asked if it was possible for him to see the life raft
opened, this was ok’d and off he went. On return he indicated how impressed he
was with the setup, the work shop was clean and well organised and each life
raft being serviced had its own work station. Once our life raft was opened
Kevin was able to have a look inside and take some pictures.
by Ionian Marine Safety Services as they are approved by Sego, which is the
make of our life raft. So on Thursday 24th July we set off for
Lefkas marina, where we had arranged for the life raft to be picked up, on arrival
the marina staff were there to meet us and help us moor up, then within half an
hour the chap from Marine Safety Services turned up, it was all going rather
well for a change. Kevin asked if it was possible for him to see the life raft
opened, this was ok’d and off he went. On return he indicated how impressed he
was with the setup, the work shop was clean and well organised and each life
raft being serviced had its own work station. Once our life raft was opened
Kevin was able to have a look inside and take some pictures.
Whilst in Lefkas we had an evening out, the town was very
busy with both Greeks and holiday makers, there was a real buzz about the
place. However I wasn’t so impressed with the marina facilities, the showers
cost 50 cents to use and then I only got a trickle of water, and I had been so
looking forward to a power shower. I certainly won’t moan about showering of
the back of the boat again. Also to do the laundry here is expensive at 10
Euros a load and that’s just for a wash, its 20 Euros if you want it washed and
dried. I was later told there is somewhere cheaper in the town, I suppose I had
been spoilt in Ragusa where a load is 3Euro 50.
busy with both Greeks and holiday makers, there was a real buzz about the
place. However I wasn’t so impressed with the marina facilities, the showers
cost 50 cents to use and then I only got a trickle of water, and I had been so
looking forward to a power shower. I certainly won’t moan about showering of
the back of the boat again. Also to do the laundry here is expensive at 10
Euros a load and that’s just for a wash, its 20 Euros if you want it washed and
dried. I was later told there is somewhere cheaper in the town, I suppose I had
been spoilt in Ragusa where a load is 3Euro 50.
The following day the life raft was returned so we left
Lefkas and headed back down the canal to Nidri, the pilot book indicates that
whilst the canal is dredged to a minimum depth of 6m but outside of the canal
markers the depths are variable and care should be taken to not go outside the
markers. The reason for this became very obvious as we passed by a sail boat
who had done just that and gone aground requiring assistance in getting of the
sand. The southern entrance of the canal is buoyed but the further north you go
the canal is marked with poles with red or green triangles on top which may or
may not be present.
Lefkas and headed back down the canal to Nidri, the pilot book indicates that
whilst the canal is dredged to a minimum depth of 6m but outside of the canal
markers the depths are variable and care should be taken to not go outside the
markers. The reason for this became very obvious as we passed by a sail boat
who had done just that and gone aground requiring assistance in getting of the
sand. The southern entrance of the canal is buoyed but the further north you go
the canal is marked with poles with red or green triangles on top which may or
may not be present.
At Nidri we had arranged to meet up with our friends Sally
and John who we had met whilst wintering in Cartagena in Spain at the end of
our first years sailing. They had sailed round the Ionian last year and
wintered in Lefkas. They liked the area so much they have no plans to move on
for some time and intend to stay in Lefkas this winter as well.
and John who we had met whilst wintering in Cartagena in Spain at the end of
our first years sailing. They had sailed round the Ionian last year and
wintered in Lefkas. They liked the area so much they have no plans to move on
for some time and intend to stay in Lefkas this winter as well.
It was great to catch up with them again and hear about
their experiences of sailing around the Ionian over a few beers, in the evening
we went ashore for a wander around the town some more beverages and a meal,
which was one of the cheapest and best meals we have had in long time.
their experiences of sailing around the Ionian over a few beers, in the evening
we went ashore for a wander around the town some more beverages and a meal,
which was one of the cheapest and best meals we have had in long time.
We had intended staying only one night in Nidri but when we
went ashore we came across some Quad bikes for hire which I fancied having a go
on, and so we hired one for the following day. We picked the bike up at 0900
and were told we had to have it back by 2200 that day.
went ashore we came across some Quad bikes for hire which I fancied having a go
on, and so we hired one for the following day. We picked the bike up at 0900
and were told we had to have it back by 2200 that day.
Our first destination was the Nidri Waterfalls a couple of
miles outside of the town, however when we got there, there was not a lot of
water falling, I suppose it was too much to expect.
miles outside of the town, however when we got there, there was not a lot of
water falling, I suppose it was too much to expect.
Don’t know who the two random guys are who decided to get in
on the picture.
on the picture.
From the waterfalls we called in at Vasiliki, before heading
up into the hills for Petros, there was not a lot there so we carried onto
Sivros where the caves of Karouxa were situated, again there was not a lot to
look at and so we moved on to the highest point of the Island where you have a
360 degree view of the island.
up into the hills for Petros, there was not a lot there so we carried onto
Sivros where the caves of Karouxa were situated, again there was not a lot to
look at and so we moved on to the highest point of the Island where you have a
360 degree view of the island.
It was then off to the highest village on the island where
we planned to have lunch, again we were disappointed the only lunch we could
get was a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, as we were both hungry by now we
settled for that. The next village on route was Karia, this was a lovely little
place with several taverna’s, we should have stopped here for lunch, but as we
had just eaten we carried on. We then toured down the West side of the coast
and called in at Gialos Beach, which was beautiful but not a good place to
anchor as its exposed and there was quite a lot of swell. Whilst here we
stopped off for an ice cream and of course mine had to be chocolate.
we planned to have lunch, again we were disappointed the only lunch we could
get was a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, as we were both hungry by now we
settled for that. The next village on route was Karia, this was a lovely little
place with several taverna’s, we should have stopped here for lunch, but as we
had just eaten we carried on. We then toured down the West side of the coast
and called in at Gialos Beach, which was beautiful but not a good place to
anchor as its exposed and there was quite a lot of swell. Whilst here we
stopped off for an ice cream and of course mine had to be chocolate.
From here we started to head back to Nidri, calling in at
Sivota on route, another little town which we decided we would call in at on
our way to Cephalonia. It was 1900 by the time we arrived back in Nidri by now
I was ready to hand the bike back before my legs set in a permeant straddled
position.
Sivota on route, another little town which we decided we would call in at on
our way to Cephalonia. It was 1900 by the time we arrived back in Nidri by now
I was ready to hand the bike back before my legs set in a permeant straddled
position.
The following day it was back to Maganisi, this time to Port
Atheni, again a lovely bay with plenty of space to anchor with a shore line, we
have now made new rat deterrents, and we just hope these work. We stayed two
nights here, just chilling out and swimming. On the morning we were due to
leave it rained and so Kevin decided to make use of the free water and clean
the decks, before we headed off to Sivota where we plan to spend a couple of
nights.
Atheni, again a lovely bay with plenty of space to anchor with a shore line, we
have now made new rat deterrents, and we just hope these work. We stayed two
nights here, just chilling out and swimming. On the morning we were due to
leave it rained and so Kevin decided to make use of the free water and clean
the decks, before we headed off to Sivota where we plan to spend a couple of
nights.
Its quite busy here in Sivota in with Flotillas and charter
boats, Kevin is keeping a careful watch to ensure people don’t anchor to close
to us or anchor over our chain, whilst down below writing the blog I have
already heard a few choice words and it’s early yet.
boats, Kevin is keeping a careful watch to ensure people don’t anchor to close
to us or anchor over our chain, whilst down below writing the blog I have
already heard a few choice words and it’s early yet.
Whilst we have been in the Ionian we have noticed that
around every ten days we get unsettled weather accompanied by the occasional
thunder storm, presently it is very windy and Miss Lilly is swinging in all
directions on the anchor, so sitting down below whilst writing the blog the
view is constantly changing.
around every ten days we get unsettled weather accompanied by the occasional
thunder storm, presently it is very windy and Miss Lilly is swinging in all
directions on the anchor, so sitting down below whilst writing the blog the
view is constantly changing.
We certainly seem to be doing a lot more sailing than
motoring which is a change from last year, however as usual although the
predominate winds are North Westerly’s we seem to always be sailing into wind
as we head south, obviously we are not picking the best time to sail.
motoring which is a change from last year, however as usual although the
predominate winds are North Westerly’s we seem to always be sailing into wind
as we head south, obviously we are not picking the best time to sail.
After here we will continue to head south over to Ithaca and
Cephalonia, can’t believe we already half way through the season.
Cephalonia, can’t believe we already half way through the season.
Mileage 934
Cumulative Mileage 3471.78
Present Location:
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