Aigina to Levkas

`Rob & L arrived on the 11.00 ferry from Athens. After a bit of light shopping, we set of for Korfos. This was surprisingly nice – a huge bay with good safe anchoring. Great for winding down and a cooling dip. After dinner we took the dinghy over to Georges tavern for a drink and some “Mesethes” (greek appetisers). The octopus was truly excellent, prices good and the service was friendly and quick – definitely a place to come back to.

Next morning it was through the canal – The wind just kept on heading us so we had to motor half of the way and just got a close reach for the few miles up to the canal. We were through (and lighter of pocket by 135 euro) by 2.30 – being chased by a large ship behind, held up by a slow Dutch yacht ahead and dive-bombed by bungee jumpers above.

After leaving the canal, we had a cracking sail over to teh Alkionithes islands. This tme we really found the Monastery. It was most interesting and obviously being renovated. Whether it is to become a monastery again – or perhaps a hotel or a house was not clear. The church is clearly still consecrated and functional – complete with monks buried in the garden.
We left at 8.00 after a refreshing sea-shower and had a cracking sail with easterly winds almost all the way to Galaxidi. We were able to anchor temporarily under the islands by the entrance to the port in beautiful turquoise water for a swim. To our surprise, the Canadian Show barge we had met in May was still there. Their show is apparently spectacular and we are hoping to catch up with them again in the Ionian later in the year. We ate in the Taverna on the quay – spectacular views and fair to middling food.
As we still had a long way to go to Levkas, we had to make progress and just passed through Trizonia on the way to Navpaktos. It’s very picturesque and quiet and looks like a great place to return to later.
Unlike our previous visit, the visitors places in Navpaktos had now been dredged and 4 yachts could get in there at a pinch with a further 2 or 3 on the town steps. Rob and Lindsay went up to the castle.

Next stop was Missalonghion. We had expected this to be rather dull and flat but were pleasantly surprised. The 3 mile canal up to the harbour is lined with picturesque fishermans houses on stilts. The marina is now under active construction but visitors are being encouraged and both mooring and water are free. Electricity and tailed lines will be installed in July and then a modest charge may be made. The town is lively and has excellent provisions.

The ‘Garden of Heros” is well worth a visit with fascinating monuments to people and nations who assisted Greece in her struggle for independence from Turks. Byron is there among many others.

















We met up with Mike and Raija at Nisos Petalas – an empty but excellent anchorage just out of the Gulf of Patras. There must have been a lot of fresh water flowing in as there was a very cold layer on the surface which was sliding fast over the deeper water. You could float upright, remaining almost static, while the surface water skimmed past your nose at a couple of knots. Very wierd!

The final stop before Levkas was at Abeliki on Meganisi. This is one of our favourites from chartering years ago. There is no significant development around the huge safe bay system – just a couple of inoffensive tavernas. Rob liked it so much that we stayed there swimming, snoozing and eating for two days.
Levkas was its usual busy self. We stayed in the Marina because of dropping Rob at the bus station and picking up Val and Malcolm later in the day. It was horribly expensive (€50) but did have free water and electricity. Rip-off pricess for WiFi and showers did not endear it however and in future we will anchor or use the Town Quay when possible.