Wind and More Wind!

Our Little car for a Day

Too Much weather.

We have not been as good at updating the blog so far this year and I am sorry for that but we have lots to say.

On June 24th we were to welcome Audrey and Peter who had enjoyed sailing so much last year they wanted to come again. The wind on June 23rd,24th and 25th was strong northerlies around Mykinos so much so we could not get to the New Port Mykinos  so went to the south of the Island to a large Bay with the town of Ornos. we were not alone there were alot of large cruising yachts and motor cruisers all at anchor hiding from the wind.

Audrey & Peter on Naxos

   We worried about how we were going to get our guest onboard as our tender is not very big but there were lots of larger tender's belonging to the Super yachts buzzing around taking guest ashore and collecting them could we be that cheeky and ask for a lift? Yes of course we could and 2 lads on a tender helped us out and Audrey & Peter arrived in style.

   The next day the wind had stopped this has been our problem too much wind or not enough and even the weather forcast's can catch you out.So we motored to Naxos and spent a very nice day and night there before moving on to the island Syros and the harbour Finikas on the SW end of the island. 3 nights were spent there due to strong winds again and we did not want to frighten any more people.Watching  our weather sites and talking to other's we decided to make a break for it on Monday to Andros and then south towards Mykinos. So off we set wind was very light and the swell was across the boat not very comfortable and motoring and not getting anywhere fast ray suggested we divert to Tinos!the wind would be in our favour and it was a shorter trip and on route to Mykinos after other last sail to Tinos I had said never again however on we went to Tinos and it blew the closer we got, Ray's theory that there is an acceleration zone  between the 2 islands Seems to be correct, again we arrived on the town quay wet and very glad to be to have arrived.

   The next day was spent looking at the sights of Naxos town.  Audrey & Peter had 3 more nights with us and the weather again was not being kind force 5/6 northerlies for Thursday and Friday so going to Mykinos in Josephine was not to be so it would be the seajet ferry for them to Mykinos . Therefore we hired a car and went exploring for a day! Tinos is a lovely island to explore we found a beautiful bay with a beach bar and had lunch and Audrey & Peter went swimming .

We remained in Tinos until Sunday when to wind abated and we set off for Syros!!

Our next installment will be from the U.K as we are returning for a while

   

Ray & Mandy 

CRUISING IN JUNE.

10 days in June.

          The 1st of June and Anne and Jim our 1st guest's arrive to join us for 10 days lovely, Josephine checked over since her night in Tinos by Skipper and damage 2 burst fenders, broken electric cable , broken forward cleat and split rubber strip at the back on the sugar scoup.
   So off we set weather forecast for the Monday good and a nice sail down to Naxos as strong northerlies forecast in the next 2 days . The Marina was full when we arrived so anchor under Apollo's Gate . The weather sure enought that night blew but we were safe and the following day moved into the Marina the bad weather past and boats moving again.So Anne and Jim spent a day exploring the narrow streets of Naxos.

Crew uniform

Anne and Jim settled into life on board very quickly and food on board for a couple of night's and off to Ormos Agiou north of Paros. We had a good sail a little chilly on arriving but anchoured and had a lovely evening on the hook. Next day new island and off to Nios Syros to Finikas Marina  again the weather and charts studied and plans made travel further west to Kythnos and a small bay and in was lovely a good sail as well close hauled and one tack all the way!! Lunch on route and dinner after an afternoon spent swimming and now as it was nearing the end of Anne and Jim's 10 day's weather looked at a longer day sailing with a favourable NW. to Tinos about 30 NM.

Sailing to Kythnos

So up early for us and set of at 9ish lovely warm sunshine lunch made and planning to eat out in Tinos the 1st 15 NM was good easy sailing then the wind strengthened and the swell was across the boat reefs were put in the sails as the white horses got bigger!Well the weather deteriorated and the water was coming over the fore decks into the cockpit and the last 8 miles were storm force /gale winds at time Ray saw 40 knots of wind on the instruments and It was all we could do was to hang on as Ray steered Josephine through the storm and we got the main sail in with a struggle left a very small Genoa out and as we approached Tinos a ferry showed up and we all said we go 1st sorry to the ferry all very wet and relieved.

To be in a habour!!!

This was us just arrived and tied onto the wall. We all felt like hero's to have survived and once the legs stopped shaking the whisky was out to steady the nerves.

Well needless to say Anne and Jim were a little wary of sailing to Mykinos on Monday so we agreed to let them go by high speed ferry on Tuesday am. to go to the airport.

We hope this has not put Anne and Jim off sailing we would not choose to go out in weather that strong but it needs to be forecast to give us a chance of avoiding it .

Bye for now Mandy and Ray

         

A WEEK ON TINOS TOWN QUAY

  Josephine and Mandy's week in Tinos

 Unfortunately Ray had to go home for a week so we were left alone and we choose where we wanted to be left and where Ray could easily get a flight to the UK. Tinos had seemed a safe place and shops etc. to pass the time. A local fisherman said he would look out for me! However talk of fish being caught and he was off to fish. Yachts came and went and I watched  the weather forecasts. It  was very hot and sunny and enjoyable.

View from Josephine of the sea wall at 5pm

Then Thursday 29th May forecast was for a southerly wind  with some gusts so as taught I moved the boat well away from the wall (ensuring I had food and drink!) and put springs on.  The prevailing wind is usually north, and as the picture above shows the sea wall is  along way away and southerly facing. There was little wind until 5ish then the breeze started and by 6 pm it was a storm. All the other boats with crew took to the water so they where not being bashed against the wall as the sea got bigger! I was alone the locals came to the quay to warn us to leave and asked where was my Skipper ? I explained I was alone and the locals came to my rescue. Nicos, Adonis and Jimi to name 3 there where many other's.  Josephine was thrown about like a cork and they helped me re anchor and tie up as the wind howled. The tourists were out taking picture's. I have been told Josephine is now famous and on a Greek news web site. The wind was storm force 12!! It took from 6 pm till 9 pm to have her tied up safely.

Josephine tied off the wall 

                                                                                                        Well as you see from above we were well off the wall with tyres as shock adsorbers. I have since learn't from the locals never stay in Tinos harbor in a southerly wind as you will be bashed against the wall and it is true. But thank-you to all those who helped me and came by the next day to ensure I had food and water etc.

  Ray is back with and our adventure continues. We  have had  guest's on board and that is a story for the next post!!

    Mandy and Josephine

                                                                     

SAILING AGAIN 25TH MAY

Well after a week storm bound and low on food and no drink the wind abated and the anchorage emptied and we all moved on.

Our view whilst storm bound off Paros 

We set sail for Naxos an Island we had fond memories of when chartering it has a lovely large door and Ray always wanted to return and anchor below it!

   We had a good sail but not a constant wind and therefore had to motor the last mile towards Naxos Marina. A loud noise from the back of the boat and we lost power the engine was still running but we were not moving so out with a small genoa and prepared the anchor and we cautiously
We entered the anchorage beneath the large door way.

The view whilst at anchor 

We were soon spotted by the port police as we where in the way of the ferry and asked to move we explained that we couldn't as we had a fishing net around the prop and needed a diver they called one for us and he arrived in about 15 mins as did the ferry the wash as he docked had Josephine rocking. It took the diver about 15 mins to cut the net away, ther appears to be no damage so we proceeded in to the Marina .

Apollos door

Naxos is a lovely town with an Ancient castle and this ruined Temple of Apollo and a very old Roman Catholic Church built in 13th century.

   Also good super market etc. to restock Josephine should we get stuck again but weather seemed to set fair for a few days. So after exploring Naxos we set off to Mykinos to see what it was like, the marina is nothing special but the town is very old Greek and very touristy with often 1/2 Cruise Ships anchored off and ferrying passengers on and off  before departing in the evening for the next island.

    We are now back in Tinos for a few days and no sailing today as there is no wind so a day to explore.

      37 32'N x 25 09'E

                              Mandy and Ray 

THE CYCLADIES

THE CHORA NISSOS
KEA

Since passing through the Corinth canal and into the Agean sea we spent a few days in Poros and then continued our journey east to the Cyclades islands.

This delightful archipelago is situated in the center of the Aegean.  The numerous islands are all individually different and have their own character,

Nearly all are mountainous and rise up out of the sea to some very impressive heights.

The islands are steeped in history both modern and ancient.

Our first Island was Kea, the most northerly of the Cyclades  This area has a reputation of strong winds which we can vouch for.  The day after we arrived strong force 6 to 7 winds were predicted and arrived exactly as fore casted

We decided to remain safely moored and took a taxi to the Chora (village). This amazing ancient settlement is perched on the steep side of the mountain and is well worth a visit.

THE GREEK ORTODOX
CATHEDERAL
(note the long carpeted climb)

From kea we went on to Andros a very mountainous island rising to 3712 feet.

We had been told that it was very quiet and rarely visited by yachtsman. We entered the small harbor which only had two other boats in it.

Two hours later a large flotilla of twenty three 45ft+ boats arrived all at the same time. The boats were crewed 8-10 per boat by Russians and for thirty minutes chaos ensued.  

They were all eventually crowded in often three and four deep with mooring lines and anchors all over the place.

ONE OF THE MANY FINE VIEWS
FROM THE BALCONIES OF THE CATHEDRAL

From Andros we traveled south to Tinos, an island that we had not realy considered and knew little about.


We discovered that this is a major place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox church and is the Greek equivalent of Romes Lourdes.

On ceattain feast days Pilgrims arrive from all over Greece to pay homage to a miracle working Icon of the Madona.

AFTER THE LONG CLIMB ON YOUR KNEES
JUST A FEW MORE STEPS TO GO

The pilgrimage involves making the long climb from the harbor front to the cathedral on your knees and must take some time and cause considerable discomfort.

As shown in the picture above a carpet has been laid to make it a little easier!

We visited the cathedral appropriately dressed. It was well worth the visit and climb.

The town and port of Tinos is a very pleasant place and well worth adding to your itinerary if visiting the area.

STORM BOUND IN PAROS
From Tinos we traveled south toParos and had a few days in Portes. Then true to Cyclades  reputation strong winds were forecast to set in from the north. The infamous Meltami

We quickly moved to the north coast bay of OrmosNaousis.. This is a large bay with many indentations and provides perfect shelter from the north.  We arrived in the empty bay on Monday 5th with the gale forecast to start on Tuesday and last for several days.

At the time of writing Thursday the 8th we are still here with two anchors set and with ten other boats sheltering alongside us.

The fore cast is for the wind to abate in another two days!!

RAY & MANDY
37 09.4N X 25 14.4E

EASTER N THE GULF OF CORINTH

From the Rion Bridge you can easily navigate the Gulf of Corinth to Corinth and the Canal in one or two days.

However if you do you are missing out on a excellent and stunning cruising area. We decided to take our time and took a week to explore the area.

We had excellent westerly winds behind us all the way down, and we cruised at 7/8 knots with just the genoa.

Both sides of the Gulf were bordered with snow capped mountains and we were sailing in shorts and T-shirts.



After the Isle Trizonia our first port of call was Galaxia

THE QUAY ANDRIKON

A charming and very picturesque harbor and town.

A perfect stop over however the quay side was very noisy at night and so we decided to move on further east.

We discovered Andrikiron and what a great find it was. The town is nestled in the NW corner of a very large bay and is totally surrounded by high mountains on all sides.

JOSEPHINE SQUEEZED ONTO THE SMALL
QUAY BETWEEN TWO LARGE TUGS

Easter is a major event here in Greece.

Easter Sunday started at mid night with a large firework display illuminating the entire town.

When we rose the next morning at 7 O clock the mile long quay side was ablaze with dozens of large Bar b ques. Logs were burnt to make charcoal, and then whole lambs were slowly roasted by the men of the town for the day long celebration.                              



                       

THE WESTERN ENTRANCE TO THE
CORINTH  CANAL

Afterr the celebrations we moved on further east to the ancient city of Corinth and then the next day through the Canal and into the Agean sea, our original destination

In ancient times sailors traversed the narrow isthmus by being dragged on a paved road to avoid the long and often perrilous journey around the southern cape of the Peloponnese peninsular.

Various Greeks and Romans derived schemes for building the cut when not fighting each other. Nero commenced the work but was unable to complete it.
     

Eventually the canal was completed by a French company in 1893 to provide a short cut to and from the Agean, Athens and Istanbul.

Today most ships are to large to transverse the canal,  and it is only used by small coasters and pleasure vessels. From west to east the canal at approx 3.2 mile long and only 25 Meter wide, is said to be the most expensive waterways on the planet.

Upon arrival at the entrance we had to wait for two hours before we could transit through.

We were able to take breakfast and were entertained by a friendly Greek fisherman who caught and then beat to death a fairly large Octopus.

When eventually called through we were the lead boat of a flotilla of 5 yachts.

POROS APPROACHING
FROM THE WEST

We encountered a current against us of about 1.5 Knots, and a headwind of 15 to 20. The passage took about 35 mins and cost 244 Euro.

Two years almost to the day since we left Gosport
we entered the Aegean out original destination.

Emerging from the canal we were imediatly confronted by numerous islands.

We made our way to Nisos Poros where we are now, and planning to leave for the Cyclades tomorrow.


RAY & MANDY
POROS
37 31N 23 25E

GREECE 2014

JOSEPHINE GOES BACK IN.

 Our journey back to Greece began on the 26th March, when Peter Billingham kindly took us to Manchester Airport for our flight to Athens.

Everything went like clockwork. We walked out of the airport and straight on to the X96 bus which for five euro each took us literally to the door of our hotel, the Poseidon opposite Alimos marina.

ONE OF ONLY TWO BOATS
IN LITTLE VATHY

 The next day we made our way by taxi to the bus station for our trip to Levkas.

The bus journey is some six hours long and so we had kindles and books at the ready to pass the time. They were not necessary as the journey was fascinating. We traveled from Athens over the Corinthian canal onto the Peloponnese (south) side of the magnificent Gulf of Corinth. we crossed over the gulf to the mainland side over the Andirrion-Rion Bridge and then on to Levkas.

The scenery was magnificent and we felt as if we had seen a lot of "real Greece"

THE BRIDGE

The boat was launched on April 1st and we had a lovely two weeks sailing around a near deserted Ionian, visiting our favorite haunts and preparing our selves and the boat for our journey east to the Aegean

We left Cephalonia on Tuesday 15th April and had a very pleasant 63NM trip to the Isle Trizonia in the Gulf of Corinth.

We passed underneath the amazing bridge that we had crossed over two weeks before. The structure is regarded as the largest of its type in the world.

We are now cruising the Gulf on route to Corinth and the canal. The next blog will follow soon and will give details of this wonderful cruising area, and an AMAZING EASTER SUNDAY in Andikiron.

RAY & MANDY
ANDIKIRON
38 21.6N x 22 39.4E

JOSEPHINE IN ACTION!

 JOSEPHINE UNDER FULL SAIL OFF ITHICA SEPTEMBER 4th 2013

 15/20 knots of NW wind

Special thanks to Kevin T. Jones, Sailing Pics Fiscardo, Kefalonia Greece., (Tel: 0030-6945464550) for producing this special video.

LAID UP FOR WINTER

NOVEMBER 2013

All good things must come to an end, and so we have with some sadness laid the boat up ashore for the winter.

We have had a wonderful summer of cruising and visited some amazing places. On the way we have had many adventures and  met many nice people who have been cruising the same as ourselves.




 It now seems a long time ago since we left home in March and flew out to Minorca. Within thirty Min's of arrival we ere in T shirts and shorts and never wore longs again until we flew back at the end of October!

We spent some weeks in Minorca getting the boat ready and left in mid April and sailed to Sardinia. This was perfect timing. The weather was mainly good and Sardinia was uncrowded. We spent a few weeks exploring this wonderful cruising area.

Any body who has not visited Sardinia and its near neighbour Corsica should put them on there list of places to visit.

 From Sardinia we moved on to the volcanic islands to the North of Sicily and then down through the straights of Messina to Sicily its self  

We left the island of Vulcano and had an exhilarating down wind sail, surfing down waves towards and through the straights, and then down the East Coast of Sicily. Mount Etna was clearly visible and active.                                                                                                                                                                                          

           

With out a doubt one of the highlights of our year was our visit to Siracusa in Sicily. This beautiful ancient city is amazing. We were so taken with it we stayed for a week and would without hesitation visit again.

From Siracusa we then had our last long passage and after three days we arrived in Argastoli Kefalonia Greece.

We were so taken with the Greek Ionian and its islands that we decided to stay for the rest of the season. We cruised the entire area  from Corfu in the north to the Gulf of Corinth. We enjoyed many harbours and anchorages.

Talk of economic problems and civil unrest in Greece should not deter people from visiting this wonderful country.  Everywhere we went we were always made welcome by these naturally friendly and helpful people. The scenery  is mountainous and stunning.

The boat is now laid up ashore in Cleopatra marina, in Preveza.

Our final week before being lifted out was spent in the area. We ventured into the adjacent inland sea, and had some very interesting and exhilarating sailing.

The organisation and efficiency at Cleopatra is quite impressive. The boat was promptly lifted at exactly the pre arranged time and placed in a secure cradle where she will sit out the winter. She will not be alone as there also a few thousand other boats stored here.

We hope to return in March 2014 to continue our adventure. Our plan is to sail through the Gulf Of Corinth through the Corinthian canal and into the Aegean.

This is our last post of this year. Thank you all for keeping in touch and visiting the blog. It has been very important to us to keep in touch.  We will re commence our postings again next year.

RAY & MANDY

SEPTEMBER DRAWS ON

Sarah & Paul

Sarah & Paul Mandy,s sister and brother in law joined us in early September for ten days.

We had excellent sailing  conditions and weather, visiting a different port or anchorage each evening after an enjoyable days sailing.

September is an excellent time to be here. The weather is more temperate after the severe heat of August. The evenings are cooler so that you can get a decent nights sleep. The winds are more predictable setting in in the afternoons, whilst in August they were often non existant.

Chapel at the entrance
to Big Vathi Ithica

We were able to visit most of the main places in the Southern Ionian during there stay and we had an excellent time.

Pictured right is a small chapel near to the entrance to the main harbor of Ithica known to most as Big Vathi.

We arrived here after a very breezy but great sail from Astakos, known to us as Lobster city. Astakos we are informed is the Greek for Lobster.

As we arrived the wind was blowing quite strongly and so we anchored in the middle of the harbor, and then went ashore the next morning when things had quietened down.

A small boat in
Argostoli !

Our guests left us and as in the past the boat seemed sadly quiet and empty after there departure.

We started to crawl our way North with a view to visiting Paxos and Corfu.  On the way we called in to Fiscardo where we purchased some professionally taken photographs and a video of Josephine under full sail.  Some of the shots and the movie are quite stunning.

We have them on disk and hope to be able to get them onto the blog some how in the future.






                                                                                          SOLAR PANELS

For some time now since the advent of the really high temperatures we have been struggling with our batteries as they ran the fridge and other domestic necessities.

We have spent some considerable time looking at other boats and talking to there owners about Solar Panels and so decided that we would make it a project to talk to the experts with a view to having them fitted next spring.

We arrived in Levkas on Tuesday 17th Sept to meet Dieter of Metronix to pick his brains. Four days later two 100 Watt panels were fitted to the boat and pumping amps into our batteries !

Dieter also made some other modifications involving diodes and regulators which now means that the engine alternator now charges more efficiently.  Since the work has been completed the batteries have remained fully charged.

     THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET A COLD BEER OR GLASS OF WINE !


Ray & Mandy
Paxos 39 14N X 20 07E

SEPTEMBER IMPROVES THE WEATHER

It seems that almost overnight as the month changed from August to September the weather conditions also changed.

The extreme temperatures and humidity abated and conditions became tolerable.

It seems quite strange because a large number of  boats also seem to have disappeared. Harbours and anchorages are less crowded and chaotic.

This is a very nice time of year to be here. Afternoon sea breezes give excellent sailing conditions. We can sail late into the afternoon or early evening and not have to worry about finding a mooring at the end of our day.

One problem we have found is that with the high temperatures the fridge is constantly struggling to maintain the temperatures. The net result is that the batteries are then struggling to maintain there charge.
   We are now investigating solar panels and have already learnt quite a lot.

As the season slowly draws to an end we have made arrangements to winter the boat. We have decided to have taken out of the water at Cleopatra Marina in Preveza.  No definite date has been agreed yet, but we

OXIA AT THE ENTRANCE
TO THE GULF OF CORINTH

would envisage being home by late October and return in March 2014.

Next week we plan to venture North through the Levkas canal towards Paxos, Corfu and the mainland.

Regards to everyone and we are looking forward to seeing you all soon.






RAY & MANDY
LITTLE VATHI
38 39.9N x 29 46.9E

IT AINT HALF HOT

THE ITHICA CHANEL

 We had been warned but paid little heed. The heat is unbelievable.

Heat combined with high humidity are making conditions very uncomfortable.  All we can and do is find an anchorage where we can swim to cool down and stay in the shade as much as possible.

We have a thermometer reading 35deg C below decks, and the locals inform us that it is 40 + outside.

GOAT TREE BAY

We have cruised the N Ionian extensively, and have ventured down into the Gulf of Corinth. With this heat we are now not sailing far just trying to chill out !

Next year we will seriously consider coming home for a few weeks in July and August if we can find somewhere where we can leave the boat with confidence.


                                                                          MUSSOLINI GETS HIS WISH

Mussolini sometimes known as El Douche in the early days of the second world war decided to invade Greece and in particular the Ionian Islands. Any readers who have read the wonder full novel CAPTAIN CORELlIS MANDOLIN will know what happened and the disastrous results that followed.

Today the Islands are again invaded in mass by thousands of Italians. They arrive in all sorts of boats which only have two gears. Fast forward and fast reverse. They talk quickly, loudly and wave there arms about to emphasise what ever it is they are shouting.  When we see them coming we quickly re arrange fenders and hope that they do not come alongside us.

Of course it is wrong to generalise but we have seen some amazing spectacles.  Mussolini would have been proud to see the mayhem and havoc that his countries descendants are now causing.

We are reliably informed by our Greek friends that they all suddenly disappear in September.

RAY & MANDY

HIDING FROM THE HEAT!!!

The wild life Has come to have a look at us!

We welcome Mark and Erika
on board Josephine

Mooring in Goat tree Bay
putting a chain around a tree

Well another few weeks since we last added to the blog little excuse except it is very HOT and we are looking for places to hide!
    Left a great picture taken by Erika whilst on board Josephine whilst anchored for lunch A large turtle came to have a swim around!!






We welcome Mark and Erika on Josephine at Ay Eufimia a favorite habour of ours photo taken by George .

   In our quest to find some where cool as the sea breeze has been switched off and the town quays and ports are very hot we go looking for anchorage with cool water to swim in and as some are small we need to tie to a tree!




 As Ray said this involves some one swimming with a rope or a chain to put around a tree or rock!
  Guess who swim's yes as in the photo it is Mandy here aided by Mark.
   We slowly approach the bay and pick a likely spot with a suitable tree/rock and move away then reverse towards area with Mandy letting the anchor out Ray helming the boat when the anchor has dug in and we are close to the shore Mandy runs to the stern of Josephine picks up end of rope or chain and fender that has already been prepared before we started this menover once around the tree/rock Ray then pulls the rope tight Mandy swims back to boat and collects another line from the other side of the boat and repeats the exercise and we then tighten the anchor and we are safe!

         Today we are going north to Preveza to explore where we may winter Josephine

                             good -bye for now Mandy and Ray

NEW CREWMATES

AUDREY & PETER TAKE TO
THE WATER

NEW SHIPMATES BASIL & GERRY
(IN PLANT POTS !0

 Audrey and Peter, our friends from Ingestre Golf Club joined us June 23rd for ten days.

We had a great time cruising the southern Ionian.

Peter & Audrey soon got into the way of life living on board, and quickly became active and useful crew members. 






However they were not the only newcomers to Josephine.

Basil & Gerry the flowerpot men have joined us and now get all the attention.

When anchored or moored they have pride of place above the companion way. When at sea they live in the sink in the heads (toilet) !

We always admired plants on boats, and were told that Mosquitoes don't like them.  Peter will tell you that they do not work !

PETER AT THE HELM

SPARTAKHORI

Audrey soon adopted Gerry and dried him out after we had tried to drown him with kindness.   

We had many great evenings, mainly eating on board with a few runs ashore to try out the local tavernas.

A "Come Dine With Me"  competition between the boys and girls resulted in excellent cuisine. The girls won by a very narrow margin after they produced an excellent and innovative Egg and Chips. No mean feat on a boat !

The boat now seems strangely quiet since they left.  Now its just Mandy, Basil  Gerry and I

We plan to spend a few days chilling in what we now call Goatree Bay, and then move on to explore the Gulf of Patrass and Corinth.

Our next post will explain why Ormos Kapali is now known as Goatree Bay and the technique of how to anchor in deep water and tie up to a tree.  One of us goes swimming !!


RAY & MANDY
Eufimia  38.18N X 20.36E

ANOTHER WEEK ABOARD JOSEPHINE

Well another week in Paradise ,
        We are very lucky to be on Holiday for ever and this a beautiful place to be we have stunning seas to sail around when the wind blows and lovely bays to anchor in and lazy around to keep cool dive in from the boat. I learn't a new way of anchoring that is to tie to a rock or tree which involves launching the dingy or jumping in and swimming for it and when there is only 2 of you jumping in and swimming is far easier.

         We are back in Agia Efimia ( one way to spell it ) where George our new best Greek friend is the harbor   master and welcomes us and we are waiting to pick our friends who are arriving later today no wind today and it is very hot mustn't grumble.

 The Quay at Agia Efimia.
                                                                         

Our friends are here for 10 days so may not write for awhile .

Bye for now Mandy and Ray 

CRUISING & HAVING FUN

ANNE AT THE WHEEL

ANNE & JIM TAKE IN THE
VIEW

Jim and Anne Cowan, Mandys brother and sister in  laws, joined us on Saturday 8th June .

We had a great week together and visited several   ports.









Anne and Jim had never sailed before but soon got into the routine of boat life.

We had glorious weather and were able to anchor and swim everyday. After lunch the breeze filled in to give some lively sailing.

ABLE SEAMAN JIM COWAN

                                                                                         
This area is an ideal cruising ground and we seem to have learnt the routine. lazy mornings, motor to a isolated anchorage, swim, lunch and wait for the afternoon breeze.

You can almost set your clock by the start of the wind at around 3pm. Zero to 20 knots plus in the space of 15 Min's.

DON'T DRINK & DRIVE !
note the glasses on the table

We have now been here for over a month and have rarely visited the same place twice.

We are continually discovering new places. We often say what could be nicer than this, and then the next place is !

VATHI MEGANISI LOOKING TOWARDS
THE ONASIS OWNED ISLAND  SKORPIOS

One of our favourite places is the small harbour of Vathi on Meganisi.

It is a small village but offers all we need in the way of supplies and Tavernas etc.

The photograph opposite shows the view we have from our mooring on the quay, with Skorpios and Levkas in the background.

ONE DAY NEARER TO THE NEXT
TIME

Ann and Jim left us on Saturday 15th and the boat seemed strangely quiet after we said out farewells. We greatly enjoyed having them.


Next week we look forward to Peter and Audrey Billingham joining us.

RAY & MANDY

Sami 38 15 N x 20 38 E