You may know the saying–“sailboat cruising is nothing but working on your boat in exotic locations”. That’s what we have been up to since the last update. Fortunately, our problems have not been too big and we have a good group of “helpers” to assist with the solutions.
If it seems like a while since my last post, it is because we had issues with the administration of our website. Oh my these things are hard to sort out from a distance. Thanks to Dean and Jesse back in Halifax, everything is back in working order.
When we left Vathy, Ithica after our last post, we found the motor on the anchor windlass was labouring. For the non-sailors reading this, the windlass is the equipment that we use to lower and raise the anchor. The stainless steel anchor and 100 meters of chain weighs tons (literally), the windlass is an important piece of gear. We headed back to Syvota, Lefkada because we knew we could dock there without needing an anchor and it would be a safe and convenient place to sort out a solution. In the end, we returned to Lefkada Town to have the motor serviced. Thanks again to the team at CYS–Joe, George and Jeannette. We are so thankful we have you to call on.
We did take the time to enjoy the goings-on in Syvota for a day while we were there. Syvota is a small settlement in a natural harbour, surrounded by hills and forest. It is considered one of the most beautiful bays on the island. It is quiet during the day; but, by late afternoon dozens of sailboats start filling the jetties to enjoy a safe overnight spot and wonderful food at the many tavernas. Even the local Lefkadians consider Syvota one of the best places to go for fresh seafood.
Back in Lefkada, we were docked facing the end of the canal, we could see the swing-bridge. I was up early one morning to experience the tranquility of the sunrise. Only a few hours later, we witnessed rush hour with all the sailboats lining up for the first bridge opening of the day. While the windlass was off for service, we took some time to get things in order for when our friends arrive in another week. Hard to imagine we need more rope; but, I guess we do.
With everything back in working order, we were anxious to get off the dock. We were expecting a parcel to be delivered at the post office in Nidri; so, we headed in that direction. We had a couple of very nice days at anchor in Cheloni Bay. From our anchorage we could take the tender to the beach and walk to Nidri (and the post office).
The parcel was an electrical part to deal with another small issue. We arranged for Joe the electrician to meet us in Tranquil Bay for the installation. We also had a call from the ice cream boat. Our first time seeing an ice cream boat in Greece, we miss that from our days in Turkiye.
The final gremlin, if you can call it that, was the weather. We were getting down to counting days before our guests arrive and the forecast was not looking good. We decided to get ourselves in position for the pick-up a few days early just in case. Fortunately, the weather system missed us to the south. We did have wind and rain; but, nothing nearly as serious as originally forecasted. Things continue to be unsettled; but, manageable. And our peeps arrive in just a few hours!
