Kingys week onboard.
16 January 2016
Sunday4th October
Arrived at Prevaza marine by taxi,it didn't take long to spot Nanjo and my host for the week Jim,there he was in the cockpit sitting in the sun with a straw hat on and a beer in his hand. I was soon welcomed aboard and would join him in the cockpit for a well earned beer after all that travelling it was lovely to just sit and watch the world go by,something Jim seems to be very good at. The afternoon passed after a few tins and a good catch up on gossip and we were soon of to town for a walk about and a meal. On the way to find somewhere to eat we stopped for a drink, with the drink came a plate of stew and chips just to keep us interested I guess,we soon ate up and drunk our drinks and found somewhere to eat a lovely meal.
When we got back to Nanjo Jim introduced me to two lads from Holland who were refitting an old cruiser next to where we were berthed,they were an interesting pair of lads and we had a drink and chat with them while watching there 50inch TV not sure if they ever did any work but they liked a chat and a drink.
Monday5th October
We set sail in the morning from Preveza to catch the opening bridge at Lefkas,that would allow us to enter the canal that would take us down to what I have always thought of as Jims playground. There has been a lot work going on here and it has changed a lot since I was here 3 years ago.
After about 2 hours on the motor we were out of the canal and in some good open water so it was off with the motor and up with the sails. We had all the afternoon and pretty much all the sea to ourselves so we decided to just sail around for an hour or two glorious. We were soon joined by a small school of Dolphins some who really wanted to show of.
As the afternoon passed we decided to go to Jims favourite place in the world and what he refers to as home Vlikho. It is easy to see why someone might want to spend there time here it's water and scenery make it the perfect place to relax.
With Nanjo safely anchored and a few more beers it was time to get out the dinghy and the new outboard for a bit of fun before going to the yacht club for some refreshments.
After a good meal and some brandy and a chat onboard it was time to settle down to a calm night at anchor. The stars are amazing here and the gentle rocking of the boat give a good nights sleep.
Tuesday6th October
Today it was decided that we would travel a little further to a place called big Vathi on Ithaca. And so it was soon of to the bakers for some pies and other goodies and up with the anchor and we were on our way.
Once we had left the bay the main sail was up and we were soon in some good wind with full sail and no motor. It is to describe how good this feels to someone who doesn't sail when you can steer the course and let the wind do the work.
After a few hours our pies finished and several empty tins we arrived at big Vathi,another lovely harbour with lots of room to man oeuvre hence big Vathi.
We moored bow to on the key in front of some tavernas and a lively little town idyllic really step of the boat and straight into a bar. After a drink and some people watching and a little bit of excitement with a sun sail catamaran that was determined to hit every boat in the harbour,it was time for me to take a shower this was done in someone's house for 3euros you walked passed the family watching TV and just used there shower, Greek enterprise?
Once again the night life consisted of a walk several drinks and a good meal I could soon get used to this and am finding myself feeling very envious of Jims lifestyle.
Wednesday 7th October
What a lovely place big Vathi is but still morning is here and it is time to move on. After breakfast in the cockpit and in full sunshine we were of to the bakers to stock up for our journey.
As we left the harbour there was a lot of talk about a storm arriving at the weekend hard to imagine as we were in 30degrees of heat and no wind.
After about 30 minutes of motoring we were soon back in the wind and once again making good speed under sail, time for beer and peace.
With the wind in our sails and the sun in the sky we were on our way to Sivota I have been there before and was really looking forward to seeing it again.
After sailing most of the way we entered Sivota harbour a lovely little harbour with plenty of tavernas and a supermarket, once again it was bow to a technique which Jim seems particularly good at.
It wasn't long before the rain started and when it did it seemed like it wasn't going to stop and it was really heavy. Still who cares? Not us we were safely in a good taverna enjoying cold beers, and as it seems like a long wait beef burger and chips seemed a good idea.
Once again it was evening and the rain had stopped and we were back to strolling around drinking and eating is there a better pastime? We were soon to meet a local legend by the name of kangaroo cat the only cat I have ever seen sit up and beg. I think the next time I see kangaroo cat he will be too big to sit up as everyone was feeding him.
With the day once again over it was back to Nanjo for brandy and time to reflect on our busy day lol.
Thursday8th October
With the forecast of a heavy storm on the way for Friday and our thoughts of being in the safety of Lefkas for the weekend we decided a short trip to Nidri would be best for us. With pies on board and beer in the fridge we set of for Nidri a Greek holiday town.
Jim had decided we would tie up on a pontoon so we could walk into town that evening. After safely mooring up and paying our mooring fees we were soon relaxing once again with a drink in the cockpit.
Next to us was a small yacht that was having some work done to it,the owner was an older gentleman of some 80 years although you wouldn't know it. In no time after discovering that he could play the guitar after learning at the age of 60! He was strumming and singing on jims guitar giving Jim hope that it's never too late to learn. We chatted with this guy for some time and he really was quite a character.
Nightfall again and of into town although quite a bit was shut it was a great place to walk around with a small beach and lots to see. Looking around for somewhere to eat and business not as good as usual we were soon offered discount to eat,that will do for us.
Full again and most of jims pizza as a take away it was of course brandy time, starting to loose count now how many bottles lol.
Friday 9th October
A later start today as we were going to levkas marina and safety. We were in no real hurry so some sailing around and a trip over to Polaris seemed a good option. What a calm day it was no wind so motor all the way obviously the calm before the storm. With little wind it was time to head up levkas canal to the marina we were not the only ones with this in mind. There was a convoy of yachts all with the same thing in mind. After a bit of waiting we were met by someone in a dinghy who would direct us to our mooring for the next couple of nights.
What a lovely marina great facilities and the showers were excellent,I think if you have to hold up somewhere might as well be near a town and some bars.
Once again of out in pursuit of food and drink not disappointed great value and far to much to eat.
Back to the marina for a drink and watch a bit of rugby before returning to nanjo for a nightcap.
Saturday 10th October
With plenty of places to eat we decided it was a full English for us coffee and fruit juice. With full tums we looked around for some time at the yachts we could not afford,but it cost nothing to dream.
After a day spent looking around levkas and dodging the rain it was back to nanjo and wait to see what the weather would bring.
All quite until about 2am then wins of 60 mph and heavy rain. Jim was on the deck letting of the lines so nanjo had more room before hitting the pontoon.
Sunday 11th October
After an eventful couple of hours the high winds stopped. We had weathered the storm well and so of for another full english seemed a good idea. I think that one or two boats had suffered small damage but nothing serious.
It was now time for me to find a taxi and make way to the airport. Would I like to live this life? Who wouldn't? Thanks Jim hope to see you next year.