RJ Reports:
We have just motored through the Corinth Canal, connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. This 3-mile long stretch of water was started by Emperor Nero in AD 67, but was constantly postponed due to invasions. Consequently, the canal wasn't finished until 1893 by a French engineering company. On each end of the canal, there is a hydraulic bridge that instead of lifting up, sinks into the water. Cars sometimes have to wait up to an hour to get across.
After a 5 hour passage, we finally made it to the entrance of the Corinth Canal. We radioed the canal office and waited for a few other boats to finish coming the other way. As we waited, a small group gathered around the entrance consisting of 5 sailboats, 2 barges, a small motor boat and a super yacht. There was a long delay while a straggler on the other side of the canal finally made it through, and another delay as everyone got ready to start. The total waiting time was about 2 hours. Then, one by one, we started going through. It was magnificent with the sides going strait up for more than 250 feet at some spots. Leo entertained himself by going on our home-made rope swing until he got bored and we started playing fender walking or "fender bender". We then started having a fender fight until Leo went back on the rope swing and we came out of the canal. We tied up to the exit dock and payed the hefty fee of $340 before making our way towards Athens.
(mom's warning: fender fighting - don't try this at home)
For full song by ZIMA http://soundcloud.com/zima-1/voyager-zima