The island of Poros is a place that we have stopped at before on route to and from the Corinth Canal. It has a large town quay, which , although has some swell when ferries leave, is safe enough. One night was all we needed to provision and prepare to return to the far less windy Ionian Sea.

Thursday July 4th 2019
We left at lunchtime and reached the entrance to the canal at dusk. It was a completely different experience travelling through the canal as the sun was setting. Reassuringly, as we only had the tiniest slither of a moon, one side of the deep, man made canyon, was lit up to guide us. The reflection of the orange lights on the still water gave it an eerie feel. It even appeared to smell differently than before. Perhaps my sense of smell was heightened as my vision was dulled and the canal always had a sulphur smell? One thing for sure, it made me look at the rock more closely (obviously didn't want hit it!) Seriously, it made me realise what a huge undertaking it was to have cut this passage through and join the two seas.

It was a dream of many including Periander, Julius Ceasar and Caligular to name a few. Not surprising that so many considered it an impossible task. It even appeared to have a curse attached to it at one time. A philosopher called Apollonious prophesised that anyone who proposed to undertake the task would be met with illness. Not sure of the other guys, but if I recall from my O Level English Shakespeare class, Caesar didn't fair too well:'Et tu Brute?'
Of those who actually started digging, many tried and failed . Even the emperor Nero, in 67 AD, who had a workforce of over 6,000 Jewish prisoners of war!
It was finally completed in 1893 - by todays standards, still an amazing achievement.

Once through the canal, we decided it would be fun to have a night sail, as it was such a clear sky. We took turn on watch, navigating by the stars, like Peter Pan and Wendy. Ok that was for dramatic effect, star gazing - navigating by 'Garmin.' Then as the stars disappeared one by one, the sun rose. A sunrise and sunset at sea are glorious , just like the stars , miles above you they make you feel alive. The following day we cat napped, until finally , 28 hours after leaving Poros quay, we arrived at Messalonghi and anchored outside the Marina. Arriving back in the Ionian felt comfortable and it would be great to meet up with some friends and plan our next passage. Take Patience back to Valencia for the Winter perhaps, or maybe Italy? Decisions, decisions.