WilsonSailingChronicles

19 May 2017 | 2 Rock Bay (mainland), Monogonissi & Lakka (Island of Paxos)
19 May 2017 | Abilike Bay (Meganissi) & Preveza (Mainland Greece)
19 May 2017 | Fiscardo, Kefalonia & Vathi, Ithaca
19 May 2017 | Ancient Olympia, Katacolon, Greece
19 May 2017 | Methoni, Greece
19 May 2017 | Python, Greece
19 May 2017 | Monemvasia, Greece
06 May 2017 | Amorgos, Greece
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
05 January 2017 | Toronto, Ontario
19 September 2016 | London, England
19 September 2016 | Reigate, England

2 Rock Bay (Mainland), Monogonissi, Lakka (Island of Paxos), May 8-13, 2017

19 May 2017 | 2 Rock Bay (mainland), Monogonissi & Lakka (Island of Paxos)
Phoebe

We decided to leave and head for 2 Rock Bay on the mainland. Paul and Janet had left so that they could prepare my birthday dinner!! What a feast! Had a wonderful time eating, drinking and playing cards.

2 Rock Bay is aptly named as there are two very large rocks in the bay. It is a lovely anchorage and popular with day cruisers. The biggest downfall is it is rolly! If it had a bit more comfortable we would have opted to stay another day!

Next stop was Monogonissi on the Island of Paxos. The anchorage was very nice, quaint place with a small tight anchorage. Paul and Janet had some excitement as a boat that was anchored in front of them started to drag. It was a bit scary for them as the folks (charter boat) were panicking and they had to tell them what to do (like start your engine, get your fenders out). They did end up on top of them but fortunately Paul was able to fend them off until they got sorted.

We had a nice little walk before heading to the taverna on the shore. You can tell it is still quite early as we were the only people there!

The next day we walked to the town of Gaios where it is considered to be quite expensive to tie up on the town quay, $24.00 euros per night. We had a nice wander through watching the port police collect the fees.

We decided to head off to Lakka on the north end of the island and also protected from the south. A very pretty anchorage, busier then most we have been in. Lots of taverna's and tourist shops. This is a very popular place.

We were expecting a bit of a blow from the south in here and it did not disappoint. Along with that of course comes swell which unfortunately happens a lot it seems in the Med.

We had another very exciting night due to high winds. Around 3 am a catamaran dragged onto a monohull with lots of lights flashing and some raised voices. When it seemed that they were separating the cat ended up on top of them again and this time both of them started dragging on top of another monohull. Next all three were headed towards a smaller sailboat at the bottom of the bay. Somehow they managed to separate just as they got to that little boat. Another boat behind him had already got smart and pulled up their anchor and moved.

It was a bit nerve wracking as the three boats wandered around the harbor trying to re-anchor. Of course no one really wants them to anchor anywhere near where you are! Finally peace reigned and we were finally able to go back to bed at 5:45 am.

We did see the one boat that had significant damage to his forward pulpit and stanchions.
Due to lack of sleep and winds we decided to stay another night. We had planned to go across to the mainland and then to Corfu but we had to change our plans and decided to head to Corfu on May 13, 2017.

Abilike Bay (Meganissi), to Preveza-Apr 23-May 4, 2017

19 May 2017 | Abilike Bay (Meganissi) & Preveza (Mainland Greece)
Phoebe
The goal was now to get to Preveza in order to check out of Greece no later than April 30, 2017. Because we can only stay in the EU for 3 months and have to leave for 3 months we needed to be focused on getting to Albania and north where those countries are not part of the EU or at least do not practice the Schengen rules. This is the place we were also hoping to get an in water survey done for our insurance company.

We made a few stops along the way, just overnight anchorages. I did not really take a lot of pictures. We did stop at a pretty place called Abilike Bay on the Island of Meganissi. This was a lovely anchorage. We were able to take our dinghy to shore and then walked to the town of Vathi on just over the hill.

You have to travel a very well marked channel to get to Levkas. The wind was just too strong for us to try and med moor. We ended up side tied on a not so great wall with only a few inches to spare under our rudder. We hiked around the town a bit but not too much to see here. It is a busy boating place as a lot of people leave their boats here in the winter.

The next morning we did a bit more shopping only to realize when we came back that we had waited too long and the wind was quite strong pushing us against the wall. Onyx carried on and we agreed that we would meet them later. We did prepare to spend another night there but were very glad that the wind switched in the afternoon and we were able to leave with no issues.

We had to time our departure as the swing bridge only opens on the hour. The event reminded us of the many times we went through the swing bridge in Little Current, Ontario.

Next stop Preveza, again! Onyx elected to stay in the marina and we elected to stay out in the anchorage. Preveza is a good anchorage with lots of room. We went ahead and checked out of Greece.

This is when we discovered that our windlass had failed. We had happily got our survey done (for the insurance company) so we ended up phoning the person who did the survey. He agreed to meet us on the Monday and Reg would remove the windlass to determine if it could be rebuilt or be replaced.

The Amvrakikos Gulf is a gulf of the Ionian Sea in northwestern Greece. About 40 km long and 15 km wide, it is one of the largest enclosed gulfs in Greece. The towns of Preveza, Amphilochia (formerly Karvassaras), and Vonitsa lie on its shores.

There is or was supposedly a family of bottlenose dolphins that live in the Gulf. I suspect that number is exaggerated. We saw two and they were the same two every time. The gulf suffers from pollution, overfishing and other issues.

We had hoped to see more birdlife there but were sadly disappointed as all the marshes were closed off and the shore was too shallow to get too close. It is a protected area but not sure how much money is being spent on this area given the current state of affairs in Greece.

We went to the far end but the anchorage was pretty much a bust. We headed back to Vonitsa where our contact was going to pick up our windlass to see if it could be repaired or replaced.

Reg got quite a bit of exercise bringing up the anchor by hand.

It was a very frustrating and slow time. The anchorage in Vonitsa was very nice and it was very easy to take the dinghy ashore and walk to town. Our man took two full days to tell us the windlass was pooched and then it took another two days to get a new one (at great expense). No wiring cables were included and our current ones were not long enough. Needless to say we had to go back to Preveza and get some cables and of course it was Sunday so nothing was open.

We agreed that as soon as possible on Monday Reg would get his cables and we would leave and do the wiring later!




Fiscardo (Kefalonia) to Vathi, Ithaca, Apr 20-22, 2017

19 May 2017 | Fiscardo, Kefalonia & Vathi, Ithaca
Phoebe

Time to practice med mooring again!! We are so lucky to have Paul and Janet of Onyx to help us. It is hard to med moor on Three Sheets mostly because there are very few town quays at this time of year that have staff on land available to take our lines.

We only had a few inches under the keel but the harbor is well protected so not much chance of a lot of movement. Having said that the wind was quite strong but was blowing us off the dock, which was good.

A great seaside town that reminded us so much of Bayfield, lots of little shops, kafeterias, and taverna’s. It is early in the season here so we were lucky to enjoy this town without the myriad of charter boats that swamp the place in the summer.

We were quite happy to miss that completely. The island (Kefalonia) has great hikes and we enjoyed two of them during our stay here.

We took our picnic lunch and enjoyed it in one of the bays. Apparently this is one of the areas that was used in the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. We made a brave attempt at YMCA as you will note in the pic.

Our next stop was a small place called Vathi on the Island of Ithaca. Vathi was a great anchorage. We made a short visit to the town and had a nice meal at a tavern.

Wind was quite strong on the way back we all got a bit wet in the dingy!!!

It is still quite cool here, especially if it is windy and cloudy. The nights are definitely long pants, hoodies, jackets and or sweaters.

Katacolon & Ancient Olympia, Apr 16-17, 2017

19 May 2017 | Ancient Olympia, Katacolon, Greece
Phoebe

Katacolon seemed to be a sleepy place although bus tours seemed to stop there on the way through to the Ancient Site of Olympia.

We were able to side tie which was nice as it was not busy at all. There were many, many cafes (kafeterias) and certainly on the weekend they were quite busy. The Greeks love their mixed cold coffees of every description.

Greek coffee is exactly the same as Turkish coffee – and it was in fact called just that in Greece until Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, at which point, for political reasons, the Greeks decided to rename their coffee “Greek coffee.” The process and preparation, though, are identical to the Turkish way. It is an acquired taste!!

We rented a car and set up to visit the original site of the Olympics. The Olympic games were held every four years throughout Classical antiquity, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.

Geometric and Archaic periods (8th century BC). Classical period between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, was the golden age of the site at Olympia. Hellenistic period was the late 4th century BC to 200 BC. The Roman period, 150 to 100 AD or thereabouts.

The site suffered extensive damage from earthquakes in the 3rd century and again in the 6th century with the site being finally abandoned in the 7th century.

The exact site was re-discovered in 1766 by the English antiquarian Richard Chandler. The French “Expedition Scientifique de Moree” did not carry out the first excavation of the sanctuary at Olympia until 1829.

They did a fairly good job of storyboards that tried to recreate the site and what the various buildings etc. were for. The site was buried and the theory that it was from numerous tsunamis caused by the earthquakes. If you are at the site it is hard to imagine that happening!

The site is huge and you need quite some time to get through it and try to visualize what took place. You can see in many places where the columns were just toppled and mostly left there. The cost to restore this site would be unimaginable!

We enjoyed our visit and were very lucky the rain held off until we were just finished.

Gythion to Methoni, Apr 12-13, 2107

19 May 2017 | Methoni, Greece
Phoebe
Gythion to Methoni - April 12-13, 2017

We arrived in the harbor of Methoni in mid-afternoon. The old fort is quite impressive from the anchorage.

We took a quick trip to have a look around so that we could go and see the fort the next day.

The town was very neat and tidy. The harbor was good and well protected.

The history here is overwhelming. The town's history goes back to the Byzantine Era where the town was once promised to Achilles!! The town has been occupied by the Spartans (the Spartans had to cross the formidable Taygetos Mountains), the Venetians, and Crusaders. This is the time period where the town etc. reached its zenith as an important centre for trade and staging point between Venice and the Holy Lands.

The Castle of Methoni is a medieval fortification in the port town of Methoni, Messenia, in southwestern Greece. The castle of Methoni occupies the whole area of the cape and the southwestern coast to the small islet that has also been fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on its three sides. Its north part, the one that looks to land, is covered by a heavily fortified acropolis. The Venetians built on the ancient battlements and added on and repaired it during both periods that they occupied the castle.

Next came the Ottomans (Turks) and Russians. During the Greek war of Independence (1821) the town was inhabited by Turks while the outlying areas were inhabited by Greeks. It took some time but finally the French defeated the Turks and took control of Methoni in 1828 and in 1933 when they left they returned control to the newly established Kingdom of Greece.

When you are walking around this old fort it is so difficult to imagine the hustle and bustle that must have went on. There would have been many, many ships in the harbor.

I would have loved to see this town throughout the ages (invisible of course) to watch the course of history unfold.

So many events and so many different peoples!!

The Castle and old fort of Methoni was well worth the visit and the views were outstanding.


Gythion-Mystra, Apr 9-10, 2017

19 May 2017 | Python, Greece
Phoebe
Gythion-Mystra

Next stop was to catch up with Paul and Janet on Onyx who were heading to Gythion from Crete where they had spent the winter. They are also heading north to Albania, Montenegro and Croatia before returning to Preveza and heading back to Dubai and work!!

A very nice sail until we reached the entrance and then we ended up with 20 knots heading right into the harbor which was very unpleasant. Paul & Janet had already med moored. Just as we entered they radioed us to tell us that they were asked to move as they were using a space reserved for a large fishing vessel (a fishing vessel that never did show up!).

Unfortunately there just was no room anywhere else. There were quite a few derelict sailboats that were tied up and perhaps abandoned. We both left the harbor to try and anchor outside but it was just too rough and rolly. It would have been nice to anchor there by this small island just outside the harbor. This was where the two lovers fled to that started the whole tragic Greek-Trojan war.

Back in we came, again very rough and hard on the boats. We decided to try and tie up against a wall and raft off together. We were going in first as we had the heavier boat. Finally the port police and a few guys off of a big salvage ship decided to come and help us (after Janet had to use the radio to get them to come out).

It was tricky but we both finally got tied up. Not a great place as there was a lot of motion but it was better than nothing at the end of a long day. Just after we got tied up a large cruise ship (Turkish style) docked very close to us. That was quite a site to see him maneuver and get tied up.

The big attraction here is the old fortress and town of Mystras. Mystras is situated on the slopes of Taygetos Mountain (still snow covered). The archaeological site stands above the modern village of Mystras and the city of Sparta.

The area is mostly famous for the Spartans. Sparta was unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which completely focused on military training and excellence. Its inhabitants were classified as Spartiates (Spartan citizens, who enjoyed full rights), mothakes (non-Spartan free men raised as Spartans), perioikoi (freedmen), and helots (state-owned serfs, enslaved non-Spartan local population). Spartiates underwent the rigorous agoge training and education regimen, and Spartan phalanges were widely considered to be among the best in battle. Spartan women enjoyed considerably more rights and equality to men than elsewhere in the classical world.

This area has a long and complicated history and I truly suggest, if you are interested, you look it up in Wikipedia. It is just too long and involved to go into here. I have posted a picture of a sign that gives you a very brief timeline.

We rented a car and headed up there. On the way up we stopped for a quick pic of a hedgehog. The first I had ever seen in the wild! There are great views of the new city of Sparta. There is virtually nothing left of the warrior nation of Sparta. These people did not build monuments or buildings. They lived a minimalist lifestyle. Everyone remembers the last stand of the Spartans. Lots of movies etc have been made of this era.

The site itself is quite beautiful and the views are fantastic. It was well worth the visit. We had an interesting stroke of luck. We met a teacher at the very top who studies and teaches classical greek history. He gave us a great, albeit quick, overview of the history of the area and talked about the Spartans. That was the highlight of our day!!
Vessel Name: Three Sheets
Vessel Make/Model: Lafitte 44
Hailing Port: Sarnia Canada
Crew: Reg & Phoebe Wilson
About: We hail from a little village called Bayfield on the shores of Lake Huron in Ontario Canada. We have retired, released our worldly possessions and have set off on our next adventure.
Extra: We are now near Corfu Greece winding our way north to Albania, Montengegro and Croatia. the plan is to sail to the Caribbean this coming winter (2017-2018)
Three Sheets's Photos - Main
Some pics of our stay. We started at Two Rock Bay but I did not take any pictures there. Janet took them and posted them on Facebook for my birthday. Mongonissi and Lakka were anchorages on our way to Corfu
16 Photos
Created 22 May 2017
A few picks of our LONG stay while waiting for the issue of the windlass to be resolved. Really did not take any pictures at all in the Gulf. The town of Vonitsa was interesting including the gypsy-romano festival where they sold rides on their horses and barbecued whole roasted pigs. This was obviously an annual tradition that people enjoyed.
15 Photos
Created 19 May 2017
We had quite a few stops here in there where I did not take pictures. We actually went to Preveza twice. Preveza was the town we checked out of Greece on April 28, 2017. Unfortunately because of the windlass issues, weather etc we actually did not leave Greece until May 15th, Yikes!!!
14 Photos
Created 15 May 2017
A nice little Bayfield in Greece!! Fiscardo was quite pretty. Vathi was nice too but did not spend a lot of time there.
17 Photos
Created 15 May 2017
Our stop at Katacolon which is one of the harbours close enough to rent a car and see ancient Olympia.
27 Photos
Created 15 May 2017
We travelled from Gythion to the ancient town of Methoni. Again so much history.
18 Photos
Created 12 May 2017
Arriving at Gythion to meet up with Janet and Paul of Onyx and to see the old site of Mystra
17 Photos
Created 12 May 2017
A very cool town that is slowly coming back to life. Great stop recommended by Onyx. Had a great hike here.
19 Photos
Created 12 May 2017
Mostly pics of our hike up to the old Minoan ruins on Amorgos. A great hike and a beautiful day.
16 Photos
Created 6 May 2017
The Grand Finale. My final album and blog post. Hope you all enjoyed them even though they were a whole year behind!!!! Even though we had been to these places before we still enjoyed them the second time around
19 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
We enjoyed our visits a lot in the company of Bob & Eileen. A great way to spending some of our last days before heading back to Canada and the reality of the modern world....
20 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Our first visit to Patmos and Lipso. The Griko anchorage was fantastic and at that time free as the season had not started yet.
15 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
This was our first visit to Kalimnos and our second visit to Levithia. Two great spots and anchorages
16 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
A few pics of our overnight stop in Knidos to look at the ruins. Reg was determined to see this before we left this area for good.
15 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Some picks of our stay on Nysiros. A great spot for hiking the volcano and renting scooters to tour the island. Mandrake was a great place for the sunset and it did not disappoint.
19 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
A few pics of our climb up to the castle. This was a great hike but a bit difficult. it was worth the climb though as the views were spectacular and the weather was great.
14 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Some pics from our stay in Rhodes and the island of Alimia. Rhodes was fascinating but very touristy even at that time of year. We were lucky to get a spot in the anchorage. Had a very hairy time actually med mooring as we are so inexperienced. Thanks to a neighbour from Switzerland who helped us tie up I am not sure we would have stayed!! Alimia was a totally different experience. Abandoned before the WWII because of the Germans it lies mostly untouched. Locals still come to the two churches that are there and fishermen used to live in some of the abandoned homes during fishing season.
22 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
A few pics of our final stop in Turkey, Dacta where we checked out. A fantastic place with an amazing walk along the water. Lots of resorts here and obviously very touristy in season. We did chat with our check out agent a bit and he did indicate that things were slow and they were expecting a poor season. There was a great market. This is a place I would have like to have spent more time as it was very low key and friendly. This is the spot where we also said goodbye to Shiela from Britain. Shield now lives in Turkey near Marmaris full time. We met Shiela on a tour to Istanbul and enjoyed her company. Shiela helped us a lot in finding dentists and things we need in the city.
14 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Some pics of our quick trip from Bozburun to Symi (Greece) for a little provision run of things you can get in Greece but not Turkey. Had a great bus trip to the town from the anchorage at Panormitis which we had been to earlier..
11 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Winding up our final days in Turkey. Had a great hike from the marina in Marmaris, We then left for Gerbeksi (a patrol boat came through the anchorage around 2 am to look for refugees, they did not find any but sure scared us, haha). After that travelled to Bozburun where Ian joined us.
19 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Reg spent the better part of six weeks back at Three Sheets while I looked after stuff in Canada. Reg worked hard at getting the boat shipshape and he had help and helped lots of folks in the marina. We did a little side trip with Janet & Paul and Sal and John to a few spots just to work out any kinks. It was great to go as Janet & Paul and been in this area before so knew where to go. This spot in the summer is extremely busy so we were glad to have been able to experience it without the masses.
17 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
We stopped for a few days with our friends Ian and Diana in Reigate England. I was heading to Canada and Reg was heading back to Three Sheets in Marmaris Turkey. We had a great few very quick sightseeing days. We visited Portsmouth to see the HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's ship, HMS Warrior, the New Forest Ponies and various other spots.
18 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
Our stay in Sheffield for about six weeks was a bit cold and wet but we had a great time. Our charges were well behaved and good company.
16 Photos
Created 5 January 2017
A few pics of a day on our own, again took the train in, was great. Enjoyed the tower, so huge we barely had enough time to see it all (in fact we probably didn't). Great day in the big city of London!!
23 Photos
Created 19 September 2016
A few more pics of a day in London spent on our host Diana. Took the train in from Reigate and just walked around. I was pleased to be able to see the Changing of the Horse Guards. I just can't imagine what that would be like to just have to sit there for so long and then all of the pomp around changing to a new set of guards!!!
17 Photos
Created 19 September 2016
Pics of our visit to Churchills home and visit to Brooklands a very important racetrack before the war. One of the first places were race cars were developed.
19 Photos
Created 19 September 2016
Three Sheets is for sale so these are some pics of her. We have owned her for five years and sailed Three Sheets from San Diego, California to her current location in Marmaris, Turkey. We plan to start making our way back west towards Gibraltar.
21 Photos
Created 14 March 2016
Another great two days, the last one a very long one as we did not finally get home until after midnight, but worth it....
20 Photos
Created 25 November 2015
Amazing trip and I hope some great pics of our first two days in Istanbul. An incredible city...
19 Photos
Created 25 November 2015
A few pics of the marina where Three Sheets is docked and of the City of Marmaris which is nearby and travelled to by the local bus. Most of these pics were taken when the gang was here visting in October.
20 Photos
Created 25 November 2015
Travelled via a larger boat to the Dalyan River area where we got onto smaller boats. Toured the river and checked out the tombs built into the cliff face. Had a mud bath. Very crazy and likely my last, ha ha
13 Photos
Created 19 November 2015
This was a wild location. What with the mineral pools and the white mineral terraces to the huge city that was spread around the pools. Very old and not as well preserved.
15 Photos
Created 19 November 2015
This place was amazing. It would have been a major hub, especially when it was actually a port. You can imagine how old this city is simply based on the fact that the harbour is completely silted in (that takes a lot of time) and the sea is over a mile away.
13 Photos
Created 19 November 2015
Pics of a very beautiful town. Our anchorage near the monastery was much nicer than the anchorage in the town itself. This is a very popular destination for cruisers, tour boats and ferries.
15 Photos
Created 19 November 2015
Here are some pics of a side trip that Emma and I were able to take to Santorini. It is a spectacular very old volcanic caldera. It was hard decision to make as to which pics to put in!!!!
17 Photos
Created 19 November 2015
A fantastic, well kept and sheltered anchorage. We had a great meal which was worth the hot long trek up to the main house. The fog the next day was a little worriesome but it eventually cleared.
9 Photos
Created 17 November 2015
A few pics of our drive around Amorous, a climb to an ancient monastery and a very very nice lunch with our new friends Nigel and Debbie from Wales.
18 Photos
Created 17 November 2015
Reg said it all, WIND. As I can't actually photograph the wind you will have to take his word for it. Emma and our are both appreciative of Reg staying with the boat so we could go to Santorini worry free. Ios was a young people's party place and they came in droves on these hug ferries that caused us great alarm with their wake smushing us up against the dock....yes we did try to move but almost impossible...
12 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
Even though we only spend one day on Folegandros we really enjoyed the hike, the village and the views. Sikinos was very windy, although comfortable (no rolling) we did not really get a chance to enjoy anything there. We did make it to the beach once but it was very uncomfortable with sand blowing everywhere. Another time perhaps
16 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
We actually went to this site twice, the first time it was closed and the weather was pretty cold and rainy. The second time it was open and beautiful. Obviously people do get tired of seeing ruins etc but hopefully you can use your imagination to see what this huge fortress was like so many years ago. The views were spectacular and the site chosen for obvious reasons, you could see your emenies by sea or land.
14 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
Serifos a great village and Milos a quick overnight stop. Emma and I swam to shore in Milos which was pretty unusual for me. Reg then picked us up in the dinghy. Both very pretty spots
26 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
Some pics of Poros, where we arrived and then drove to Athens to pick up Emma. After that a few day trips, Epidavros twice, Acrocorinth Fortress and some really nice scenic driving. Kithnos was our first Island with Emma and we really enjoyed it except for the delay re our prop shaft issue. Even though it was a big costly inconvenience for us it was nice to know that the Greek Coast Guard was listening and were there to help if it had been a more dangerous situation. I had quite a discussion with them regarding the meaning of PAN PAN but was unable to convince them that it was not the same as a MAY DAY!!!
13 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
A great spot and often used for real concerts and plays in the summer. The anchorage was also quite nice was we were able to hook. We saw the theatre from the car and anchored in the village later.
9 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
A very short one day tour of Athens!!!
19 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
We stopped here on the way to Athens to pick up Emma. This was a very old civilization. The site was amazing and you can see why it was chosen.
10 Photos
Created 10 November 2015
Apparently the most expensive canal in the world, per foot!! Sure seemed like it to us but it did save a lot of time and fuel if we had had to go around. It was a good experience, a little nerve wracking but I am sure just standard stuff to the Greeks.
14 Photos
Created 26 July 2015
We anchored in Galaxadhi (for some reason I did not take any pictures of the town!) and used the bus to go and see the Delphi Oracle. Very well done museum and archealogical site. A very beautiful place and the views were fantastic. You almost feel like a "God" yourself way up there!!!
19 Photos
Created 26 July 2015
Just a few pics of the little village of Trizonia. Great free anchorage, nice tavernas, cute goat mascot.
8 Photos
Created 26 July 2015
Pics of first stop in Greece, Argostoli, Cephanlonia. Great spot with great provisions, good food and the best feta cheese I have ever had. Traditional greek feta is made with sheep and goats milk or you can get just sheeps milk as well. The turtles around the fishing boats were amazing and the tourists were really enjoying them. Not sure how much fish was being sold!!!
13 Photos
Created 26 July 2015
Pics of our trip with the Massaro Family of San Francisco. We had three days to visit stuff that probably would have taken a week or two!!! We had to prioritize and do what we could.
26 Photos
Created 26 July 2015
A few pics of the city of Siracusa where we had a beautiful safe anchorage and good provisioning. The market was amazing and the food cheap and fresh.
17 Photos
Created 3 July 2015
This was an active volcano and you could have a sulpur mud bath if so inclined. The great part is we hooked up with our friends from San Francisco, Jennifer, Darold and Dante. We met these folks in the San Blas Islands Panama in 2014. It was great to be able to catch up!!!
15 Photos
Created 25 June 2015
Amazing town very built up right on the shore and interesting to see as you approach the anchorage. Enjoyed touring the town
15 Photos
Created 25 June 2015
Pics of our stay in the city of Cagliari. Big city, nice people and good supplies. Really enjoyed our tour of the museum. Pics of our anchorage which was very beautiful and quiet. Had a couple of great walks into town and up into the hills
18 Photos
Created 25 June 2015
Picks of our second stay on Mallorca, Menorca and some pics of Sardinia. Discovering a lot more lovely anchorages then on the coast of Spain so happy about that!!!!
11 Photos
Created 25 June 2015
This time when we stopped in Dublin to visit Emma on the way back to the boat we rented a car and headed for Northern Ireland. Really wanted to see the Giants Causeway. We visited castles, abbys, and old stuff!!! Belfast was interesting and had a wonderful museum about "the troubles". It was very well done and told the story of both sides. I learned a lot of things I really did not know or understand. There is still a little undercurrent between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland is a wonderful place to visit!!!
39 Photos
Created 23 June 2015
Pics from our visit with Emma last fall, rented a car and travelled around the Republic of Ireland. So much to see and so little time!!!!
25 Photos
Created 10 June 2015
Here are a few pics when my sister Marg visited with us in Barcelona last October. We had a great time. Marg experienced the sailing life as we sailed from Barcelona to the Island of Menorca. We spent a few days there touring the Island. We sailed back to Roda de Bara where we left the boat for the winter. These were overnight sails both time and Marg was a real trooper especially when our Auto pilot quit. Thanks for coming to see us Marg it was a great trip...
33 Photos
Created 10 May 2015
The confluence of civilizations as well as its strategic harbour, together the rise of the local mining industry is manifested by a unique artistic heritage, with a number of landmarks such as the Roman Theatre, the second largest of the Iberian Peninsula after the one in Mérida, an abundance of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Moorish remains, and a plethora of Art Nouveau buildings, a result of the bourgeoisie from the early 20th century. Well thats what they said in Wiki, ha ha. Anyway we were really surprised as the entrance to the harbour and the harbour itself not that attractive. However, just like it says the museums, the history and the buildings are fantastic.
20 Photos
Created 17 September 2014
The Alhambra: Part fortress (the Alcazaba), part palace (Palacios Nazaries), part garden (the Generalife) and part government city (the Medina), this medieval complex overlooking Granada is one of the top attractions in Spain, with many visitors coming to Granada expressly to see the Alhambra. The last Moorish stronghold in Europe, the Alhambra reflects the splendor of Moorish civilization in Andalusia and offers the visitor splendid ornamental architecture, spectacular and lush gardens, cascading and dripping water features, and breathtaking views of the city. There is just so much to see in here and it would take to long to describe everything but it is something that you should see if you decide to take the trip to Spain....
34 Photos
Created 16 September 2014
The Moorish conquest of 711 brought Islamic rule to the Iberian Peninsula and Granada was quickly established as one of the main cities of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for the region. New agricultural practices were introduced as the old Roman infrastructure was put to use for irrigation, leading to a major expansion of the city as it grew from the river valley up to the hills currently occupied by the Alhambra and the Albayzín, with a major Jewish settlement, the Realejo, existing within the town. Following the fall of Córdoba in 1236 to the Christian Reconquista, the city became the capital of the Emirate of Granada, and for the next 250 years Granada stood as the heart of a powerful and self-sufficient kingdom with the construction of the royal palace and fortress, the Alhambra. Skirmishes continued between the Emirate of Granada and the Crown of Castile, and in the late 15th century the Christian Reconquista set its sights on Granada. Following a military campaign led by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile, which included a siege of the walled town, King Boabdil of Granada was ultimately forced to surrender the town in 1492, bringing an end to Moorish rule in the Iberian peninsula and marking the end of the Reconquista. It is an amazing city and not far away you can go skiiing in the mountains. We only spent a few days here but I think you could use at least one week to really check out everything.
37 Photos
Created 16 September 2014
We arrived in Motril which is where we decided to leave the boat and take the bus to Granada and the Alhambra. It was a neat little place with no tourists!!! Nice yacht club and people were friendly. Emma took this series of pictures one morning while Reg and I slept away. I think it is a snowy egret (yellow feet) fishing for his early morning breakfast, with good results...
10 Photos
Created 16 September 2014
It never entered my mind that we would visit Morocco. When we realized how close we were we decided we had to give it a go. Especially when it was so easy to sail to Ceuta and then take a bus. I must say the trip was too short so we just had a tiny tiny taste!!!
31 Photos
Created 15 September 2014
We left Gibraltar and sailed over to Ceuta which is a small territory in Morroco belonging to Spain. Wow wonder what the politcs are there!!! Anyway we really enjoyed this place. It was nice, people were friendly. We stayed in a marina as there was no place to anchor. We also travelled from here by bus to Morroco but that is another album!!
16 Photos
Created 15 September 2014
Cádiz, the oldest continuously-inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in southwestern Europe,[1][2] has been a principal home port of the Spanish Navy since the accession of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century. The city is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. We met up with a friend of Emma's, David and his two boys. David also took us around the city in the evening to enjoy Tapas. David and the two boys opted to travel with us to Sancti-Petri where we would drop them off to meet up with his parents who spend their summers there. A little uncomfortable for the new sailors in a green sort of way but they soldiered on and we made it in time to spend some time on the beach. We enjoyed a very nice dinner compliments of David's family. The anchorage itself was a bit scary as the current was incredibly strong and you had to go in at high tide. Fortunately they had mooring balls and they assisted us to tie up. When we left we had the motor running as high as it could and we barely made two knots out to the ocean!!!
16 Photos
Created 5 September 2014
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. It has an area of 2.3 square miles and a northern border with the Province of Cádiz in Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region. At its foot is a densely populated city area, home to almost 30,000 Gibraltarians and other nationalities. The territory was ceded to Britain "in perpetuity" under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. I am pretty sure Spain is not too happy about that today. There are certainly issues especially around fishing rights. Most of the Rock's upper area is covered by a nature reserve which is home to around 230 Barbary Macaques, the famous apes of Gibraltar, albeit that biologists insist that technically the apes are wild monkeys. These are the only wild apes or monkeys found in Europe. They are classified as endangered and three quarters of the population actually live in the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Across the border is La Linea where we anchored. It was free to anchor there and much less expensive then trying to get into a marina on either side. A lot of people go back and forth every day to and from work. We did the typical sight seeing on "The Rock". It was an amazing amount of walking so we were pretty sore and tired but really glad we did it. To get to the area you cross the border and then walk across the airport where the planes actually land and take off. If you stop they come over the loud speaker and tell you to keep moving!!!! Lots of people trying to stop and take pictures. It was a good stop for us as we got fuel on the way out at half the price of anywhere else, YAY!!!!
19 Photos
Created 5 September 2014
Time to move on and start heading to Spain. This was our last stop in Portugal and it was a neat anchorage. The beach was amazing and lots of shells!!! Culatra Island is an island in the Algarve, Portugal. It is divided into three parts: Farol, Hângares and Culatra. We only stayed in the anchorage, visited the little village, walked the boardwalk and spent time on the beach. It is a very popular sport for Spanish Tourists who come by the droves in ferries to spend the day on the beach.
11 Photos
Created 5 September 2014
After we left Coimbra we stopped at these old Roman Ruins on the way back to Portimao. Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements in Portugal, and is classified as a National Monument. Like many archaeological sites, Conímbriga was built in layers. The archaeological evidence tells us that Conímbriga was inhabited, at least, between the 9th century BC and 7th / 8th century AD.[1] The name Conimbriga derives from an early, possibly pre-Indo-European element meaning "rocky height or outcrop" and the Celtic briga, signifying a defended place.[2] Others think that the element coni may be related to the Conii people. When the Romans arrived, in the first half of the 2nd century BC, Conímbriga was a flourishing village. Of course they wasted no time in taking over as they spread their empire. Judging by the capacity of the amphitheater, the city had an estimated population of 10600. Following the deep political and administrative crisis of the Empire, Conímbriga suffered the consequences of the barbaric invasions. In 465 and 468. Can you imagine something that old!!! Although Conimbriga was not the largest Roman city in Portugal, it is the best preserved. Archaeologists estimate that only 10 percent of the city has been excavated until the early 2000s. This site is a work in progress but was definitely worth the visit.
15 Photos
Created 5 September 2014
Once we picked up Emma we headed back to the boat. We stopped in Coimbra and walked around the city visiting the botanical gardens (mostly abandoned now do to austerity measures) and the Machado Museum. It was a interesting place and also house a famous university which we visited.
19 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
Of course we had to visit Porto where all that good Porto is made!!! it is the second largest city second to Lisbon. It is a world heritage center and is famous for the Douro River wineries. The interesting part is that the City of Gaia across the river is where Port is really made. All of the port houses are located there. The name Port sounds better than Gaia so the name stuck even though there is no port made in Porto. It is an amazing place and full of tourists. This is where we picked up Emma to bring her back the boat.
28 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
We spent a few days here and there on our own and with Emma and Alia. It was a very sheltered basin which could only be entered and exited at high tide due to some sand bars. It was also the premier spot for kite boarding and wind surfing. A great little town but like all of the Algarve touristy.
15 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
This is Cape St Vincent which was called the end of the world back in the old sailing days. People thought this was it until the explorers set sail for the other side of the world. We came in so early in the morning that we did not see it very well and it was a bit overcast but it was a neat feeling.
7 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
A few pics of our visit with Alia, Emma and Mike - very glad they came we were getting kind of lonely!!!!
18 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
A few pics of the anchorage in Portimao. We stayed there while we took a trip to Porto. This was our best internet spot at a local cafe and we had free dockage for our dinghy at the yacht club which was very nice. Very touristy place and really loud music every night sometimes until 4 am
10 Photos
Created 3 September 2014
Well I am very very behind in my photo albums. I am going to start with our arrival in Portugal from the Azores. A few pics of the town, and the grottos. Lagos was a tourist place. The marina was good and everything was very convenient. This is where Peter and Mike took a bus to Lisboa and flew back home. We spent quite a bit of time here while we hung out and waited for Emma, Alia and Mike to come and join us for a visit. Now if we could only convince the other kids to come too!!!!!
17 Photos
Created 23 August 2014
A few pics of our journey from Bermuda to the Azores to Lagos, Portugal
24 Photos
Created 4 July 2014
Just some shots of our crew including the Captain and Co-Captain
20 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
We were delayed so we decided to take the ferry to Pico and rent a car. We tried to see as much as we could while we were there. It was quite different than Faial - much more laid back. There are a lot of grapes grown here.
18 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
This was a fascinating lighthouse and story around the volcano that erupted over a period of 13 months with the big one happening in 1959 which caused a lot of destruction. An interesting story after this a lot of people from here were invited to come to the United States and Canada to start over. Apparently is was very good for the island as it was overpopulated and things were not good. I guess this explains why there are strong communities of Portuguese people in Canada
11 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
A seaside village. This is basically what they call a beach!!!
11 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
Some pics of the dormant volcano we drove up to. Amazing
15 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
We rented a car and drove around the island. It was a beautiful sunny day
12 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
The area around Horta after we arrived
16 Photos
Created 26 June 2014
After our crew and their families arrived on May 10th we spend Sunday afternoon visiting the Crystal Caves. The pics pretty much speak for themselves.
18 Photos
Created 18 May 2014
Some pics of Bermuda. A really beautiful place with lots of lush green, flowers, very clean and people are very friendly
17 Photos
Created 18 May 2014
A album dedicated to my sister's Eva and Marg who both love horses. They roamed free in South Caicos and on Grand Turk. I am sure they were owned by someone but it was really cool to see them and feed them some treats!!! (Carrots and Apples)
18 Photos
Created 2 April 2014
When we turned around from our Bermuda attempt we headed back to Grand Turk. This is the capital of the Turks and Caicos and also where the cruise ships come in. We were there about a week and saw at least 6 ships come in. Not too much going on here except for government stuff and the tourists from the ships. I am pretty sure that is the only industry here. It was still a cool place to see.
20 Photos
Created 2 April 2014
One of the anchorages in the Turks and Caicos Islands, also the place where we checked into the country. Rustic but still suffering from hurricane in 2008. People were friendly. This is where I took the pics of the flamingos in the wild.
19 Photos
Created 2 April 2014
I promise this is the last fort. It was also cool and overlooked the harbour entrance. I just had to put some pics in.
14 Photos
Created 25 March 2014
This is our last major stop before continuing to head North East to the Turks & Caicos. It was a very interesting city, older than Havana. The people, as always, in Cuba were great
16 Photos
Created 25 March 2014
This is the area we sailed east from Cienfuego to Santiago de Cuba. It is a series of mangrove and sand islands along a reef. It was very beautiful and remote. We traveled with the British couple from the sailing vessel Emma Louise.
18 Photos
Created 25 March 2014
This is a lovely town near Cienfuego that we travelled to by taxi and spent a few nights. A lot of the tourists from the resorts come here so there is a lot of repair and renovation going on.
29 Photos
Created 25 March 2014
Yes, I know another fort, but they are cool!!! It is amazing to think that these forts were built and why. (Oh ya, I have one more after this!!)
14 Photos
Created 25 March 2014
Cuba was an amazing place, especially Havana. I am glad we got to see it.
13 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
We spent 2 amazing days in Havana with our own special tour guide, Ariel.
19 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
First landfall in Cuba
20 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
A quick stop before heading to Cuba for fuel, some fresh food. This is where we had to buy a new dinghy and motor!!!!
11 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
Our first stop after the San Blas Islands
22 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
This is called the Eastern Hollandes, known as the swimming pool and the small island is called BBQ sland
20 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
Pics of the various anchorages we stayed in, The Swimming Pool, Chichimi, Porvenier
16 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
Our first stop on the way to the San Blas Islands after leaving Shelter Bay Marina.
14 Photos
Created 18 March 2014
Pics of our home away from home
13 Photos
Created 12 November 2013
A few pics of my brother's visit and our trip inland to a small lodge
15 Photos
Created 6 October 2013
Pics as we travelled through the Panama Canal
18 Photos
Created 6 October 2013
A few pics of the canal before going through it ourselves. Location is the Miraflores Locks which is the first one going from west to east
11 Photos
Created 6 October 2013
Some pics of our 3 weeks stay in the Las Perlas Islands off the coast of Panama
25 Photos
Created 6 October 2013
a few pics of trip and our arrival in Panama
16 Photos
Created 3 June 2013
Our last stop before returning to Three Sheets. Great little B&B place where you can get your bird/animal fix!!!
13 Photos
Created 19 May 2013
A big tourist attraction of beautiful birds, gardens and waterfalls
25 Photos
Created 19 May 2013
A great hike on the trails around the volcano and a view of a crater lake
17 Photos
Created 19 May 2013
Pictures of some of the birds and wildlife we saw during our bird watching tour and hiking around the lodge.
20 Photos
Created 19 May 2013
Pics of our stay at the lodge which is located near the village of Los Angeles in Costa Rica
18 Photos
Created 19 May 2013
Curu was a privately owned nature preserve and Isla San Lucas was an old island prison that the government is starting to restore as a tourist attraction
19 Photos
Created 18 May 2013
Pics of some anchorages on our way south to Panama
20 Photos
Created 18 May 2013
15 Photos
Created 17 May 2013
We went back to Oaxaca and stopped at these markets before turning for home
16 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of our trip outside of Oaxaca city to see the "big" tree and the wool woven rugs
20 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of the ruins of Monte Alban - an amazing site
20 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of the main cathedral
11 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
A few pics while we were out and about
15 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of the Santa Domingo Church & our hotel
16 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of our stops in San Martin Tilcajete and the La Acuzena Zapoteca Restuarant
14 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Our visit to the Don Gabriel Finca and village of Pluma Hidalgo
18 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of our first stop to Oaxaca City
10 Photos
Created 6 April 2013
Pics of our trip south to Z-Town
15 Photos
Created 26 March 2013
A few pics of our trip south to La Cruz
8 Photos
Created 8 March 2013
A few pics of Alia's stay with us in Mazatlan. Thanks for coming Alia
20 Photos
Created 28 February 2013
Pics of the parade
21 Photos
Created 28 February 2013
Pics of our trip with Alia to Copala, Concordia
20 Photos
Created 28 February 2013
Pics of two visits to the interesting site of Las Labradas
14 Photos
Created 28 February 2013
Pics of two trips to El Quelite
20 Photos
Created 28 February 2013
Our sail south from Topo to Mazatlan with Peter, Donna, Mike and Sue as Crew
19 Photos
Created 21 February 2013
A few shots of the marina we stayed in while in Topo
7 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
Pics of our journey from San Carlos to Topo, but mostly of Topo
20 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
Some pics of the Shepherd Hacienda - not sure they do justice to what this place once would have looked like
7 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
Our drive from Creel to Divisadero to pick up the Train back to El Fuerte
20 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
A few pics of creel and area including our hotels
11 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
Pics of our trip from Creel to Batioplias and Back to Creel. There are many canyons in the "Copper Canyon" so I am sure I did not identify all of the canyons correctly.
20 Photos
Created 4 December 2012
Pics of the town and surrounding area
18 Photos
Created 3 December 2012
Pics, mostly of birds, ya I know boring!!!!
12 Photos
Created 3 December 2012
Pics of the town on our way to and our way back from Copper Canyon
12 Photos
Created 3 December 2012
Our trip, via train, from El Fuerte to Creel and Back
19 Photos
Created 30 November 2012
A little bit about San Carlos
10 Photos
Created 30 November 2012
Our final family feast of crabs from the mangroves
9 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
Our drive to the park - spectacular
20 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
Some pics Reg and I took while wandering around the city plus our last night in Cuenca dinner!!!
18 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
Panama Hats, Markets and Buildings
19 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
Our visit to the Ingapirca Ruins near Canar, Ecuador
20 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
Train ride through the devil's nose from Alausi to Station and back
22 Photos
Created 25 April 2012
The Tungurahua Volcano and the "La Case del Arbol" - The Tree house and swing
18 Photos
Created 24 April 2012
Pics of the town of Banos in the mountains
21 Photos
Created 24 April 2012
Our stop at the "Devil's Cauldron" waterfall on our way to Banos
18 Photos
Created 24 April 2012
The trip there and our stay at the Huella Verde Cabanas
28 Photos
Created 24 April 2012
Some pics of our journey with a stop to see some monkeys and a orchid botanical preserve
20 Photos
Created 24 April 2012
Our drive and "small" hike on the highest mountain in Ecuador
27 Photos
Created 23 April 2012
A side trip we took from Riobamba to the indigenous market in Guamote
12 Photos
Created 23 April 2012
Pics of our trip and stay in Riobamba
19 Photos
Created 23 April 2012
A few pics of the village that Alfredo and Emma lived in for a short time
15 Photos
Created 23 April 2012
Pics of some of our stops on the coast of Ecuador
20 Photos
Created 23 April 2012
BBQ Alfredo's Family
13 Photos
Created 21 April 2012
A few pics of our sight seeing with Alia, Emma and Alfredo
18 Photos
Created 21 April 2012
A steep walk uphill (444 steps) with great views to the lighthouse and church at the top. I am sorry the pictures are a bit out of order but you get the idea how lovely the scenery is on the way up and on the way down!!!
29 Photos
Created 28 February 2012
My first day, Emma & I walked around the area and onto the Malecon
17 Photos
Created 28 February 2012
A few pics of the area
10 Photos
Created 28 February 2012
Pics of New Year's Eve on the Malecon, whale watching, old town, La Cruz and our fishing trip
33 Photos
Created 31 January 2012
After a few days on the water we arrived at 6:30 am to the primitive island of Isabella and anchored off of the rocks called Las Monas
19 Photos
Created 4 January 2012
View of the last anchorage before heading back to La Paz
20 Photos
Created 4 January 2012
Isla San Jose just across from San Evaristo
10 Photos
Created 4 January 2012
Pics from more time spent outside of La Paz
18 Photos
Created 31 December 2011
Our hair raising trip back to La Paz
22 Photos
Created 31 December 2011
Pics of the village and some of Dale's house
23 Photos
Created 31 December 2011
A few pics of our stay in the El Carondel Anchorage which is situated on Isla Partida just north of La Paz
23 Photos
Created 4 December 2011
Anchorage after Caleta Lobos
46 Photos
Created 1 December 2011
More pics of La Paz and our first anchorage as we headed north to some of the Islands
19 Photos
Created 1 December 2011
Pics of our journey from Cabo to La Paz from Nov 8th to Nov 20th, 2011. Will likely leave in a few days to cruise some of the islands close by
30 Photos
Created 20 November 2011
Some highlights of our trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
94 Photos
Created 18 November 2011
This is an album created to keep track of people who have visited, stayed with us, or people we have met on our travels.
11 Photos
Created 18 November 2011
Various pics from our 5 week shakedown cruise in the Channel Islands off the coast of California
76 Photos
Created 9 September 2011
Some photos of our time here in San Diego, CA
18 Photos
Created 12 July 2011