We have now been at anchor in various pretty bays for a week and it is time to get water, re-provision, do the laundry and get in more drinking water and wine; even the tonic water has run out for the G&Ts!

Sami is just around Ak. Dhekalia on Cephalonia and took us about an hour to get there from the last two nights' anchorage. We had a fall back position to anchor if getting into the harbour was going to be difficult for just the two of us. The last report on CA Mate (one of the information sites for cruisers that we use) said the harbourmaster was no longer around and you can go anywhere for free.

As we came into the harbour a chap started walking round from the restaurants' quayside to the new pier. He then beckoned to us, told us to come in, suggested where and helped us med moor with ease. Med mooring can be a stressful technique of going in backwards, dropping the bow anchor 2 boat lengths away and then attaching the stern lines, usually to rings low in the pier or harbour wall. It is easier if there are three of you on board to do this than two and relatively easy if you have a light production boat that does not mind going backwards, unlike Njord. Anyway she and skipper Vic were in tip top form, they went backwards in a straight line, in harmony whilst I dropped the anchor and when over 20 metres were out, I walked to the stern handed the harbourmaster the two stern lines and Vic dropped more chain, just enough to let us move back to the wall but far enough away to be safe and to put out the passerelle (plank). A successful mission. Getting out may be fun as this harbour is well known for crossed anchors; but then most in the Ionian have this reputation.

After tidying up on board, we filled up with water, but had only used half our water so our water management has been very good. We carry 420 litres in total. The water is provided free and you can ask to come in a fill up and then leave. There is no electricity here and it's free to stay. We then went ashore to a pretty cafe on the front where the ferries come in and had a Greek salad and glass of chilled white wine for lunch. Next was the shopping and I say don't go provisioning feeling hungry as I would end up with things that we probably won't eat on board. Space is at a premium so mapping out flexible ingredients is quite important for me. I do make mistakes though, like buying 5 litres of local sweet red wine, but nothing that chilling well won't correct! There are 3 supermarkets in Sami, including a good Spar and 3 butchers. I tried out 2 of them and bought some lovely looking steaks and a healthy looking chicken. There is also a chandlery and tool shop which is always fun to browse. However the laundry seems to be closed for good.