We weighed anchor and proceeded to make our way to Mesolonghi to wait for them. Our luck was not with us and we motored all day with a head wind. However the trip was interesting and we saw very varied countryside coming into the Gulf of Patras.
We had thoughts of Port Napoleon on our approach to Mesolonghi as we were surrounded by very flat land with salt marshes and the entrance to the harbour is via a long canal. There was however a very big difference in that the canal is bordered by old fishermen’s houses on stilts that have now been converted into holiday homes. It was very colourful and each home had its own quay. We reached the harbour that is partly Dutch owned and moored alongside.
The harbour has been under construction for many years and is still not complete. For the moment there are pontoons but no electricity or water and the buildings are not ready so there are no facilities. However the staff are very helpful and there are quite a few boats moored. The fact that we do not have to pay anything for the moment also helps!
We have met up with people we saw in Argostoli and Astakos as well as finding a boat that we had seen in Port Napoleon last year. If and when the harbour is finished it will be a very good one where people will be able to winter before deciding on their next port of call.
We walked into town to explore – a very long way – and when we got back to the harbour the first thing that Svein did was to repair the punctures on our bikes! Next time we will be cycling into town. At least we can say that we are getting plenty of exercise. We have also had a small thunderstorm and some slight rain which did everyone a lot of good as the humidity level is very high here. However the sun is now out and the temperature is getting back to normal.
Mesolonghi is a university town that comes alive in the winter and is definitely not known as a tourist town although some Greeks come here for their holidays. It is a pleasant town to wander around and has a wide variety of shops that cater for the locals. The surrounding countryside is also interesting and in the canal the locals go frequently to cover themselves in the mud that has therapeutic values for rheumatisms. We also tried the local bathing spot although it was more like taking a warm bath in muddy water so were far happier with the swimming pool that we were able to use in one of the local hotels.
Since we have arrived in the harbour we have already seen some changes: two showers were opened and some electricity outputs have been installed and connected. It would seem that they are getting there slowly but surely. There are certainly boats taking contracts for the winter.