The next morning we parted company with “Laerke” and headed North to Corfu so that we could find a good anchorage and check out the area where our Norwegian friends would be staying. Miracle of miracles we actually managed to sail for two and a half hours out of the seven hour journey. It took us up the East coast of the island past Corfu town and we eventually anchored in Kammeno Bay opposite Gouvia Marina.
Here we spent a quiet night and the next morning we rounded the head to anchor in Krevatsoyla Bay opposite Dassio. After a refreshing swim we took the dinghy into town to find the hotel where Bente and Tove would be staying and to get something to ear. Dassio is not a first choice for a holiday as it is made up entirely of hotels and bars with a few shops scattered in between. After finding the hotel we eventually found a little Greek tavern where we were served a really good homemade meal and we were able to wait until the arrival of the bus from the airport. The girls arrived around midnight and after a long chat and an agreement for them to spend the next day on the boat we got to bed in the early hours of the morning.
The girls came and spent the day on the boat with frequent swimming excursions to cool down and we planned to leave with them the next day on a short cruise. However our plans changed when we discovered that very strong NW winds were forecast for the next day. We checked when we got back to the boat after dinner and for once the forecast proved to be correct. At 7am we were up and moving the boat to the other side of the bay to be in the lee of the land and facing the NW winds. They blew all day and well into the night but the anchor held and we felt very safe.

Having replenished the stocks we left Lefkada quay and went through the North Entrance to Lefkada canal so that we could make our way North towards Corfu. A day of motoring has there was very little wind. “Laerke” would follow us as they still had unfinished business in Lefkada. We had a pleasant journey and arrived in Mongonisi Bay on the island of Paxos in the late afternoon. After several futile attempts to anchor in the bay (weed) we left the bay to anchor at its entrance in good holding with a line ashore. “Laerke” joined us and rafted for the evening.
The next morning we continued up the East coast of the island to anchor in the bay of Lakka – A place that must really be seen to be believed. A bay with crystal clear turquoise water that is surrounded by trees. Fortunately we had arrived early so were able to get a good anchorage as it is very popular.
After a very refreshing swim (for some reason although the bay is not very deep the water is quite cold in comparison to other places we have been) we took the dinghy in to explore the little village tucked away into the corner of the bay. Small streets that house little shops and restaurants and they were a joy to wonder round as the buildings are old and the greenery is well established.

The family has left and before setting out on the next stage of the trip we decided to visit the island of Meganisi. Not too far from Lefkada but a world of difference. We left on a Sunday morning just at the harbour authorities in Nidri were turfing out the boats to make way for the big cabin cruisers so our decision to leave was judicious. We motored past Scorpios and headed for Meganisi to explore the inlets on the North East coast accompanied by “Laerke”. We reached our desitination quickly and started to look for a suitable anchorage. We first tried a bay at the head of Abelike bay but did not feel happy with it although there were several boats there that looked as though they had been there for a number of years!
Niels and Svein decided to explore the bay in more detail and left in the dinghy. They returned very quickly having found a much deeper bay further in with few boats so we weighed anchor and headed off to find our ideal spot. After a couple of attempts (the bottom being shell and weed) we were anchored with a line ashore (kindly assisted by the Dutch charter fleet team) and were able to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear water. The bay also boasted two taverns that would be interesting to explore later on. True to tradition Svein wandered off to explore and returned to inform us that a flotilla would be in the bay that night! They duly arrived but were much disciplined and did not disturb the other boats in the bay. It was wonderful to be able to enjoy peace and quiet and to relax after the busy weeks past.
Studying the map of the island we discovered that we were not very far from Vathi the main town on the island so early one morning we took the dinghy ashore and investigated. After a short climb up the hill, a brief walk along the road and then down some convenient steps we arrived in the town 15 minutes later. A sleepy place complete with the usual town quay, taverns and two shops as well as a bakery. The biggest surprise was finding the unfinished harbour that was at the entrance to the bay. Apparently it had been started over two years ago but was still not finished although it as possible to moor the electricity and water facilities were not working. In true Greek style no one knows when it will be up and running. Anyway it is a place where charter boats can practice their stern to berthing procedures as long as they do not pick up any of the old anchors left in the bay!!
There were many nationalities using the bay for different lengths of time and the taverns certainly did good business as well as providing laundry facilities, water and a book swapping service (a god send).
After nearly a week here we felt read to move on again and start our way up to Corfu to meet Bente and Tove from Sandefjord. We left late morning and after a short 2 hour trip we moored again on Lefkada town quay.

We have now been one month in Greece and despite the fact that we have not been sailing around a great deal due to family commitments we are enjoying the scenery and way of life.
Svein’s children and their families arrived in Nidri for their holiday. On their arrival Svein got a very big surprise as his parents also turned up. He had no inkling of their arrival as the family had kept it a secret from him. Our friends on “Swedish Girl” Kay and Doug also arrived and are moored opposite us. The next arrivals were the three brothers and their families whilst the sailors gradually arrived in time for the party: Niels and Ellen on “Lærke” having come from Spain, Nigel and Rochelle on “Crackerjack”, Robert and Chantal (ex ”Solent Wader”) arrived from Belgium and finally part of “Anelo” Anne Laure and Antoine as Laurent had left to return to his ship. They came by camping car with her parents. The count was complete.
The weather had become a little unstable and we juggled with thunderstorms, showers and sun for part of the time whilst we caught up with the news from everyone. One outcome of the unstable weather was a drop in the temperature so early one morning Svein and I decided to visit the famous waterfall inland. We started out on foot and followed the signs going through winding lanes, along main roads and finally off into the hills. Several 3km signs later we finally approached the site having gone through olive groves, lemon and orange orchards all covered in the smell of wild herbs and now following 400m signs. After several of these we started climbing the gorge and eventually arrived at a clear water pool. Exhausted and not very reassured by the safety rails I waited by the pool and Svein continued to the actual waterfall which he captured on video. We began our climb down and stopped for needy refreshment at the tavern at the foot of the climb before undertaking the return journey. This seemed to go much quicker and we even managed to find a shortcut. We arrived back in Nidri town with very sore feet and blisters from our walking shoes as neither of us had worn anything but sandals for 2 months. After a footbath in the sea and a rewarding Greek salad we walked home but after having purchased a pair of flipflops. We only hope that when you are all looking at the photos you will realise the “hardship” that was involved.
As some of our guests arrived in Nidri they were kind enough to take us on a few trips. “Anelo” took us to Vasiliki, a large bay on the South coast of the island that also has a harbour and plenty of taverns.
“Solent Wader” took us to Ammouso Bay another day. This little bay lies between Sivota and Vasiliki. It seems to be only known to the locals and has a tavern and water that is crystal clear and the true Mediterranean blue. It has a pebble beach but once past this discomfort it was glorious to swim and enjoy the cooling Southerly breeze that blew into the bay.
Currently days are being taken up with swimming in the pool of one of the local hotels or off the beach or off the boat (depending where we are moored), chatting with family and friends in person or on Skype and daily chores – a hard life away from the hustle of past working days.
The day of the party arrived and to all accounts it was a success. 40 people from all nationalities gathered in a local restaurant for Greek wine and food and the opportunity of getting to know one another and, for the sailors, to exchange tips and experiences. The last ones to bed got there at 07h00 the next day!!!!!
Whilst “Swedish Girl” sailed off to continue their holiday the others went on a sailing cruise on MS Christina (a Turkish caique). This was a delightful experience and for a whole day we were able to sit back and relax whilst someone else did the sailing. We visited a famous cave on Meganisi where the Greeks had hidden a German U boat during World War II, the islands of Kastos, Kalamos, Skorpios, Madouri . The visits were interspersed with swimming stops in clear waters and visits to local villages with a delicious Greek lunch also included. We returned to Nidri at the end of the day with our heads full of places and quiet bays to visit by ourselves when we leave here.
The family is starting to travel home and the first ones left at the end of their week’s holiday, the second group will leave shortly to be followed by the final group early next week. A visit from 25 members of the same family over a period of 3 weeks is quite something and although we have enjoyed the visit immensely we will be happy to return to our quiet ways.
We will be heading up towards Corfu for the next stage of our trip as we have 2 Norwegian friends coming for a week’s holiday who we have not seen for a few years.

Svein went to check if it was possible to come into the charter quay as we needed to do some work on the boat and required electricity. As long as we were gone by Friday it was no problem so we moved over to the quay and installed ourselves. For 10 euros a day we have electricity (so hot water) and water and are just a stone’s throw from the town. We have been able to do a heavy load of washing and get the boat spruce for the arrivals. Svein has welded the protections that will prevent the chain from jumping from the roller and all we have to do now is update the photo album, get out the blog, answer emails and wait for the arrival of the first visitors (Svein’s two daughters, their husbands and their 7 children). The next two weeks look to be pretty hectic as we will welcome not only Svein’s three brothers and their families in addition to the friends that are joining us for the party at the end of the month.
We are constantly amazed by the short distances one has to travel around these islands. We have been used to all day sailing or longer to get from A to B but here in the Ionian is only takes a couple of hours to change scenery or island. However one does have to contend with the many charter boats that are hired in the area and that is not always easy as many of those on board do not seem to know what they are doing or just do not care as it is not their boat. It is easy to understand why the long term sailors who winter in this area travel home for the months of July and August and then come back again in September when the season dies down.