The wind had been blowing hard for the two nights we had spent in Trizonia so we figured to try and use it to work our way east rather than use the engine. We left bright and early (not) on Monday morning - actually it was more like 10 O'clock. Pyxis had already gone - although they were off to Itea - we instead were heading for the small harbour at Galaxidi.
We had driven to Galaxidi when we had the car in Greece over the winter and liked it a lot. A very well protected harbour with lecky and water and lots of really nice waterfront Tavernas. The bonus was it was less than 20 miles to sail. We set off in 20knts of wind and unfurled the headsail rather than struggle with the main. The first 2 hours were uneventful drifting along at 6 knots ....but then ....the wind died....surprise. Er NO. On with the engine and the remainder of the sail was under engine with zero wind. We arrived in Galaxidi around 1 ish and moored stern-to in a rather deserted harbour. We were met by an old guy who took our ropes and plugged in the lecky and then demanded 5 Euros!
It is a nice place. Water and electric are relatively expensive- 5 Euro a day for the power and 5 Euro for a fill of water. Still, I don't begrudge it as it meant we could go back into holiday mode and put the computer on all the time - coupled with a very fast internet connection via our Vodaphone dongle - we were able to continue to get TV. On day 2 here however ( I think that was Tuesday) we were accosted by a very nice port police guy who suggested ever so nicely that we should visit him in his office to register. Well that is the first time since Argostoli 9 months ago. 'Be nice to get another stamp in our cruising log! 18 Euros lighter and we now have been stamped in and out. I said we were leaving Wednesday but it is now Thursday and no sign of us leaving today. Maybe he won't come back.
The weather in the Gulf of Corinth looks a bit iffy this week so the plan is to set off on Friday to head for Corinth and through the canal with the forecasted F6/7 behind us. Most forecasts are showing 4's and 5's. I am hoping the 7's are for west of here. Still it will be behind us.
So that means 4 nights here and 3 days rest after our arduous 55 miles to get here. Whimps or what! Still we have really enjoyed the restaurants. Best has been one named "Memories of the Port" although the chance of finding it (written in Greek) is about as much as Liverpool wining another footy match. The guy in charge is Costas - a real character. We can't walk past the place without a handshake and a long discussion. Sitting in the waterfront bar at lunchtime in the warm sun drinking a cold one (did I mention it was sunny?) has been something we are just getting used to. Heaven. Hope you are not all working too hard?
Today we met Angelos who sort of looks after the boats here. He offered to do the laundry - pick it up and bring it back plus lots of other services. He even said he can "sort of" reserve a spot for you when it is busy. He monitors Channel 69 and his mobile is 6932 777 600. Worth giving him a shout if you are coming this way.
All the other Messolonghi boats had headed for Itea so we have been on our own and had a really good time looking round the place and particularly the maritime museum. There's been a Parker 31 tied up next to us and Charles and Anne on board have entertained us and vice versa. Must have a look and see what the boat name is.
So it looks like an early start tomorrow - before 7am!!!!!!!!!!! Time for another meal in Costas's before that. More when we get down to Corinth. If we leave early then we may have a chance to get through the canal tomorrow afternoon and avoid a strong easterly that is forecast for Saturday pm. Otherwise we may be stuck in Corinth until Sunday.
Overall then an 8/10 for this place. Would have been 9/10 except for the cost of water and lecky and the "mind your boat" 5 Euros at the start. Overall probably the nicest place we have been to in Greece to date (although it is off season - maybe Kioni would be as nice!).
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