Poor Bruno...
he really has been making an effort trying to catch us a nice tuna for a BBQ dinner.... But to no avail...we only seem to catch plastic!
Bravo Bruno! He braved the sweltering sticky heat yesterday to work in the engine room...grease and oil change, not his favourite job, but necessary, plus he really knows how to do it by now!
Many HUGE motor yachts in the area, one even carrying it's own helicopter....
We took advantage of being 'in town' to dine out.. finishing off with a scrumptous icecream, wandering amongst the many international tourists and locals enjoying the slightly cooler temperatures of the summer evening, and listening to the local bouzouki musicians.
The well shaded large town square is surrounded by elegant buildings built largely by the French in the 19th century after the BATTLE of NAVARINON. It is always a hive of activity from dawn to the early hours of the morning....Read about this famous sea battle in my past blogs...
This was our 5th time to sail around the wild rugged mountainous southern Peloponnese. Heading west this summer against the prevailing winds and seas. Therefore a lot of motor sailing was involved, and in particular heavy swells between Cap TAINARON and FINAKOUNDA...uncomfortable to say the least. We were extremely happy to drop anchor in the crystal clear waters off the long sandy beautiful beach to swim and relax.
An uneventful trip from PORTO CHELI to MONEMAVSIA, slow sailing, then we anchored north of the 'Gibralter' style imposing rock...both have causeways, both full of tourists! Fortunately we have visited in the past out of season, so much more enjoyable. Very exciting to have dolphins visiting us twice during the day...rare!
Absolutely no wind to motor around the notorious Cap MALEAS...this can be an extremely dangerous part of the world when winds are blowing strongly. As the decent swell was from the west we were unable to anchor in the turquoise waters of Ormos Sarakiniko, ELAFONISOS...but Ormos Levki was lovely and calm, surprisingly very busy with many Italian boats returning home after their summer vacances.
Next stop was the well protected bay of PORTO KAYIO...anchoring with gusts of 25 knts...anchor held first time thankfully, as the bottom here is hard sand and weed. Again many Italian boats...
Passing by METHONI is always a pleasure, as particularly pretty with the Turkish tower and Venetian fort protecting the sailing route around the Peloponnese. The gentle hinterland is intensively cultivated with vines and olive groves, a complete contrast after the sauvage caps.
Our plan for the moment is to relax, enjoy this area, listen to the cicadas, watch the endless golden sunsets...then make our way north towards the south coast of Zakinthos, where we have .... another favourite anchorage!
a suivre!!