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! Pacific Pearl is now anchored in shallow (green) waters off the village of YIALOVA, head of Ormos Navarinon...after 2 nights alongside the town quay of the delightful PYLOS. 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!! We had THE most amazing storm the other evening....
THE works! Up to 33 knts, heavy heavy rain, perfect for washing down Pacific Pearl, desperately needed it... then all disappeared, became calm with a pretty rainbow to finish off. All very exciting... Especially as here in Porto Cheli, we have excellent all round shelter, sticky mud and securely anchored in less than 6 metres. Now gale warnings all over the Aegean...Force 7 and 8 mostly, but will possibly be 9 in certain areas with rough seas! No thanks, we will wait it out here comfortably with friends around us eg. S/Ys JAD, RON GLAS, TISHUIT. Then hopingly, we can head off south towards the infamous Cap Maleas!! Louise and I have known each other for donkeys years....we worked many years together when I first arrived in London at the beginning of the fabulous swinging seventies, and have remained in contact ever since.
Lou sailed often with us, on each of our 3 boats, even in the West Indies, as well as visiting us regularly throughout our various business ventures. This past short week flew by rapidly in the searing heat of a high hot hazy summer...37 degrees in the shade! She handled it all very well...it was wonderful to have you onboard Lou, you are a funny and loyal friend....easy! You know that you are always very welcome! After leaving our friend in Poros to catch the fast Flying Cat to Piraeus, we have now moved on towards Porto Cheli...what a great fast sail...see photo! Our plan is to head south, around the spectacular Peloponnese, yet again, then up into the Ionian.... but no rush. No doubt we will winter in Lefkas Marina, where we have our boat listed 'for sale' with William and Smithells....yes, time to move on and change our lifestyle! SPECIAL THOUGHTS TO OUR GORGEOUS FRIEND MUFF, who tragically lost her brother JAMES after a long illness (PSP.)...so so sad... far too young. |
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June 2019
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