It seems an aeon ago, but it was just under two weeks that we took an empty train to London, taxied across from Waterloo to Liverpool Street and then took another empty train to Stansted. Arriving early evening we had a cheap hotel booking for the night as we had a mid morning flight on Sunday 13th June.
Take a look at Stansted airport, never seen it so empty but there were still plenty of shops open vying for our trade in these very difficult economic times for the travel industry. The Ryanair flight had only 65 passengers bound for Preveza, barely a third of capacity ad we gazed out of the window as we taxied off to the runway aghast at the number of parked planes in whichever direction one looked. The flight left ahead of schedule and arrived earlier than planned around 5pm local time. The Greeks checked our double vaccination certificates and passenger locator forms and gave us a genuine warm welcome from behind their Covid masks.
We rented a car for a few days so drove the short distance to find the boat just as we had left her. Apart from the dirt and dust that had accumulated in the short while since we had organised for her cover to be taken off just prior to our arrival, she was in good shape and it was good to be back. It did feel like our second home, especially when the manager at the marina restaurant welcomed us back as if it had been yesterday that we had left.
The next four days were full on hard work. We dressed in our zombie suits to rub down, wash and antifoul the bottom; rented a useful scaffolding to enable us to clean and polish the hull; shopped to fill the empty food cupboards; did work on the anchor and chain as well as many other essential chores that all boat owners will understand. It was exhausting and we were glad to finally launch at 1300 on Thursday 17th June, as we were ready to start some sailing.
More routine admin, sorting out the data we would need to access the internet, and making enquiries about the PCR tests we would need for our eventual return to the UK, took up another day. Finally we set off south, through the Lefkas Canal and we anchored in Varga Bay on the mainland coast opposite the island of Meganissi. It was as if we had arrived in heaven. A quiet anchorage below, lovely beach, perfect blue water to swim in, calm sunsets and quiet nights once the katabatic winds had tested that the anchor was holding!
It was soon after this that we discovered we had battery problems; notably the engine starting battery and the front battery to power the anchor windlass and bow thruster. Neither problem was good and it was clear we needed to replace them. After much research made especially difficult by the Greeks having a four day bank holiday weekend, we managed to find a service company in Lefkas to get some suitable batteries shipped over from Athens by the end of the week. To manage our time until we could effect the replacements we spent three days in the anchorage as there was no wind and then one night chez Babis in Porto Spilla, Spartachori on Megannissey. We met a delightful American couple, Matt and Valerie sailing aboard Valleycat, and enjoyed exchanging stories over a nightcap.
Our one night stop in Vliho Bay was breathless, no place to be, although supper was good. Sadly we were the only people in this restaurant. The proprietor was so grateful for our custom, it made it all worthwhile, and we did have a brilliant moussaka.
Finally before going north to Lefkas Marina we opted for a windy anchorage and enjoyed a lively stop at Ligia at the bottom of the Levkas channel. At least we had the breeze.
Every day the temperatures have been rising and as I write from Lefkas Marina, it is tipping 40degrees C. A stiff afternoon northwesterly is blowing which is some small respite from the relentless sun; but the good news is that 2 new batteries were delivered to the boat and Nigel has fitted them both!
We are here to welcome friends for a sailing holiday. Bob and Elaine fly in tomorrow and we are looking forward to setting off south with them for some sailing adventures.
Deja Vu 
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