Peter arrived on time to Kefalonia airport and we awaited his arrival at a new marina, Agia Pelagia, just under the flight path next to the airport. It was really cool watching the aircraft fly in and one could not help but duck as they seemed to skim across the masts.
Agia Pelagia, is quite small, with capacity for about 70 boats, quite shallow and a rocky approach, but once inside and tied up it afforded excellent shelter and the clearest water we had seen in any marina! Facilities were modest, the staff helpful and we enjoyed a couple of days here, to welcome Peter and visit Argostoli.
We decided to catch the bus into Argostoli , the main town on Kefalonia, some 9km distant, but after a hot half hour wait for the bus, we called a taxi, and yes, the bus and taxi arrived at the exact same moment! Marina views below
We shopped and lunched in the town, it was fun to look around and see the port again, which I am sure we will visit by boat another time. Few local scenes below.
Thereafter we set off along the bottom of Kefalonia and stopped over once again in Poros, where we enjoyed a good feast in the local fish restaurant half way round to the main beach area.
Ithaca next. Not much wind, so good to have a short distance to go and we anchored in a quiet bay for swimming and lunch before heading into Vathi and the anchorage beside the island. We were sheltered from the fierce evening wind which did eventually show up, but simply too late! Cooked on board late evening when it had cooled a little.
We enjoyed having Peter on board, and his swimming expeditions were well organised so he did not get lost! Mitikas next. The temperatures were rising, so a breezy anchorage was required to keep as cool as possible and, of course, a refreshing cold beer on the beach, before enjoying a second meal on board.
We did manage a couple of good sailing days with Peter, one in the inland sea, which was very pleasant as we spent a couple of days between Meganissey and Varko Bay.
The week raced by and it was time to face the dreaded Lefkas Canal to head north to Preveza. Hopelessly chaotic and very frustrating as there was only one midday bridge opening we, and 101 other boats, had to compete for. But we made it and were glad of a good sail north before we fetched up in Preveza Marina where Peter was set to pack and leave us. Costas provided an excellent fish supper in town which was enjoyed by all.
It was even hotter; temperatures rising to mid 30s and being in a Marina was not a wise choice without air con, so having waved Peter farewell, we set off to Vonitsa and anchored off for a couple of days whilst we prepared the boat for lift out on 1st July.
Prior to our lift out we decided to anchor off the yard for the night. The bottom shelved steeply from under 2m to 20m in the space of a couple of boat lengths. Our first attempt at anchoring was successful but as the wind changed we crept into very shallow water. We decided to re-anchor which took several frustrating attempts in strong tide and opposing winds. Over night the wind picked up more and we spent a disturbed night on watch but fortunately the anchor held OK.
Sadly Peter’s flight was cancelled so he booked a hotel north of Preveza and enjoyed a luxurious hotel for his extra night before flying off next day!
We did just over 500 miles this trip, not a huge distance, and did not sail as much as usual. However Nigel was pleased that we burned off the diesel from the tank that, once again, is showing signs of diesel bug contamination. We have another clean out job to look forward to in September. Can’t wait for that!
Deja Vu 
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