38:34.1N 20:547E

 

8 October force 4 on the nose, but decide to press on to the next island of Kastos, before long sail to Mesolonghi for winter layup, probably tomorrow

Depart Kalamos 1130

Arrive Kastos 1300 5nm

High grey clouds allowing some warmth thro. SEf4, easing to f3/2

 

No rush as nearly f5 first thing. More than forecast. Most others leave and head further afield. Decide to try Kastos. Can always come back to Kalamos if uncomfortable. Two reefs in main and well rolled genny to sail as slow progress just under motor against wind and short lop - just lay N tip of Kastos, then bear away – and wind dies! Motor sail down E coast of Kastos and moor bows to quay well in Kastos harbour. No help with lines for bowgirl, as we are the first in. Lots of anchor warp as holding not great here. Have about 4m left when get to quay. Kedge drags as tension up, then digs in. Winter project is to practice splicing 8 strand anchorplat, and add 15m next spring. V quiet ashore. Last ashore when visited for Jane’s 50th birthday – some years ago now! Wasps about again. Three other boats come in. Two with Swiss, and lots of young kids. Other Brits with a Nisos bareboat. They arrived at weekend, and haven’t seen the sun yet. Rib arrives with 5 men – to mend flashing beacon on gantry at end of harbour wall. They leave; it is still not flashing. Walk ashore. Again, all properties and the one minimarket closed and  winterised. Find strange paved path, and steps – leading ???? Similarly paved path in neighbouring island of Kalamos when there with Julie some weeks back. Think the islands must have had a grant or something to fund labour and impressive materials. Large yacht to port has dragged (away from us)and put out kedge as extra bow anchor. Brits to stbd put out miles of chain and don’t have an issue. Find Windmill restaurant for early evening beer and wifi. Mainland grey and dimsey – not the view for celebratory meal on last visit! Get chatting to 3 Brits here to install PV cells and batteries for large new holiday home on N of Island. Cheaper than getting a mains supply. Some new sort of batteries being used that would run all the electrical equipment (if all turned on together) for 10 hours, and will recharge if go flat. Not sure how they would work this week as not seen sun for 3 days and forecast says won’t be seen for a few more days too.