38:54.7N 17:01.6E

 

10 July – another longish leg   - early departure as want to arrive in time for a shower

Depart Roclla Ionica 0550

Arrive 1630 47nm

Sun and hot (29C down below) frisky f4 for 2 miles, to nothing, then NNE f2/3 from 1130

 

Early departure – just before sun up! Jane up to assist (unusual at this hour). Rosemary jet lagged and flat out. Cream along on beam reach for a couple of miles – then fizzles out. Motor on, just about keep main filling as head off 032M for NE end of ball. 1130 bit more wind,unwind genny, but not enough to kill motor. Lovely coast – seems to be one continuous beach. Mountains now back from coast with rolling hills seaward. Main coastal road and ribbon development, but no highrise.  Eventually mountains fall back leaving sunbaked lowlands. Jane listening to BBC “Talk Greek” CDs, and learning the strange alphabet as only two more stops after today till arrive.Thunder clouds ashore as approach, but nothing develops.  Tie up bows to with sternline. Get driven by HM from his office to dive school to utilise debit card mc to pay marina fees. Go for stroll and beach swim to cool off. Decent showers. Some sort of castle, tho not sure what it defends. Giant cooking pot on slipway claiming a Guinness record. Meet friendly Italian with Moody 44 – he points out has overtaken us twice recently. Skip points D`fly has picollo engine. He is on way to conduct orchestra then to Greece for long summer hols. Understated place -  holiday resort for ordinary folk but bar price found to be more than expected.5euros for 40cl – ouch! Group of grannies and nuns come to bar, tables pulled in long line, and large ice creams served. Lots of noise – just like a Monty Python sketch!