Last day at Galaxhidi. Maritime museum and haircut!
38:33.6N 22:23.2E Tuesday 20 May Last day at Galaxhidi as time to head off for rendezvous with Rachel on Levkas Sunny day and warm air temp for a change. Tends to be Wly winds in Gulf, so need to start working W to head out into Ionian as may be slow progress with headwinds. Drive B,J and bikes well “up” in range behind Galaxheidi so they will have more down than up. Visit Galaxhidi Nautical Museum and learn about past fame and size of port. At some stage previously known as City of Chaleion. Human settlement traced back to 3,000BC! Was second largest port in Greece in 18/19th century- base for 100A class and 250B class vessels trading all over Med and beyond. Thriving shipbuilding launching 15/20 new vessels a year. Peaked in 1870s, then decline with arrival of steam power, and opening of Corinth Canal in 1893. Museum has a number of fine colourful figureheads (females often with one arm raised and flowing gowns). When ship owner dies the figurehead (and home shutters) got painted black. Ancient (Roman?) glass engraved, translated “Enjoy whatever you have”, We’re doing our best. Visit Port Police to pay port dues. Paid 11.84 for first night (3 on board), and 25.08 for following 6 nights (2 on board) – didn’t understand and didn’t argue. Seems to be free electricity and water on quay too. Charge up phones, kindles, ithings etc, dig out electric clippers for haircut (now have a few new bald patches as long time since Jane last drove clippers). Treated to supper ashore in sweet tavern. Ready to head W tomorrow. |