Susie's Visit 17 to 24th June.

Gillyb
Sat 7 Jul 2012 11:35

 
Position:  38:49.98N  20:42.78E
 
Susie arrived in Lefkas Marina after a good flight and a mini bus from the airport. We had warned her it was hot and it was constantly over 30 deg C for most of her visit.   So the itenarary focused on not too much sight seeing - Susie was here with us two years ago - but more swimming and relaxing.   Sadly she had left her husband Paul at home where the English weather was not very nice at all.
 
We left Lefkas Marina on Monday morning and Susie motored down the Lefkas canal and out towards Meganisi.   We went to Atheni Bay and tied back to the rocks as usual.   We had lots of swimming and a BBQ in the evening and generally relaxed.   The next morning Graham took Susie off for a run.   Her birthday present from Paul was a GPS watch so that she can pace and measure her runs etc.    In this heat Graham usually runs before 0800.   Susie, who is getting fit again since breaking her ankle, found the heat hard even at that time in the morning.  (The photo is of them both finishing after a 4 mile run)   However she did get better and after four runs in the week was feeling ready for the 15 mile race she has entered for later in the month.
 
We had a hot walk later up to Katomeri village.   A very friendly place, very greek and probably hasn't changed much in the last 50 years.   We went for a frappe' in Hotel Meganisi and did a little shopping and returned to the boat for cool swims and more relaxing!
Cooked Prawns on the BBQ  in the evening.
 
The next day we set off for Sivota.   We were able to get back on the wall near Liotrivi, the bar we mentioned before.   The place was a bit busier but we enjoyed a bit of shopping.  (Bought a little blow up boat for Henry when he visits in July!) and in the evening we went to our favourite taverna.   A family run place and the food is good.
 
On the Thursday we went back to Meganisi but the other side of the island.   The wind got up and we had a great sail.   We went round the top of  Meganisi and into Abelike.   Here we free anchored and in the afternoon went ashore to Pirates Cove and met up with Kim & Cheryl for a beer.  (We met Kim last time we were here and have kept in touch - she knew Graham back in 1984). It was back to the boat afterwards for another BBQ.  (Greek sausages this time from the sausage shop in Lefkas)
 
The next morning - another run by Susie and Graham (I stick to walking!)   Then we pulled up the anchor and went round to Spartakhoti.   This was another village Susie had not been to and we have been once before but only to the pontoon near the entrance to the bay.   This time we went all the way to the head of the bay and bows to on the wall.   An old greek with a red hat came and showed us where to go and took our bow lines.  He owns the taverna and it is expected that you eat there.   But it was lovely to be able to swim off the back of the boat and walk off the front.   Well - it is a long step down off the bow but milk crates were provided!   There was also water and electrics if you needed them.  
 
We walked/climbed the almost vertical cliff up to Spartakhori and sat overlooking the bay and spectacular views enjoying a beer..   It was so hot that we then cut short exploring the village, found an ice cream and came back down for a swim.   In the evening we went into the taverna which is a wooden platform extending into the water.   Susie had a mousakka which she enjoyed until we confessed it was made of lamb!  She had thought it was beef and we didn't correct her till afterwards.   Her face was a bit shocked as she doesn't usually like lamb.  (Though I know she ate it as a child!)
 
On the Saturday we went back to Lefkas Marina, swam in the hotel pool, went for a meal in the square in the evening and the next day it was time for Susie to leave us and take a taxi and flight back to damp old England.  
 
Next visitors will be at the end of July.   Meanwhile we continue wandering around the Ionian and enjoying the sunshine.
 
Bye for now  and Best Wishes
 
Gilly B
 

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