37:15.45N 21:39.93E Kiparissia.
37:15.45N 21:39.93E Kiparissia.
Wednesday, 22nd August, 2012.
After paying the harbour manager we set off around 10.30 a.m. for Kiparissia across the bay from Katakolon after wishing our German friends a safe journey north in their little boat. We had just got out of the harbour when the next cruise liner appeared around the headland. We put up our sails but had to motor for an hour before a nice breeze filled them and we were sailing across the Ancient Gulf of Accadia or Kiparissiakos Kolpos as it is known today.
We saw about five dolphins working ahead of us. In the water we saw large jelly fish and lots of small fish like sardines which the dolphins must have been feeding on. The sea is a beautiful blue colour and so clear even when you are in 50 and 60 metres of water. Jim did try the old fishing rod but still no good.
The Strofadhes Islands are in the distance. These lovely islands lie 32 miles west of Kiparissa and 26 miles south of Zakynthos. The islands are part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park and the water’s are protected around the island but no restrictions are on yachts. The turtles breed there and hopefully the marine park officers keep an eye on the boats in the area.
The coast line from Katakolon to Kiparissia is very beautiful with mountains in the background and small towns near the beach area. We covered thirty miles in 6 hours which was very good. The strong afternoon breeze has not materialised today and we are tied on the wall along with one other boat and one anchored in the harbour in a beautiful setting.
To add to the beauty of this very quiet harbour we have 3 turtles which were sun bathing this afternoon just feet from Ariel. I am hoping to get a photograph but so far have failed. Jim spotted a Kingfisher fly low over the harbour this afternoon.
We walked to the beach after dinner and even as the sun was setting people were arriving, many swimming in the sea, playing bat and ball or beach volley. The bat and ball games were all in an area which was fenced off and all the men were taking it very seriously. The small church is just on the quay and left open for anyone to worship.
