38:15.0N 24:07.8E

Muskrat
Chris and Alison
Thu 5 Aug 2021 16:30
38:15.0N 24:07.8E

4th August 2021
We left Eretia after breakfast and sailed in 10-15 knts downwind with full main and our small genoa. We haven’t made up the sheets and guys for the Parasailor yet and we probably need more sea room to try it out for the first time!
On the way we saw the smoke from the wild fires that were blazing north of Athens, it blocked out the sun and we had ash on the binimi. At this point we didn’t know that Evia was also on fire so we were sailing through the middle of two very large wild fires.




The wind finally dropped completely so we motored the rest of the way to Almiropotamos. The pilot book said there would be "gusts into the bay” and sure enough as we entered the wind increased to 20knts on the nose. The anchorage however, was lovely and calm and with only two other yachts there was plenty of room. Time for a swim and a meal on board.


Smoke and ash from the wild fires.



The next day in the anchorage at Almiropotamos

5th August 2021

Following our last visit 9 months ago when we attempted to put the outboard on the back of the dinghy and found that it was not compatible with the size or shape of the dinghy, Chris had made some alterations to the support for the outboard in an attempt to make it at least usable for this trip out. The sea trials were reasonably successful providing we didn’t go above slow speed and that there was no waves. The outboard is good so we don’t want to change that - cue, a new dinghy needed. We do have a suitable one at home but due to Brexit!!…….





 

The dinghy with the alterations for the outboard.

We went ashore for a walk, wondering past a garden the Greek owner called us over and just handed us some very juicy Figs from his tree. The Greeks are so friendly.

As I write there is more ash falling onto the boat and it looks like it is coming from Evia in the direction we will be going tomorrow.