Sunday 1^st May – Nisís Trizónia

38:22.161N 22:04.572E

Today was a day of contrasts with the weather – the wind arrived over night together with rain.  When we got up we found we had been well and truly “Sahara’d” – Pyxis had a heavy coating of sand all over the deck – and the wind had gone around and eased.  However, the sun was now out and it was warm and comfortable up in the cockpit. 

We have decided to take a few days break here on the island, whilst the weather sorts itself out.  We like the island and the isolation will ensure we get a rest from supermarket runs, fuel trips etc.  We have a nice berth on the end of the breakwater with a lovely view down the Gulf of Corinth and over the mountains.

Not that we would have been going anywhere in an easterly direction today - the wind filled in during the morning and has been very strong (F5-6) from the east all day.  A catamaran we recognised from Messolonghi, Orchid, decided to set off that way late morning but returned soon after a short trip into the teeth of the wind; we weren’t surprised as the wind was blowing us off the breakwater at 27 knots.

A couple of yachts arrived and struggled to get alongside the breakwater, so we went to help.  The technique was to get the bows attached and then pull the stern round into the wind.

This evening we wandered into town for a drink at a local taverna – it was quite a jump to get ashore as we are being blown off really hard and you really had to hold on to your hat as you walk along the harbour wall.

At the taverna we sat beside the waterfront looking out across the small sheltered bay.  A local family who had been eating at the taverna that afternoon had a fishing net and were catching sea urchins straight from the water.  The father prepared them, by cutting out what I believe is the roe, and then served it up on bread, with lemon juice squeezed on top.  They saw us watching and sent the waitress over with a plate of sea urchin for us to try.  It was quite nice and very, very fresh!