Thursday 5^th July – Ionian (1)

38:21.690N 21:25.012E

Early July we were able to return to Pyxis; she was waiting patiently for us out in Messolonghi, Greece. 

Fortunately our landing in Athens was less eventful than the one Richard had had in March – he had texted me to say he had landed safely; ok, it had taken two attempts, the plane being hit by lightning as it aborted its first attempt due to a strong thunderstorm.

Once back at Pyxis we started immediate preparations for sailing.  Richard spent a couple of days diving under the hull to clear off the growth that had accumulated over the winter; we changed the old cockpit enclosure out for the new one; we hoisted the genoa and attached all the safety equipment, checked the engine, and stocked up with victuals.

By Monday we were ready and went out for a shake-down trip across the Gulf of Patras and back with Gavin & Mary from Blue Elephant as guests.

The next day we were off, sailing in company with Blue Elephant, on passage to the Ionian.  We spent a wonderful couple of weeks relaxing in the sun.  We revisited many familiar places we hadn’t been to since we first arrived in Greece – Abelike Bay, Vlikho Bay, Nidri, and Kastos – and also visited Kalamos for the first time to sit out some strong winds, it was amazing to see just how many boats could be squeezed into the harbour there. 

At the end of the month it was time to return to Messolonghi and we flew back to the UK just in time for the start of the Olympics.

Ionian: July Cruise

© Pyxis 2012