Ionian
Sea Topaz
Duncan Briggs
Sun 2 Oct 2016 11:29
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38.57.086 N 20.45.953 E
Already another month gone; we have some catching up to
do.
We did not get the diagnostic check done as we had a
damaged gasket, so new ones have to be ordered. So we went back to Abeleki Bay,
where we went back to our spot with lines ashore. We soon got into a routine of
swimming, meals, odd jobs, paddleboarding and walks ashore. The weather was
more unsettled with lots of rain and stronger winds, but we were safe and well
sheltered. On Friday 9th September we met up with "The Sirmoor Sailors" on
"Wave". The managed to moor next to us. We had drinks on ST and then a meal on
Wave. As you can imagine a lot of talking, catching up with old friends from the
Brigade of Gurkhas and Duncan's climbing days.
Next day we motored (no wind again) to a bay on Kastos
and then Astakos for the night. Next day a lunch stop in Cliff Bay, very scenic
with beautiful clear water and after a good sail we spent the night in Vathi on
Ithaka; where we had a lovely meal ashore with the team.
We parted company with "Wave" the next day and went back
to Sivota to have another go at getting the diagnostic check done... No luck,
the gaskets had not arrived! We had to leave the next day for Lefkas to collect
Kirsten, Mark and Lanah from the airport. We were treated like long lost friends
in the "Lighthouse" restaurant in Lefkas.
With Kirsten, Mark and Lanah on board we left Lefkas the
next day to meet up with the "Wave" crew again in Port Athena, Meganisi for a
BBQ on the shore. It was a great evening in a lovely spot.
We then had a wonderful week on board with Lanah, our
granddaughter entertaining us. We visited One House Bay, Vathi, Fiskardo,
Vassiliki, Sivota and Abeliki. The weather was good on the whole, but also a lot
of rain, unfortunately when we were in Vassiliki, where Kirsten and Mark had
hoped to do some windsurfing. In spite of the weather it was great to show Mark
where some of the Briggs family spent their working summers in the past. Lanah's
swimming improved a lot, we all enjoyed several meals out and generally had a
great time.
After they left we went back into Sivota and got the
diagnostic check done this time, it took a bit longer than expected. >From there
we went straight to Aktio where we were booked in for haulout. This was done
very professionally and we set to to packing Sea Topaz up for the winter. The
only downside was the mozzies in the yard.
On the 28th we flew back to UK; a bit earlier than
planned as Ria's mother was slowly dying. She passed away last night in her
sleep.
We will be in Holland from 3 till 9th
October.
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