Argostoli and frisky turtles

 

The lake at Argostoli


10^th May We are now moored in the harbour of Argostoli on the island of Cephalonia. We had an easy, four day sail down through the Gulfs of Corinth and Patras, but with little wind we had to resort to the motor at times.  We were entertained by pods of dolphins who came to play in our bow wave and we spotted several turtles feeding on the plentiful supply of jellyfish. Just as well it’s still too cool to swim!

11^th May The wind got up today and the flotilla boat next to us began to drag on its anchor and drifted onto us.  There was no-one on the boat, but we finally persuaded another crew from the flotilla to go on board and haul in the anchor before Sandpiper was damaged. When one of the boats on the other side of us also started dragging we decided it was time to move, so we’ve motored across to the abandoned marina on the far side of the harbour which offers much better protection from the wind.



Sandpiper in the marina at Argostoli

12^th May The marina is very peaceful. It’s on the opposite side of the bay to the town and is backed by green hills. It was built some years back with grants from the EU, but was abandoned when it was time to pay back the loans! There’s no water or electricity, but the concrete pontoons are sturdy and stop most of the surge when the wind whips down through the bay. It's home to several ‘ghost’ boats that have been impounded by the police for drug smuggling then simply left to rot. There are also a few cruisers here who, like us, are making the most of a free mooring.  Beyond the marina the space left for offices and a car park has now been reclaimed by nature and provides a grazing ground for the local sheep.

Sheep grazing by the marina

13^th May Our walk into town today took us across the long bridge that separates an inland lake from the sea.  We knew this was a popular spot for turtles and as we scanned the water we spotted what looked like a big, oddly shaped turtle thrashing about in the water. After a moment we realised there were actually two turtles and they were mating! We’ve been told these loggerhead turtles come to the quiet waters of lake each year to mate. Later the females will go to the beaches beyond the town to lay their eggs.


The turtles in action

Our plan is to sail from here straight to Sicily. It's a two day sail heading due west, but guess where the wind is coming from for the next few days? The west. So it looks as though we will be spending a bit more time in Argostoli.



Donna catching up with the washing

15^th May We are still in Argostoli waiting for the weather to improve. Waiting can be tedious, but we are lucky to have a lovely couple in the boat next door who have kept up sane.  Donna and Ricky arrived after a pretty gruelling sail down from Sicily, so they are taking some time out before heading up through the islands.

19^th May We hired a car today to drive around the island. The weather was mixed, with heavy clouds threatening rain, but the island is just as beautiful as we remembered.


The pretty port of Assos

23rd May This morning we noticed a new boat moored in the bay and a quick check with the binoculars confirmed it is Sulaire, home to Charlie and Alison who spent the winter with us in Cartagena three years ago. Needless to say, this called for a few drinks in the bar to catch up with all the news. They too are planning to cross to Sicily once the wind has moved round.




It was great to see Charlie an Alison again

26^th May The wind has finally turned, so we will be heading towards Sicily tomorrow. We can’t wait to be out at sea again!