Pottering Around the Ionian

The pretty little harbour of Fiskardo on the northern tip of Cephalonia is too small to swing at anchor so we had to take a line ashore in typical Mediterranean mooring fashion.  This is something for which Songster, being an English designed boat, is not particularly well suited.  Songster has a fairly high free board, no scooped stern to step on and off easily and long keel.  This means going in reverse in a straight line and stepping onto a pontoon or into a dinghy from the stern while holding a mooring line takes a bit of planning and skill.  In most other parts of the world mooring is done side on which Songster (and us) can easily manage.  Fortunately our friends Glenn and Lyn from Magnificat were on hand to take our lines ashore and tie us off.

Magnificat in Fiskardo

I had my first proper swim of the season in Fiskardo.  The water was a bit brisk but my wet suit kept me warm and the fish were plentiful.  I took lots of photos of them swimming amongst the rocks and sea grass.

 

 

 

We had a lovely walk onshore with Glenn, Lynn and the lovely Lola, their very cool dog and planned another longer walk for the next day.  Unfortunately a nasty swell and unpleasant wind had built up in the morning and, although not dangerous, was making the anchorage very uncomfortable.  As much as I would have liked to explore more of Fiskardo we thought it best to scuttle back to Sivota where there was good shelter from the northerlies.  As Mother Nature would have it, once we got out of Fiskardo harbour there was barely any wind.  Yet another motor sail in the Motorterranian.

Taking it easy in light winds

Snugly ensconced in Sivota we planned a dinner together with Glenn and Lynn.  We had spent lots of enjoyable time with them during the winter in Lefkas and this was to be our last meeting until the vagaries of sailing might bring us together again.  So after a great meal, warm goodbyes and fair wind wishes, we moved on early the next morning for a long sail to Lakka on the northern tip of the small island of Paxoi.  Lakka was a pretty sheltered harbour that quickly filled up to overflowing with charter boats all intent on having a good time.

Light house enroute

Lakka on moonrise

Amongst the many boats at anchor was another boat flying the CA burgee.  They came over to invite us to dinner that evening along with sailors from another CA boat.  We had a very enjoyable dinner with them which several weeks later (as I am writing this blog) turned out to be quite serendipitous.  But that is the subject for future blogs!

CA dinner

Some nasty winds were predicted in a day or two so we thought we would go over to Mourtos on the mainland where there is a clump of islands and sheltered harbours.  We found a lovely secluded bay just around the headland from the main harbour.  We took the dinghy ashore and explored the little town which was teeming with tourist – absolutely chock-a-block.  This was May Day holiday and it looked like half of Greece had come to Mourtos to relax and have fun.  We did manage to find a quiet place away from the hordes for a very nice ouzo mezze before going back to the boat for the evening.

Quiet (for now) anchorage at Mourtos

One of many tavernas ready for the influx of tourists

The next morning we went ashore again and the town had reverted back to its sleepy self.  By the afternoon our quiet anchorage was inundated with a flotilla of about 12 Dutch charter boats, most with kids aboard.  We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the entertainment of Dutch adolescents at play.

Day tripper boat

The predicted bad weather was milder than feared, just a bit of wind and rain.  Once it passed it was time to move on to Corfu to prepare for the arrival of Pam and Nicole.