Sunday 17th September
It was a windy morning in Ligonari anchorage as we prepared to leave around 07:00 for the just under 36 miles south to Oinousses.
We had left the protection of Lesvos by 07:20 and with 25 knots plus gusts of wind pushing us downwind under reefed genoa we were coasting along at 6.2 knots with big following seas.We have a video but unfortunately our version of the blog does not support video. Hopefully the stills give some idea though.
Brisk morning passage from Lesvos
Lily had exited her usual safe perch for a new one behind Louise – she was not a fan of the rolly downwind passage.
The old & new positions
It is only one of the rare occasions in 10 years or so we eventually had to resort to hand steering as the auto pilot “Peggy” couldn’t cope too well. It was exhilarating but just before lunch time the wind started to drop and the engine was on again motor sailing.
Approaching Bilali Bay – a few rocks about to watch for, fat boy
Normally we berth on the pontoon in the harbour of Oinousses but this time we decided to anchor in a cove just outside, Bilali Bay, the pink dot below.
When we arrived just before 15:00 there was a “music boat” full of tourists in the adjoining bay enjoying themselves as we all have done on our holidays – how dare they – but by late afternoon they had headed back to Xios town leaving us blissfully alone.
The day trip boat in the distance as we arrived
It’s a small walk over the hill into Mandraki village. Having been here a few times before I have tried to limit the pictures to the “new” sights, but I may have failed – it’s such a lovely spot.
The walk in from our anchorage & Camira alone in the bay
Some of the locals
A wander, some shopping & lunch. It’s a hard life.
The return, the boat’s still there & a scamble down to the dinghy
One of the benefits of sailing this late in the season is you mostly get the place to yourselves. Maybe just as well ……. not to frighten the locals …
The Tokoloshe that appeared one afternoon
