Now that I am back to the blog proper and writing this up after the fact I hope I have not ben too hard on Mr Blobby. However it was a stressful night and the American Trimaran Skipper who visited Louise on his dinghy had said that he (Mr Blooby) told one boat he had 50m of chain out, another 30m and another again over 40 “He appeared not to know what he had out” and “ I’m glad he wasn’t near me “
Ah well …….. All’s well that end’s well.
Panoramic view of Blefoutis after the carnage and many departures – it’s beautiful.
Its now Sunday morning and we are back off around to Lakki for the provisioning & laundry run, yet again, and to decide what our plans will be thereafter sailing wise. We tried the Genoa but with little to 5 kts of wind it was a waste of time so engine on for the 12 miles or so.
We really like Lakki, which is just as well this year , the number of visits we’ve had! It has a strange atmosphere – the architecture is Italian / Art Deco – totally understandable given the Italians were here for a while during WWII and Mussolini built himself a huge mansion across the other side of the bay. They have been continually renovating the buildings on the waterfront and seem to be eventually getting there with some, while others are falling further into disrepair.
Lily is recovering well and we have been stocking up on her favourite goodies and a few toys (which she will totally ignore after a brief sniff)
We met a Dutch couple a few years ago berthed next to us in Lipsi who after talking to us about our lifestyle took the plunge and bought a house up the hill overlooking the bay. We had been up for a visit years before just after they bought it. We met them again this year by accident in the supermarket and they now have installed a swimming pool (the last one’s allowed to do so) and now spend half the year here & loving it.
We are on 1st name terms with the scooter rental lady, the laundrette man and I have a wee French girlfriend in the Souvlaki gyros taverna . We are recognised in the Pizza restaurant and the local “sailors bar” and the artisan butchers – it’s a telling story no ? LOL
We also have the choice of two chandlers, a place to get camping gas refills, a B&Q like outlet, a reasonably big supermarket and a number of mini’s as well, oh! and a wine cave/ merchants
So all in all not a bad place to be “stuck” for a while.
Laundry run could be coming or going not sure?
Louise ready for an evening trip ashore.
Water replenishment whilst on anchor is our biggest challenge only having 120 litre tanks. I have installed an additional 60 litre storage in plastic jerry cans under the aft seat in the cockpit you would think they were made to fit. When in Lakki I take the dinghy across to our “secret tap” outside the tennis courts to fill up – job done ! and easy to refill.
Bespoke water tanks
Whilst here I took pity on the local stray cats and whenever I can, usually when going to the laundrette or more likely having left the laundry & going for a beer!
Talking of beers – Brian & Sara arrived on their boat unexpectedly while we were here and on a still very cold night we visited their favourite gyros outlet.
Think this was when we got the lurgies, more later……………………
Trying to keep warm with Sara’s scarf
We have looked at the weather and there is a tiny weather window that maybe could allow us to travel north up to Lesvos, for what might be our last visit of all time. We have a soft spot for Scala Loutra, Mytilini & Lesbos in general, so that is the plan.
Unfortunately Xios our usual half way house on route where we normally stop for a week or so is out of bounds now as the unfinished marina we used to frequent has now been purchased. It is being developed into what looks like a super posh one. So if we do go, it will be a long one but the wind is to shift south on the 22nd into the 23rd so we are heading for Ormos Lampi on the North coast of Patmos to get a springboard northwards in fair winds – fingers crossed.
This will be our 1st time anchored in Lampi.
Plan for tomorrow
