End of an Era

Trizonia "Marina"

A very early start saw Anne Marie off the boat to catch the 5am bus to Athens, a few hours later (when it was daylight) we headed for

Trizinia "village"

Trizona. We had enjoyed our stay there some 7-8 years ago and were looking forward to a few nights there again. It wasn't quite the same without our friends around us but still a great safe place to be stuck when the wind is blowing hard and from the wrong direction.

Rion Bridge in the Gulf of Patra

Eventually the wind eased and we headed off west under the Rion bridge, an impressive sight which never looks high enough for you to go under until your under it and then there's lots of room. We stopped in Messolongi where we were welcomed by a crew we hadn't seen since Kalamata, Merv & Sandra from Aphrodite although they had changed their boat and are now with Gitano. We caught up on each others news and were treated to a Lidl's and Carrefour run to stock up before heading into the Ionian.

So much for light winds and quiet nights when we reach the Ionian. Our first anchorage was windy and rough well into the night, surprising for a shallow, well protected bay. By morning it was calm. We moved on to a favourite anchorage of ours when we were last in the Ionian to be very disappointed to find a 110ft long dutch barge anchored in one arm with at least 6 lines ashore

110ft barge and sunken boats

fromvarious parts of the boat and in the other arm of the anchorage was two abandoned yachts one of which had sunk. We were put off though or rather we weren't going back out into wind and sea that had picked up. We found a spot and tied back with a couple of lines ashore and stayed two nights. This was when we found that the batteries had truly come to the end of their life and needed replacing urgently. A longer trip than we originally planned saw us out in rough seas and stronger winds than forecast, well until it stopped when we got to the north coast of Meganisi. We decided to stop in Vlikho bay for the night before heading up to Lefkas town to part with some money for the new batteries. Not as much as we feared but enough!


Having fitted the batteries, Rusty Beaver (Colin & Jean) moored alongside us and we caught up with their news and decided to do a little cruising together, heading the following day to Abelike Bay, another

Another downpour in Abelike Bay

favourite spot. This saw the first of several days of heavy downpours followed by sunshine and then the traditional evening BBQ. We decided we needed to give the batteries a proper charge and went into the "new" marina in Vathy on Meganisi. It really was an extension to the town quay with some laid lines and a breakwater with a cost that took in the width of your boat as well as the length. We did have good protection though for the next downpour and strong winds that came through! The boat was getting several wash offs.

More rain!

A nice place that we found was Palaros on the mainland coast, a small harbour with no charge and free water. The town was good for shopping, if up a steep hill and there was some good tavernas at the right prices away from the main tourist areas. The beach was idyllic at the end of the breakwater and with the water tap behind the boat there was no rush to leave, we stayed 6 nights before moving on.

We moved on to some other anchorages with some good sailing to get to them  but the anchorages were getting busy with yachts and uncomfortable with wind and waves at times. P was really not enjoying it as much as she use to, worrying and not sleeping when the boat was moving around at anchor. Things were changing and after some days of discussing it we made a sign for the back of the boat, For Sale!!

Crazydream

Time to carry on though as the Normans were soon due out on their annual holiday but this year they were hiring a Sunsail boat with all the family and not staying on Crazydream. We planned to meet them in Lefkas and we or rather P decided we'd go into the marina, bugger the expense. Yes it was expensive, 40€ plus VAT, water, electric and showers. It was Solent prices or more! There also happens to be a yacht broker on site and we went to see them out of curiosity and what price they would try to get for the boat. Well when they said they'd try for 45K we filled in the forms and had pictures taken thinking it would take months or years for anything to happen, G thinking they won't get that for it.

Supplies to "Maggie May"

We had a great time sailing alongside the Normans on Maggie May for a week, a different holiday for both, Crazydream was the store vessel for Maggie May with condiments being handed over mid voyage as lunch was being served! BBQ's most nights, not easy to cook for 8 on a boat size BBQ but G managed and the

Crazydream with Maggie May

week went by very quickly and we headed back up to Lefkas with Maggie May as we intended to go north from there. That plan changed as we saw some other cruisers that we had not seen for many years just before we entered the Lefkas canal, Miss Sophie, Harriet and Gustaf.

Having seen the Normans off we headed back down the canal to meet up with Miss Sophie and to catch up on all their news, hours flew by and we ended the evening with a lunch invite for the next day. That's when our lives changed.

A phone call from the yacht broker, we have a couple who would like to view your boat - today. The spec had not even gone live but this Russian couple were very interested. So lunch was cancelled and a rush to

meet the broker in Nidri for the viewing. Cut a long story short and after some negotiating we accepted an off for Crazydream subject to a test sail an survey the following day. That all went well with the surveyor only picking up some dampness around the deck fittings - quite normal for a 30 year old boat. And so

Crazydream was sold. We were numb and shocked to say the least. It wasn't meant to happen that quick but we couldn't turn down the offer what if no one else ever looked at her let alone offer a good price. So many people are still trying to sell their boats years later. It was definitely too soon for G who was still

 Belongings for the Pallet

enjoying the sailing, stronger wind the better. Following an email out to friends we know that he will still be able to get his fix if need be. Further shock was to be had in that the Russians wanted the sail to go through quickly and we had two weeks to clear our stuff off. They paid half the coast of a berth in Lefkas and we started the job of what  to keep and what not. 250kg on a pallet was shipped home, 3 hold luggage bags

and some extra bits sent home with Kathryn who was staying on board the last week we owned Crazydream.

Crazydream

She had booked her flights just before we knew we sold her and so spent a strange holiday on board in the marina with day trips out in a car. We had had our last sail on Crazydream and could not take her out again, it would have been too emotional for both of us.

An end of an era, 14 great years on a great boat with lots and lots of memories. Now to plan the next adventure.

Setting Off

Sunday Lunch with many friends

Is the anchor in?

After much socialising and waiting for the right weather, wind direction as well as temperature, we finally managed to slip our lines from Leros. A little lump in the throat and tear in the eye, we'd been on the island for six years and had got to feel at home there. Not too much time to dwell about it as sails were raised and equipment altered and checked.

Flat Calm Cyclades!

We were enjoying our first sail of the season with a beat to windward in a gentle force 3 breeze, lovely but it was chilly with jumpers and coats needed. Needless to say the next day we were reefed down (less sail) and crashing into a big lumpy sea, this was the Cyclades after all!
The Cyclades is notorious for being windy with big seas hence we had waited for the window to cross in the best weather we could. One trip we were sailing, cracking along at 6-7 kts on a beat when the wind turned off for twenty minutes and then filled from totally a different direction and much stronger. A 90' course alteration and change of destination led to a much longer day at sea but a more comfortable ride. Thankfully a very safe anchorage was at the end of that 45nm trip. 
Next day flat calm! We took the opportunity to visit Delos or rather look at it from the sea, we've done so many ancient sites we didn't feel the need to go ashore. We continued to cross the Cyclades in relative calm, some sailing and some motoring covering 220nm in 7 days.

Poros

Ancient Epidhavros

We arrived in Poros with a greeting from Frank and Jenny on Marinerme, needless to say a few drinks were had and some cruising together for a few days or rather sitting out some strong winds together in the idyllic fishing village of Vathi on the Methana pennisula.

Transiting the Corinth Canal

We picked up our first guest of the season, Anne Marie, in Poros where again we sat out some very strong winds and heavy rain before moving on to anchor and to call in at Palaia Epidhavros. We opted not to visit the  large theatre about 30km away but made do with the smaller ancient Epidhavros a short walk away. Unfortunately we didn't find the sunken city, we were looking in the wrong place!!
A couple of anchorages and then we were heading for the Corinth Canal. An early start saw us transiting the canal at 8am in the company of a tall ship and its pilot boat. We've done the canal before but still an awesome experience and we remembered to take the bimini down this time for a better view.

Corinth Canal

We were now in the Gulf of Corinth on our way to the Ionian and there was no wind so Anne Marie was motoring on her sailing holiday stopping in Andikiron and Galaxidhi before dropping her in Itea for her trip back to Athens on the bus and for us to stock up at the supermarket before carrying on west.

Looking down on Galaxidhi

Galaxidhi just before the rain!

Return to Crazydream

At last we were returning to Greece and Crazydream.

First sight of Islands

We treated ourselves to a hotel at Heathrow, the Heathrow Lodge, not special but cheap and on the free bus route to terminal 5. It saved the 3am early rise and someone having to drop us off. We also had a hotel in Athens to save the unsociable ferry arrival in Leros or the overnight wait in the airport. We can recommend the Peris Hotel, they pick you up and drop you back at the airport with breakfast included for 80€. A nice short break before the work starts on getting Crazydream ready to go back in the water.


The usual polishing and anti fouling all went smoothly and quickly which was lucky as the weather wasn't quite up to its normal standards with rain, strong winds and low temperatures. The quilt came out as did the heater and hot water bottle. The quilts still on 4 weeks later!! Launching was brought forward due to a forecast gale coming through for 2 days so when we got in the water we battened down the hatches whilst 40kts+ blew for 48 hours.

Easter at Popy's

Thankfully the weather improved for the Greek Orthodox Easter which saw the marina host a free lunch at a local taverna, the marina cafe on site not being open yet! Amazing how many people were hiding on their boats and came along to enjoy the celebrations (and the free lunch!).The traditional spit lamb was served up along with plenty of salad and Greek side dishes, the wine flowed too!




With the boat ready and stocked to leave for the season we waited for the right weather window to go and temperatures to improve, otherwise the off-shore gear would be getting a dusting off, its not been out since France! The island of Leros is a hard place to leave as we have made many new friends here including some of the locals. With many crews returning to their boats each day its too easy to stay and socialise more.
We will slip the lines soon!

Lakki & Anchorage

Entrance to Lakki's Natural Harbour

Winter 2014

We managed to have a final sail before heading to the UK, heading the 12 miles or so to Lipsi to one of our favourite tavernas. Again sails were reefed down, the deck got wet and the boat was tipping over - Gordon would say 10' P would say nearer 45', oh for some light winds. Still with it being windy there was plenty of room on the town quay where we moored stern too and watch the entertainment of the charter boats coming into moor. Rassy Lady joined us for a reunion after there trip north, some excellent non typical meals were enjoyed at Manoli's Taverna in the town square.
The return trip to Leros was just s windy and large waves so we needed the reefs yet again and we were down wind sailing! Two other boats were heading the same way and although it was not a race it was good to finish second when we were the smallest yacht. Back in the marina it was like a different day, light winds and very warm. Time to start packing the boat up for winter and storage ashore whilst we return to the UK to earn some money to cruise again in 2015.

A cold morning on the cut!

 Cosy down below!

We say we were home to earn some money but of course after the summer on the boat we were due a holiday! Dave & Marilyn had invited us on to their newly purchased narrow boat, we cruised on the Grand union and Oxford canals but didn't always get where we wanted due to lock maintenance! It was a cruel return to the UK weather with frost for two mornings and torrential rain for one series of locks. The log fire was welcome every evening. A great taster of "living on the cut", not put off and so you may see Crazydream on the French canals yet.
Now we are truly back into work and catching up with people when we can. P, as always back at the hospital, G putting his hand to odd jobs. A new shed roof, fitting a banister just two of the undertakings at Torrington road for his Mum. He also managed a short stint back a Quay Graphics, the print firm who he has worked for in previous winters.
Some house sits over the winter has seen us being able to return some of the hospitality we often receive at others, Christmas and New Year with friends was memorable and P actually went back to work for a rest!!!
With flights booked to go back to the boat we are just concentrating on trying to save some money whilst working out where the boat will go in the coming season. But we have still managed to catch up with some friends on our days off and the pics show just a few of the gatherings.

Cream Tea in Somerset with Sandi & Colin

                                                                              

G, Sue, P, Angela, Pete & John in Dartmouth

 

G, Judy, Richard & Anne Marie at Sandbanks