Searching for Leonard Cohen

Hi all,

Again, I will attempt an informative blog of our travels and adventures aboard the good ship 'Coorabell' as this year we sail through the Corinth Canal from the Aegean Sea into the Ionian Sea.

Our adventure begins flying into Athens where we spent two delightful days exploring the ancient ruins and restaurants of that great city. Our accommodation was a small hotel were, from the rooftop bar/restaurant, the view across to the Acropolis was breathtaking, especially at night with the lights highlighting the ruins.

Enjoyed exploring the ruins of Athens. Walking through the Acropolis was amazing, but also through the tourist alleys of the city. A highlight was the hourly changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Two greek soldiers in the most silly uniforms, short dresses with pom pom shoes march in what John Gleese must had invented the Ministry of Silly Walks.

A hint to future travellers, DO NOT fly Etihad!

On the third day it was time to venture to the boatyard, and hence our first Greek experience for the year. Haggling with the taxi driver, we eventually headed out for the hour drive to where "Coorabell" awaited us. Instructing the taxi driver into the boatyard, we informed him to drive around the dusty yard looking for a white hull with new white antifouling ( the underwater paint ). Several minutes later we parked beside "Coorabell", looking new with her dark blue antifouling - a minor mistake!

Overall, the boat looked great with the hull polished to a mirror like finish and new side stripes. Quite a lot of invisiable mechanical work was done this year which I won't bore you with. Next day we launched and spent the remaining day having the new stereo and speakers fitted but more importantly the solar panels and associated wiring. To date, this has been a life saver, constant cold wine from the fridges!

After paying the hideous boatyard account, including 23% tax, we motored for an hour and anchored in a delightful bay under an ancient temple of Posideon ( hopefully a good omen ) settling in again to living aboard. Next morning sailed out for a four hour passage to the island of Hydra. Upon reaching Hydra, decided not to head to the main small port, but anchored for two nights in a small picturesque bay within swimming distance of the only tavern.

After enjoying the bay it was time to weigh anchor and sail the 3/4 mile to Hydra Town and fulfil our mission. Entering the small harbour of Hydra Town is difficult. Being a tourist destination, the port is a hive of ferry activity. Luckily, we managed a berth in on the northern seawall, secured the yacht and explored the township. Mainly only a harbour front, Kath and I stumbled onto a quaint seafood restaurant. We enjoyed being the only patrons in the courtyard under the oldest and  biggest lemon tree I have ever seen. Sounds great except for lemons constantly falling onto your head, although we did leave with Kath's bag full of lemons!

Hydra Town is famous for being the Greek town where the  depressing and suicidal poet/song writer Leonard Cohen became famous. Search as we may, he could not be found - the interesting side of the islands life is that there are no vehicles allowed, only donkey transport..

Disappointed in not finding Mr Cohen, we sailed out and spent a night in a beautiful bay on Spetses Island. It blow a gale that night so in the morning made for the harbour, but it was crowded and windy with no room for a yacht of our size, not being unset, set sail and two hours later anchored in one of the most beautiful Greek bays, very small and all alone.

Left again and sailed into the port of Poros. Berthed in the middle of the town opposite a great seafood restaurant called "The Sailor Boy". A fresh seafood lunch was to be had then to explore the harbour front. Two yachts up from us were a newly married Brisbane couple, Ryan and Audrey. We agreed to meet them at our next port of Epidavros. Berthed again in town and the next day took a taxi with the honeymooners and visited the famous 4BC ampitheatre. Seating 14000 people, it was famous for its acoustics and is still used today for concerts.

The island also had an advantage of thousands of orange trees in full fruit, never the less we all left with bags full. Continued onto Aigina Island and again ( this is getting repetitive ) berthed right in the middle of the bustling harbour front. Hired a motor scooter the next day and explored the island visiting touristy beaches and famous temples. Located a seaside restaurant and enjoyed freshly caught grilled octopus and mussels.

Tomorrow we set sail for a twenty mile passage to the entrance to the Corinth Canal which will take us the four miles from the Aegean to the Ionian Sea.

All for now, but dear readers could you please send me at rdriver@mullum.com.au your e mail address as our server has lost all of our contact address.

Hope all are well and hear from you soon.

Regards.

Captain Ron and First Mate Kathleen