The Cow in the Canal

Hi all,

We departed from Aegina at dawn for the four hour sail into a strong headwind - our destination The Corinth Canal! A quick history / geography lesson here. The Corinth can was constructed in 1893 and is a man made canal 3.2 miles long, 6 metres deep , 20 wide and 72 metres canal sides.  The canal was constructed to create a short cut from the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea.

Arriving at the canal dock we were lucky that only two other yachts were berthed. To continue our propping up of the Greek economy, we cheerfully entered the canal office credit card at the ready. I did momentarily neglected to mention that the Corinth Canal is the most expensive waterway in the world. After completely the endless paperwork, the credit card was reduced by 261 Euros ( $ 408 ).

We were ordered quickly back to "Coorabell" and instructed to motor to the waiting area. Enjoying the sunshine with three other yachts, you must remember that yachts cannot actually stand still and queue, but must motor around in endless circles. Again luck was with us with the radio calling for us to follow the two other yachts into the canal.

Champagne in hand, we progressed along the canal, marvelling at the chisel marks in the walls. During the passage vessels pass under three bridges and two opening bridges. At the Aegean side, just after entering you pass close by to a bar, full of drinkers who "toast" you past. After the second bridge, we heard a load scream, looking astern I thought that the following yacht made be in difficulties, but no, a bungy jumper right on our stern.






















Taking an hour to pass through we entered the Ionian Sea and sailed for several hours under a cloudless sky finally anchoring in a secluded bay just off the rocky beach. Next morning saw us motoring and joining our Brisbane newly weds at Itea. A depressing town ( might see Leonard Cohen here after all ). A half hour bus journey up into the mountains and out come the cameras. Here is an ancient site called Delphi. Quiet spectacular ruins with a fantastic vista and architecture.

After spending two nights at the seawall, we were quite happy to be sailing again with a short hop to the island of Trizonia. Berthing at a abandoned marina next to a Sydney yacht with our Brisbane friends astern. Stayed only one night at the beautiful green island and headed for the main town of Patras, as we were desperately short of fresh water.

Enjoyed a beautiful fast sail with "Coorabell" regularly exceeding 10 knots. However, all was not plain sailing! After receiving radio permission, we sailed under the Rion Bridge. A two knot current against us, 30 knot wind astern and two large slow moving vehicular ferries crossing ahead.

This bridge is the longest span bridge ( 2.25 klms ) in the world, but because of the high toll ( $69 )
for trucks, most vehicles still use the ferries. We berthed at the city marina ( buy one night get one free deal ) and again berthed beside the newly weds. Just another big city, but did give us the opportunity for a large super market shop and long hot showers.



Not being sports minded people, our next decision came as a shock and we departed both Patras and our Brisbane friends and made our way to the town of Katakolon. A beautiful small township which is the gateway to Olympia, home of the Olympic games. Hiring a car the next day we drove the 25 kilometres and walked through this amazing ancient site. We were surprised by the overall size of the area. Playing tourist, I had to get a photo of Kathleen on the starters block!

Driving back to the yacht I suggested the seafood restaurant where, the previous evening was packed with locals. Ron's travel tip number two - if the restaurant is packed in Greece, the food is not always good. We had our worst meal in Greece to date. I have since been taken off restaurant selection.

My next bright idea was on our next island of Zakinthos. The west coast of this small island is renown for its coastal beauty. We entered from the east. Hiring a 50cc motor scooter, your easy riders set out after breakfast to view this coastline. The coastline lived up to its reputation with your restaurant critic regaining his credibility in finding a restaurant over looking a spectacular gorge with the most bluest of water. However, travel tip number three. Do not do 170 kilometres in one day on a 50cc motor scooter. It took several days for both of us to sit again comfortably.

For those of you who know my fear of heights, this photo was not taken by the author!

We again set sail with Argostoli on the island of Kefallinia famous for its Logger Head turtles. We were reliably informed that at the town's sea wall up to 150 come to feed from the returning fishermen. Ha, next mourning your naturalists were in the prime viewing position, only to see 4.

Time for a swim and a cold Greek wine. Hope that all is going well for all back home and please keep up the e mails and comments as we really enjoying hearing from you.

Our next destination is  Ithaca Island where we will and spend a few days  days at a delightful seaside village called Kioni.

Till next time, stay safe and well.

Captain Ron and First Mate ( and restaurant critic ) Kathleen.