We made a Monday morning post-coffee departure from quiet Petalas Bay for a 2-hour motor-sail under overcast skies, and dropped anchor off the beach at the town of Astakos. A decidedly un-touristy town, the tiny harbor is occupied by a handful of fishing boats and other workboats. There are only a few signs in English, but we managed to find WiFi and a cold beer, so we feel that we’re living large!
Ken found sweet fresh water on the quay, which we used for a bit of wash-up for SD and a bucket of hand laundry. Solar showers are full for the crew to clean up. Today has been warm and sunny, but our nights are still chilly enough for the captain to be sleeping under the down sleeping bag. (Crew is comfy with two light blankets.) We still find an occasional spider, but otherwise it’s a been a bug-free cruise. We do see a random honeybee, staggering around, sluggish with the spring chill. These pose no problem other than requiring that we watch our step on deck. lest we step on one, which would be painful for us, and no picnic for the bee, either.
Despite the aforementioned chill, which of course includes the water, we see intrepid swimmers paddling around with apparent nonchalance. What a bunch of troupers! This has been a great stop, with our position a few yards off the town beach affording us great people-watching opportunities from the cockpit. The town buildings rise up a steep hill, and cascades of bougainvillea drape the balconies. We had lunch in the shady courtyard of a local café, where a few tables of locals chatted and one woman in particular, obviously strong in her convictions, loudly proclaimed to neighboring patrons in rapid-fire Greek about Lord knows what. Even though we were clueless, it was great fun to watch. We sail tomorrow for a little bay called One House Bay on the island of Atoko a few miles east of Ithaka (yes, that Ithaka). Ciao for now! K&K
Images of Astakos:
Local, fishing with a hand line next to SD.
Anchorages don’t get much better than this!
The local produce can’t be beat!
Click on the YOTREPS gadget to see where we are, or go to www.shiptrak.org - call sign N4KS
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