Sept 7
The Greek Islands is a hot summer destination. Not only popular, but hot in temperature. This season reached extremities with locals complaining of usually cold waters feeling like a bath tub (we measured 30 degrees water temperature) and Preveza often measured 100% humidity. Operational actions for the last few days happened in slow motion. We took time to visit all our suppliers, gifting them with gratitude in the form of their favourite liquor and fresh fish. Ourselves were blessed with the best dinner Iāve had in Greece at a superb restaurant, overlooking an ocean sunset. The one thing we will take with us is the Greek generosity! Our hearts were overflowing when we finally left the dock for the last time.
Best description of our 4 day journey to Athens is total freedom. For the first time we had the privilege of making use of every corner of the yacht and yes, we took full advantage in every way š
Our first stop was Ibiza. Unfortunately I can still not tick it off the bucket list, because it was only a beach bar with this name at Lourus Beach.
Highlight of day 2 was to sail under the Rio – Antirrio Bridge, which is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, completed in 2004 and is a landmark of 21st century Greece, improving the movement of people and goods in Western Greece. The bridge has a 55m clearance and although the yacht is only 32m, optical illusion created a nail biting moment!
The afternoon we were greeted by a playful pod of dolphins before we docked by nightfall at Kiato.
Day 3 was all about the Corinth canal, a narrow artificial waterway that cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea. It was completed in 1893, though the idea dates back to ancient times, with rulers like Periander and even Emperor Nero attempting to start the project. The canal is 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) long and saves ships the lengthy journey around the Peloponnese peninsula. Despite its engineering marvel, its narrow width, only about 24 meters, limits its use to smaller vessels today.
The day ended in the calm bay of Salamina island, known for the naval battle fought in 480 BC, between an alliance of Greek city-states under Themistocles, and the Achaemenid Empire under King Xerxes.
Day 4 was a short 2 1/2 hour sail cruising through a field of cargo ships to reach Athens, where captain Martin showed his skill docking in a very tight corner at the Athens Marina.
Gajah, an exciting Polynesian restaurant, created the perfect ambience to celebrate the completion of a very smooth sail.
The next day we said goodbye to 7th Heaven and jumped on a plane to Turkey to start a much needed break.
Land and sea, we will continue to share our journey until we set sail again.
Life is truly suchĀ anĀ adventure
