Port Marathia, Wed, 27th June

Between us (COTGC), we hired a car on Sat, took C&J to Kefalonia airport and then toured the island the rest of the day. We went up the
West Coast of the island to see famous beaches and villages that we knew we would not get to by boat. We then went south to the
Ainos National Park, a mountainous area rising to 1800 metres and covered in Kefalonian pines. It was bizarre to drive up, passing a snow-chains sign from which every 1/2km were snow depth markers by the side of the road. We were sweltering in 36 deg C heat. The national park is home to flora and fauna not found elsewhere on the island. I was hoping to see one of the eagles, but they were hiding.

We have met up again with Free Spirit, a boat we have sailed with on and off since Portugal. We are further exploring in company a bit, whilst we all decide what the next step is. The Adriatic to the North and West of us has been having gales. We wanted to go south, round the Peloponnese, but the Aegean is also plagued with gales and the meltemi is setting in. We have had flukey winds here, usually very little in the morning but often up to F5 and F6 in the afternoon and despite what they tell you, always on the nose!

We're back on the mainland now. Good bay this, I need Clive to re-name it for me…. Failing that, off for a swim. Til later. x