15th October 2013 Tuesday End of Season Basimakopouloi Boatyard, Kilada

Perfect end to this year's cruising. The sun came back out, the temperatures rose. We stopped en route to Kilada on Friday and anchored behind a tiny islet for a last swim and snorkel in the clearest water amidst untrammelled scenery. And then on to Kilada quay for a couple of hours, to drop and take off sails, fold up on the quay and stow away, and a few other jobs where being tied to the land is helpful. We took ourselves off then to anchor in the bay, as we had kept back a nice rib steak to barbecue for our last evening afloat. It was still a balmy 27 deg C as we saw down the day.

We were called on VHF at about 10.30am Saturday morning for our lift - straight into the "box" and were duly lifted directly onto the cradle that would support Myrica all winter and transported, cradle and all, to her final position. A very sophisticated operation and a thousand miles (or years?) from our sledge haul out at the end of July. We have since had perfect conditions for putting the boat to bed. Dry and hot, so everything gets cleaned and stowed away bone dry, not a hint of moisture so no worries about mildews, etc. The cicadas however are extremely loud at night and we have had a resident one - something we need to ensure before locking up tomorrow - a sweep of the boat to check for immigrants - any stowaways to be returned to their proper habitat before leaving.

Last evening we were picked up at the boatyard gates by a nice man from Pop's Cars and driven to Ermioni where we did the contract for our hire car - one day, one way hire to Athens Airport for today. And back to Kilada, to a little "cantina" - a workaday restaurant frequented by the locals, a tip given to us by our neighbouring French boat. There was no menu, no choice. We were given a little dish of braised butter beans and only asked if we wanted white or rose wine. Apparently he didn't do red. Or bottles, just carafes of varying sizes. Or indeed, anything else except for water. Then a variety of medzes, including octopus, anchovies, battered aubergine, crab "Russian-type" salad, a deep fried ball of something (white fish, cheese?), and a tasty puree of something else. Then a choice of salads or veg brought to the table - we chose the flying greens. And fish - the catch of the day - small, meaty, tasty, accompanied by a garlicky puree - even fisherman R not sure of the breed - grilled on an open fire. With chips. For the grand sum of €9 each all up, all in. A super recommendation, real local food, such a great change from the inevitable tourist trail stuff and a lovely way to end the journey.

An eventful drive today, amongst some fabulous scenery, crossing over the Corinth Canal (that we may well transit by boat on our eventual return west). We have an early evening flight, so will take every advantage. Getting final boat checks done now,putting the tarpaulin on and everything locked down, then we'll meander our way slowly to the airport.
A great season, more miles than last year and very varied: in terrain, antiquities, islands, conditions and areas. And although we saw Turkey across the straits, have not yet ventured there. So here's to continuing the saga next spring - and see what Turkey holds for us next year.

Have a great winter, everyone, this tale will re-commence in the Spring of 2014.
RaW xx