Galaxidi, 9th June, Trizonia 10th June Patras 12th June

In and out of Gulfs and Up and Down Hills

Galaxidi has been our home for a few days whilst we visited Delphi. The heat has become overwhelming though, so it is time to start heading back out to the islands. First stop back to little Trizonia, for much needed cooling off in the clean water of the bay.

Then on out of the Gulf of Corinth, back under the Rion Bridge, into Gulf of Patras and to the city of Patras itself. The Gulfs have their own weather patterns it seems. We have had strong winds on the nose, lots of white horses and a gusty clawing our way westwards. As soon as we got under the bridge and into the Gulf of Patras, the water calmed and the wind eased. No difference in the water. Que? Do not understand.

Patras is a busy commercial city and docks - not our usual destination. However, we came here to get either a bus or train to Diakofto to take a ride on the Diakofto to Kalavryta Rack and Pinion railway that climbs the hills of the Peloponese, crossing the Vouraikos Gorge. The transport defeated us and we hired a car with friends on Silent Wings. Richard driving and we managed to avoid the Greek maniac drivers pretty well. The railway journey was fun, the scenery stunning and we were surprised at the top to find Kalavryta was also a tiny ski resort. We could still see some snow on the top (2,500 m) - we were sweltering in 33 deg at 1,600m. It is also a major honey production area, with thousands of beehives dotted about the countryside. The honey is distinctive and delicious, flavoured mainly by the bees diet of wild thyme flowers.

On our return, we had a text from fellow HR34 owners Talisman. They are fed up with the so-called British weather of cold and rain - they would like to come out to play in Greece. Would Saturday be ok? So today we started making tracks, first to Messalonghi today, and then tomorrow - weather willing - we'll make our way over to Cephalonia. Or Ithaca. Or somewhere closer.

Hope all well with everyone. Congrats to Sophie on your 100km Nightride - we managed to follow your progress online, sort of. You are quite mad though. But it did look good!