Orei was a nice little stop and a convivial one with a motley selection of nationalities, including our 3 Italians. But after sitting in a port the heat overtook us and we headed up into the Golf of Volos, first to Pighadi (nothing really but a tiny bay and taverna) then on to Palaio Trikeri, a small islet off the Trikeri Peninsula on the mainland. It is getting mountainous here.

To Milina and Vathoudi Bay, partly for a look and partly because Sunsail has a charter base here and someone had told us that the head man there could help us out with our genoa that needed some stitching. The bottom edge had been fraying, we had taped it, but then, given the gusty conditions we have been having, decided to take it off and replace with our (in good condition) working jib.

True to the rumour, Andy Lewis agreed to repair our sail, we took the boat round there at 9am, he wheeled an industrial sewing machine out, and for a very modest sum, had completed the repair and more - to save us having minor repairs in the future one metre at a time.

Result. On now to Volos 20 miles at the head of the bay. Volos is the 3rd largest city port in Greece. It doesn't have a good reputation in the books. And on approach it does look a bit industrial and architecturally uninteresting as it was pretty well demolished in the 1955 earthquake. But to our surprise, it is also a rough diamond, with good cycle paths, a wide promenade with cafes overlooking the water and still a fishing fleet and fish market in amongst all the ferry and container traffic. We are up against the breakwater wall, a tad rustic with no facilities.

But at least we can do a bit of a stock up. And a re-arrange of the boat. The dumping ground that is the aft cabin needs to be completely cleared to accomodate the arrival of guests.... Where to put it all?

There is a big container of heavy books - mostly cruising guides and pilots. The cruising chute (a massive sail), spare bedding, boxes, flippers and sundry swimming and fishing bits, etc. You get the picture. Anyone who knows our boat (or type of boat) will know that it will be no mean feat to make all these things disappear. Especially as the boat is so crammed for long distance cruising - we even have a mini-workmate on board.

Sophie and Alastair fly into Volos tomorrow. We will hopefully have a good week for exploring the Sporades - Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and the protected Marine Conservation area around there. Good practice for Sophie, get you in training for your Day Skipper / Yachtmaster. We'll point you in the right direction, then we are on holiday and it is over to you and Alastair!

So one lot of visitors in as one visitor goes - our stowaway praying mantis finally gave up and disappeared on us in Milina. I miss him, but he probably got bored with my inability to catch insects and feed him!

Next time: the visitors' saga.