Update From Triumph June 29 '06

It has been a while since I wrote. My trusty computer has been a major problem for several weeks. I could not recover my lost navigation program with all the excellent vector charts, but my back up program will get us to Turkey.
We are still in Greece, and are under sail on our way to Kithnos Island 42 nm away. It is in the Northern Cyclades. We were pinned down in Poros for five days with a "Meltemi" wind, blasting through at 25-30 mph. We worked on projects, including building a gangplank to go between our stern and the dock, installed a hot/cold water tap in the cockpit, got the water maker running, did some varnishing, and repaired the outboard motor again.

Poros was a good stop. Lots of tourist, ferries, shops, cafes, and friendly shop owners. We have about two weeks to go before our EU "Visa" expires and we need to be out of the EU. That is why we are making way for Turkey. More later, Dick

Greece - June 9, '06

The last four days in Greece have been terrific. The weather cleared in Italy after 5 days so we took the opportunity to make a run for Greece. We sailed overnight and 32 hours later landed in Levkas, and island south of Corfu. Entry was through a narrow canal, and we were 45 minuter early ( or 15 minutes late)_ for the bridge opening. The marina was welcoming and the staff helped us find a bow-to spot on the dock. The 200 nm crossing of the Ionian Sea wes easy. Calm seas and light air made the motor sail pleasant although the engine sound is tiring.

Our first excursion was to check into the marina office then off to experience Greece. We found fruit markets, small groceries, cafes, and restaurants. All unique and with signs we could not understand. The first dinner in Greece was excellent, Spiro, the owner/manages had lived in Houston and Queens for years and so made us feel right at home.

The next morning we set out to check in to Greece, Since Greece is in the EU we only really needed to buy a transit log and possibly have it stamped by the harbor security. It took 5 visits to the official offices to complete the job. Since we were coming from an EU country Immigration (Tourist Police) told us we had no business with him, we only needed to buy the transit log from customs. We did so at the customs house for 30 Euros. Customs told us not to bother with the port authority , but check in at each harbor that we visit in Greece. Then surrender the transit log in the last port in Greece.

I had WiFi for Triumph for three hours on Wed so stayed at the dock until 2PM check out time. We stopped at the fuel dock on the way down the canal. 600 Euros almost filled the tanks. We also bought 18 liters of outboard fuel. A couple of hours later we anchored is a well protected cove on the SE side of Levkas. The town (Nidri) was pleasant but very touristy. We spent two night there, then we sailed to Ithaca. More later. Dick

Update, June 2 '06, From Triumph,

Greetings from Italy, We are up the boot about 70 miles in Roccella Ionica. The weather had turned so the last two days have been heavy wind ( 20 +), rain and overcast. This system should pass in another day, but the seas will still be rough for two days. We are in a "failed" marina. It is nice and well protected, Free, and the Guardia Coasta are friendly. There is a restaurant and the 3 km walk into town is pleasant. I washed the boat yesterday morning then it rained all afternoon to finish the job. Last night the wind howled all night. It is mainly from the NW and West.

Last night Hank and Julie come over for wine then the four of us walked up the the restaurant for Pizza. Pizza is sold by the meter. Our four individual servings made a meter.

We are still debating about sailing over night to Greece or by going further north in IT. then back down to the Corinth Canal. Our first Greek port may be Corfu. We will pass through the Corinth Canal to Athens in about 10 days. The cost we understand will be several hundred dollars for our boat.
This will be off set by the lower fuel price in Greece ( about $1.20/ liter US vs the $1.60 we paid in Italy).

The weather patterns in this area are quite different than the other regions of the Western Med.
The high over Russia and the Low over North Africa are combining with the high mountains to cause un predictable shifts and gust. I am copying RTTY wx from Germany as I am typing.

More later, Dick