A Day in our Lives...on Paxos and on to Preveza

This morning we wake up in Lakka (First photo) on the NE end of Paxos and although the wind in the night is more NW, it funnels in around the corner and the idyllic anchorage we start out with is a bit disturbed, first of all by the ferry which comes in late and kicks us off our anchorage just as we are settling down with a glass of wine and then by the wind. As soon as the sun comes up the wind disappears - frustrating for those wanting to sail. However, we are not complaining, as we have had a magical day and now we are sitting on the town wall in Gaios where we gind a free wifi site so can download pics from our amazing day for as long as the battery lasts on the computer!

We have heard that Greece and the Ionian Islands are fabulous, but take a look at the photos.

We left Lakka this morning after purchasing delicious fresh bread and decided to take a look at a small day anchorage called Emerald Bay on the East coast of Andipaxoi which is about 1 NM to the south of Paxoi. There are two idyllic unspoilt bays on the NE end of this island and we plan to check them out. Photo 2 - We have arrived and here is Richard swimming in the emerald blue green waters.

We chat to other cruisers in the bay and find out that Gaios - back on Paxoi is a fab anchorage in the main town on the island so here we are. (Photo 3) We partly sail north from Antipaxoi in the fresh afternoon breeze, until one of the mainsheet blocks pops its pin during a tack. However, we are very close, so drop our sails and motor in to the very protected town which is in behind an island. The natural harbour is narrow but curves around behind the island and opens out into a wonderful space where we drop anchor and reverse Matelot on to the town wall, one step away from the cafes and restaurants. No one asks us to pay for this mooring so we eat out at a local restaurant and enjoy Gaios.

The next morning we are keen to head south again and Preveza is our goal today. We want to visit the inland sea and the town of Vonitsa and we hear that there is some bad weather coming by the weekend so we would like to be through the Levkas Canal between Levkas and the mainland before that time. We have an awesome sail for slightly longer than the obligatory hour and the engine comes on for the remainder of the 32 NM passage. Richard is concerned about a regular drip of salt water from the engine water pump and we have it checked out in Preveza where we are tied up at the town wall opposite the Town Hall! It appears that it is probably the seals but no harm to keep on going until we can pick up parts in Levkas and have them replaced.