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We
regret laziness and fatigue prevented us from exploring this beautiful
Byzantine town. Our views were all from the delightful village of
Gefyra as we did not summon the energy to walk to the rock and climb
to see the Church of Agia Sophia and the Venetian fortress. Possibly
the bad weather had taken more of a toll than we thought. Now that
we have left, we regret not having really explored the area. Time
and energy are two important commodities essential to being a successful
traveler. The regular routines of life and boat management take
both time and energy.
Charlie has
had to disassemble the aft head several times and finally we think
it is back in proper order. All the things you would "call
somebody" for at home are now up to us to either fix or do
without. Charlie spent a great deal of forethought in bringing spare
parts along that we have been able to fix almost everything that
has needed fixing. When you think about all the systems that function
on a boat and all the stress they are subject to, it is amazing
that things hold together as well as they do. All systems must do
their jobs as well as withstand the pounding, rocking, salt air
and intermittent power surges. Rough water is hard on the equipment
just as it is hard on people.
Mediterranean
cruising is delightful because everywhere you touch the land there
is a scenic feast awaiting you. We are getting rather jaded when
it comes to castles and fortresses; they are so numerous they have
become commonplace.
Sailing here
has presented some challenges as far as weather goes. We knew rounding
the capes on the southern coast of Greece would be something we
must plan, and not get caught there in one of the frequent winds.
Summer is the only time most people sail in the Med. for after October
the weather is too dangerous. It is difficult for us to understand
the roaring wind that comes from a clear sky, not something to which
Floridians are accustomed.
Our next
stop will be toward the end of the Peloponnese for us. We are hoping
to stop for water and diesel. We are using more diesel than usual
due to the amount of motoring we are doing. Water has been available
but in short supply, it is painful for Charlie not to be able to
wash Sea Gem in fresh water. The morning dew helps and we try to
wipe down as much as possible.
The sea water
temperature remains cool, below seventy degrees most of the time
and the nights are cool enough to sleep under a comfort. The comfort
insulates against the cool and the mosquitoes. How they can develop
such a healthy supply of mosquitoes with so little marsh area we
can't figure out, but they are surely here.
We journey
on to round the capes on the south of the Peloponnese hoping for
moderate winds and kind seas. Until later, aboard Sea Gem in the
Kithira and South Ionion Seas.
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