Nydri, Lefkas (Greece)

Despite the new anchor chain and new paint job (you paint the chain every 20 feet so as to know exactly how much chain you are letting out while anchoring), the paint was flaking badly, especially the yellow paint used to mark 100 feet. While ashore in Preveza we found rubber markers that go in between the links and we decided to test them out. One more round of laundry to do (it’s amazing how quickly you go through clothes with all the sweat and sunscreen stains), and then it was off to explore more south.

We left Preveza and headed for the Lefkas canal. There is a bridge that opens once an hour, and we all queued up. Luckily there was very little wind and we could all stay in line, waiting for the bridge. At 12 on the nut, the ‘ramps’ on either side of the bridge lifted, and the bridge, which is actually a barge, turned sideways and allowed the boat traffic through on both sides. It’s a cool thing to watch as you’re passing through. We were on our way down the west side of Lefkas.

We had picked Nydri for our next anchorage. We saw a few other anchoring options on our way down, but opted to keep our original plan. We headed past Nydri proper (the anchorage across was pretty full) and down into Vliho Bay, which is almost completely enclosed. It’s not the prettiest bay we’ve been in, but it has good holding and there’s lots of room for everyone to spread out. We got some swimming in immediately for relief, and then went ashore to check out town.

Of course the dinghy dock we picked was that of Nydri Marine, a chandlery even better stocked than the ones we had left in Preveza. Of course we picked up a few things before heading further into town. After getting our transit log stamped in and out (we weren’t staying long but the boat movement has to be registered by Greek authorities since we aren’t registered in the EU), we stopped for a late lunch of lamb klefika (lamb and veggies baked in parchment paper, dusted with shredded feta just before serving) and ice cold beer. In all the heat I couldn’t finish my meal, but I knew it would make great leftovers and took it away with us.

Just as we were walking to the dinghy on the dock, we watched a fellow cruiser fall flat on her face and we rushed to help. Of course it was the one time Trip did not have a bandana, and she was bleeding quite badly from her mouth. We helped keep her calm, gather the groceries that had spilled, and tend to their dog while her husband got everything situated in the dinghy. She was sporting an awful bruise around her eye socket, and thanked us, but commented “I think I need a dentist tomorrow” as they motored away. I do hope she does alright. What a reminder to be careful moving around, and just how quickly things can go wrong.

Back on board, we were lucky to spot an ice cream boat coming through the anchorage. Trip had wanted to stop for ice cream ashore, but I was glad we waited. Trip got his Magnum bar, and I got some sort of fruit sherbet stick that were absolutely perfect for sunset. We watched a couple of great blue herons flying through the anchorage and enjoyed the end of another day.

Trip decided to do some engine repair/maintenance while we had the proximity of a good chandlery if needed, and I settled in to work on the blog in between helping with the engine. I truly wish someone could take a photo of the game of Twister that the two of us play some days trying to work around each other in tiny, tiny spaces – I’m sure we look a sight! Little did we know that Awildian had sailed in and dropped anchor not far from us. After scrubbing up, the four of us went down to the Vliho Bay Yacht Club for drinks and dinner.