Sequel in Athens

Sunday 17

Decided to spend another day and night on the quay at Kea which we regretted as Saturday saw the arrival of boats from the nearby mainland, large catamarans, large power boats and very fast ribs and by mid afternoon the quay was very busy and so were the restaurants. Set off today for Poros, again somewhere we have been before but a very pretty island, and the sea was almost flat calm, although warm and sunny the visibility was poor and we kept a watchful eye for large ships coming and going from the Athen's ports.  We thought we might have to anchor at Poros, which we had done previously for 5 nights, but this time managed to find a place on the pontoon which comes out from the quay and despite signs to say no berthing alongside we did exactly that, following the example of all the other boats which were already there. Water on the pontoon but no electricity but, hey, our generator has a new battery.

Sequel on the pontoon - Poros

Monday 18

We had thought we might move on today to Epidhavrus for our last couple of nights before heading for Piraeus but the Captain was fretting about an alarm signal telling us the port engine was overheating.  The port engine has been causing some concern for a while with leaking fuel lines although the Captain had partly fixed some of these.  He spent some time taking things apart and putting them back together again without actually solving much but being reassured that we were not in any immediate difficulty and we ended up staying for the rest of the day.  That evening we met up with Jim and Valerie (Ariel of Hamble) who we had met last year in Marmaris Yacht Marina and who we had bumped into on Sunday night and we joined them for dinner in their favourite restaurant.  Great food, excellent value and Greek dancing on Mondays.  Valerie and I were dragged on to our feet to join in - so glad no one could see me. Think I may have to persuade my Zumba teacher to add in a version of Zorba the Greek.

Tuesday 19

After much deliberation decided to head a day early to Piraeus in the hope of finding a diesel engineer before leaving on Thursday morning.  Had a lovely crossing of approximately four hours to the mainland.  And shortly after checking in we were visited by a diesel engineer who we hope is going to help solve a few problems and will come tomorrow -  great news.

Sequel in Zea Marina, Piraeus, Athens

Wednesday 20

The pilot book describes Piraeus as 'a dirty, noisy, crowded harbour' which is only slightly understated and having just been treated to a thunder storm and torrential rain it is now smelly as well. The Greeks here all seem to have mobile phones permanently attached to their ear, rushing along shouting into the phone and smoking all at the same time. Not many of them look as if austerity is a problem - quite the opposite. Heartened by a massive Carrefour almost opposite the pontoon we are on but may have to take my life in my hands crossing the road to get to it.  Also an M&S! 

15.00 hours and no sign of the diesel engineer and the Captain is back down below thinking he can probably do it himself. Time for me to catch up with the blog. So looking forward to returning home for a few days tomorrow and Hugh and Susie's wedding at the weekend.

Diesel engineer

We have had news of the possibility of a ship leaving Split in Croatia sometime between 10-15 June and the plan at the moment is to return on 26 May and do our best to be in Split by 10 June.  Hoping to reach Gouvia marina, Corfu by 02 June to meet up with my sister, Sue, and Mike (Lollipop) and to celebrate being another year older with them. We will also be watching out for Cindy and Ains on their cruise ship sailing around the Adriatic.

16.30 hours Now have three more (also slightly smelly) diesel engineers on board - it is a little overcrowded and I am forced to sit outside in the sunshine.