Meganisi

 Oct 12

We were motoring by 7:30 am into a rocking sea. We were headed towards Kefalonia, which was a four-hour sail. I tried to write in the cabin, but my stomach was having none of that. I sat on deck with several companions, watching the horizon rise and fall. I went down to the cabin just once, a nausea-inducing venture. Staying outside was fine, and it was a beautiful day. 

Michigan Anne, Frances, Carol -- they can summon up smiles despite the rocking sea

Some people ride it out on the top deck

Schedule posted daily

We finally approached Lefkas, a mountain of an island, and pulled into the harbour to wait for the swing bridge that joins Lefkas and the mainland to open. I’d read about this bridge but didn’t understand it before I saw it. It appears to float on the narrow channel, and at particular times of the day, it rotates to be parallel to the shore so that boats can pass through. 

Swing bridge beginning to swing

We were the first of a handful of yachts waiting for the bridge to open. When it did, we realized there was a long line of yachts on the other side as well, waiting to get out. After motoring in a calm channel, we finally reached the tiny island of Meganisi, where we tied up alongside dozens of yachts. I took advantage of the sun and breeze to wash a few clothes. We seem to be at liberty to hang our stuff anywhere, so we do.

Yachts heading out as we head in

Fresh fish was on the menu for lunch today, and I watched crew member Usman fire up a grill right on the deck. He cooked a sea bream for each of us, and grilled some zucchini, eggplant, and peppers to go with it. It was too much food for me, as usual, but so good!

Why wouldn't you light a huge fire on a wooden boat?

Usman grills sea bream

and veggies

At three o’clock this afternoon, like yesterday, we headed out for a 17k ride. The terrain was much like the previous rides, very hilly, but fascinating, passing through villages and stopping at viewpoints. At one point, I looked down and saw our ship, but we flew past and I couldn’t get a shot of it.

A stop at a pebble beach

I watched Usman load the boats from the pier onto the upper deck of the boat. Each bike weighs over 25 kg. He was loading several boats per minute. Sheesh! (I have a video to add here, but it simply won't load here on the boat; to come at a later date.)

He grills fish, he hoists bikes -- what can't this sailor do??

I think Dimitris was on the top end

 

Back at the boat, we were treated to a wine tasting on the pier, a bottle each of Greek while, rosé, and red, plus munchies. The wines were delicious, but it’s unlikely we’ll find any of them at home.

Guide, bike-hoister, sommelier -- again, a multi-talented dude!

Out for another seafood dinner (calamari, giant prawns) with Gill and Frances. And home again, to collapse into bed.

Dinner at Stavros