Paxos and Moutros

Sailing north from Lefkas, our winter retreat, we caught a rollicking southerly and actually managed to sail most of the way. We even remembered how to do most of it. It was, we hoped, a propitious start to the season. The weather in Spring is very changeable, the photo shows the leaden skies and grey waters that as yet lack the appealing azure-blue that makes the Med so attractive. Nevertheless, Pavlov felt unchained, and we felt released from our winter cocoon, and ejected into the big, bad and unknown world of the Adriatic. The transition from the sedentary wintering life-style, with its socialising and activities focus, to the summer exploring mode, is always startling.

Wintery skies

The Admiral at work

We cruised through the small canal between Gaieos and Nisos Panaya on the island of Paxos. We thought we might find some friends who departed prior to us, but no-one was there. What I love about sailing early in the season, is how deserted the waterways and ports are. The flocks of charterers have yet to brave the waters, and the tour boats and day-trippers are still waiting for warmth and customers. We have the place to ourselves!

Entrance to Gaieos

Gaieos town

A rather picturesque place

We need to maintain a low profile at the moment, in terms of the Greek bureaucracy, so we eschewed the tempting and sheltered canal of Gaieos (with their resident port police) and headed north to Lakka, a rather pretty harbour on the top end of Paxos.

Pavlov framed in Lakka

First outing for Spit, our new tender. 

We christened our new tender in the waters of Lakka bay. We've named her Spit! 10 marks go to the first person who comments on the blog as to why we've named her after saliva. Here's a hint: a knowledge of psychology could come in handy. 10 marks also to those who publicly admire her tight new chaps; now that was a labour of love.

Lakka foreshore

Village street

Bring on the dancing!

The local yacht club

Colourful fishing smack

A tranquil day spent at anchor reminded us how much we love anchoring off. In a sense, you're a bit disconnected from the world around you, separated and made inaccessible by a watery moat. But we were expecting a bit of a blow from the north and Lakka is quite exposed. We headed over to the mainland opposite Corfu, to a place called Moutros.

Megan and Pavlov at anchor.

Pavvie on the dock at Moutros

There be pirates afloat!

Moutros town

Spot Pav!  The small port from the town jetty

Holiday apartments.

Moutros is a pleasant but not charming place. Its a bit off the Corfu tourist track, and hadn't yet put on its prettied up face for the season. Nevertheless, it has a secure port, we managed to snag a laid mooring line (the only one free) because the bottom is a bit rocky and Megan was concerned about our anchor holding. We also found an interesting little art shop. The paint was still wet on some of the paintings, we were getting high inhaling the gum turpentine.

Moutros art gallery

Pavlov's resident artist critiquing the local offerings

So it feels like the Pavlovians are on the road again. Winter was long, but it was full of activities and we just loved Lefkas. However, it feels liberating and kind of lazy to be voyaging again. We have no impending list of things that have to be done. There's no-one to visit, or activities to attend. Its a bit like being on holiday. Yay!!