We had hoped that Katy & Irvin and Harry & Eimile would all be able to come out together to celebrate the twins 30th birthday but unfortunately work trips got in the way and it wasn't possible. We did, however, have a wonderful week with Katy before her birthday - sadly Irvin had to work weekends so wasn't able to join us and then another great week with Harry and Eimile a few days later.
Katy flew into Corfu airport when we were anchored in Garitsas bay so a 15 minute walk from the airport and a short ride in the dinghy. The next morning we set off across to Sivota on the mainland.
A trip to the Steak House is a must when visiting Sivota!
We went across to Blue Lagoon on one of the Mourtos Islands for the day where it was glorious and sunny, good swimming and snorkelling and then we had a terrific thunderstorm before we left.
Once that had passed we motored back across to Monastery Bay just off Sivota beach and..... the storm came back with a vengeance! 30knots of wind but the heaviest rain we have ever had.
This was the evening view at the end of the storm. We were very glad of our spray hood and cockpit enclosures - very cosy!
From Sivota we had a good sail across to Lakka on the island of Paxos and enjoyed cocktails on the waterfront. A popular spot but still beautiful.
We left Lakka and sailed anticlockwise round the whole island passing some stunning scenery en route.
Very steep, very high cliffs clearly showing the layers of rock
We stopped off at the caves on the west coast and Katy and I took the dinghy to go and explore while Dave looked after the boat - not a lot of space and anchor sitting on a rock so luckily very calm weather.
The tripper boats without masts are able to go into the cave. In the dinghy we discovered that the two caves are linked by a huge arch inside.
All along the west coast the scenery and rock formations were amazing. Difficult perspective in this picture but you can make out the archway at the front.
Arriving in Gaios we anchored and tied back to the island opposite the town on the left of this picture.
Katy then had the job of retrieving the lines. Hard to believe but a four legged inhabitant of the island had scurried along this rope, chewed our BBQ tongs and left - thank goodness! How did he tightrope walk along here?
Now back to the mainland and a stop in Parga - a lovely town in a bay with lots of rocky islands offshore.
Rather dull light but this picture shows the painted houses stacked up the hillside - and a lovely picture of Katy!
I love the mishmash of houses - difficult to tell where one ends and another one starts - and the colours.
Having climbed up to the top of town by the castle we came to a restaurant with one of the best views ever (and a very good meal too)
The view from the restaurant looking down onto Parga town.
The higgledy-piggledy houses of Parga town.
From the restaurant looking up to the castle and.........
..........from the castle looking down on the restaurant.
While we were in Parga we hired a car and took Katy to Acheron Springs - such a stunning place.
Katy in one of the deeper, wading sections. A few swims needed as well
This time we went further still and reached the bridge at the end of the gorge. This is the view further on but we turned around at this point and walked back down.
A good spot for a photo opportunity!
Very steep sides in this section - no chance of walking along the edge. Nice to be in the cool water though.
Quite difficult walking against the current in some sections and then keeping your balance on the way back as you walk with the current.
Back to Lakka and then across to Sivota
The beach bar overlooking Monastery Bay, Sivota. You can just see the remains of the monastery that gave it its name on the headland in the distance.
The cave outside Sivota that Skipper Dave........
.......got quite close to!
The mouth of a "rock monster"!
Back to Garatsis bay and these unusual fish came to visit. After much online research we still don't know what they are. They are about 40cms long, gold tails, fins and underneath and grey stripes on their backs - any ideas?
An amazingly clear photo that Katy took from the plane as she flew over. Serenity is anchored over to the right.
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