Friday, April 29, 2011

Italy to Greece

Yesterday we navigated the Straights of Messina safely and rounded the
most southern tip of Italy late yesterday afternoon. It was a stunning
sunset as we left Italy in our wake and went on a staright line for
Greece. The wind predicted from behind hasn't happened yet and we are
motoring at about 3.5 kts towards Greece. That will get us there on
Sunday afternoon. Whave already contacted the base and they are ready
for our arrival.

Last night a swallow landed on the boat,starnge that they head east so
close to Italy.Brad made a comfortable bed for the swallow from toilet
paper in a small plastic tub,but alas this morning the swallow was
dead.Today we have about six swallows circling us chirping and landing
every now and then for a rest.Hope we make it to Greece before they also
die.

Not a cloud in the sky today and the ocean is fairly flat.A gentle
easterly breeze on the bow is slowing us down just a little,but we have
enough fuel left to motor all the way,even enough to speed up a little
if we need to.Still taking it easy though,we prefer to have some diesel
in reserve.Dolphins have also been around on and off,always a most
welcome sight.We are now on the Ionian Sea,as the stretch between Italy
and greece is called.To the north of us lies the Adriatic Sea bordering
countries like Croatia and the other previous eastern block countries
like Bosnia.

Brad and Felix have started cleaning the boat on the outside,removing
small traces of rust here and there and shining the stainless
steel.Pretty chilled atmosphere on the boat,lovely weather,what more can
we hope for on the final stretch.

Our position AM 12:00 UTC 38*07'N/017*21'E.We are about 180nm from
Vounaki which is just east from Lefkas,the first big Greece island from
the west.Take care,hope you had a royal high tea on the royal wedding
and that the weekend ahead will be filled with laughter and joy.

Paul

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