Pesce in bianco, Intalia salad. Get ready for part two of ‘The week the Rippa’s visited!’
 
Next stop Skala Loutra, the wind wasn’t as playful on this leg of the journey and we had to motor sail most of the way (even tried putting Debs on the helm to liven it up). Then as we entered the bay the wind (never one to disappoint) did it’s usual trick of getting, for want of a better word windy. The Captain decided it was time to get his crew working, let the tacking begin!! We decided to tack up into the bay, past Skala Loutra then have the wind behind as we returned to anchor for the night. All was going well, despite a few feisty gusts every now and then. As we rounded the corner to go to the bay, we saw gusts of 31kts. Time to get the main down and get that Genoa in. We were coming into the bay hot and fast. Getting ready to anchor up and would you believe it, we found ourselves once again trying to anchor in 20-25kts of wind. We dropped anchor and waited patiently for the wind to drop. It didn’t. Second anchor time, the Reenmeister and the Captain rowed out with the anchor (outboard out of action since Sigri incident!). That’s it two anchors out, bring it on wind and it did. Reno and Debs were going for their ‘galley badge’ that night and despite the wind overhead they cooked us up a feast of Pesce in bianco, Intalia salad and Bucattini with tomato sauce. Once again a badge earned with distinction, it was delish with a mighty big D. Put my tuna pasta to shame! The wind whipped and whopped all night, but we slept like logs and awoke the next day, bright eyed and bushy tailed. We’re getting used to this getting up early lark. Reno rowed Debs and myself ashore, wanted to get some pics of Perce the Pelican. Remember I told you about him, the one who comes into the taverna. He didn’t disappoint, right little prima dona that one! Back to Stella and the Reenmeister was off again, getting the second anchor in. A quick dip in the sea (it was scorchio) and we were off, next stop Mitilini (with the scary Port police). Despite light winds, we had a pretty fab sail there. Debs on the helm, the wind started to toy with her and she was having none of it’s nonsense. The winds remained constant and we tacked up to Mitilini. The captain and Reenmeister in the cockpit whilst Debs and myself sat on the bow dipping our toes. Into Mitilini harbour and a fairly textbook mooring up. Debs and myself went off to the scary Port police, whilst the Captain and Reno got down to the important ritual that is fondly referred to as ‘beer and crisps time’. What a week we’ve had good company and great sailing (if a little hairy at times). It has been fanbloomingtastic Reno and Debs you are welcome anytime. Stella says it’s not the same without you. After dropping off the Reenmeister and Debs in Mitilini we decided to stay there for a few more nights then head back to Turkey. A couple of lovely nights in a calm bay (wish Reno and Debs had seen this). Then it was round to Ayvalik marina to get ready for the next jaunt (and I use that term lightly) back to Blighty. The Captain woke up on his birthday, had a swim in the sea (post cornflakes of course). Then it was off to the marina, they have squeezed us into a space that is snug to say the least. We went out for dinner last night to the marina restaurant (well you’ve got to push the boat out sometimes) I know I surprise myself at my wittiness or is it my witterings? Think I know which one the captain would say it is. Well I’ll finish now, you’ve had a mammoth blog to get through, you look exhausted. Love & 9 hour bus trips, followed by 4 hour flights, followed by 2 hour car journeys. Captain M (another year older) & me XX
Wednesday, 25 July 2007