It's a very quick process and suddenly all has changed! Now the view is moving, the ship is afloat after several months and our old skills need to be re-learnt. All the ships' equipment gets moved around so those things we needed on shore are packed away, such as the mains electric cable, and the shore water pipe. All the sea-going kit comes back into its rightful place. The fridge has to be started (it cannot be run when out as it requires a constant source of cooling water); the solar panels begin to work hard. It's a very different place to be! Sounds aboard the boat change and the feeling of being marooned ashore soon changes to one of freedom as we gaze out of the estuary towards the open sea.

Each day now several boats are leaving for their summer journeys, next Monday we will be doing exactly the same and heading south towards the Corinth Canal. However, we hear rumours of a strike affecting the use of the canal. 

In the above spot "Tirla" had wintered from November to March. We had slaved over the new keel shoes and painted, polished, replaced, repaired, upgraded until we felt ready for this season. 

07.04.2001
Preveza Town Quay,
Moored alongside
38.57.67 N 20.45.379 East
16.24hrs
Temp 16.9C
Baro 1012
Wind SE1
Humidity 63%

We came over into the town marina this morning to ensure we could restock the boat easily. I first had to see the Port Authority and I went into the wrong place! It seemed right to me, it was generally on the quayside, it had a large Greek flag flying outside, it even had a picture of a Greek submarine on a poster. Alas, it was a Government office and I struck up a quick friendship with one of the staff who was bemoaning his son's recent English exam results! The man then took me to the Port Office down the street. Then when harbour dues were paid (2,473 Dracs and permission to leave 1,000 Drac) we were free to wander the town in search of long term stores. We find that in the bigger towns there is better value for money when bulk buying, also they may well take credit cards and even offer to deliver to the boat. So it was here, and very helpful everyone was.