Messolonghi

There has been a lot of controversy about the new Marina at Messolonghi which is still very much still under construction. It is priced accordingly but unfortunately there are a few members of the awkward squad who are not prepared to make the best of things. The facilities were geared up for 20 boats but well over 100 turned up. They had great difficulties with an obstructive and hostile town council & mayor which has made completing things even harder than they needed to be. Two days ago the beautiful new showers and loos went into operation and the other buildings are coming on fast. One new pontoon is up and running and another is waiting to be installed. Things will be much more settled in 2010/11.

Our experience of living there in autumn 2009 and spring 2010 and of leaving Rosa on the hard for the winter has been very positive. Yiannis (one of the two Marina owners) is there every day trying to organise an impossible workload – brought on by their own success in attracting boats – but impossible nevertheless. We have found him very helpful and normally approachable (although sometimes a little defensive). He and the staff are still on a steep learning curve running a marina – but they’re getting there. We wish them every success.

The social life was great with a really friendly bunch of people all working together to build a little community. We already miss them.

The town of Messolonghi grows on you. It has all the shops you could need with friendly shopkeepers – mostly speaking only Greek – but prepared to help with our halting efforts and lots of pointing, gesturing and drawing. The National day parade was a real eye-opener. Hundreds upon hundreds of children and adults quietly and solemnly parading through the town in traditional costumes with many armed to the teeth! Everyone was taking it very seriously and was obviously proud of their town and country.

When we got back from England, we climbed onto Rosa to find that a family of mice had taken up residence! The mess was indescribable. We managed to trap all but one on glue traps in the first 4 days but the last one was much more canny. It wouldn't go on the glue and it took the bait off spring-traps without triggering them.  It eventually succumbed to poison after a week. We had to go through every locker, cupboard and drawer, cleaning out and checking for damage. Luckily the only substantial damage (other than to food stores) was to our greek-waters pilot, the glue on the spine of which was apparently delicious. I must try it some time :-) Luckily they didn't eat or nest in any of the sails. With both of us under the eather with a nast cold, it was a stressful time but all done now.

After a few more jobs, we got lifted into the water just before Easter. We spent another week, doing odd jobs, enjoying the atmosphere and waiting for suitable weather. Finally on 14 April, we set off around the western shore of the Peloponese - first port Killini.

More soon…