2016
Arrived back in Margarona Boatyard in April – Preparations for the season, we decided to increase our solar power so ordered an additional 60w panel from a Greek online store, would you believe “cash on delivery” Greece is still very much a cash orientated country.
Easter in Greece is a major celebration we witnessed the pot throwing from balconies in Preveza – we started in the front row but luckily gave way to locals which turned out to be a wise decision as some pots contained some sort of explosive, and boy were they!
Hired a car for a week and drove all around the island of Lefkas.
We visited the waterfalls which was lovely and whilst there 
Leighton was asked if he would take a photo of a couple, the chap set his camera to video, handed it to Leighton and promptly fell to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend.. A very emotional happy time as luckily she said yes.
Off to Meteora on new motorways with really impressive long tunnels all recently finished apart from the toll booths (not the popular bit in Greece) very light traffic. Meteora was beautiful, spent a few days exploring and the hotel gave a spectacular view of several monoliths.
On the return trip we visited a prehistoric cave which was fascinating with well-preserved artefacts of everyday life.
We launched and sailed to Vonitsa for a shakedown cruise, 1st swim 17th May water temp 20.5degrees, whilst here we had torrential rain and high winds but we were safe enough tied up to the harbour wall.
We continued sailing around the Ionian islands visiting Varco bay, 
Sivota, Fiskardo further down the coast we called into Agia Effimia didn’t like it much as there were “rules” not allowed to discharge any water, not even from the sinks! Went around the bottom of 
Cephalonia through some shallows and called into
Katelios Harbour with minimal depth, sheltered from the wind and didn’t go aground so all good.
Next day up to Argostoli and stayed on the wall – wasn’t thrilled initially but grew to love the place and the visiting turtles.
Clean up and tidy as Sheryl is coming for a week’s holiday, hired a car and toured the island, enjoyed the beaches and especially the taverna Tzogias (Joyous) with the biggest Gyros and complimentary cheesecake – we were frequent visitors then and each time we visit Argostoli, a lovely week.
While in Argostoli we visited the museum which showed a very harrowing film of the aftermath of the 1953 earthquake which destroyed almost every house on the island and measured 7.3 on the Richter scale.
We met up with Ann & Tony and had a lovely meal with them on their boat Razzmatazz.
Onward to Zante for a week with Lyns, Mat, Steve, Owen & Linnea – a lovely week with them.
Then off to Katakalo on the Peloponnese to go to Olympia – it seems the train is always “on strike” unless a cruise ship is in – lol. Had an amazing day at Olympia – a huge site & museum.
Returned to Zante staying at anchor in Porta Roma and Keri while waiting for “the kids” to arrive. Into Zante town for the duration and had a gorgeous fun week with them.
After they left Al did her first “paid for” laundry as opposed to hand washing – not bad for the middle of August.
We continued visiting islands working our way back north, 
One island that is now a favourite is Kalamos it’s an amazing place in so much the Taverna owner George organises all the visiting yachts into the small harbour, often stacked in front of each other at anchor, we have counted over a hundred!
‘Tis a sight to behold..
Whilst there we met up with Mel & Clive on Moonshadow, Ken & Louise were cruising with them for a week, it was good to catch up with them again. Ken & Louise gave us a lovely insight and inspiration to the cruising life and influenced our boat choice. We took them out on Zigzag for a day sail and snorkel in one of our favourite anchorages.
The beginning of October brought a forecast of a southerly gale so we headed for Little Vathi on Meganissi which is protected from the south open only to the north – what happened?
A thunderstorm from the North with 55kts of wind! Ah well, anchor held OK – unpleasant for ½ hour – Leighton soaked..
We headed back to Margarona boatyard about 15 miles north in Preveza,
and laid-up Zig for another winter.