The Corinth Canal

We are about ready to depart Athens, but first we decide we got as much as we can out of our old batteries, shown here. These provided us with 340 amp hours (AH) to run stuff on the inside of our boat, excluding engine and generator (they each have their own). Unfortunately these ran dry over the winter storage of Jungle, so it was just a matter of time.

Here are our new batteries which provide 610 AH - much better. They last longer between charging. Hey, who invited ape boy?

One battery installed, now if I can just figure out where these wires go.

Success! A little surgery was required on the right side of the battery box. Snug fit. I know what your thinking; how does Jim keep these blogs so captivating? Through technology! Opah!

A last look at the Alimos Marina. Jenée and I would highly recommend this place. The sailing guide book advised caution, but we found it very safe and convenient to Athens downtown.

We have a last supper of sorts with our new friend Irene. Irene is from Quebec and has captained boats in the Athens area for the past 5 years. She is extremely knowledgeable on all things boating and provided us with some great tips for sailing around the area. We'll keep in touch with Irene.

Ready to leave the next day and our coolant tank cap fails - are you kidding me? Well, another day in Athens while we locate a damn cap.

It does allow for a romantic dinner on the beach, so it's not all that bad.

We finally head out and overnight near the Corinth Canal. The next morning we make it dockside to the canal offices.

OK a little quick history. The Corinth Canal separates Peloponnisos (they of the Peloponnisian Wars) from mainland Greece. They are all Greeks, but if you ask someone from Peloponnisos where they are from, they'll say, Peloponnosos. Corinth, from Corinthian is found throughout history and the bible. Also found in Ricardo Montalbon's Chrysler Cordoba commercials from the 70's and "fine Corinthian leather". What a car! But I digress ...

It was the easiest canal passing paperwork effort we've been through. And we're off to the other side of Greece!

This passage saves us 2-3 days off our trip to the Ionian Sea

Pretty narrow canal.

There are three boats on this one way passage. One catamaran, two sloops.

That's S/V Meredith from B.C. Canada in front.

And the catamaran from the UK behind. Nice folks, never got the name.

Seems to be getting a little narrower.

With jelly fish the size of large platters.

The walls steepen and we see the connecting bridges. Will Jungle make it? No worries, the bridges are well over 100' up. We stand 62' over the water.

Cat keeping up the rear.

Jungle stays centered.

The bridge at the other end comes into view - black and yellow striping. The bridges at both ends sink some 10 meters (30 feet). I've never seen that before. What's next? Greek salad?

Let's take a close look at this wall shall we? Jenée is now pointing towards the middle of the canal. Thank you dear.

It's quite a pretty view. The toll was 268 euro or about $310.

Here is the bridge in plain view. The canal is 3 miles (nm) long, at a speed of 6 knots that's a 30 minute trip making it the most expensive toll passage in the world based on distance traveled - winner!

The bridge is now down. As mentioned the boat traffic only goes one way at a time. Much safer.

A self portrait as we near the exit. Captivating!

The Greece side with cars waiting.

The Peloponnisos side, also waiting.

We are out of the canal and rounding Ak. (Point) Melangavi. Now that's what I call a point - straight back on either side.

We make it to the little town and port of Galaxhidi.

Quaint little place, but turns out to be a grassy, difficult anchorage. We'll stay on board tonight. Kali Nikta.