We waited to leave Galaxidhi until the forcast was more favorable to transit the Corinth Canal, which was 5 1/2 hours away. There weren’t any good anchorages close to the entrance to hangout in, and the wind was due to increase later in the day so the timing was important. We contacted canal control when we were a few miles out and then were given our position in the line up at the half mile mark. The East and West bound traffic were alternated, and there were also low car bridges that needed to be raised, so it took some organizing. We were number 3 after a small freighter and a Spanish sail boat. The skipper of which, must have been very excited as he was buzzing around the waiting area at a good clip waving at everyone..unfortunately he slowed to 2 knots when he entered the canal which made it very challenging for us to maneuver in the cross winds before we were fully in the canal. Meanwhile, a French charter boat that hadn’t bothered to contact the Canal Commander even though they had been hailed several times to do so, slipped in line immediately behind the frieghter, which was cheeky!
At the first large limestone section to starboard we saw a few kids in swim trunks that were jumping off the cliff. As we came abreast they cheerfully shouted “hi, hi, this is for you!!” and jumped in. The transit took a little over an hour and we enjoyed the hushed cathedral-like atmosphere, contemplating the manpower that created those chiseled walls.
We had to tie up to a tall concrete quay ( always exciting and all fenders were deployed!) when we exited, to pay the transit fee. Conveniently, a mini tanker was available to refuel and the price was a reasonable 1.48/liter so we took advantage of that before leaving to anchor for the night.
Kalaspera! Very cool, I have only seen it from above and it is not nearly as impressive as your perspective!