Gulf of Patras/Messolongi

The Gulf of Patras is known for fall thunderstorms and did not disappoint either during our crossing or afterwards, while we holed up in Messolongi.  It's an interesting approach to the town from the Gulf, down a 3 mile long dredged channel with stilt houses, fishing boats and flocks of flamingos, in the largest natural wetland in Greece.   Messolongi is famous for its role in the 1821-32 Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman empire: Lord Byron, a British poet in the Romantic movement, came here to “help” in 1824 at the age of 36 and without any military experience, but instead died of fever, and after a year-long siege, Messolongi 's revolt ended and it fell to the Turks. 

When the weather improved, we had a perfect sail under the bridge at Rion and down the Gulf of Corinth to Galaxadhi, a lovely little seaside town where we’ve spent the last few days anchored in front of town.

Gulf of Patras thunderstorm. 

Many of the boats are already hauled up for winter,

although the marina also has a sizeable overwintering

group of cruisers.

 



Thunderstorm blowing across the harbor in Messolongi



 

Houses along the channel approach to Messolongi

 

Flock of flamingos in background