The Corinth Canal is a wonder. It was opened in 1893 but was actually started by the Emperor Nero in 67 CE. But the work was abandoned after only 10% of the distance was excavated. It was restarted in earnest in 1882 and completed 11 years later, or 1825 years after it was started. We had a tug boat in front of us and one in the rear and two pilots onboard who were responsible for navigating through the canal. We saw many birds flying on the walls all along the canal. There was even a pedestrian bridge where folks stopped to wave at us passing underneath. It was a big deal with music and a large gathering of people on the forward deck. Once we made it through we continued to the west ant stopped in Itea at 1 PM. Here we boarded some busses and off we went to the Delphi site. It was basically one long series of switchbacks taking us up hill to the site.
The sun was coming up at 7:30
The horizon was glowing with anticipation
It is a very hilly area
Here comes the sun
The rays his a huge quarry
Several large tankers are at anchor next to the oil refinery that is located here
Our escort is coming to greet us
More light on this early morning
This bridge is going to have to get out of the way
Coming around to get attached
Hooked up to the front of the ship
It doesn't look like we will fit
The pilot looking to see how we are lined up
The other pilot looks as well
Water is flowing through the canal from west to east.
We are in and cruising nicely.
Hitting the center point
Some of the side walls had been covered in stonework
Odd trees
Landslides
Smooth water
A western jackdaw
Flocking together
Go speed racers
Getting to the last bridge
Hey folks
They are way up there
The sides are very porous limestone
A wide spot
Please no spitting
Not much room on either edge
That is why we needed two pilots
Many holes in the limestone for the Jackdaws
An old railway bridge
The last bridge and our tug chugging along
Another major landslide
Keeping a close eye on things
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Blue water
Major work in progress
A Eurasian Kestrel
Serious Graffiti
A giant cut with switchbacks to get down to water level
the end is in sight
The water is very clear
An old bridge that has been removed
Where the bridge once was
The final barrier
A very nice blue color
Forested area
Mountains off to the side
Rocks under the water
We are out!
Mountains all around
The tug disconnects
Large scale work will be performed
Our tugs toot a goodbye
A light house just hanging on
