Week 3 June 4 -10th MdR and Ragusa Ibla
Variable weather – 2 days fine, I day 40kt gale from the NE and then 2 days 20kts plus from the SW. With the lack of work on the exterior Hew becomes a true boat fiddler and is into everything else.
Monday – moisture still high so left until Tuesday and then resealed the holes.
Tuesday trip to Augusta to pick up shipping pallet from NZ and parcel from USA both had to go through customs as not EU. Capuano Shipping was very helpful. It is a huge port, pleasure boats, fishing boats, military, and oil tanker and 4 oil refineries. The old town seems very interesting – didn’t have time to look around as trying to get back to the boat to make sure the work keeps going.
Hew couldn’t care as he is now ecstatic that he has all his tools from NZ and he is right into fixing leaking hoses under the sink, storage under the floor boards( though he now knows why many boat builders are midgets as his shoulders wont fit!!), and jammed Max props.
Also he discovered that the new anchor wont go all the way into the bow roller so currently sitting on top of the boat waiting modifications to the roller.
Wednesday 40 kts from the NE and 30deg hot and dusty, no work being done out side. Lovely yacht tied up across from us ( 140ft) also waiting out the storm.
Thursday 20kts from the SW – much cooler but still too windy. Waves breaking past the marina entrance ( which is shallow) – would not be a good time to arrive. The only people on the water were the wind surfers. The jet ski and sled does not belong to life guard service but to the Coast Guard. He was having a lot of fun.
Friday too windy still. and we needed to drive to Catania to replace car since we are on land for another week. The price to extend current rental for 10 days was E500 and to get a new car was E200 – madness – hence the drive to Catania and picking up the third car of the trip. We really underestimated how long we would be ashore.
Saturday – sleep in and breakfast at Casa Breton – omeletes and crepes and great Jazz on waterfront.
Afternoon was a trip to Ragusa Elba – very interesting but didn’t have enough time. Arrived back very late to have pizzas at Holiday pizza just down the road. 45 minute wait at 2330!! They eat late in the weekends here and the summer has started.
Sunday was a day of rest – we cycled up the coast for a look as far as the Torre di Mezzo / Torre di Pietro – one of several old look outs along the coast. Below are some photos of the cycle trip.
Later changed apartments from upstairs to downstairs same building. I think our hosts love us we have been here so long and they are so helpful.
Sounds like you are maximising he land based time! Where to next?
Seems so. The question of where to when we get afloat is currently up in the air as the previous owner had an issue with his cruising permit which we are still trying to sort out. If we cant get it sorted through the land channels (coast guard departments) we will need to leave Italy and then return which will probably mean a trip to Malta and with clearing customs both ways and a quick look around will probably take about 5 days.If we can get the paperwork sorted then we are probably going up the East Coast of Sicily and through to Sardinia and meeting friends mid July in Oblia. How is life with you guys? You are invited when ever you would like to come. We will be up here for several winters so no rush.
Hi Barb & Hew,
Your journal makes for great reading – thanks for sharing the notes – there are lots of moments when we embark on these adventures in life. Maybe a book is in the works – remember Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ which relayed all the happenings of his trying to fix up & live in a small village house in the south of France. He sold over 7 million copies & easily reimbursed himself for all the house repairs as well as living costs he incurred + won a Legion of Honour medal from the French Government for writing so well about French culture!
Hi Craig, It has taken quite some time for me to sort out this blog. I think I ned to get this right first! It is an interesting thought as now being a retiree I am always on the look out for small contributions to the living fund, especially when it has to pay for boat and plane maintenance:):). Perhaps you should take the hint yourself and write of the trials and tribulations of job hunting round the world. Its never too late to start as they say!!!!
Interesting though but I seem to have enough trouble just keeping up with the blog. Income sounds good though!!
Hi Barb,
Living around the world sure has had it’s interesting moments – you are right – but I think your sailing adventure taps into people’s dreams a bit better! Lots of blog notes & lots of time to decide.
Enjoy your adventure – once you get under sail – and champagne at sunset – well earned – congratulations!!
Chimo, Craig & Kiwi
Hi Barb. Loving reading your Blog. Am wondering if you know Murray and Lyn McPhail. My partner John’s business partners and another kiwi couple sailing around for 4-5 months each summer in Med. they are on a 50ft Swedish built boat. Can’t recall name sorry. I think they wintered the boat in Greece. Would be a needle in a haystack if you can across them but you never know. Keep up the blog. Excellent reading and great inspiration for years to come.
Thanks Carole, it is good to hear that people are enjoying it and it is one way to not forget all the things that happen. Someone else asked if I knew the McPails and I have meet them but not sure where. I already know one couple sailing in Greece and last year when we were on another boat I met 3 different lots of kiwis so it is a small world. If you do manage to find out the boat name drop me a line as we might run across them somewhere. We intend to be in Greece next year and they may still be sailing around the area. Hope all is well with you and your family.
Will keep looking for these guys but now in Caribbean and seem to be finding many more people from NZ.