Carloforte, Isla di Pietro
Just off the coast of Sardinia, Italy
We have reached Sardinia - the largest island in the Mediterranean and is 9300 square miles. We are now about 110 miles from mainland Italy and 120 miles from North Africa.
The town of Carloforte is quaint and offers everything one could need (at least as defined by kid and mom standards). Ice cream, pasta, pizza, chic clothes (not that we bought any as boat attire and "chic" are not compatible), laundromat, showers, and provisioning - fresh peaches and plums from Sardinia - the best!! We even found new sandals which were needed as old ones had mysteriously been swept overboard. What more could anyone want! Oh yes, potable water and fuel. This was touted as a harbor which offered fuel, however, we found out that the depth offered us only a few cm clearance. After looking at charts and reading our pilot books, we found no other nearby marinas that offered fuel. We were desperate and feeling lucky so we attempted it here. Success! As for the water, it is questionable and could potentially contaminate our tanks so we now need to leave to "make water" at sea. The harbors are too dirty to run the water-maker. Our water-maker produces 40 gallons per hour and our 5 water tanks hold 279 gallons so you do the math...we'll be making water most of the day.
Speaking of dirty harbors, Bill (and almost Kelsey) experienced it first hand. A gangplank of sorts is run from the stern to land and held by a halyard. A particular person had not done a double wrap on the winch so when Bill and Kelsey jointly were crossing the plank, it gave way right into the water. Kelsey's Neanderthal instincts came into play as she scurried up the ramp with barely touching the water. Bill, however, took a good tumble (similar to the carnival games where one throws a ball at a target to dunk someone). Of course, there was a lesson to be learned (in other words, blame to be assigned). Deb, was the guilty one - oops....
As typical in many of these Mediterranean countries, nothing opens until 10 a.m. (no early-morning Starbucks coffee!). A peaceful quietness blankets the town from 1 - 4 p.m as it is siesta time (even the street stall vendors take naps on the ground and "close-up" shop). Around 4 or 5 p.m., the town comes alive again as stores and restaurants open; rejuvenated people of all ages are seen strolling; groups of elderly Sard men sit on benches or outside their houses (we are not quite sure where the women are); children play tag outside until well past 11 p.m.; and late dinners are enjoyed. This all makes great sense as it is incredibly hot during mid-day and the evenings are very comfortable. We are adapting quite well to this routine, and bedtime is now around 10 or 11 p.m. and often the girls don't wake up until 9 or 10 a.m. No more 8:00 p.m. bedtimes as it is way too bright out! This, of course, will have to change once school starts again.
We are a little baffled with the language barriers. We get used to speaking a few words in Spanish, only to move countries and "ola" doesn't pass anymore. The girls' favorite Italian word is scusi for excuse me.
Signing off, or adios amigos..oops...I meant arrivederci.