36.46.84N 14.32.74E

Unfortunately our exploring the Sicilian countryside has come to an end for a number of reasons. The main one being that the friends that had lent us the car for the winter wanted it back. Just before Easter we went on a final trip to Catania – the shops were full of Easter treats – we rather liked these chocolate rabbits

Can Stephen resist the rabbit – or did it end up in the trolley?

We got a surprise visit from the scout troup one evening – they presented us with a certificate and a thank you gift for letting them visit our boat (see previous blog for details) The gift was a special block for making the local shaped pasta Cavati.

Finally the weather improved – well at least for a week or so. With the change in weather we got started on the ever growing boat job list. Anne has been busy on her sewing machine making new sail covers. Stephen has been putting in wiring for the solar panels.

We went up the masts to give them a clean (what a waste of time that has turned out to be after the very sandy East winds we are currently getting!) We also replaced our VHF antenna and windex.

The broken windex on top of the mast – it should have a much longer antenna for the VHF and a wind vane.

Anne at the top of the mast.

Stephen on winch duty – he should be letting Anne down!!

Anne busy replacing the protective tape on the end of one of the spars, otherwise known as “hanging around”