Calabria to the Aeolian Islands to Sicily
Gaviota
Fri 3 Sep 2010 21:10
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38:07.426N 13:22.328E
Friday 3rd September
Sadly left Calabria early Thursday 26th August, no
wind so motored for 8 hours to Isola Volcano in the Aeolian Islands which lie
between the toe of Italy and Sicily, anchored in a bay beneath the volcano and
swam in the hot springs, lovely but with a strong smell of sulphur. Next
morning climbed to the top of the volcano and walked around the crater, amazing
sight. In the afternoon motored to the next island Lipari, visited the
strange white pumice beach with it's clear water, then anchored in the bay
near the town. Saturday, walked round the town of Lipari, very picturesque
but suprisingly touristy. In the afternoon motored to the next island
Salinas and anchored in a bay at the South near the port of Lingua. Early
start Sunday to climb one of the twin peaks of Salinas, Monte Fossa delle
Feici. Most of the island of Salinas is National Park so misguidedly
thought walking routes would be clearly marked - mistake! 3 hours later
still skirting the mountain and nowhere near the summit so gave up. Wind
started to pick up and gales forecasted so headed back to shelter on Isola
Volcano for the night, sadly missing visiting the islands of Filicudi and
Alicudi.
Monday, 30th left Isola Volcano 6.30am in moderate
North West winds and sailed close hauled following the North coast of
Sicily. Excitement of the day, a whale sighting close to the port side of
the boat, a large whale surfaced and blew several times, pretty spectacular,
then dived. Winds got stronger and seas were building as the gale warnings
continued. Arrived at the port of Cefalu and anchored in the
harbour.
Spent next couple of days in Cefalu exploring the
lovely old town and climbed to the castle high on the rock behind the
town. Weather became very mixed with wind and first rain in ages.
More gales forecasted so left Cefalu Thursday 2nd September and sailed with a
strong Easterly wind pushing us along. Arrived late afternoon at Palermo
the capital of Sicily and anchored in what looked like a sheltered safe bay
about 6 miles east of Palermo, skies got blacker, thunder and lightening started
and the wind got stronger then suddenly changed direction straight into the bay
overturning the dinghy, drowning the outboard motor so hasty evacuation to the
safety of Palermo harbour to assess the damage. Syd managed to clean and
strip down the carburettor and got it working, then made the most of being in
Sicily's largest city and went sightseeing. Palermo is a large busy City
with beautiful architecture which includes many Palazzos, unfortunately it
poured down with rain so spent the afternoon at the amazing Palazzo Normani
where we saw the famous Cappella Palatina with it's awesome mosaics, then were
lucky enough to visit the parliament building as it was one of the few days it
was open to the public. Thought the city had a really nice feel and lovely
friendly people. Next stop the South of
Sardinia.
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