I’m writing this from our place in France, staring out of the window at pouring rain. The sailing season seems a long way away!
We left Sicily for the overnight passage to Sardinia on the 2nd of October. Conditions could not have been more different to the previous long passage from Greece to Italy. This time we had flat calm, and motored under a moonlit night sky – very relaxing. Arriving back in the Marina di Baunei at Santa Maria Navaresse felt like coming home. We first came here two years ago, and again spent several days here in the spring of last year. It is one of our favourite spots.
Over the next few days we worked hard to prepare the boat for winter – taking down the sails and running rigging, cleaning, getting the engine serviced, discussing the winter jobs with the boatyard, and so on. We still had plenty of time to relax, take in a couple of coastal walks, swim in the still-warm sea, and enjoy some of the local restaurants. We also met up with Alistair and Dolores – a couple we first met when we were all trapped in Gatwick airport waiting for a delayed flight to Cagliari last year, and who live out here in a lovely house above Santa Maria Navaresse with magnificent views over the town and the bay. It was a delight to see them again and enjoy aperitivo with them.
After a week in Santa Maria Navaresse we motored across the bay to Arbatax where Merryn was lifted out the next day and entrusted to the care of Umberto who had looked after her so well two winters ago. We had a few more days left in Sardinia, so moved into a small apartment that Cate had found in Santa Maria Navaresse. We also hired a car, so took advantage of the good weather to explore a bit further afield – visiting the Chiesa di San Pietro al Golgo – where Cate also had a close encounter with a donkey, exploring some Nuragic ruins, and doing some more coastal walks up around Cala Gonone – where we both had some close encounters with goats!
On the 19th of October our Summer season finally came to a close. We got up early and drove to the airport in Olbia. A few hours later we were back in France, with temperatures about 15 degrees cooler, and near constant rain! Still, it is great to be in our Chalet and we can take it easy for a few weeks before the winter season begins. Between then and now we will be returning to the UK for a short while – it is my Dad’s 90th birthday, so plenty of celebrations, and also a (very belated) 60th birthday party for our friend Jeavon to look forward to!
