28th July 2010

Where has the time gone?
We had another fantastic week with Adrian and Michael. Our first trip only got us as far as northern Sardinia as there was quite a swell coming in from the east and we decided that it would be too much to try to attempt the Bonifacio Straits, so instead opted for a lovely, quiet anchorage which would be a good point for moving on the following morning. It was, and by the time we pulled the anchor up, the sea was flat calm and continued that way for the entire crossing; even the swell, which we assumed would still be noticeable, had all but disappeared. We went back to a favourite spot, Rondinara, and were relieved to find the perfect place to drop the hook. We had expected the bay to be more crowded, but it really wasn't too bad and we had a lovely day of lazing and swimming, followed by dinner at the lovely beachside restaurant (which is, sadly, also very popular with mosquitoes!)
After spending most of the following day at anchor, we eventually drifted up to Porte Vecchio, although they were unable to offer us a place in the marina and, after fuelling up, we found an anchorage very close to the port. It was a short dinghy trip to the harbour and a long hike up the hill to the town but worth it for a lovely evening and a great meal at a restaurant recommended by one of the marineros. The town was absolutely humming - it's tiny but very vibrant with loads of outside bars and restaurants.
With the forecast suggesting that the wind would rise sometime soon, we decided to head back south to Sardinia, and then to a sheltered bay more westerly than any we had visited before. By the time we got there, there was quite a breeze blowing but not enough to detract from our enjoyment of the place. We anticipated a bumpy ride back to the east coast, but it was surprisingly smooth and we returned to the bay in which we'd spent our first night in Sardinia several weeks ago, Cannignone. This time we anchored just outside the marina (another full one) in a beautifully still spot, and ate on board. Adrian and Michael went ashore for a drink and told us the following morning that there had been a fair on the quay and folk dancing - shame we missed it!
That was our last night at anchor with our guests - we had a fabulous day in a fabulous anchorage south of Olbia but the forecast had warned of high winds coming up in the evening and we knew that we had to be in port. Olbia was able to take us, so it was back into our familiar berth - and thank goodness we were there. The wind came up suddenly in the early evening and gusted like billy-o for 24 hours.
Adrian and Michael left us on Sunday for a long train ride down to Cagliari and during the 24 hours between guests, we had Zaffina cleaned inside and out (heaven...leaving it all to someone else!)
Monday lunchtime saw the arrival of Bob and Janet, and once the engine man had finished changing the oil, we were able to ease out of port and point southwards to new territory. A short hop later, we arrived in Port Ottiolu, a tiny, new port and village with a white stretch of sand right alongside the marina. And that's where we are now...although not for long! The skipper is busy making his checks and once we've bought some fresh bread to feed the masses, we'll be back to sea and looking for another peaceful anchorage for tonight.