David's Diary: Sunday, May 9, 2004
Carloforte, Sardinia, Italy
We were up at dawn today and cast off the dock at first light. As we headed out into the Western Mediterranean Sea we discovered that the wind was still blowing at least F5 and average sea heights were 1m. We motor-sailed into the wind and seas for a half-hour, but we were making so little progress that I realized we didn't even have enough fuel to make it all the way to Menorca. I made the decision to turn back to Carloforte. While time is running out and we are all anxious to finish our passage across the Mediterranean, turning back was the right thing to do.I explored the outer breakwater where three ferries were being refitted. It is surprising how narrow the entrance is to the harbour at Carloforte. Large ferries travel in and out of the entrance several times a day. I also wandered some of the back streets of Carloforte and appreciated the beautiful stone work and tiles that adorned gardens, buildings, and stairways.
Ferries being repaired on the breakwater
Fishermen's transportation
View across the main harbour entrance
Breakwater and ferry repair dock
An old boat waits for crew
Entrance to an apartment complex next to the sea
Narrow sidewalk leads to the apartments
People promenade in the late afternoon sunshine
Statue next to the ferry terminal
Even more people are about
Painted houses on narrow back streets
Beautiful tiles line the stairway
Notice the balconies and the little truck
Lovely little square with flowers among all the houses
Shrine inside the church
Central nave and altar
Pale marble in another chapel
Can the bike carry her?
Niko Bistro where we ate the first night
Dock from the opposite breakwater
Other boats moored to the breakwater
A couple take in the view
Clouds blow by in the wind
A ferry arrives
Entrance to the fishing harbour (Dragonsinger just fit)
Teenagers show off on the promenade
The wind finally starts to abate
The lights come on
Lots of people in the central square
A young boy plays soccer