North in the Ionian Sea

Between Rocella Ionica and Le Castella, we actually sailed! The wind came and went but for the last 2 hours it was steady. The coastline had trees and communities along the shore with brown scrubby slopes behind except where there was a farm and orchards. Le Castella's inner harbour was a dinky place but very well protected from storms. Sadly, there was a boat on the rocks that hadn't made it in. We wandered to the castle remains, down the main street and past the restaurants and bars overlooking the sea and castle. The rest of the town seems in disrepair or unfinished. We found a small grocery store and picked up a few things.
The next day we did some more sailing with 14 knots of wind and some waves from behind bringing us to Porto di Ciro. I was expecting it to be like Le Castella but it's much bigger and seems to be busy and thriving. The harbour had no space on their pleasure boat docks so we docked between 2 fishing trawlers. Nets and lines are stacked on the dock and men were coming and going to their boats. No one greeted us and it was siesta time for all the shops so we stayed on board until late afternoon trying to stay cool. A fellow came, took pictures of our documents and charged us €20, our cheapest marina price yet! We were hoping he was the dockmaster and not someone making a quick Euro! We found a patisserie 😋and a ship chandlery where we had fun acting out to explain what we needed. The town square was filled with groups of older men sitting around talking. It seems wherever we go, on any park bench, older men will be sitting and having a "chin wag". No women or wives around!
The wind was still blowing although the water in the harbour was calm. After looking at the forecast and much discussion, we decided we'd leave before sunrise to cross Golfo di Taranto before the bigger winds came. My worries were not unfounded...Read more