Cruising progress 2016 (Click to enlarge)
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Interactive map of entire 2016 cruise.
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26th October 2016
October began with some good weather in anchorages near the Madalenas and light winds for most of our trip towards Bosa. However, it soon became changeable with periods of torrential rain, high winds and cool temperatures becoming the norm. We anchored for a few days in Porto Conte to make a start on the maintenance work, of which we have over 100 hours. However increased wind strength and changes in direction meant we had to move Mistroma to better shelter a couple of times, which slowed our progress somewhat.
Work continued once we reached the marina and we did as much as was possible while still afloat. Although the weather remained changeable, most days were warm and dry. Once we were lifted out, the remaining 50% was completed and we even managed to cycle into Bosa a couple of times. The area surrounding the marina is very rural and green, hills and trees everywhere. The town is completely hidden from view although the castle above it is clearly visible. On our first visit we climbed up through the Sa Costa district to reach the Castle Malaspina perched high above the river. The views from the top over the surrounding countryside were truly spectacular, with the marina and the Mediterranean clearly visible on one side and the valley of the River Temo on the other. The old town is typically Sardinian and has very narrow cobbled streets. Very picturesque but not exactly comfortable on a bike!
The weather for the last week has improved dramatically, with temperatures hovering around 30°C, just typical when we’re preparing to go home! Once the boat was secured for the winter, we took the bus up to Alghero where we had arranged to stay overnight before flying home. Much of the bus route follows the coastline and passes interesting features such a stony bridge overshadowed by an old Spanish tower and a small harbour and the scenery is breath-taking. After a quick lunch we headed off to have a look around the old town, which seems to be much bigger than most of the other towns we’ve visited. At times it felt as though it would be quite easy to get lost through a maze of narrow cobbled streets. It’s exceedingly picturesque and we thoroughly enjoyed our short visit. In the evening we walked along to the marina to meet up with Peter & Elisabeth on Ananda. They are wintering here and arrived back a couple of days ago. We had arranged to go out for dinner, so after a quick catch-up we headed off to a nearby restaurant where we had an excellent meal. It was great to meet up with them again and a hugely enjoyable way to end this year's cruise.
This season has been the best by far since we left home as far as the sailing has been concerned and we've loved nearly every moment of it and can't wait to continue with more of the same next year.
