37 12.1 N 009 07.5 E Cagliari Saturday 9th Oct

Well that was a poor show. We went out of the harbour again to big swells and choppiness, the wind getting up to F5 very quickly. Whilst not too much in itself, the swell was coming in from the SE and no where along that whole south coast (within easy reach) would have had sufficient shelter for anchoring overnight. We went about 8 miles and reluctantly turned back. By the time we returned it was now blowing even in the harbour. Young Max just smiled as he helped us into our previous berth. So we went to explore a bit of the old town: one of the ancient gateways, the Elephant Tower (built 1307 out of perfectly cut blocks of local limestone) with heraldic shields carved into the side and a little marble elephant statue sitting on a slab protruding from the side of the tower, the old cobbled streets and high up a wide terrace of Bastioni de St Remy overlooking the town and harbour. Yet to explore the funny little shops and the roman amphitheatre and and…..

Today there is no wind and it is 28 deg. But you want to bet if we poked our noses out, it would blow up. We have found Sardinia slightly frustrating in that respect. Or it might just be October! So taking advantage of sun, stillness and available water, we ought to hoist sails, wash the salt off and let dry, do same for sprayhood and cockpit tent. And a few other jobs. Will see how far we get.

Later. We did a few minor jobs then cycled out to Poetta around the headland from here to a bay, beach and tiny marina. We are lucky to be alive. Cycling in Sardinia, you take your life in your hands, the drivers are crazy. And this from us, who are both pretty fast and furious drivers! And pedestrian crossings are interesting. If they are at lights, cars stop for you. If not, they won't unless you start crossing anyway. Then they either reluctantly stop, or swerve just enough to stop hitting you. We're obviously not quite old or lame enough to score many points.

Slowly getting somewhere with Massimilius (alias big Max). We should decide by end today if we stay in or haul out. Hot and sticky today with a close, thundery feel. We are due absolute torrents of rain later today / Sunday / Monday.

Sunday 10th October

Torrential rain all day - confined to boat! Comparing notes with Viv and Alan on Free Spirit (first met in Olhao in Portugal).