Saturday 14th May La Maddalena NE Sardinia

Happy birthday to Richard and we couldn't be better placed. We finally got away and sailed further up the coast, stopping at a little idyllic cala for lunch (Costa Smeralda, turquoise, clear water, rugged cliffs, large caves and grottos) and on to meet up with our friends on Free Spirit anchored in the Golfo de Arzachena. We joined them for nibbles and drinks and got our precious battery charger - now installed and actually working.

Now we are in the Maddalena Archipelago, on La Maddalena island itself. NE corner of Sardinia, we have travelled about 170nm since leaving Cagliari (will not sound impressive to non-sailors, but when your speed is c. 5-7 knots, it takes time!). This whole area is a national park and strongly protected (you may or may not anchor here or there, only boats with holding tanks can stay overnight on the Park's buoys, and pay a large amount for the privilege, etc). We approve of the protection, but prefer the Posidonia Buoy system which is much fairer and also free. The islands and this whole part of the Sardinian coastline is beautiful.

The Sardinian wine is surprisingly good, strong and robust, the ice creams are delicioso and tonight we have sardines to start, followed by baby Sardo lamb with garlic and rosemary picked on this afternoon's walk, and finishing with a tarto di myrtilles - appropriate for a boat called Myrica in a roundabout sort of way.

Undecided as to next steps, but we do know we want to cross the straits of Bonifacio (their reputation precedes them as not to be trifled with) to Corsica. Must go into Bonifacio itself, need to get some of the history back into this journey. And still haven't done the Sardinian nuraghe villages…. Perhaps pop back for that. But closing now to start on tonight's birthday feast. Hope all's well with everyone. xx