Plan A was to make one more stop at an anchorage in Sardinia before doing the overnight passage to the Balearic Islands. The seas were 'dead clam' (thanks Mike, F), there was no wind, and the temperature was perfect..so we did a huddle and decided to just keep on going, since the devil (weather) you know is better than the devil (weather) you don't know...and there would be a full moon each night to season the pot.

All things considered, it was a good decision, even though it meant having two overnights. With four people to share in the watches, and rotating every two hours, it became a non-event. I actually was able to get some serious sleep (when I was off watch). I usually like the 5 AM -7 AM watch so I can enjoy the sunrise. Yesterday, my watch was 4 AM-6 AM, and I was treated to the most gorgeous setting of the full moon...an amazing, huge orange ball dropping into the horizon. ((You probably could have seen that same sight 6-9 hours later, but let's face it: not too many people get up at that hour, and if they do, they are rushing off to work, with no time to smell the roses).

What could be a more appropriate 'farewell to Italy' dinner last night than an antipasto. We had mortadella and provolone roll-ups, a beet and cheese salad, olives (of course), egg salad (OK...we took a little artistic license), and some leftovers. Dessert was not so typical. We took care of the last of the home (boat)-made cookies. It had been on my list to bake some more while we were motoring, but Bob and I got so involved in discussing (and solving) the problems of the world that it totally slipped my mind. (Also on my list for the two days was to brush up on my Spanish, but that plan also went by the wayside.)

My sleep the second night was not as good. Despite the lack of wind, we were subjected to rollers from Africa, due to the fetch. (30 years ago, I would have suggested you look it up in your Funk and Wagnall's. Now you can google it. Bob is a wealth of information, and I have learned a lot...and I always try to use a new word the day I learn it.)

We slowed Moonbeam down, so as to arrive in daylight...and the timing of Captains Bob and Ken was impeccable. We approached the harbor in Mahon, Menorca just as the day was dawning.