summertime goes south

We arranged a berth in San Vincenzo, on the mainland about 20 miles north of Elba. The pilot book described it as a secure harbour but warned against trying to enter in strong onshore winds as the seas build up and the entrance is broadside on to the waves.
We left the anchorage at Porto Azzuro about 10 am, along with a number of other boats, presumably also seeking shelter. We had a good downwind run in 10 to 15 knots of wind and anchored off Porto Baratti for a leisurely lunch. Linda was again on the helm as we crossed the ferry route between Elba and the mainland, with the usual result! We avoided both ferries, yet again.
San Vincenzo is a modern well appointed harbour and a far better place to ride out the coming Mistral than any anchorage. Sightly later than forecast it is now here in spades. It arrived Wednesday afternoon and is forecast to last until Saturday. We checked the entrance earlier today and no-one in their right mind would attempt to enter or leave in those conditions. The photograph shows the entrance to the marina, impossible to enter or leave.
As we couldn't leave until here until Sunday, we have decided to leave for Florence and Pisa earlier than we planned, leaving Summertime here until the end of August when we plan to set sail for Corsica. The photo in the gallery shows Geoff washing his feet at a bus stop, just like we watched many people before him.