summertime goes south

23rd July
In contrast to the sail to Coralla, the wind turned through 180 degrees and we had a downwind trip with a following sea, on the way south towards Capo Carbonara. The area around the Cape is a nature reserve and we picked our way past the rocks and prohibited areas before turning west through the passage between the Cape and Isola dei Cavoli. We turned north to reach the Marina di Villasimius in the early afternoon. The marina contrasts with our recent stops with shops, restaurants and civilised facilities.
The anticipated Mistral arrived earlier and stronger than forecast. We are currently sitting in winds of well over 40 knots with lots of anxious boat owners checking lines, adding additional lines and trying to ensure their boats aren't damaged. I include myself in this description. The boats are moving around constantly in the wind and last night it was difficult to sleep. In the UK strong winds like this are associated with low pressure systems, cloud and rain. Here the weather is hot, there is not a cloud in the sky but the wind is vicious.
We are not far from the Aeolian Islands off northern Sicily. According to Greek myth, Aeolus, king of the winds, kept the winds imprisoned on the islands until ordered by Zeus to release them. Zeus has obviously ordered the release of the Aenomi, the Daemones of violent storm winds to vent his fury on us all. Or its a strong Mistral, take your pick!
Bored with the marina we took the local bus into Villasimius village to do some much needed shopping. The area is really one large holiday resort, full of modern apartment buildings and the village reflects this. There is little of interest so with the help of the Tourist Office we ordered a taxi back to the marina. Our taxi was not as expected, Italy is full of surprises as the picture shows!