LA CALETTA MAY 15/14 TO OLBIA MAY 24/14

Before continuing with the individual places we visit I'd just like to put Sardinia into perspective in regard to other parts of Italy we have visited.  We are travelling along the east coast stopping at marinas or ports occasionally for water and provisions.

Sardinia is part of Italy and the 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and before Cyprus. It does have a Mediterranean climate, the winter months are longer and wetter than in Sicily.  Southern Sicily still enjoys many warm days during November, December and January.  Sardinia has much more rain during these months.  Sicily has almost 3 times the inhabitants of Sardinia.  Sardinia is home to nearly 4 million sheep and almost no agriculture.  Sardinians specialize more in cheese, wine and olive oil.
Some forests are (cork oak) which grows naturally ; and accounts for 80% of Italian cork products.  They also have a fair size tuna fishing industry and exported primarily to Japan.  The terrain is mostly hilly with over 50 artificial lakes and dams that supply water and electricity.

 After our squall encounter we arrived in La Caletta, meaning small bay, with almost zero wind but were forced to stay 5 days due to very high winds.  The choppy waters slam against the hull that make sleeping in the aft cabin impossible.
Checking our weather APP frequently we realized we will be in La Caletta several days so the skipper brings out the bikes and so we can at least explore the small town.  In July and August  this sleepy town of 1000 inhabitants transforms into a summer resort of 10,000 sun seekers.

LA CALETTA FISHING BOATS

The backroads took us to an out-of-the-way restaurant.  I know you're thinking fancy/smancy but.....

GIOVANNA'S OUTSIDE

GIOVANNA'S INSIDE

While passing this establishment on our bikes, Giovanna came outside and persuaded us to come and eat a lamb dinner the next evening.  As her only guest we had her full attention and somehow in 3 different languages we managed to communicate quite well.
Most of these small local places don't have menus or a wine list.  Choices are usually fish, pasta or lamb, except the in the last town there was horse on the menu.  Giovanna's warm hospitality makes our dinner a very pleasant experience.

CAPO CODA CAVALLO ANCHORAGE

Finally, moving on to a  quiet anchorage and a much prettier view.  We stay only one night...the water is still too cold for swimming...16 degrees...no thank you!!!!!

We head toward the larger city and harbour of Olbia only 15nm away.  The wind has picked up considerably even in the narrow canal leading into the harbour, the wind meter is reading 25 knots.  We decide  to pass the new expensive marina (80 euros/night) on the left and head into city quay that is free of charge.  All fenders along one side...the skipper is docking on the port side with  2 fellow cruisers on shore to help secure the lines.

11th CENTURY CHURCH - BASILICA SIMPLICIO

 Very simple granite construction with wooden ceiling (not original) and a small bell tower in Spanish style from the Spanish rule in the 1800's