Thursday 17 October 2019

We decided to have some time off from the work list, so we took the delightful journey upstream, about 2km, in the dinghy, to the centre of Bosa. In the town itself it is like going back in time 50 years. The cobbled streets are similar to Alghero, but the heavy doors and lack of shop windows, typical of hot countries, can’t have changed in decades. It is full of charm. We walked the steep alleyways and steps up to the castle, from where we had spectacular views up river, across the valley, and down stream to the marina and the sea. The ground and soil looks poor here, so the river valley seemed to have no crops, but mainly olive trees.

We found a traditional restaurant, where could eat outside in a cobbled street. The menu had several typical Sardinian dishes and we were able to enjoy their delicious food.

On route back, we called into the panereria (bakery) and bought some more grisini (bread sticks). They are wonderful; a world apart from the ones we buy at home. There was also the Sardinian crisp bread; flat bread that is split, then baked a second time; also morish.

We had tied the dinghy to the quay in the town centre, amongst the small local boats. When we arrived back, one of the oars was missing. We then spotted two guys rowing their motor boat across the river. They were calling to us, indicating they had our oar. As they approached, they said, we didn’t take it, we just borrowed it! We took this in good stead, helped them moor and said “no problem”. We were just relieved to have the oar back.

The river is lined on one side by rushes, which must be a haven for wildlife. We saw several herons. Judging by this and the amount of fishermen with rods out, there must be plenty of fish in the river. We learned that this River Temo is the only navigable river in Sardinia and it is possible to go upstream 5km from the town. We noted that as a possible exclusion to do when we come back in the spring.

On return to the boat, it was back to jobs. Steve winterised the dinghy engine, a much easier job on the pontoon than on the boat. The work list is slowly diminishing.

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	549	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	1602	nautical miles

Tricia (and Steve)