July 22 & 23

Beachin’ it and three hours before the mast

Yesterday we got to spend four hours at our favourite beach in the world. Jim and I almost fell to our death and Gail got a bruise on her leg, but I guess it was worth it. The track down to the beach is really rough with big boulders to climb on. It was the hottest I have ever been at the beach. I seemed to jump back in the water after about 15 minutes on land. That was ok, but we were drenched in sweat by the time we got up to the car.

JIm & Matt

Gail

The beautiful view down the beach

This was not the end, but rather the beginning of our fabulous day. We went on from there, in the air-conditioned car, to get some gelato. I had peach and chocolate and it was fabulous. We also ate it in the air-conditioned car while we drove to Ortona to take a little antique (1961. I can’t believe they can call that old here. It is not even as old as I am.) boat. We had to motor out of the harbour and it did not seem that great as the motor is a tractor engine. It was pretty loud and stinky. There was only room for three people plus the captain on the benches so Jim got to sit in front of the mast. He proved to have the most uncomfortable seat, but also the best views as he was in front of the sail and he was furthest from the stinky engine. We did sailing. The silence was amazing and it was fun to see places from the water that we had only seen from land. There are many more trabocci than I had realized. The guy with the boat was young and the boat had been in his family since his great grandfather. Every year there is a parade of the boats in honour of the Madonna and his grandfather got to have her on his boat for 30 years. At the furthest point of our sail, we were served white wine, two different kinds of fish, little fish breads and three loaves of bread that had been cooked in charcoal. There was light, medium and dark. All were really good. The waves had increased so he motored toward the harbour. Even at full speed ahead it took us quite a while to get back. We were covered in salt spray. The whole thing was a special experience. Thanks to Gail and Matt for arranging everything and for driving us. 

Painting Morning and Stormy Afternoon 

 There were many magical touches to the day. Matt and Gail drove by just as we walked out the door and gave us a ride uptown, I saw my friend, Olga, for the first time in a couple of weeks, (please note that we have not been here a couple of weeks but as every day is three, it seems like it) and Pasquale our great friend of the last two years has returned. We went to the grocery store after second breakfast and I got some NEW breakfast cookies that have even MORE chocolate in them.

Step 1

I had a good time painting this morning. While we were gone yesterday it rained here and brought the temp right down to a more reasonable 30c. It was 43c on the piazza earlier this week. I got to paint where the cars are always parked. One car was parked there so I could not see a part of the view and you might notice that one part at the lower right is unpainted. I did take a photo so I can check it out. During the walk home at noon I did not feel that I was going to spontaneously combust, although that might have made me a saint. We had lunch, pizza and watermelon and two cookies, Jim took a nap and I fooled around with Elements 13. Still not an expert.

Soon the lightening and thunder drew us both outside. An huge storm slowly steam rolled through the valley from Secenara to Castel d’Iire. We saw many close lighting strikes at most one kilometre away. Then one hit right across the valley from us in a place the rain had not yet reached. Immediately there was smoke from the ground. That kept up until the strongest part of the storm reached and put out the fire. Neither of us have ever seen anything like that. We have a 180 degree view of storms and it is incredible to watch areas fade from view behind the strongest rain, reappear and new areas go behind a grey violet wall. The thunder is surround sound and it is hard to know exactly where it is coming from. Once we were scared out of our minds by a lighting strike that was right behind our house and the crash of thunder that followed it. Now we are waiting for the weather to stabilise so we can go up to Komodo and use the internet in comfort.