A Reason to Celebrate

Having reached the Aeolian Islands was celebration enough, but our best excuse for a night on the town was the Captain’s birthday.  Given that we had not climbed the volcano or bathed in the sulphur mud baths (said to be completely restorative.  Sure!), GS had a few entertaining ideas for the day.  We settled however, for a visit to the small supermarket and a fish dinner at the King of Fish, right on the bay and directly under that smoking, smelly furnace.  Most visitors to Vulcano appear to be day trippers; there’s a huge fleet of ferries always on the move making the small port somewhat swelly.  Their departure also meant that we were able to have a perfectly placed table and good service.  We finished up with a lemon gelato at the dock and a moonlight dinghy ride across the bay. 

Early next morning, all provisioned up and with improved weather conditions to boot, we headed off for the west coast of Italy.  Not before a struggle to free the anchor though, which had managed to wrap itself around large rocks and grumpily refused to budge!  Just as Cap’n Diver Dan threatened to launch the hookah unit (diving without tanks), it freed up.  So, with wafts of an overheated anchor winch filling the bay and calm conditions returning on board, we left for another long day of motoring

At anchor under Vulcano's rim

This small group of islands is steeped in mythology.  They are known as home to Aeolius, god of the winds who gave Odysseus a bag of contrary winds whilst Vulcano is the home and forge of Vulcan. Stromboli is said to be the ancient lighthouse of the Med, guiding sailors to the Messina Straits, and on to battle with Scylla and Charydbis.  Whilst there is some derision placed on those endlessly quoting Homer (& that would be me), it is just so fascinating that here before us are landmarks that inspired even the earliest of voyagers.

We cannot change the wind
But we can adjust the sails…*
“Or just turn on the X@!%!! motor, again!” the Cap’n muttered….

*Seen on of a school wall in Gozo: 

Early morning Stromboli dressed in cloud with its smoking plume at top