Arriving at the ferry terminal we had to choose lanes
between two ferry companies. Having come from Sicily with Caronte & Tourist
we chose the other to try it, Bluferries, to return. It seems they carry much less
traffic, and run less often. They are part of the Italian Railways company. We
waited over an hour, but paid less than on the other line.
Finally on board we were surprised to see train tracks on
the ferry. It is a roll on – roll off ferry for trains too.
We were starting to see a few of the leading yachts
competing in the Rolex Middle Sea race and were lucky to get close to Kuka 3 to
make photos. It is a major race in the international yachting calendar.
Avoiding toll roads in Sicily we drove the slow coast road,
stopping north of Taormina to use some exercise machines, just behind the
beach, and to make our own coffee with cake using the new camping gas burner we
had bought in Greece for the first time.
We came to Camping Mokambo where we had stayed on the first
night in Sicily while driving north.
Finding it closed, but the owner was there doing some Sunday
maintenance, I asked if we could pitch the tent as it would soon be dark.
View of Mount Etna from Mokambo Camping.
The
obliging owner allowed us to stay and did not charge us, Thank you so much.
On Monday we drove south to Ikea on the outskirts of Catania.
There is always something we want to buy there, as well as use the fair priced
restaurant / café but the restaurant closed earlier than we expected but there
was still food left.
We continued south going much faster on clear roads now to a
campsite Azienda Agrituristica Agricampeggio
"CAPO SCALAMBRI" just 8 km from Marina di Ragusa where
we had left the boat for the winter of 2017/ 2018. It was well priced at 12
euros and really peaceful. We had to pay a little extra for wifi.
Next afternoon we spent an hour relaxing naked on the
deserted beach in the warm afternoon sun, and gentle breeze before final coffee
and cake, and hot shower. Each day at the campsite we prepared green smoothie
drinks with our blender, so refreshing. Kale is our ideal main green ingredient
but parsley, spinach and a little celery are good, with apple, banana and
grapes, as available.
Passing through Marina di Ragusa we bought an LED light for
the boat cabin, and stocked up with fruit and cheese from two supermarkets we
know before driving to the ferry.
The catamaran ferry left at 21.30 and we
drove off in Malta at about 23.45.
That marked the end of our camping touring in Southern Italy
as well as the summer sailing in Greece, both of which were amazing. Unless the
boat is sold we plan to do the same in 2020.
It is much easier camping with a camper vehicle. We can say
in many places free to sleep, but with the tent we need power for the fridge
and avoid fines for illegal camping. The tent and equipment are a small
investment and can be packed in the car. Hard ground makes it difficult to
secure with tent pegs. We are glad to have a three man tent to give us extra
space inside. Weighing just over 4 kilos it is heavy for backpack trekking and
camping, but perfect for car touring. I did buy the 30 second tent once, the
one which opens it-self. Getting it folded away however was the problem. It took me an hour !! Sadly that tent was stolen from a house in
Malta used for storage.
