6, 7 &8 May 2026 - Pescara

The fishing fleet moored in the river at Pescara


We met a German guy recently who said that they have a saying, "if you want to give God a good laugh, make a plan and see what happens".  It has felt as if we were experiencing this over the last few days. 

On arriving in Pescara, we noticed a small pool of oily water lurking under the engine, not a good look.  So in the morning, we went to the marina office, and asked for help.  Various engineers were consulted, with results of "we could get to you on Saturday" from one and "... Monday" from another.  Eventually between the marina boss and the boatyard, they came up with someone who could come later that day.  When he got to us and started the diagnosis, all sorts of very worrying possibilities were aired.  He made some adjustments and said that we had to give the engine bay a thorough clean, to remove all traces of the oil. Oh, the romance of the nautical life!  Perceived by some as a glamorous pastime, today the reality was curling up to reach into a cramped engine bay and degrease everything.  

The following day, we had to go for a motor for an hour or so to test the outcome of the engineer's work. He would return sometime on Friday to evaluate the impact, which he duly did.  Fortunately, he decreed that his adjustment had cured the issue, and we would be free to continue.  A great relief.

Later on Friday, Chris arrived for the weekend.  We are due to meet friends of his at the weekend, and it now looks as if this part of the plan will actually fall into place.

Miles today               8

Miles this season   381

Steve (and Tricia & Chris)


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

30 March -4 April 2026 - Bari

Image
It has been a week of delays of one sort or another. It started on the Friday before we even left, when we heard that the parts needed for the mast to be replaced had not arrived yet, and it could be a delay of up to 10 days.  This was not great news, but we encouraged the boatyard to use whatever influence that they had to speed things along. On Monday 30th,  we headed to the airport and were congratulating ourselves that now we were checked in, it had been a smooth and stress free journey across  London.  Then we received a message saying that the flight was delayed, and then another saying it was cancelled. The airline then sent us possible alternative routes, which all involved getting to another airport, then having a night in a hotel en route and then arriving in Bari at about midday on Tuesday.  Fortunately we are now aware of various routes, and we were able to suggest an alternative, albeit with a different airline. This was leaving within an hour of ...
Read more

5 and 6 April 2026 - Bari

Image
Chris has brought the fine spring weather with him. As soon as he arrived it stopped raining and we have been treated to clear blue skies since. It going cold at night, but the sun feels gloriously warm in the day. We’ve had to make sure we are creamed up with sunscreen. Whilst the locals have indulged in a lot of promenading and hanging out along the seafront, we have cracked on with Easter DIY Equinox style; cleaning and dressing the teak deck. It’s much easier without the mast and boom. Fewer trip or bump your head hazards. Chris and I walked 7k around the suburbs in search of a paintbrush this morning, but, it being Easter Monday bank holiday most of the shops were closed. At least we got our steps in and, as ever, we couldn’t go past our favourite café without picking up some focaccia. Our fingers are firmly crossed that the mast will be put back on tomorrow.  Tricia (and Steve and Chris)
Read more

13 & 14 April 2026 - Napoli and Bari

Image
In the network of narrow streets in Napoli the small shops have everything the locals want or need to buy. One block back from the main shopping street in the district of Toledo, there are greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, etc, and, of course coffee shops. We joined the locals for our breakfast coffee and cornetti, packed into the small shop, with immaculate presentation and staff in branded uniforms. A walk through the old city can take you to one of the many churches, one housing several Canaletto paintings and works of other artists from the same era. The institution uses the income generated to support the poor and needy. Napoli has a plethora of museums and galleries, unsurprisingly when there are so much historical stories to be told. It seems that the way to get around is by motorbike The royal palace, dating back to the days of Spanish rule The local food includes a lot of deep fried pasta and pizza, yet people are not overweight. A delight to enjoy at aperitivo time, late...
Read more