Leaving the mayhem of Positano behind, we have anchored in Salerno. Unlike other areas of the Almafi coast, Salerno’s mountains are not as sheared, but instead covered in thick vegetation. Salerno is the second largest city in the region after Naples.

One reason we have stopped is to put the boat into a marina for some minor repairs. First, the light on the top of the mast, the mooring light, is not functioning. This light is needed when you are at anchor to alert other vessels of your location. Next, the bracket that supports the WiFi, has bent and the screws have all backed out. As you can guess, we need WiFi for weather, maps, navigation, and, of course, to continue watching Ted Lasso! Rich surmises that the storms last year may have had a hand in the damages. Lastly, Rich would like the impending barnacle beard shaved off the hull.

The old town of Salerno certainly has more character than the newer section where the marina is located. The old city is home to the Salerno Cathedral complete with a marble altar, a baroque crypt, and Byzantine bronze doors. The mosaic artwork throughout is stunning. We were anxious to visit Minerva’s Gardens, a five level botanical beauty set in a mountainside but it is closed for renovations. Perched at the height of about 300 meters above sea, Salerno is also home to the Arechi Castle, a medieval castle overlooking the gulf and the city.

A neat thing about Europe is that everybody walks, or rides a bike, so there are sidewalks everywhere, a definite plus for us when walking to the market to provision. An interesting sight we have also seen along the way are the roads carved into the mountainsides, the bridges appear to be suspended in air. Breathtaking. A European practice I simply do enjoy is walking up to a sidewalk bar, ordering an espresso and dessert, indulging, and then sauntering off! Genius!

PS. Thanks, Annie for the phone call. It was wonderful to chat with someone besides Dad! Be good…