We have left the rainy, Cote d’Azur of France behind and traveled onward towards Italy. The day was overcast, dreary and gray, not offering any wind. We, therefore, motored for about three hours to the port of Imperia, not far from Ventimiglia. Along the way, we noticed that the steep, sheered mountains were replaced more with hills, vineyards, and trees. The air has become drier and a bit warmer, too.

After spending the night in a very uncomfortable slip, we left bright and early to continue down the coast. Our goal is to arrive in La Spezia on Friday, put the boat in the marina, and then travel to Cinque Terre and Florence. Rich had a devil of a time trying to find a marina that could accommodate our boat, but was successful in the end. That simple chore seems to be the toughest. I cannot imagine how anyone can secure a berth or mooring ball during the high season!

We pulled the anchor up this morning (5/3) to a somewhat turbulent sea, (not nearly as bad as yesterday, where we sailed most of the day into the wind) but troublesome enough that we wore life jackets; that is our rule if sailing over 20 knots. By mid-afternoon the wind died down, the sun warmed our backs as we watched the dolphins, and dropped anchor in Santa Margherita Ligure, right outside Portofino. In town, motorcycles are more popular than in France and the local residents have removed their scarves. On the extremely steep cliffsides of Portofino, it appears helicopters are used to deliver packages right to their doors!

Here are photos from along the way and Portofino.

The countryside along the coast is sprinkled with forts and castles while closer to port, there is a noticeable number of ferries and trains. They seem to be the most popular modes of transportation next to buses.

On 5/4, we anchored in the harbor of Rada d’ Moneglia, a tourist resort on the Riveria di Levante, and part of Cinque Terre. We are right outside the town of Monterosso that is complete with beach clubs, tiered mountains, and a promenade. The anchorage is pretty neat; we can catch the folks laughing on the beach, see them walking down the street, and hear the train’s whistle. The weather is perfect, although I cannot fathom how folks are already swimming; in fact, two young ladies just swam up to greet us!

Later, as the sun went down, we could hear snippets from a piano bar playing its melodies. I think I heard John Legend’s “All of Me…,” as well as several concertos. A nice ending to the day.