Stage 9 Taormina - Palmi

We're on the road again........

Bill & Jill

Great news for Bill & Jill, today will be their first day on a bike after their arrival from the USA. So far they have collected one suitcase(Jill) from Palermo, and since they picked it up they have located the rest of the luggage and bikes, however they are at two different airports. Undeterred by this minor set back Bill & Jill have spent their rest day purchasing a new bike each, much needed clothing and bike riding outfits.

No more fire / kitchen duties. I am sure Ype, Hank, Gerdi & Wilbert will miss your assistance. By the way Ross's arm is improving and he will ride today, also he doesn't need my expert medical assistance with bandaging etc. "Why not" I ask Ross, because Bill is a doctor and Jill is nurse. Fair enough

Wagons Roll

The ride today is in two parts, first a 45 klm ride to Messina, then a ferry to the mainland, then another 55 klm to Palmi.

Messina is where Vincenzo Nibali was born, he won the 2014 TDF when Peter and myself visited France. (yawn yawn you say)

A beautiful ride through all the villages that the Giro passed through the day before, busy but enjoyable, many roadside stalls selling fruit, veggies and this local fish stall. look at the Swordfish and the Tuna, delicious!

Swordfish E20 a Kilo

There's my Swordfish that I had for tea last night.

  

Arrive in Messina for the 30 min ferry ride, they hold a lot of vehicles, large buses, semi's, agricultural vehicles, and you squeeze the bikes in beside them all below deck. Time for a quick cappuccino  before we reach the other side in Reggio.

All Aboard

A most fantastic ride along the coast high above the sea, winding roads and steep cliffs.

We stop for lunch overlooking Scilla a small town in Calabria

My sister said for me to watch out for the sea monster on my travels, well this is the site of Scylla of Greek mythology also the other monster being Charybdis. No sign of them today Clare! A popular beach resort during the summer as it is the first place north of Reggio that descends to sea level. The beach is dominated by Ruffo Castle. 

How good is the view. After lunch onto Bagna Calabra, which is well known for its torrone, a typical delicacy of the village, which is a nougat confection.They have lived for centuries off fishing and agriculture, Swordfish being a favourite which I highly recommend since Claudio suggested it to me in Alessio. 

Rosemary plant is a native of the Mediterranean region and is abundant.







Bagna Calabra below and a steep climb for about 7 klm in very warm conditions. A stop for a Gelati and a very welcomed local water fountain.

Ross at the fountain of youth

 Finally arrive at Palmi, Hotel tonight and the

standard pool you would expect for elite athletes.

Had news on our arrival that Tony, who is riding with his wife Robyn, fell off his bike negotiating a corner sliding on a sandy section. They are from Patterson Lakes in Melbourne. Not good news, a broken collar bone and three ribs. Will be in hospital for a few days.

Liam said he wanted to see something different than all boys in Lycra as it would not make a good album. How about this Liam at 6.11pm local time overlooking the Med  

 Met this young gentleman Pino (Joseph) on the beach by the cafe and part of discussion was about Australia, he had been there many times from 1968 onward. It turns out he was a steward on the Sitmar Line in the dining room on board the Fairsky. The same ship that our family came to Australia in 1969. Great to see you again after all these years Pino.

Last but not least a meal with the boys down by the water, approx 4 klm from the hotel, wonderful meal, and drinks, (full monty), then we asked a large local Italian family eating close by if it was possible to call a taxi, no says Mima, my husband will give you a lift, before you go would you like some of my homemade cakes and biscuits, sure would Mima I  won't pass up offers like this even though I was full. Grazie

When we arrived back at the hotel, the night manager picked our Australian accents and asked where were we from, Nth Dandenong, Croydon, Cheltenham etc,. he replied I was born in Springvale, but married a local girl 20 years ago and has settled in Palmi.

We had a wonderful chat and he said the Mafia were still active, just keep your nose clean don't rock the boat and you will be okay. Thanks Frank. Another full exciting day.

Meal drinks E73