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Fantasy cruising grounds

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Graham W:
The far western coast of Sicily, based out of Trapani or Marsala. Beautiful clear blue seas, several islands just offshore with ancient ruins (Phoenicians and others) and many white sandy beaches.  Plus Sicilian food and wines to sample and an interestingly mountainous interior (Corleone anyone?) to explore during off days. From the UK it would probably take four days of trailering and two ferries to get there and isn’t going to happen any time soon - just a pleasant fantasy.

Llafurio:
The western half of Sicilia is a real marvel. But IMO no need to bring a boat. We flew in to Palermo, with just rucksacks and boots, and hopped counterclockwise from place to place using public transport, free as birds. The main attractions are onshore, the temples of Selinunt and Agrigent, and the fresh local seafood restaurants everywhere. Trapani and Sciacca were our favourites. And Palermo of course.
A boat would have hindered us to take it all in.

Llafurio:
And not to forget: Kenmare Bay. There will be a Drascombe gathering there from June 16th. , and they will have a few local BRs along with them.

P.S.
For the "Fantasy" bit, from Kenmare Bay you can sail around Skellig Michael, a.k.a. the domain of the Jedi.

garethrow:
I really like the look and sound of Kenmare Bay and would have contemplated joining the DA rally there this year but have commited all my spends to Mylor this year. Although the DA rallies are usually very reasonably priced, thre is a £520 ferry fare from Wales to Ireland and back unfortunately. Maybe next year.

Gareth Rowlands
GRP BR20 Halen Y Mor, ex S17 Gwennol Teifi

Llafurio:
Gareth,

Kenmare Bay is a ria, a deep mountain valley flooded by the Atlantic. Being Fjord-like, flanked by some of Irelands highest mountains, it funnels the long Atlantic swell and southwest breezes far inland. Flanked by subtropical vegetation.

There is spectacular and exceptional wildlife over, on, and below the surface of Kenmare Bay. Not that one meets the Blue Whale or the White Tail Sea Eagle every single day of the week, but a very common sight is for instance -in July- when dolphins and gannets seemingly hunt together, with dolphins rounding up the shoals of sprat and mackerel, and clouds of gannets swooping down for their share.

All under threat, of course, but still relatively intact. Best seen sooner than later.

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