Prairie Boy

Thursday Oct. 13

Our travels today involve a boat ride to see the coastline from the Mediterranean, a swim and a lunch at a secluded beach.  We had no idea of all the excitement that was in store for us.

On the boat.

The village of Vibonati sitting on top of a ridge.

I had seen very few birds along this coast, especially gulls which normally are very common in communities by the sea.  A few appeared as we rode along in the boat but were quite a distance away.

Our chance to swim in the Mediterranean appeared as our boat pulled up onto a remote beach with no other people around.

Off the boat prior to our swim.

The secluded beach for our swim.

The most exciting part of the day was meeting Saverio who was the most remarkable Shepard, cook, musician, builder, singer you could imagine.  We really felt he was the real deal for meeting a local character.  He prepared a delicious lunch of many kinds of meat, tomato salad with fresh basil picked right from the small garden plot.

Saverio's historical Shepard's shelter converted into his present day kitchen.

Cathy and Linda with the sausage and cheese that he had made and prepared for us.

As we were eating our meal Saverio appeared with his accordion and began to play and sing Italian ballads, love songs and dance music. Don was in his element and soon began to jam with Saverio.   

Saverio and his accordion.

Two famous Italian musicians!

It was not long before the 'Fat Ass Dancers' could not hold themselves back.

Everyone really enjoyed watching the dancing and listening to the music.  It really was a magical moment and everyone was sad to say goodbye to Saverio as he danced and played on the beach as the boat motored back to our dock.

After docking and unloading we were treated to a local slow food restauranteur who produces fabulous chocolates, cookies and cappuccino Italiano. We managed some financial housekeeping by getting Rolf to help us figure out how to use our bank cards to withdraw Euros.  Then we were back home for a beautiful sunset with the most unusual hole in the clouds showing through as a burning red flame.