breakfast is enjoyed at our b&b in the town/island of procida
today we are going island-hopping with a plan to get to ischia
a walk to the port and a wait at a cafe so coffee creme is taken
we're on the fast boat to ischia - a large, powerful catamaran
it's a 20 minute trip to this much larger and more famous island
the appeal for one of us - the talented mr ripley was filmed there
as we walk off the pier and towards the town a sign is spotted
scooter hire - a joking suggestion to hire a couple for the day
but why not - the lads are both familiar with motorcycles
in one case it's been a while but isn't it just like riding a....
the deal is done and we head off - 2 scooters and 4 people
we have a classic pale yellow vespa and matching helmets
it's a 125cc machine with no gearbox that pulls really well
we find this out early on as immediately we're heading up
we're on a route that should take us right around the island
over 20 kilometres of winding and climbing roads we are told
a bit of a nervous start but then quickly back into the groove
the other team have a bit more power and a bit less weight
so it's a challenge to balance rusty skills and need for speed
the first stop is at a lookout over the sea looking westward
photos taken and agreement we have made the right choice
with the limited time we have we will see a lot of the island
we mount up and ride to sant'angelo - the most southern point
the island is populous so we are constantly in towns and traffic
upon arrival we park the machines and walk down to the water
past shops closed for siesta and restaurants looking mostly empty
this small peninsula is clearly a popular spot also with a marina
we look onto that while enjoying lunch under some sun umbrellas
so hot - and into the sea we go at a rocky point with deep pools
as we emerge dark clouds are emerging so everyone is rushing
including us - the thought of a long ride back in rain concerning
no choice but to complete the circumnavigation of the island
and we head up, and up to take in spectacular views all around
fortunately the rain is brief though extra caution is required
somehow the gang splits in 2 close to the main town (ischia)
and we miss out on viewing the houses of the famous film
but we have seen so much more on this 2 wheel adventure
machines returned, cafe and coffee found, the ferry boarded
it's a long haul on this large slow vessel back to the mainland
but as the sun sinks we have great views in all directions
the car is recovered and then it's a near 3 hour drive north
a midnight arrival back at torrita tiberina for 4 tired people...
