Under a Very Hot Roman and Tuscan Sun

After three days of anchoring out off the Tuscan islands of Elba and Giannuiri, we pointed Lone Star toward Rome and on August 20 pulled in at Nautilus Marina on the Elba River in Fiumicino. This would be our home for the next 10 days while we explored Rome and Tuscany with our long time friends Kathy and Mike Stewart who were arriving on the 21st. We’ve known Kathy and Mike for years and have vacationed with them before. After we sold our house in February they graciously offered their home to us till we left in April to go cruising. We currently are storing a closet full of stuff in their house until we go back to the States in the fall and figure out where to live. The term “marina” is a bit of a stretch for where we docked. Nautilus Marina is actually a boat yard on the Elba River with side ties, water and electricity available for boats. Being August the office was closed and on vacation but the boat yard staff was still on duty. We felt a bit isolated but the staff was great and very helpful and spoke some English. The place served our purposes since we wouldn’t be on the boat other than to sleep and shower. Of course we had to make special preparations for our guests. Mike is a diehard T-sip and with us being Aggies we wanted to make sure he felt welcome. So of course the first order was to fly a special flag we had been saving in his honor. Kathy and Mike arrived without mishap on the 21st and after lunch, unpacking and stowing luggage we once again were on a mission to keep our guests up till dark thirty.

But you will have to wait for the rest of the story… Our days together were awesome and when we have decent internet the rest of the story will be told. Until then…Ciao!!