Beautiful Bays and Beaches
Italy (Sicily) Stage 12 – Noto to Siracusa 41 Km (Sat 2 June 2018)
Weather: 19⁰C min – 29⁰C max, clear and sunny
“The body achieves what the mind believes.” ~ Unknown
It doesn’t seem like 12 days since I caught the ferry from Naples to Palermo to commence my anti-clockwise tour of the beautiful island of Sicily. But here I am in Siracusa, having just completed my last stage before catching the train to Catania tomorrow morning.
Clear, sunny, warm days are the norm here and today was no different. Riding was a joy as I sniffed the early morning air, with just a faint scent of lemons as I cruised past the many orchards on my way out of Noto.
As I rode along on the quiet Strada Provinciale roads through lovely countryside I couldn’t help reflecting on what a wonderful tour it has been, with everything going like clockwork … no navigational problems, good accommodation, amazing cuisine, spectacular scenery, bicycle performing well, rider still going OK (for a 72 year old). Yes, I will always have fond memories of my time in Sicily!
With not a care in the world I sailed along merrily for about 13 Km until I came to the seaside town of Avola, a good spot to stop for my morning coffee. Reaching into my pocket for some loose change, I found the keys to the B&B I stayed at in Noto last night. My first inclination was to return to Noto, but decided against it when I realised it would add 26 Km to my ride. Instead, I phoned the B&B and said I would return the keys by post, which the proprietor was OK with. Problem solved.
For the next 10 Km until I reached Fontane Bianchi there was a string of fabulous beaches with real sand like I am used to in Sydney. Being Sunday morning everyone and their dog was at the beach, except for the dozens of cyclists out for their Sunday morning ride.
Traffic became very heavy for the last few Km into Siracusa, so it was important to focus on the road in front of me rather than being distracted by the scenery. Fortunately I arrived safely, so my cycling in Italy is now complete (until the next time).
Siracusa is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world.
But more importantly it has good gelato and granita (which originated in Sicily), very refreshing on a warm summer day such as this.
What a life!
Well Kev you have done it again! great photos fab scenery. Fancy riding off in the sunset with the house keys.
Now your “free papers” are burnt you soon have to get back to reality!!
Safe ride at your next destination.
Congratulations on completing your Italian tour!! Syracusa looks delightful – love the “no complaining” sign – is it in English for the benefit of tourists (and not locals)?
Thanks Sophie. Siracusa is a marvellous town, I couldn’t find anything to complain about at all! Although you are not supposed to take photos inside the Archimedes museum, I couldn’t resist sneaking one if the sign when I saw it in the entrance foyer.