Musing on the Med

The Mediterranean is our constant companion day and night while here. Waves and wind accompany our balcony in an endless pleasure. My mornings start with the sunrise at my back while watching the fishing fleet head out for the horizon. Sometimes they go east, sometimes west and I am assured that the do know best in these decisions. They have easy journeys on the mostly glassy seas.

The tides here vary in the centimeter ranges rather than the feet of the ocean. Still the small rise and fall must matter to the fishing fleet. The solulanar tables I found do reflect the timings of their departure so that they will be out when fishing might be best-- during the mid morn to afternoon these days. The twenty or so boats leave pretty much en mass for their destination and make my morning parade a pleasant diversion from my internet news. A few return in evening sunset and the rest stay out to return at unknown hours with fresh catch for the markets in town. It all looks and smells delicious in markets and restaurants.

The fishing in the Med seems to be regulated to control overfishing by adjacent countries very simply. It leaves me to wonder if it is followed as required. What we don't see here are the big shrimp boats we often watch in the Gulf and Atlantic. The only "shrimp" in waters here are the lovely langoustine with their hard lobsters-like shells. Familiar shrimp listed on the fishing regulations from the Atlantic shores where they are abundant. The Med may have straggler shrimp, but probaly not enough to own a boat for. Some of the smaller boats carry catch pots for lobster and langoustine fishing and they can be seen out tending their pots nearer the shore from our balcony.

Nearer the weekend on Friday afternoon,there is usually a gathering of sailboats from the marina nearby that politely keep station while stragglers arrive at the designated departure point. Slack sails then turn to and the whole group leaves for the horizon to feed their love of wind and water. They are a mindless pleasure from our balcony and I will probably miss their return Sunday evening, as we will be heading for our hotel for our departure on Monday.

Next week we will do our own sailing from Stockholm and test the Baltic seas with the help of another ship's crew. For now, I will continue to listen to the waves and the sun inspired chatter from the local green parrots that have awakened. Two have just buzzed my balcony on the way to breakfast. The ground crew are busy setting up the sprinklers to mix their pulsing sound with the waves. It's nearly 9 AM and sunbathers are arriving to claim their spot for the day. One hardy pair of nude buns is already in the water. Brrrr... To cold for me to think about. I'm wearing a light jacket and the light wind is keeping it on for awhile longer. All can be assured the sun will improve the day to a warm glow. The cats have already claimed their warming perches on the pool paths out of the sprinkler range. I wonder how that one got up on that roof? Life is a good warm sunbath!

Best to all!
mt