We had an uneventful day crossing to Taormina which was very welcome.
We booked a berth with George who runs a 'Yacht Hotel' in Taormina Bay.
Essentially he puts in moorings for the summer, provides boat boys and 24 hour service and you can leave your boat unattended happily. 
We scooted up the hill for granites at Bam Bar / delicious and oohed and aahed at all the people. Packed!
Mt Etna smoking away just above us. First light.
So our plan was to head up through the Straits and head for Scilla out on the other side but the wind and swell were so bad we had to turn back, re group and try again tomorrow
Second go much better – again we left at first light and other than a malestrom in the middle it was pretty good.
Ferry traffic is huge and the area is very busy between Messina and Villa San Giovanna but Rog was a star – helped by his crew and we are through.
Georgi and I have climbed to the top of the Volcano on Vulcano this morning – Sunday 27th August. Strenuous to say the least and beautiful up here.
We are moored in Porto Levante and the islands you can see in the distance are Lipari and Salina.
Stromboli is out to the right and big, the two smaller ones in front Panarea.
A still morning as you can see and this weather is to continue for some time.
Bye for now
janeandrogersadventure 