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| My bike after the acciden |
We could go diving today … “Is my ear infection better? Do I want to get wet? How much would a scooter cost? So many questions, so early in the day. We eventually decided that a scoot around the island would be good, so we left Roger opting to catch up on his reading. The 125cc Honda for Diana and me cost 52 euros and Sheila’s 100cc was 40 euros. With the miserable rental employee’s words “you covered for car hitting you but any damage to my bike and you pay” ringing in my ears, we planned a route on the useless recommended map (6.50 euros) – there are better ones – and set off along the south coast.
When we reached Porto Ferraio in the north – yes, we got lost frequently and only reached planned destinations by default. All was well, fantastic scenery and quiet roads, and when we stopped to check the map again, “where’s Sheila?” “Oh my god, she’s down!” Sheila’s bike was lying in the road, having been shunted up the rear by an Italian motorist. Miraculously, Sheila’s injuries were mainly limited to bits of her which she wouldn’t show us and the Italian was helpfully rebuilding and restarting her bike. He then ‘phoned the rental office and promised to sort things out at the end of the day, admitting liability.
Anxious to go on, Sheila, plucky to the last, dusted herself down and we set off on a series of further missed turnings and serendipitous bays and roadside café/bars. Lunch was on a hillside overlooking a brilliant blue bay at the Hotel Paradiso, Veticcio, and ice cream on the south coast, beach side.
Back at the rental shop, misery’s mood was even darker as he checked the bikes for damage and full fuel tanks. He then called up the Italian motorist who said that he’d be there in 30 minutes to sort things out. The girls went in the sea and I went to a bar. When I got back to the rental shop, Sheila had been charged with three days loss of rental income for repairs to be made to the bike. Beware – lack of blame does not cover you for this charge. The Italian motorist split the charge 50/50 but the cost to Sheila was still 72 euros. As we were leaving, misery finally enquired as to Sheila’s well being and almost smiled – or was it the Italian’s equivalent of wind? The girls, not wanting to miss out, then insisted that we went back to the bar for a beer.
After getting some provisions, it was time to get back to Roger, who had been stranded at anchor on Susannah - it was now past 8 o’clock and we had left at 10 a.m.
We found our dinghy completely rammed in at the quay, and got out with much pushing and shoving. As we cleared the harbour, the fuel ran out and the girls paddled back to Susannah – well, I would have unbalanced the boat if I had moved to a comfortable rowing position!
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