Middle-aged flash packers

Sweet breakfast again today but not a patch on Villa Ambra’s. Did I tell you I liked Villa Ambra?
We decided to visit the pools of Cava Cassibile today. They are in a gorge not far from Avola and are supposed to be very pretty.
When we arrived, it wasn’t at all clear as to where to park. We seemed to be parking in someone’s farm but as there was nowhere else, we left our car there. There were a load of very stinky goats there and an interesting fence around the field made from old bed frames.
Anyway, we didn’t worry too much as its a hire car, and off we trotted towards the reserve. A very friendly ranger met us there and showed us all the wonderful herbs that grow wild all over the Sicillian countryside. Later we saw the goats feasting on them and Imagined how tasty the goats would be – no extra flavouring required!
The walk down to the gorge was very pretty, with lizards scampering away from us in all directions.
The river had made several lovely bathing pools, with one looking particularly deep. I gave it a wide berth, but of course Steve chose this one to jump into and literally boomeranged back out of it as it was so cold.
We wandered back out of the canyon and retrieved our car, which was thankfully still intact. Like Costa Rica, locals here seem very paranoid about thieves and advise you never to leave stuff in your car etc, etc. in both of the places we have stayed, the security is very tight.
After a quick cuppa back at our room, we then strolled along the beaches of Avola. I’m not being unfair when I say the beaches are not the best I’ve seen. They look unkempt and forlorn. However, it was fascinating to see Sicillian life as we wandered along. Run down but charismatic old houses next door to renovated villas, old ladies sitting by their front door, watching people come and go. The houses are very close to each other and it’s clear a strong sense of community still survives.
As a tourist it’s impossible to tell the extent of the Mafioso influence here. What you can see is the lack of industry in a place that formerly thrived on fishing and canning. It feels as though a once prosperous and proud place has fallen into recession and depression. Very sad for these warm and friendly people.