Maundy Thursday opened with bright sunshine (and a bit of a chill northerly breeze) We left the Marina at low tide (springs) and motored. Well why pay for a ‘riber’ trip when you can do your own ? All very pleasant since not many other boats around and plenty of twitching to be done.
Plenty of images on Picasa so remember to have a look.
Anchored in the middle off Al Coutim and went ashore a local band was playing in the street 3 accordions, a trumpet and a couple of drums. Mike was already alongside and said “Hi” as we passed, he told us about a beach recently made up a side branch of the river so off we went in search, needless to say I was happy to get an afternoons sunbathing in to sort out the few lines already growing. Malcolm preferred to have a walk.
Saturday was Grandmothers confectionary day so we had a good look, all very traditional and yummy more music on stage and in the streets, we had a look at the old Castle and the library and after a picnic lunch Malcolm went for another walk and I sat in the sun and read.
Sunday we decided to look at the Spanish side of San Lucar Malcolm had his eye on the highest spot which was another castle so off we went . It turned out to be pretty derelict but offered tremendous views of the surroundings. The only other people we saw were a couple on a BMV touring bike who were from Cashcais and had a holiday cottage just up the river at Pomeroi.
After descending we had a mixed meat and cheese board with salad at a Brasserie and then went up another hill to some windmills.
Monday (7th?) we motored back down to Laranjeiros, just the day since there was a nice cool breeze to take the edge from the HOT SUN!
Tuesday returned to Ayamonte over night.
Wednesday sailed all the way from Ayamonte to Mazagon. It is the first time we have sailed from port to port without resorting to the engine . At one point we even contemplated continuing to Chebiona but as the day went on the wind became fluky so we berthed at Mazagon while our luck was in. Needless to say we celebrated!
Thursday another great day so we slipped early and sailed again for Chebiona. During the afternoon the wind died and we started the engine but within minutes there was a nasty small and funny noise , so it was turned off. Malcolm had undone the engine covers to find the whole compartment thick with smoke—no fire thanks be! Wow now the ‘Fun’ began in earnest. No engine no wind to sail and miles from civilization. We decided to return to Mazagon and had a range of winds from 0-12 knots. This meant that we were back by 6 ish.
As we came closer we radioed the Marina , who obligingly said they could tow us into a birth –hold that moment– a little later a small motorboat came by who turned out to be Customs officials but I thought they were here to tow us they asked what our problem was and said that yes they could tow us. Next a much larger Customs boat came by and to cut a long story short failed to help at all but generally got in the way and took a hit from Piano (who by this time must have been getting upset) I wish I’d had time for the video camera… they knew we were under sail but ignored the fact that we were moving so gaily crossed our bow! And naturally were rammed!
Meanwhile the first two chaps were having a whale of a time trying to attach a line and tow us, if they had any experience they might have achieved their goal but after 20 minutes effort to no avail we persuaded them to let us anchor.
That done they refused a beer but came aboard to do their paperwork. Malcolm then went to check in at the Marina office where he was told that they had no provision for towing boats in !
So back aboard we decided that it would be more comfortable in the marina than at anchor and there was a possible gale on the way. We launched Crescendo and tied her alongside and I provided the power while Malcolm did the harder part of coming alongside and tying up. This was all done in far less time and with no hassle at all. Time for a beer.
Next day we stop by at two Spanish outlets who tell us that they are up to their necks with work and couldn’t help us until June! -at least they were honest! The third said a mechanic would be round by 12.30. We returned to have coffee and a closer look at our problem.
That's it until we know more so take a look at the pictures on Picasa at your leisure.
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