18th May Passage to Aςores.

The Passage to Aςores.

After rushing about making the final preparations, we finally left Portimao in the early afternoon of May 18, hoping that the 750nm passage to Ponta Delgado would take between 6 and 7 days. Along the coast of the Algarve the wind was very light and variable, with an annoying swell. However,as daylight faded and we approached Cabo San Vicente, the wind rapidly piped up to over 20 knots from the North and we soon had 3 reefs in. We had delayed the evening meal too long, so that we ended up with everything happening at once—darkness, reefing and eating. For Sue this would turn out to be the only meal of the trip!

The next day and a half passed uneventfully, making good progress on a beam reach in a Northerly Force 4-5. For a while we picked up a couple of hitchhikers, in the form of a couple of little birds who explored the boat thoroughly before flying off. Sue wasn’t well enough to get out of her bunk, so it was a bit tiring for me being on watch the whole time, although I did manage to snatch enough sleep to get by. The shipping was pretty heavy initially but thinned out quite a bit, as we made our way west. I was very thankful for the AIS to help me assess the ships around us.

The morning of the second full day at sea turned out to be a defining moment for the trip. I went to start the generator as normal to replenish the batteries after the night but absolutely nothing happened. Eventually I spotted that everytime I pressed the preheat switch, a relay on the generator tripped out. This had happened once before when in harbour but on that occasion, just resetting the relay fixed things. Now, it seemed permanent though, so it looked as if we would have to rely on the engine for charging, which was less than ideal. Even less ideal was the fact that when I started the engine, the starter motor failed to disengage—the same problem as had lead to us buring out the previous starter motor earlier in the year. This time we spotted the problem quickly and realized that it was caused by the key not returning to its proper position after starting, so it was easily fixed. The engine was now running but we didn’t know whether we had damaged the starter motor, so we were faced with a dilemma. Should we turn the motor off once the batteries were charged and take the risk that we couldn’t get it started again or play for safety and leave it running. We chose the safe but noisy option and left it running for the next 100 hours!

A little after this we suffered the final setback of the trip, when the forecasts started showing the weather to be becoming rather unfavourable. A depression moving out from between Portugal and N Africa in a few days time was going to pinch the isobars together, increasing the wind but more significantly changing the direction into the NW. The best tactics for us appeared to be to stay on a beam reach on starboard tack and let the backing wind carry us down to the South. For once, things played out just as planned. By the early hours of 23 May , the wind had backed and freshened to Force 6-7 and instead of heading straight for Ponta Delgado on Sao Miguel, our course was taking us halfway between Santa Maria and Madeira! However, the condition weren’t too unpleasant, as we had very little in the way of rain and a fair amount of sunshine. By then end of May 24, the wind had started to moderate and veer back a little. With it forecast to go back into the North but very light, it made sense to change our destination to Santa Maria, so we could turn the engine off as soon as possible! At first light on 25 May we tacked and with a little help from the engine, were shaping a reasonable course towards Santa Maria.
By midday we had more typical Azorean weather with a glassy calm sea and were glad of the mechanical horse. The dead calm didn’t last too long and then we had gentle Force 2-3 until, at sunset, I sighted the island 30 miles to the North. The pilot book advised against a first time night entry into the harbour of Vila do Porto, so we sailed very gently onwards until we about 10 miles off, then waited for dawn. There was no other traffic about, so this gave me the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Eventually the sun rose behind the island, heralding a beautiful morning and all the tribulations of the voyage were forgotten. At 9am we were safely secured in the marina where, in spite of the hour, I celebrated with a cold beer. The marina is only 2 years old and people don’t seem to have discovered it yet, so it was almost empty. There were just 6 yachts when we arrived but no other British ones among them. In the best Azorean tradition, the staff were very friendly and helpful, with no language problems, so we could soon settle back to recover from the voyage. Instead of 6-7 days, it had taken almost 8 days and we had ended up at a different island from that originally intended but we had made it in one piece!!

After Seville

Our next visit was to San Lucar de Barremeda. Weather not too good so we took rain wear. The really helpful guy in the tourist office recommended the Ice Factory which has been turned into an interpretive centre for the Donana National Park, it also has some history of C. Columbus where he had contact with the town. Lunch was on the Bajo de Guia an upmarket seafront eating area where we had our first Spanish ‘Tapas’. It included Octopus, mussels, clams, salted sardines, and ‘caviar’, with salsa and salad. We had started eating under the sun awning but when the rain fell in earnest we took our plates inside.
Suitably replete we then did the tourist trail—marked by a thick red line around the town. ALL the churches and monuments were by now closed for the afternoon (4 o’clock) but we knew what we were missing because at each was a board telling us!
Saturday we prepared again for heavy weather sailing and slipped for Cadiz (Cadith). With 15-25 knots on the nose all the way, seas slightly confused and rather big rollers. All three reefs in and Malcolm played about with the foresails to get the best combination-but hey this was only one day of so many peaceful days and I coped very well –on deck the whole time and happy! Arrived Cadiz 8.30. Dinner (fish & Chips) and bed.
Sunday more wind and rain but plenty to see in Cadiz.
The best views were from the top of the Cathedral ’Santa Cruz’’, but before we did this we took a cycle ride around the outskirts on the Atlantic side through the ‘Parque Genovés. This was very formal with plenty of summer bedding and numerous side ponds along a central walk. These were possibly fed from a waterfall which gave a cooling influence (aaah). Also in this park was another Theatre- ‘Permain’ but it had the look of rather desolate and forgotten.
Further on we came to the Castillo Santa Catalina. This has a large sundial and various sculpts in the grounds. The newer buildings house artists exhibitions. The two we happened to catch were of Digital photography and acrylics. They were both excellent. The photographer had used an ultra wide angle lens to capture almost a whole street (how amazing since the said streets were soo narrow!) and the depth of field even picked out feathers on the odd errant pigeon. The paintings were Brazilian Naïve (similar to Lowry) but the topics were very diverse. From harvesting coffee and sweetcorn , the town square with children playing, to wedding ceremonies. No cameras were allowed which is a shame since I can’t do them justice. We continued along the esplanade to see the old fishing harbour. Next we cut into the town and found the municipal market for our fresh veggies and a supermarket for sundries.
There are three walks for the city each with a bold coloured line to show us the way. We spent the next few days following them. Generally the streets are quite narrow and the buildings three or four stories high. Most windows have iron bars protecting them. The most colourful plaza was that with all the flower sellers. Perfume flooded the air.
Another couple of hours was needed for the Archbishops House archaeological site. Basically everyone and his dog had used the site for their house, starting with the Romans, Moors and progressing to the archbishop in later times. The depth of excavations is enormous with underground tanks for the treatment of certain health problems and dark rooms to lie in to be cured. On top of this is the oil storage area where at least 6 huge amphora have been sunk/or filled in around before the next builders laid the floor for the stables. There was also a sacrifice area with a dish of food given as an offering which was excavated in tact !
We managed to get hold of Marina Bay on Gibraltar to book a berth over the weekend so everything has been dropped for a short sail to Barbate.
OK I lied! It would have been shorter but for the Tuna nets which take up most of the entrance to the Marina. The only way through was across to the far side and back round! We didn’t venture into the town it looked soulless and dead. Up early the next day for the sail to Gibraltar.
0800 slip and straight away we were rigged with full sails.. Rather than putting the engine on when the wind dropped we hoisted the MPG and were more than pleased with the turn of power. By the time we reached Tarifa the wind was astern and increasing (5-7 knots boat speed) I should just say that the Atlantic is narrowed by the Straits starting at Tarifa so the water and winds increase accordingly. The pilot book reckoned that winds of 30 knots are said to blow for 300 days of the year !! Anyway we flew into the bay and had to slow right down for fear of all the traffic! Oil tankers, container boats and so many ferries all made for a stressful entry. Enough once we turned into the Marina it got quieter. We moored bow to and got the passerelle out to use as a path. Then time for a cool beer. Then out to look for British Fish & Chips Yum Yum!
Day 1 we cycled to the cable car station but were sold a mini bus ride up to all the sights, which turned out to be very good value. Plus no mountaineering from the Barbary apes to the tunnels! Awesome views from the top -yachts in the bay look so tiny ! After the tour we had lunch and saw the Botanical Gardens.
Day 2. Another day to see the interior of the city. As expected rather a lot of British tourist.
Day 3. Chilled out during the day-but then a trip to ‘Morrisons’ where we stocked up with stuff not available in Spain nor Portugal. The big plus was Granary bread AND English flour!. The small Marks & Sparks had a food department so I also stocked up on extra strong Tea bags (1000) so they should last a while! Finally out for duty free booze. I had a pleasant afternoon in the city archives looking for anything to do with nurses during the second war. I found two ledgers which exactly fit the bill but neither contained my grandmothers name. The archivist said that if she had been attached to the Naval Hospital then the documents would be back in Kew ! Ho hum but is was a very relaxing afternoon! We also had to fill up with cheap diesel (50p/l). This done we were ready for the return trip.
Up early and slipped for Cadiz . We left Gibraltar with very little wind and decided to hoist 3 reefs and Full Yankee, then down 2 reefs then 3 then just the Staysail ( you guessed the wind was increasing! 40 knots apparent and 9 knots boat speed WOW who needs a bungee jump for an adrenaline rush ? It was still dark when we arrived so we were careful not to wake the neighbours. Graham next door was surprised to find us cleaning the salt from the decks, windows you name it… Finally we did some more sightseeing. No help given to the visiting cruise liners this time.
Final leg was to be straight to Portimão. (10 hours ha ha). The winds were light and even with the MPG we made little progress. When the wind finally came up it had changed direction and (yes) came from dead ahead. So we ended up motoring and got in about midnight then changed our watches to Portuguese time.
First day cleaned Piano again and rinsed the salt from the MPG and other sails, made bread and finally did some washing.
While we were back in our old berth we had John Holloway out to check the starter motor and the switch behind the key. Comforting to know that he said it was all working perfectly. We also met up with Kerry and John who came over for lunch from their anchorage in Alvor. To reciprocate they accompanied us to the flea market and onto Monchique where they used a mountain spring to refill their water supplies. Of course this included a picnic lunch laid on by Kerry with home made Ginger Beer from my old recipe!
Last few days and time to provision for the passage to the Aςores, Three main meals, 2 quiches, green, pasta, rice and potato salad for lunches. Last of all easily accessible emergency food just in case.
We ended up slipping after lunch and had a pleasant sail to Cabo San Vincente. Where after reefing I went down for a rest…..

Sevilla

Seville Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It was built on the location of the High Mosque of Seville, demolished in the 15th century, and for many centuries was the biggest religious monument in all of Christendom. It contains five aisles of Gothic style with a large transept, site of the Main Chapel, a construction which boasts a magnificent altarpiece and a Plateresque Grill. The Cathedral was designed by Alonso Martínez, Simón de Colonia and Juan Gil de Ontañón. The works were finished off in 1506, with a Plateresque Royal Chapel in the temple's sanctuary, later used as the place of burial of Fernando III el Santo and his son, Alfonso X el Sabio. The city's patron saint, Virgen de los Reyes, presides over the altar. The Cathedral also houses the Chapel of the Virgen de la Antigua, a construction of important Colombian influences, the Sepulchre of Christopher Columbus, a choir with spectacular Mudejar stalls and exuberant Baroque organ boxes.
The Cathedral Museum contains works by great painters. codexes and choir books, and ornaments and a sumptuous collection of gold work. Bordering the Cathedral are remnants of the old mosque, the Patio de Los Naranjos (Patio of the Orange Trees) and the
Giralda, the city's most prominent monument. Built on a foundation of Roman stones carried from Itálica, it was continued in brick by the Almohades, who decorated the façades with sebka work and poly-lobed horseshoe windows. The tower, a later Christian work, is crowned with a spectacular Renaissance bell shaft. We recommend climbing to the top to contemplate the splendid view of the city from the Giralda See image in Sevilla Folder

Indies Archives built in times of Felipe II, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. A Truly impressive building which began life as a trading centre then a tenement building and now the ‘National Archives’ which has allowed it to be opened to the visiting public. It had a display of ancient Pirates which although had no English translation was superb. With much original papers from the times (1500’s etc) on display together with artefacts from the same time frame.
See image in Sevilla Folder

Real Alcazar (one of the oldest royal residences in Europe), declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. This same location has been occupied by a series of different buildings a Roman acropolis, a Paleochristian Basilica, different Visigothic buildings, a Moorish castle, and the first Moorish Fortress of the 9th century. Pedro I built the Mudejar palace, a mixture of Gothic elements with Mudejar plaster and offer work. Especially interesting are the Patio de la Montería (Hunting Patio), the Patio de las Doncellas (Maidens Patio), the Patio de las Muñecas (Dolls Patio) and the impressive Salón de los Embajadores (Ambassador's Hall), with its huge golden Cupola of the mid-15th century. Next to the Mudejar palace stands the Palace of Carlos V, adjacent to the Jardines del Alcazar of Moorish inspiration with Renaissance and Romantic elements.

As impressive was the Iglesia de El Salvador a Baroque Collegiate Church which, was built on the site of a Roman –Visigothic basilica dating from AD 711. Back into the peaceful streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz, an old Jewish neighbourhood. From this point, Vida street leads to the Alley del Agua (Water), bordering the walls of the Alcázar. A large number of typical popular buildings line this street, protected by iron gates which open onto patios profusely decorated with flowers. The street leads into the Square of Santa Cruz, presided over by the Cross of the Cerrajería (locksmith's), which connects the neighbourhood with the Murillo Gardens. Leaving this square along Santa Teresa street we arrive at the Convent of San José, a 17th century building. Continuing along the streets López de Rueda and Reinoso, we arrive in the Square of Los Venerables, and the Hospital de Los Venerables Sacerdotes, a large Baroque building founded in 1675 as an asylum for priests. It contains the frescoes painted by Valdés Leal and by his son.
The Hospital de los Venerables is now used for art exhibitions. Gloria street leads to the typical Square of Doña Elvira, and then to the Square of the Alianza, adjacent to the Alcázar walls. Further along, Gloria street connects with Mateos Gagos street, full of lively bars and taverns. Continuing along, Abades street which connects with Bamberg street, here are Roman columns the remains of a temple dedicated to Mercury, which gives the street the name of Mármoles (Marble).

The square of Santa María La Blanca contains the 18th century façade of the Palace of Altamira. To one side, the Church of Santa María La Blanca, was built over the remains of an old synagogue. The interior was redecorated in the 17th century with some of the most creative Baroque plaster work anywhere in Seville, the work of the Borja brothers. Archeros street leads to the Parish Church of San Bartolomé. Nearby, on Levíes street, stands the Palace of Mañara, thehome of Miguel de Mañara, model for Don Juan Tenorio, famous character of world
literature. It is an impressive Renaissance building with an interesting façade bearing fresco paintings which imitate brick surfaces.
Continuing on to the Plaza de las Mercedarias and then along to the Vidrio street, the visitor reaches the Parish Church of San Esteban, Mudejar building of the late 14th century with interesting, early 15th-century Gothic doorways.
This was enough for the day—needless to say we had dinner (Spanish Paella) before the bus trip home.
Day 2
The House of Pilatos
This was a pay to view site but well worth it. Interesting for its blend of Gothic, Mudejar, Italian Renaissance and classic elements. It is the seat of the present Duchess of Medina whatever and her living area is not on view. However, there were quite a few good paintings and the marketry, plaster work and tile work (bordering on mosaics) were all very impressive. We had a packed lunch in the cool shade of the gardens before hitting the streets again.
From the square of Pilatos we continued along Águilas street. On its left-hand side was the Convent of Santa María de Jesús . Mudejar style of the early 16th century. Further along Rodrigo Marín street, we skirted the side of the Church of San Ildefonso one of the few neoclassical constructions of Seville, built in the 18th-century with an interesting main façade and two towers. Next was a bus ride to the Feria!

Apart from Easter this is the other big event in Sevilla - the Feria de Abril (April Fair). It was created in the mid-19th century as an agricultural and cattle fair. Slowly it turned into a fair for the celebration of the Andalusian countryside within the city. For a couple of months Sevillians work to assemble an artificial city of canvass booths, lights and small lanterns. It covers an area comparable with Blackbush market (for those who know it) The celebration begins with a procession to the fair - ground. Everyone who still has a trap goes by 1,2,4 or even 5 horse– drawn trap, which has been cleaned and polished to within an inch of it’s life. The inhabitants of Sevilla then flock to the event. Men are dressed in short jackets, boots and chaps, the traditional Spanish riding gear—or otherwise smart black suits with those ‘panama’ styled hats and the women wearing colourful dresses with ruffles. For the next few days all who have been invited to an hospitality tent make their way (on foot) carrying bags of waterbottles. Of course the ladies have their highest stiletto shoes on and probably suffer since the party may go on until six the next morning! A board at the gate lists the names of families and where they are to be found. You can only join their tent if you are invited and then have to get past the bouncer at the entrance. Meanwhile the method of moving around from tent to tent is by carriage or shanks pony. More images on Picasa. And a footnote: it was 32º C and full sun the day we were there! We won’t mention the last train home—but suffice it to say we slept in the next day!

We Fixed it!

No picture but suffice it to say that after waiting round all morning we gave up on the marina mechanic and Malcolm removed the offending item and replaced it with the reconditioned (but noisey) spare. There were a few choice words from himself since it was all done upside down and undernearth the engine but after the struggle it WORKS and is not very noisey at all!
So off we went to settle up withthe Marina ,cleared the decks ready for sailing and off we went to Chipiona it was a marvellous sail and we arrived early evening no births available til today so we had dinner and retired.
Did a bike tour of Chipiona this morning and came out to book a berth at Puerto Gelves but need an English speaker so will have to have another try tomorrow. From there we will be able to do Seville! so watch this space.Generally good weather while in Chipiona most suitable for sightseeing, it was from here that we took the bus to Sevilla where there are no less that three World Heritage sites to be visited I have copied the details from the tourist guide to give an idea. Just imagine the aching feet which accompany a weary traveller. All the other sights should be labelled in the Sevilla folder on Picasa. Let me know if I’ve got any wrong please

The Guardiana April

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.

Villamoura (continued)

We couldn’t resist getting the cycles out and doing some exercise . First trip was along the cliffs towards Albefura but it was tough going and we should have had mountain bikes for the terrain. The following day we had a more leisurely ride through the Park Ambiental stopping at two bird hides and seeing most of the local species including a Purple Swamp Hen (Phorhphyrio phorphyrio or maybe Gallinula chlorpus but I'm not sure since it was too far away!)
We took these long suffering friends out for a sail on the Friday but it was not the best of days (a bit too rolly), that said it was Denise's first ever sail and she loved it.
Malcolm did a coolant change on Saturday and managed to sheer a pipe off which meant another engineer aboard to fix the problem but no spares needed from the Yanmar dealer tee hee. Sunday we visited Faro and Taviera –both were reasonably quiet and well worth a visit if you get to the area.
Tuesday we sailed for Olhao - and got most of the way there without motoring! Being near to the coast it meant we had to look out for fishing buoys and keep clear of the fishing fleet, that done we did see a massive school of Dolphins! When it got to teatime and we still had to navigate the very shallow waters of the estuary we decided to motor the last bit.
Wednesday took the Avon across to Olhao and sauntered around the old town, rather a wet trip back to ‘Piano’ as the weather changed from good sun to yucky rain. Luckily we had taken splash tops so only legs got wet with spray! Nice to have a hot shower to wash off all the salt!
Thursday was also dreary so did some more boat jobs. Friday weather improved sufficiently to take Cescendo to Culatra which is supposed to be a 'nature reserve' It has a small fishing harbour and a jetty for the local ferry out. At low tide most of the shores dry out so we tried up to a beach rope and went exploring. The small town has three 'pastelaria' - where you drink refreshments and a couple of restaurants. The nature trail takes you to the Atlantic beach and long it. Along the strand line were dead fishing buoys, and old ropes also plenty of plastic bottles. We crossed to the landward side and although less breeze the was far more washed up junk. Having said that it may be a management ploy to keep tourists away!
Sunday motor-sailed to Ayamonte, Spain. We needed to berth at high tide so with the wind fluky were quite stressed at not being able to do proper sailing. This was the start of Easter Holy Week so the museums and tourist spots had altered opening times. Due to the festival atmosphere. We stayed up late to watch one of the Religious processions which involved people dressed up with pointy hats looking rather like the Klu Klux Klan trailing around huge floats which had either Jesus or Mary on top surrounded by huge candles and plenty of ‘Gold’ covering it. It must have been quite heavy as there were about twenty odd men underneath carrying it at a very slow pace. Behind came the church band of trumpets flutes and drums. This all carried on until the small hours.
Since our next stop will be up the Rio Guadiana we have unpacked the bikes and were able to take a cycle ride along the coast to look at the beach areas. To the East of Ayamonte are three beaches with their tourist hotels and apartments. It looks as though the recession has hit the area –many are for sale.
Final day in Ayamonte I baked a Simnel cake which turned out rather over cooked but still edible and a couple of Quiches. We found real milk so stocked up (it’s mostly UHT in Spain) and I made chocolate mousse instead of doing Easter Eggs. So the freezer is full and we are ready to hit some anchorages.

February/March so far...

The rest of the time in Praia de Rocha was spent waiting for Jerry (who is making the new sprayhood and bimini) and giving him a hand in his workshop. He tore his Achilles tendon and has also been back to GB for surgery. He is managing to get about but shouldn’t really be stressing it too much!
Kerry and John are back from GB and are thinking of the Guardiana so invited us on a reccy ride. Rather a long drive along the coast to Vila Real de Santo Antonio (coffee stop) and then up to Alcoutim and further to Mertola where we crossed the river . We stopped for chocolate at the Reservoir and took a picture of the ‘Barragem’ which has been opened to let all the surface water through. Needless to say the whole of the Guadiana is in full flood. Up maybe 2 metres on its summer height, it will need to drop a bit before we tackle it. Last stop at the port of Ayamonte in Spain.
Next day we were travelling with Anton & Denise again this time to look at the western end of the Algarve , lunch at Luz then onto Cabo de São Vincinte which we last visited on holiday back in the ’90s - it now has a tourist trail out to the Light-house.
The new Spray hood Bimini and awning was finally completed on Friday 12th March so we sailed for Vilamoura on the Saturday. We have told Jerry that we will be back to pick up the sail cover in April.
Why Vilamoura I hear you ask ? Well Anton & Denise were back again and it was a pleasant change of Marina. The sail round was excellent - all I ever wanted ! We arrived about 5.30 and were invited around to the Sigwarts for dinner - delicious and soo satisfying after a long days sail.
Monday we visited Evora - another walled city but with very few tourists. Lots of narrow streets and oozing history.-plenty of pictures on Picasa. Also made a detour on the way home up to Evora Monte for another castle but as usual closed on Mondays . However, the panoramic views from the tiny village perched at the top were still spectacular.