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.

December/January Portimao

December.
The start of the month the weather was glorious! Lots of sun and very pleasant temperatures. Towards the end of the month it turned rather worse. Depression after depression rolled in from the south and with it massive waves breaking onto the beaches. They also found there way into the Marina and we had to move to the aft cabin for some peace and quiet at night. Extra mooring lines were required to hold us still. On a couple of occasions we even went out walking to be away from the incessant noise and motion. Boats left unattended didn’t fare so well with damage to craft and the pontoons. ‘Piano’ coped admirably but she certainly disliked the constant wet weather. The first hint came when the shore power tripped . This happened more and more frequently while we checked with everything turned off and then methodically putting one item on at a time, Then we tried changing the shore lead and the post which we were plugged into but neither solved the problem. At worst it was tripping every 20 minutes.
We then had a phone call from Adrienne (Malcolm's sister ) to say that his dad had been taken into hospital and he needed to fly home quickly. Malcolm packed and left for home but while he was waiting for the plane he had a text to say that Don had passed away in his sleep.
Meanwhile I had to stay with the boat and try to get the electrics sorted. After discussion with Andy on Velzian I decided to call in an electrician. Luckily John was in the Marina with another boat and could come straight over ! Wow! What success! He then tested all the electrics and couldn’t find the problem. He did however find a fused wire in the 60A charger which was not only not causing the problem but not actually working at all ! He unscrewed it and took it away to mend in his workshop. When he unscrewed the RCD and shook it he heard a rattle so suggested we had a new one. He returned the following day and refitted the two parts and since then NO MORE PROBLEMS! - even the washing machine has stopped tripping the system out - unheard of before!
Anyway with this solved it meant that I could fly home for Don’s funeral and some visiting. I was told to bring an empty bag with me …
The weather in England was COLD—what a good job that I still had suitable cold weather clothing !
After the funeral we managed to catch the last day of the boat show and armed with a long list we proceeded to order or buy what was on it. Although there are chandlers out here everything is 4 times as expensive as GB - hence the need for the empty bag !
We continued on to Kent to visit my mum after a tiring day. We also called in on my brother and his family.
Next trip was down to the cottage in Penryn to take all the stuff which we had stored in Southend . We drove down on my birthday and it didn’t rain, blue skies all the way. Of course no one was working on a Saturday afternoon at Rustlers but we did get to see the guy who was just moving into the cottage for a long let. We also saw Jenny and Ray who were pleased to see us (they live across the road). We also called in at the ‘Bosuns Locker’ for a few more bits.
Once again our dear friends John & Val gave us a bed for the night and we had plenty to tell them - and lots of news to catch up on. We were up bright and early the following morning and headed back to Southend.
Back in Southend all that was left was to squeeze the numerous boat parts into the two bags and get them home to Portugal. Never have I had such heavy luggage! The solar panel was entrusted to the outsize baggage man with its fragile stickers all over .
When we landed at Faro Anton was there with the car so we managed to get it all back safely to Piano.
Home to the warm !! We spent a couple of days with Anton Denise and Maria , visiting Loulė with its superior markets.
Lunch in a pleasant square was Pizza.
The other day out was to Silves and then a Roman ruin at Milreu Home via Carvoeiro and a walk along the cliffs.
As Usual the photos are on Picassa so browse at your leisure.

12th December

Merry Christmas!

Wow! what a month we have had. The sail across from Lagos was superb! The marina is quiet!
Praia De Rocha is the beach area for Portimão and that is where the marina is situated. At this time of the year the tourists have left and the shopkeepers are having their holiday before the Christmas season begins. Needless to say we have the beach to ourselves (almost) plenty of room to fly the kite!
Most of November was spent restoring the colour of the teak work and deck upstairs, the year in England had really done for the old girl. Now that she is sparkling again she's like a new girl I'm just wondering how long it will last...
After all the hard work, had a day out sailing in 'lightwinds' to try out the Multi Purpose Genoa (a pretty orange and yellow ) and in 6knots of wind we were doing 5knots of speed !!!! how about that for a 13 ton yacht! Lunch time was a gourmet salad with Smoked Salmon, a watercress dressing and freshly baked crusty bread. After lunch the wind died completely we almost reached for the engine... but along came small white horses and within 1/2 an hour we had 15knots and had to put a reef in - in case it was going to increase further! 'Piano' really loves the wind and Malcolm chirps Vroom Vroom.... when he is happy ! When we got back to the Marina we had to sit on the visitors pontoon until the wind dropped again.

Papa Jorges on the Marina front holds a Happy Hour on a Friday evening so it makes a great place to meet up with other inhabitants. We are getting lots of ideas for nice places to visit next year and further into the future. There are always yachts calling in on their way out or home.

Portimão is a large city easily as big as Reading or Canterbury and with all the shops you would find from Haute Couture to Chinese £ shops! Plenty of culture too 5 cinemas a huge theatre and plenty of free entertainment throughout the region put on by the Municipal Council.

Well, I'm off to do some shopping, just a 15 minute cycle to the supermarket but it will be busy today it being Saturday! ho hum..

I'll close now hoping that you all have a brilliant Christmas and wrap up warm if the weather gets cooler...still 19 degrees here!

4th November

Lagos
On the banks of the Rio Bensafrim another walled town—Oh how very British ! So many Ex- pats wandering around and living in apartments you would think you were on the south coast in summer ! Still underneath this veneer there are a few local jewels of history. It once had the first place where slaves arrived in Portugal now called the slave market, The Ponta da Bandeira Fort had an exhibition of ancient artwork called the ‘Panels of St Vincent’ which was found on a building site in Lisbon being used to support scaffolding! Needless to say it has been cleaned up and is now housed in a museum in Lisbon — a ‘National Treasure’
Decided that the Marina is too close to the main street and suffers from traffic noise so we are moving to Portimão, tomorrow!