As promised this is the next instalment of our journey. We decided we would stay on Mallorca and explore some of the small anchorages
SATURDAY 1ST MAY
We are still inn Porto Colom and we got up to another gorgeous morning. Ray inflated thee dinghy so that we could go ashore for groceries and a walk. We walked round the harbour to the main part of town. It is a lovely unspoilt area with local people going about their everyday tasks.
There was still a lot of swell coming into the harbour but we lay quite well and had a pleasant lunch in the cockpit. The swell started to die in the afternoon and the water became glassy so hopefully we will have a better night.
SUNDAY 2ND MAY
We had a nice quiet night but awoke to a hazy morning which quickly became cloudy but was fortunately still warm. We walked around the headland where there are some hotels but we weren’t impressed. It is not as nice as the harbour and old town. We had a lovely lunch in a little restaurant by the harbour but it started to rain as we returned to the boat so a siesta became the order of the day (it’s funny how these siestas have become part of our life?).
MONDAY 3rd MAY
We had a terrific thunderstorm last night with huge flashes of lightning. The storm lasted for ages and it was followed by very heavy rain which persisted all night. We awoke to a very wet, black and windy morning so we decided to clean the inside of the boat which took all morning. We spent the afternoon perusing the pilot books and charts planning what to do next. During the late afternoon we started rolling again so there must be some swell out at sea after the storm.
TUESDAY 4TH MAY
A terrible night due to violent rolling meant we hardly slept. We couldn’t get the local forecast on the radio this morning but there were lots of black clouds around even though the sun does keep trying to come out. We went ashore for fresh bread and a cup of coffee but by the time we had finished it was raining and we got soaked returning to the boat. I decided to prepare a curry to cheer us up. The clouds started to lift by early evening but it was still quite windy with a gale forecast for during the night. We spoke to Roger and Carol Sallis who are staying at Cala Longa and we have arranged to meet them tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY
It is one year today since we left Woolverstone for the start of our ‘adventure’. It seems so long ago as so much has happened since we left. Unfortunately the weather today does not reflect the reason we came to the Med. It is grey, damp and windy and this is the longest period of bad weather we have experienced since arriving in the Med 10 months ago. All in all it has been an excellent year with many memorable moments. Perhaps the two most memorable were the morning last year when we sailed down the River Orwell leaving Woolverstone behind not knowing what lay ahead. The second was sailing up the Straits of Gibraltar and then sitting looking at ‘the rock’ drinking champagne to celebrate our arrival. There are just so many memories, I am so pleased I have kept this journal as it would be so easy to forget some of them.
Today we went ashore and met Roger and Carol and had a lovely lunch with them before going to their apartment for coffee. On our way back to the boat they kindly took us to the supermarket to collect some ‘heavy’ supplies (i.e. stuff that comes in bottles!).
The weather has been very mixed today with sunshine and showers and still quite windy. When will this wind die as we are really ready to leave Porto Colom and hope to do so tomorrow.
THURSDAY 6th MAY
It blew a gale all night and we were up just after 1.00a.m. taking the oars off the dinghy before we lost them in the awful conditions. It was an awful night with gale force wind which persisted all next morning. At least it was bright and sunny even though the wind was cool. There were even “white horses” in the water within the harbour so we didn’t attempt to go ashore. A Beneteau 50 provided some entertainment as he attempted to anchor and then berth at the public quay. The highlight of the day was a beautiful sunset which we watched from the cockpit, let’s hope for good weather tomorrow.
FRIDAY 7TH MAY
(Porto Colom to Porto Cristo, 9.7 miles. Wind NW4)
A better morning, with some cloud but warm with patchy sunshine, the forecast was ok so we left Porto Colom and headed for Porto Cristo which was just over 9 miles along the coast. The wind was on thee nose [surprise surprise] and there was a metre of swell but not uncomfortable. We found a place on the public quay in PortoCristo and we made a good job of berthing which was just as well as we had quite an audience. We are hoping we can moor here when John comes latter this month as boats are allowed 7 consecutive nights only. The only downside is the number of people sauntering by and staring into the boat. Although we could moor bows to as the pontoon is high enough it is easier to walk ashore from the stern. I found a laundry thank goodness and it will be ready tomorrow all dried and folded. We met a British couple on board a Westerly yacht who invited us on board for afternoon tea which was very pleasant.. After a wander around town we found a pleasant restaurant and enjoyed our meal in the last of the evening sun which was still very warm. As soon as the sun went down the temperature plummeted and we actually had to put the heating on when we got back to the boat.
SATURDAY 8TH MAY
A cool sunny morning which we spent cleaning the boat then a lazy lunch and siesta (well everywhere closes). We had a long walk to the marina for a pre dinner drink and then walked round to the other side of the quay to the beach and headland. The beach is good and there is a pleasant promenade and some interesting caves but it started to rain so it was then a quick dash back to the boat.
SUNDAY 9TH MAY
Another lovely sunny day. Roger and Carol (Sallis) came on board for drinks and then we went for lunch together, which was very enjoyable. After they left we decided we needed to walk off the effects of the meal and walked round the headland enjoying the last of the warm evening sun.
MONDAY 10th MAY
(Porto Cristo to Pollensa, 35.6miles.Wind started ESE 3to4 but veered right around to NE2)
After provisioning the boat and filling up with water we left for Puerto Pollensa. We had a wonderful sail as far as the Bay of Alcudia when the wind died and we had to motor the rest of the way. We dropped anchor just to the west of Puerto Bonaire. The bay of Pollensa is truly beautiful, it is surrounded by high wooded mountains with lots of calas in which to anchor. Ray Barbecued our evening meal and we ate it looking at the beautiful scenery thinking how lucky we are. The anchorage was very calm and sheltered but the forecast for tomorrow is for NE 5/6 so in the morning we will have to move to an anchorage on the opposite side of the bay for protection.
TUESDAY 11TH MAY
We had a very calm night but we awoke to rain and very threatening clouds but no wind. We decided to move immediately after breakfast when there was a lull in the rain. We motored to a sheltered anchorage just behind a headland and we had just laid the anchor when the rain started and the wind increased but we seemed to be protected. The anchorage is beside a seaplane landing strip so there is plenty of entertainment when the planes take off and land. They seem as if they will never manage to get off the water, they look so heavy and cumbersome. The wind increased as the day wore on and reached gale force late afternoon. Unfortunately at around 5.00p.m. we dragged our anchor and kept dragging it so had to lift it. We motored further into the bay where it looked quieter and where there were some empty moorings, after a couple of attempts I managed to hook a mooring and we struggled to get tied on but managed in the end. It didn’t look too substantial but there was little chance of anchoring and it would have been impossible to manoeuvre in the marina due to the strength of the wind so had to hope for the best. We spent a very restless evening as the wind didn’t abate and the forecast was for it to continue for another 24 hours.
WEDNESDAY 12TH MAY
What a terrible night! We slept in the fore cabin so that we would hear if anything happened to the mooring, but to say we slept is a joke. We listened to the mooring ‘snatching’ from one side to the other accompanied by heavy rain. At 6.30 a.m. we gave up and decided we would be better in the saloon, the wind had increased again so it was going to be a worrying day. The wind continued all day with gusts of 40mph but at last at 4.00p.m. it started to decrease. We spent the day reading and catnapping trying to catch up on our lost sleep.
THURSDAY 13TH MAY
(Local, 14.2 miles. Wind light and variable)
A quiet night thank goodness. After breakfast we took the dinghy ashore and bought fresh bread etc, we also went to look at the public quay. We saw June and Tim from the Westerly yacht we had met in Porto Cristo and chatted to them for a while. Once back on board we dropped the mooring and headed into the bay to explore some of the calas. It was a beautiful day with very little wind so we hoisted the sails and ghosted along to Formentor. When we got there we found there was a strong downdraught from the mountains so we headed for Cala Murta where we dropped anchor and had lunch. It was a beautiful Cala with steep sided cliffs and a tiny beach at the head, there was just one other yacht and a small motorboat anchored close inshore, very peaceful. Later in the afternoon we lifted our anchor and went to explore the next Cala but the wind started to increase so we headed over to Bonaire. We found there was no protection there from the swell which was working its way into the bay so we headed back to anchor in the place behind the lighthouse where we had dragged in the gale. We were in very shallow water but it was very sheltered. Ray barbecued and we just sat and watch the sun drop behind the mountains, the scenery really is magnificent.
FRDAY 14TH MAY
Another quiet night, thank goodness. After breakfast we took the engine off the dinghy and stowed the dinghy before motoring into the public quay in Pollensa. We found a space and there were willing hands to help us in, which is one of the nice things about sailing everyone helps one another. We filled in the usual forms and took them to the port office collecting bread and yet another adaptor for the water tap on the way(why is it that each marina-or quay has a different water tap?). We had lunch in the cockpit and then decided it was time to defrost the fridge and freezer whilst we were connected to the mains for electric power. I decided to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure, oh what bliss to be pampered, When I got back Ray had cleaned the dinghy and hosed the boat off. We went to eat at a nearby restaurant recommended by the manicurist but they only had a table at the back near the kitchen so we declined and booked for tomorrow night instead. We went for a cheap Chinese instead.
SATURDAY 15TH MAY
Up to a bright sunny morning after a poor night (due to indigestion from Chinese meal). After chores we decided to walk to Cala San Vincente which is through a mountain pass and takes about just over an hour according to the tourist guide. The sky had clouded over so we packed jumpers and waterproofs. It was a lovely walk over what in reality was the bed of a dried up mountain stream which was rough going in places. We climbed steadily and had wonderful views over the bay, we then dropped over the other side where the track was better and the going was easier as it was downhill into Cala San Vincente. We stopped for a very pleasant lunch and it started raining as we were eating so we just made lunch leisurely. Once the rain had stopped we walked around the headland before catching the bus back to Pollensa, we had intended to walk both ways but felt that parts of the track would be pretty lethal when wet although I think the wine at lunch might have had something to do with the decision. When we arrived back at the boat there was a big catamaran next to us but they are leaving tomorrow. We had an excellent meal with good service at the restaurant on the quay. They had also reserved us one of the best tables with a lovely view over the bay. A very enjoyable day.
SUNDAY 16TH MAY
A beautiful morning. After breakfast we caught the bus to the old town of Pollensa some 3 miles inland from Puerto Pollensa. It is a beautiful place with lots of ancient churches and buildings, we climbed the 365 Calvary steps up to the little church which overlooks the town The views from the top are spectacular. There is also a market on Sundays so I took the opportunity to buy some wonderful fresh fruit and veg direct from the growers, there were also live snails for sale but I gave them a miss. We had a pleasant tapas lunch before catching the bus back to Port. Before our evening meal we had Tim and June on board for drinks plus Jack and Tanya from another Beneteau berthed beside us rounding off a lovely day.
MONDAY 17TH MAY
Another hot morning with breakfast in the cockpit. We intended to leave and anchor in a Cala overnight but Tanya invited us on board and by the time we left them it was time for lunch so we decided to stay another night. Ray decided to do some odd jobs that ended up needing my assistance even though I intended having a siesta. We then walked up to town for pre dinner drinks and watch the paseo.
TUESDAY 18TH MAY
(Puerto Pol
lensa to Cala es Calo, 38.2 miles. WindNE going SE 2or 3)
We left Puerto Pollensa and motored (no wind again) around the North coast past Cala Formentor and Figueres and anchored in Cala San Vincente for lunch. We were the only boat there. On our way into the bay we saw two dolphins, it looked like mother and baby, I think they must have become separated from the pod as we couldn’t see any others around. The scenery on this coast is stunning with huge cliffs and small calas, it’s a pity we can’t stay overnight but there is too much swell. After lunch we had a lovely sail to Cala es Calo which is a small cala on the South side of Alcudia bay. It was a beautiful evening and was quiet and peaceful. We stayed out until dark watching a spectacular sunset. It was a lovely day just sightseeing by boat
WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY
(Cala es Calo to Cala Molto, 8.5miles. Wind SE 2)
We had a very quiet night although I didn’t sleep well, I think I am always listening for changes in the boat sounds when we are at anchor. We woke to a fantastic morning with another good forecast so we raised the anchor but had a problem, what we thought had been a sandy bottom was rocks with the chain wrapped around a huge boulder. Ray managed to hand crank the windlass unravelling us and eventually raising the anchor, what a relief. We then motorsailed South to Cala Molto. This is a beautiful cala with crystal clear water and a sandy bottom which makes the water appear a beautiful turquoise. We anchored and had lunch, as the cala is quite remote there were lots of nudists sunbathing on the rocks. It became very quiet as people left, Ray barbecued some steaks and we had the cala to ourselves as we ate our evening meal.
THURSDAY 20TH MAY
(Cala Molto to Porto Cristo, 15.5 miles. Wind SE 3)
John arrives this evening and we are looking forward to seeing them tomorrow. Another hot sunny day and we were up early for a change so after breakfast we weighed anchor and headed for Porto Cristo. We had the sails up for most of the way but had to motor sail as there was so little wind. We reached Porto Cristo just before mid-day and there was plenty of space on the public quay. We moored up next to the German boat we were next to last time. Once settled we went and booked a hire car for tomorrow. We ate on board as we will probably eat out a lot whilst John is here.
FRIDAY 21ST MAY
Up early and were disappointed to see quite a bit of cloud but fortunately this burnt off. We collected our car and then went to meet John. It took us a while to find his hotel as the one we had seen from the sea was not the one we thought, but eventually we found it. \it was great to see them, Peter has grown so much and wasn’t shy which is surprising since we haven’t seen him since Christmas. We had a lovely relaxing day with them catching up on news and gossip.
Roger Sallis phoned us and we are seeing them tomorrow evening for a meal after we have been to Palma.
SATURDAY 22ND MAY
A cloudy start to the day, we headed for Palma as Ray wanted to buy some ‘things’ for the boat. We bought some of the bits at the chandlery and then walked to El Cortes Ingles (a Dept Store) to see if they had an SSB radio. We decided to follow the bus route which took us ages, it was much further than we thought and when we got there they didn’t have one. We walked back through the old town which was much quicker and by then it was quite hot. The cathedral was closed so we decided to head back to Porto Cristo stopping at a Carrefours hypermarket on the way to stock up whilst we had the car.
We met Roger and Carol and went to a super restaurant in Calonge, it had a great atmosphere with huge wood burning fire where they cooked some of the food. We had a very enjoyable evening but ate too much as usual.
SUNDAY 23RD MAY
A better morning with bright sunshine, we did some chores before John and Alex arrived by glass bottom boat from Cala Bona. We had lunch in the cockpit and then spent the afternoon on the beach as there was too much swell to take Peter for his first sail and it doesn’t look hopeful for tomorrow.
MONDAY 24TH MAY
A very hazy start to the day. We helped a British boat named Persistence to berth before setting off to see John and family at their hotel. It was quite windy by the time we arrived and we found it cool sitting around the swimming pool. Ray and John managed to get into the water and Peter enjoyed playing in his inflatable boat but Alex and I chickened out. We walked along the seafront and had a very pleasant lunch. The afternoon turned cloudy so we went to look at Cala Ratjada which we had heard was quite nice. It was full of Germans and not as good as we expected, it was very ‘touristy’ but we enjoyed the journey and our stroll around. We dropped the family off at their hotel and returned to the boat very tired.
TUESDAY 25TH MAY
A cloudy start and the boat was doing a lot of surging against the quay as there was quite a swell running so we weren’t able to take Peter for his sail. We collected them from S’illot as they had taken the tourist train along the coast from Cala Bona. We had lunch on board as Peter really enjoys being on the boat. We then walked to the Club Nautico for a drink looking at the boats on the way.
WEDNESDAY 26th MAY
It rained all night and we got up to a very drizzly day. John and Alex were souvenir shopping so we went to Valldemossa. It was a lovely journey and the sun came out just as we arrived. We visited the monastery where Chopin and George Sand stayed and then wandered around the town, both of which were delightful. We then went to Puerto Soller which was a scenic drive through the mountains. We had a light lunch before heading back to Porto Cristo via Incas. We stopped at an olive wood factory but the prices were a rip off so we didn’t buy anything. We arrived back at the boat to find it was surging worse than ever so we adjusted the ropes as best we could. We then went to meet John and family to have a final drink and say goodbye as they leave early tomorrow morning. I hated saying goodbye it is the one down side of our lifestyle. We went for another meal with Roger and Carol to cheer me up. We went to a restaurant at Cala D’Or which was very good and had an excellent meal and thoroughly enjoyed their company. On returning to the boat we noticed Jack and Tanya had arrived in Blank Canvas so we will catch up with them tomorrow.
THURSDAY 27TH MAY
We awoke to a beautiful blue sky and sunshine, it is such a shame John goes home today. We spent the morning cleaning the boat then after lunch we visited Arta which has a beautiful church and Calvari. It is a lovely unspoilt town which it would seem visitors have yet to discover. We did some shopping as it was the last opportunity before taking the car back. After dropping the car off we went for drinks with Tanya and Jack on Blank Canvas and they gave us some info on marinas on the Costa Brava.
FRIDAY 28TH MAY
(Porto Cristo to Mahon in Menorca, 51.1 miles. Wind started variable, through East then SE and finally SW 3 to 4)
Another bright sunny morning, we prepared the boat for sea, we left Porto Cristo at 9.30 heading for Mahon on Menorca. We motor sailed on lovely calm seas, we saw very few boats and reached Mahon just before 6.00p.m.. We decided to anchor in Cala Taulera which is just in the entrance of the harbour, it was very sheltered with just 2 other yachts at anchor. It is a beautiful spot, we enjoyed a drink before barbecuing. It was a lovely evening and we sat out until the sun went down.
SATURDAY 29TH MAY
We slept well as the anchorage was dark calm and quiet. Another gorgeous morning, Ray blew up the dinghy and we did some exploring. It became very hot so we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery and watching the occasional boat that passed through the Cala.
SUNDAY 30TH MAY
Another gorgeous morning I did some sewing and watched the boats come in and out of the anchorage. It was busy with lots of small local boats with families who were having picnics on the beach. We took the dinghy ashore and went for a walk before returning for our evening meal by which time all the local boats had left.
MONDAY 31ST MAY
A very warm but cloudy morning, we decided to motor around the harbour and find somewhere to moor so that we could visit the town. We picked up a mooring off Isla Clementina which only costs 10E per night but the marinero said we can only stay one night. We then took the dinghy ashore and walked miles for shopping calling at the chandlers on the way. We then found out there is a much quicker way to the main town from the harbour. We had lunch on board and were visited by Roberto who delivers fresh bread and croissants every morning. He gave us a free loaf as ‘it was not fresh as it was baked at 6 o clock this morning’. We had a lazy afternoon then changed and went ashore to wander, the town is lovely but very steep on the hillside. Ray was pleased as we found a shop that had his sailing magazines. We ate at the floating restaurant, the food was very good but the service was terrible. At least the dinghy engine worked when we headed back as it had been giving problems all day.
TUESDAY 1ST JUNE
A very hot bright morning. We went in the dinghy to speak to Tony and Pearl on Barolo and Sue and Mike on Persistence who were moored on Isla Clementina. We invited them on board for a drink this evening. The marinero came along and I asked him if it was possible to stay on the mooring for one more night, he said the boat was due back but if we waited 10 minutes there would be space on the Island for us. We put our fenders and ropes on and got in easily with the help of the marinero pushing the boats aside on both sides. We had thought there was no room but there was. The Island is one of two large square floating pontoons complete with park benches lamp posts and barbecue to which approx 24 yachts can moor. We then took some laundry to the Club Maritimo, it is a service laundry but very expensive, 37E for 2 loads to be washed, dried and folded (not even ironed). It was all bed linen and towels which I refuse to wash by hand so we grudgingly left it. We had Pearl, Tony, Sue and Mike for drinks which was very enjoyable but it meant we ate very late, far too late to Barbie. It seems that strong winds are coming in from the Golfe de Lyon so we may be here for a few days.
WEDNESDAY 2nd JUNE
Another beautiful morning, we got up early so that we could clean the hull whilst there are no boats either side of us (they left late yesterday). It was exhausting but the boat looks much better and only took just over 2 hours. We were going ashore for lunch but by the time I had showered and washed my hair I couldn’t be bothered. After lunch and a siesta we went ashore to see if I could find a hairdresser to cut my hair, we were unsuccessful. We then went for the laundry and looked at the forecast at Club Maritimo, it looks awful until midnight Friday so we may hire a car to see something of the Island.
THURSDAY 3RD JUNE
A sunny but very windy morning, the wind is blowing straight into the cockpit making it impossible to sit out. We did some outstanding chores and Ray tackled various ‘electric’ jobs around the boat. He gave up on sorting the generator as it will have to be a winter job. We went ashore and booked a hire car for tomorrow. We walked around Cala Figuera to stretch our legs. We went and had drinks with Mike and Sue on Persistence before eating on board.
FRIDAY 4TH JUNE
We were up early to collect the car, the weather was still windy but cloudy and warm. We left Mahon and drove through very pleasant green rolling countryside to Ciutedella which was once the Capital of Menorca. We managed to park just outside the old town and found ourselves in the marketplace where we stopped for coffee. It is a brilliant daily market of fish, meat and vegetables, all in exceptionally clean open sided buildings with wonderful fresh produce. We then wandered around the old town where there are some beautiful old buildings. We wandered as far as the port and then explored some of the back streets before having another drink in the Placa Nova, a very large central square with lots of open air bars and restaurants. We then motored to Cala Santandria just 5 km South of Ciutedella. It really is stunning and we found a pleasant little restaurant overlooking the Cala to have our lunch. This is definitely somewhere to return to by boat.
We then went to the North of the Island to Cala Morel, a fantastic cala with wonderful rock formations which have been eroded by the wind. We walked out to the headland marvelling at some of the strange rock shapes. This would be a great cala to visit by boat but only in calm and settled conditions.
We then went to Menorcas highest point El Torro. This was a ride up a small mountain with lots of hairpin bends but it was worth it for the view from the top.
We could see the whole of the Island, it was spectacular. There is also a monastery at the top and a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was very beautiful and well cared for.
Once down the mountain we headed South again to Cala Galdana, this was another beautiful cala with steep sided cliffs and a beach of fine white sand. There is a nice board walk along the river and some nice walks through some pine woods to the headland. We had a drink and then headed back to Mahon as we were invited for pre dinner drinks on board ‘Barolo’ with Tony and Pearl. It was 8.30 before we got back on board to change to go for a meal ashore. We went to a Greek restaurant and ate far too much but it was very good. We slowly walked back to the dinghy pontoon, it was a lovely night with almost a full moon and no wind.
SATURDAY 5TH JUNE
A poor night due to too much food and then we were disturbed by the ferries and a cruise ship entering the harbour so we were up early for a change.
We were going to leave but the wind increased and the marinero said it would be force 5/6 so we decided to wait and see what developed. We decided to go ashore as the wind had increased however just as I locked up Martin and Linda on Great Sensation came in. This was a boat that had over wintered with us in Almerimar and who we first met last year in Portugal. We helped them in and then sat drinking and catching up on gossip, it was then too late to go ashore as the shops would be closed. We spent a lazy afternoon and then Linda and Martin and Tony and Pearl came on board for drinks. It was 9.30 when they left but it was still very warm and the wind had died so we had a barbecue.
SUNDAY 6TH JUNE
(Mahon to Cala Grao, 7.9 miles. Wind N 2 or 3)
We were up early (again) too a lovely sunny and calm morning. After breakfast we prepared the boat for sea and left Mahon at 9.00a.m. We motored to Cala Grao just beside Iisla Colom. It is a beautiful anchorage but being Sunday was quite busy. We anchored easily and could have got further into the bay except for a small boat at anchor, they decided to move anyway as we had disturbed their nude sunbathing. There were only 2 other yachts who came in later but there were lots of small local boats going in and out the bay but this eased at lunch/siesta time. It was extremely hot so we decided to leave going ashore until late afternoon when it was cooler. We explored Es Grao, which is just a small village, we then explored the cala in the dinghy, the water was crystal clear and felt quite warm. We returned to the boat and had yet another barbecue.
I feel this passage report is getting long and boring so have decided to do a summary of the last month.
We continued our exploration of Menorca and enjoyed anchoring in some beautiful isolated calas some of which were quite tricky to get into. Menorca proved to be our favourite Island with little high rise development and lots of deserted beaches and calas. The weather continued to be hot but quite windy It is not known as the windy isle for nothing! We eventually had to put up the boom tent to provide us with some much needed extra shade. We also meet a number of friends in Menorca so our social life was good catching up on what people had been doing.
We eventually left Menorca on thee 20th June and headed back to thee bay of Pollensa on Mallorca where we spent a night at anchor in Cala del Pinar. We forgot it was Fathers Day again until we had phone calls from the family. We left Mallorca just before dawn and sailed to Port Olympico, Barcelona, some109 miles too the northwest in light winds which blew from every point of the compass! We had a great sail but the marineros struggled to find us a berth so we ended up on the waiting pontoon at thee varadero (boatyard). They managed to find us a berth for the next night and then we moved to Port Vell which is right in thee centre of Barcelona. I loved it there as there was so much to do and see, Ray wasn’t so keen as there was a lot of dirt in the atmosphere which of course ended up on thee boat. We stayed a week doing lots of sightseeing although we could only manage mornings as the days were so hot (33o) I enjoyed it so much that we asked about a winter berth but there is a waiting list so we will continue with our original plan and head towards Rome.
We left Barcelona on the 28th June and headed up the coast to thee Costa Brava sailing slowly all day as there was little wind and it was more pleasant to be at sea as it was so hot but anchoring in small calas at night. We are now on a visitors mooring sheltered by the Islas Las Medas just off Estartit as we have had strong winds since yesterday morning (1stt July). We are hoping the wind will abate tonight and we can move on to the Bay of Rosas and then Cadaques before we cross the Golfe de Lyon into France.
Best Wishes too you all
Ray and Sandra
Stratagem
Spain
SATURDAY 1ST MAY
We are still inn Porto Colom and we got up to another gorgeous morning. Ray inflated thee dinghy so that we could go ashore for groceries and a walk. We walked round the harbour to the main part of town. It is a lovely unspoilt area with local people going about their everyday tasks.
There was still a lot of swell coming into the harbour but we lay quite well and had a pleasant lunch in the cockpit. The swell started to die in the afternoon and the water became glassy so hopefully we will have a better night.
SUNDAY 2ND MAY
We had a nice quiet night but awoke to a hazy morning which quickly became cloudy but was fortunately still warm. We walked around the headland where there are some hotels but we weren’t impressed. It is not as nice as the harbour and old town. We had a lovely lunch in a little restaurant by the harbour but it started to rain as we returned to the boat so a siesta became the order of the day (it’s funny how these siestas have become part of our life?).
MONDAY 3rd MAY
We had a terrific thunderstorm last night with huge flashes of lightning. The storm lasted for ages and it was followed by very heavy rain which persisted all night. We awoke to a very wet, black and windy morning so we decided to clean the inside of the boat which took all morning. We spent the afternoon perusing the pilot books and charts planning what to do next. During the late afternoon we started rolling again so there must be some swell out at sea after the storm.
TUESDAY 4TH MAY
A terrible night due to violent rolling meant we hardly slept. We couldn’t get the local forecast on the radio this morning but there were lots of black clouds around even though the sun does keep trying to come out. We went ashore for fresh bread and a cup of coffee but by the time we had finished it was raining and we got soaked returning to the boat. I decided to prepare a curry to cheer us up. The clouds started to lift by early evening but it was still quite windy with a gale forecast for during the night. We spoke to Roger and Carol Sallis who are staying at Cala Longa and we have arranged to meet them tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY 5TH MAY
It is one year today since we left Woolverstone for the start of our ‘adventure’. It seems so long ago as so much has happened since we left. Unfortunately the weather today does not reflect the reason we came to the Med. It is grey, damp and windy and this is the longest period of bad weather we have experienced since arriving in the Med 10 months ago. All in all it has been an excellent year with many memorable moments. Perhaps the two most memorable were the morning last year when we sailed down the River Orwell leaving Woolverstone behind not knowing what lay ahead. The second was sailing up the Straits of Gibraltar and then sitting looking at ‘the rock’ drinking champagne to celebrate our arrival. There are just so many memories, I am so pleased I have kept this journal as it would be so easy to forget some of them.
Today we went ashore and met Roger and Carol and had a lovely lunch with them before going to their apartment for coffee. On our way back to the boat they kindly took us to the supermarket to collect some ‘heavy’ supplies (i.e. stuff that comes in bottles!).
The weather has been very mixed today with sunshine and showers and still quite windy. When will this wind die as we are really ready to leave Porto Colom and hope to do so tomorrow.
THURSDAY 6th MAY
It blew a gale all night and we were up just after 1.00a.m. taking the oars off the dinghy before we lost them in the awful conditions. It was an awful night with gale force wind which persisted all next morning. At least it was bright and sunny even though the wind was cool. There were even “white horses” in the water within the harbour so we didn’t attempt to go ashore. A Beneteau 50 provided some entertainment as he attempted to anchor and then berth at the public quay. The highlight of the day was a beautiful sunset which we watched from the cockpit, let’s hope for good weather tomorrow.
FRIDAY 7TH MAY
(Porto Colom to Porto Cristo, 9.7 miles. Wind NW4)
A better morning, with some cloud but warm with patchy sunshine, the forecast was ok so we left Porto Colom and headed for Porto Cristo which was just over 9 miles along the coast. The wind was on thee nose [surprise surprise] and there was a metre of swell but not uncomfortable. We found a place on the public quay in PortoCristo and we made a good job of berthing which was just as well as we had quite an audience. We are hoping we can moor here when John comes latter this month as boats are allowed 7 consecutive nights only. The only downside is the number of people sauntering by and staring into the boat. Although we could moor bows to as the pontoon is high enough it is easier to walk ashore from the stern. I found a laundry thank goodness and it will be ready tomorrow all dried and folded. We met a British couple on board a Westerly yacht who invited us on board for afternoon tea which was very pleasant.. After a wander around town we found a pleasant restaurant and enjoyed our meal in the last of the evening sun which was still very warm. As soon as the sun went down the temperature plummeted and we actually had to put the heating on when we got back to the boat.
SATURDAY 8TH MAY
A cool sunny morning which we spent cleaning the boat then a lazy lunch and siesta (well everywhere closes). We had a long walk to the marina for a pre dinner drink and then walked round to the other side of the quay to the beach and headland. The beach is good and there is a pleasant promenade and some interesting caves but it started to rain so it was then a quick dash back to the boat.
SUNDAY 9TH MAY
Another lovely sunny day. Roger and Carol (Sallis) came on board for drinks and then we went for lunch together, which was very enjoyable. After they left we decided we needed to walk off the effects of the meal and walked round the headland enjoying the last of the warm evening sun.
MONDAY 10th MAY
(Porto Cristo to Pollensa, 35.6miles.Wind started ESE 3to4 but veered right around to NE2)
After provisioning the boat and filling up with water we left for Puerto Pollensa. We had a wonderful sail as far as the Bay of Alcudia when the wind died and we had to motor the rest of the way. We dropped anchor just to the west of Puerto Bonaire. The bay of Pollensa is truly beautiful, it is surrounded by high wooded mountains with lots of calas in which to anchor. Ray Barbecued our evening meal and we ate it looking at the beautiful scenery thinking how lucky we are. The anchorage was very calm and sheltered but the forecast for tomorrow is for NE 5/6 so in the morning we will have to move to an anchorage on the opposite side of the bay for protection.
TUESDAY 11TH MAY
We had a very calm night but we awoke to rain and very threatening clouds but no wind. We decided to move immediately after breakfast when there was a lull in the rain. We motored to a sheltered anchorage just behind a headland and we had just laid the anchor when the rain started and the wind increased but we seemed to be protected. The anchorage is beside a seaplane landing strip so there is plenty of entertainment when the planes take off and land. They seem as if they will never manage to get off the water, they look so heavy and cumbersome. The wind increased as the day wore on and reached gale force late afternoon. Unfortunately at around 5.00p.m. we dragged our anchor and kept dragging it so had to lift it. We motored further into the bay where it looked quieter and where there were some empty moorings, after a couple of attempts I managed to hook a mooring and we struggled to get tied on but managed in the end. It didn’t look too substantial but there was little chance of anchoring and it would have been impossible to manoeuvre in the marina due to the strength of the wind so had to hope for the best. We spent a very restless evening as the wind didn’t abate and the forecast was for it to continue for another 24 hours.
WEDNESDAY 12TH MAY
What a terrible night! We slept in the fore cabin so that we would hear if anything happened to the mooring, but to say we slept is a joke. We listened to the mooring ‘snatching’ from one side to the other accompanied by heavy rain. At 6.30 a.m. we gave up and decided we would be better in the saloon, the wind had increased again so it was going to be a worrying day. The wind continued all day with gusts of 40mph but at last at 4.00p.m. it started to decrease. We spent the day reading and catnapping trying to catch up on our lost sleep.
THURSDAY 13TH MAY
(Local, 14.2 miles. Wind light and variable)
A quiet night thank goodness. After breakfast we took the dinghy ashore and bought fresh bread etc, we also went to look at the public quay. We saw June and Tim from the Westerly yacht we had met in Porto Cristo and chatted to them for a while. Once back on board we dropped the mooring and headed into the bay to explore some of the calas. It was a beautiful day with very little wind so we hoisted the sails and ghosted along to Formentor. When we got there we found there was a strong downdraught from the mountains so we headed for Cala Murta where we dropped anchor and had lunch. It was a beautiful Cala with steep sided cliffs and a tiny beach at the head, there was just one other yacht and a small motorboat anchored close inshore, very peaceful. Later in the afternoon we lifted our anchor and went to explore the next Cala but the wind started to increase so we headed over to Bonaire. We found there was no protection there from the swell which was working its way into the bay so we headed back to anchor in the place behind the lighthouse where we had dragged in the gale. We were in very shallow water but it was very sheltered. Ray barbecued and we just sat and watch the sun drop behind the mountains, the scenery really is magnificent.
FRDAY 14TH MAY
Another quiet night, thank goodness. After breakfast we took the engine off the dinghy and stowed the dinghy before motoring into the public quay in Pollensa. We found a space and there were willing hands to help us in, which is one of the nice things about sailing everyone helps one another. We filled in the usual forms and took them to the port office collecting bread and yet another adaptor for the water tap on the way(why is it that each marina-or quay has a different water tap?). We had lunch in the cockpit and then decided it was time to defrost the fridge and freezer whilst we were connected to the mains for electric power. I decided to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure, oh what bliss to be pampered, When I got back Ray had cleaned the dinghy and hosed the boat off. We went to eat at a nearby restaurant recommended by the manicurist but they only had a table at the back near the kitchen so we declined and booked for tomorrow night instead. We went for a cheap Chinese instead.
SATURDAY 15TH MAY
Up to a bright sunny morning after a poor night (due to indigestion from Chinese meal). After chores we decided to walk to Cala San Vincente which is through a mountain pass and takes about just over an hour according to the tourist guide. The sky had clouded over so we packed jumpers and waterproofs. It was a lovely walk over what in reality was the bed of a dried up mountain stream which was rough going in places. We climbed steadily and had wonderful views over the bay, we then dropped over the other side where the track was better and the going was easier as it was downhill into Cala San Vincente. We stopped for a very pleasant lunch and it started raining as we were eating so we just made lunch leisurely. Once the rain had stopped we walked around the headland before catching the bus back to Pollensa, we had intended to walk both ways but felt that parts of the track would be pretty lethal when wet although I think the wine at lunch might have had something to do with the decision. When we arrived back at the boat there was a big catamaran next to us but they are leaving tomorrow. We had an excellent meal with good service at the restaurant on the quay. They had also reserved us one of the best tables with a lovely view over the bay. A very enjoyable day.
SUNDAY 16TH MAY
A beautiful morning. After breakfast we caught the bus to the old town of Pollensa some 3 miles inland from Puerto Pollensa. It is a beautiful place with lots of ancient churches and buildings, we climbed the 365 Calvary steps up to the little church which overlooks the town The views from the top are spectacular. There is also a market on Sundays so I took the opportunity to buy some wonderful fresh fruit and veg direct from the growers, there were also live snails for sale but I gave them a miss. We had a pleasant tapas lunch before catching the bus back to Port. Before our evening meal we had Tim and June on board for drinks plus Jack and Tanya from another Beneteau berthed beside us rounding off a lovely day.
MONDAY 17TH MAY
Another hot morning with breakfast in the cockpit. We intended to leave and anchor in a Cala overnight but Tanya invited us on board and by the time we left them it was time for lunch so we decided to stay another night. Ray decided to do some odd jobs that ended up needing my assistance even though I intended having a siesta. We then walked up to town for pre dinner drinks and watch the paseo.
TUESDAY 18TH MAY
(Puerto Pol
lensa to Cala es Calo, 38.2 miles. WindNE going SE 2or 3)We left Puerto Pollensa and motored (no wind again) around the North coast past Cala Formentor and Figueres and anchored in Cala San Vincente for lunch. We were the only boat there. On our way into the bay we saw two dolphins, it looked like mother and baby, I think they must have become separated from the pod as we couldn’t see any others around. The scenery on this coast is stunning with huge cliffs and small calas, it’s a pity we can’t stay overnight but there is too much swell. After lunch we had a lovely sail to Cala es Calo which is a small cala on the South side of Alcudia bay. It was a beautiful evening and was quiet and peaceful. We stayed out until dark watching a spectacular sunset. It was a lovely day just sightseeing by boat
WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY
(Cala es Calo to Cala Molto, 8.5miles. Wind SE 2)
We had a very quiet night although I didn’t sleep well, I think I am always listening for changes in the boat sounds when we are at anchor. We woke to a fantastic morning with another good forecast so we raised the anchor but had a problem, what we thought had been a sandy bottom was rocks with the chain wrapped around a huge boulder. Ray managed to hand crank the windlass unravelling us and eventually raising the anchor, what a relief. We then motorsailed South to Cala Molto. This is a beautiful cala with crystal clear water and a sandy bottom which makes the water appear a beautiful turquoise. We anchored and had lunch, as the cala is quite remote there were lots of nudists sunbathing on the rocks. It became very quiet as people left, Ray barbecued some steaks and we had the cala to ourselves as we ate our evening meal.
THURSDAY 20TH MAY
(Cala Molto to Porto Cristo, 15.5 miles. Wind SE 3)
John arrives this evening and we are looking forward to seeing them tomorrow. Another hot sunny day and we were up early for a change so after breakfast we weighed anchor and headed for Porto Cristo. We had the sails up for most of the way but had to motor sail as there was so little wind. We reached Porto Cristo just before mid-day and there was plenty of space on the public quay. We moored up next to the German boat we were next to last time. Once settled we went and booked a hire car for tomorrow. We ate on board as we will probably eat out a lot whilst John is here.
FRIDAY 21ST MAY
Up early and were disappointed to see quite a bit of cloud but fortunately this burnt off. We collected our car and then went to meet John. It took us a while to find his hotel as the one we had seen from the sea was not the one we thought, but eventually we found it. \it was great to see them, Peter has grown so much and wasn’t shy which is surprising since we haven’t seen him since Christmas. We had a lovely relaxing day with them catching up on news and gossip.
Roger Sallis phoned us and we are seeing them tomorrow evening for a meal after we have been to Palma.
SATURDAY 22ND MAY
A cloudy start to the day, we headed for Palma as Ray wanted to buy some ‘things’ for the boat. We bought some of the bits at the chandlery and then walked to El Cortes Ingles (a Dept Store) to see if they had an SSB radio. We decided to follow the bus route which took us ages, it was much further than we thought and when we got there they didn’t have one. We walked back through the old town which was much quicker and by then it was quite hot. The cathedral was closed so we decided to head back to Porto Cristo stopping at a Carrefours hypermarket on the way to stock up whilst we had the car.
We met Roger and Carol and went to a super restaurant in Calonge, it had a great atmosphere with huge wood burning fire where they cooked some of the food. We had a very enjoyable evening but ate too much as usual.
SUNDAY 23RD MAY
A better morning with bright sunshine, we did some chores before John and Alex arrived by glass bottom boat from Cala Bona. We had lunch in the cockpit and then spent the afternoon on the beach as there was too much swell to take Peter for his first sail and it doesn’t look hopeful for tomorrow.
MONDAY 24TH MAY
A very hazy start to the day. We helped a British boat named Persistence to berth before setting off to see John and family at their hotel. It was quite windy by the time we arrived and we found it cool sitting around the swimming pool. Ray and John managed to get into the water and Peter enjoyed playing in his inflatable boat but Alex and I chickened out. We walked along the seafront and had a very pleasant lunch. The afternoon turned cloudy so we went to look at Cala Ratjada which we had heard was quite nice. It was full of Germans and not as good as we expected, it was very ‘touristy’ but we enjoyed the journey and our stroll around. We dropped the family off at their hotel and returned to the boat very tired.
TUESDAY 25TH MAY
A cloudy start and the boat was doing a lot of surging against the quay as there was quite a swell running so we weren’t able to take Peter for his sail. We collected them from S’illot as they had taken the tourist train along the coast from Cala Bona. We had lunch on board as Peter really enjoys being on the boat. We then walked to the Club Nautico for a drink looking at the boats on the way.
WEDNESDAY 26th MAY
It rained all night and we got up to a very drizzly day. John and Alex were souvenir shopping so we went to Valldemossa. It was a lovely journey and the sun came out just as we arrived. We visited the monastery where Chopin and George Sand stayed and then wandered around the town, both of which were delightful. We then went to Puerto Soller which was a scenic drive through the mountains. We had a light lunch before heading back to Porto Cristo via Incas. We stopped at an olive wood factory but the prices were a rip off so we didn’t buy anything. We arrived back at the boat to find it was surging worse than ever so we adjusted the ropes as best we could. We then went to meet John and family to have a final drink and say goodbye as they leave early tomorrow morning. I hated saying goodbye it is the one down side of our lifestyle. We went for another meal with Roger and Carol to cheer me up. We went to a restaurant at Cala D’Or which was very good and had an excellent meal and thoroughly enjoyed their company. On returning to the boat we noticed Jack and Tanya had arrived in Blank Canvas so we will catch up with them tomorrow.
THURSDAY 27TH MAY
We awoke to a beautiful blue sky and sunshine, it is such a shame John goes home today. We spent the morning cleaning the boat then after lunch we visited Arta which has a beautiful church and Calvari. It is a lovely unspoilt town which it would seem visitors have yet to discover. We did some shopping as it was the last opportunity before taking the car back. After dropping the car off we went for drinks with Tanya and Jack on Blank Canvas and they gave us some info on marinas on the Costa Brava.
FRIDAY 28TH MAY
(Porto Cristo to Mahon in Menorca, 51.1 miles. Wind started variable, through East then SE and finally SW 3 to 4)
Another bright sunny morning, we prepared the boat for sea, we left Porto Cristo at 9.30 heading for Mahon on Menorca. We motor sailed on lovely calm seas, we saw very few boats and reached Mahon just before 6.00p.m.. We decided to anchor in Cala Taulera which is just in the entrance of the harbour, it was very sheltered with just 2 other yachts at anchor. It is a beautiful spot, we enjoyed a drink before barbecuing. It was a lovely evening and we sat out until the sun went down.
SATURDAY 29TH MAY
We slept well as the anchorage was dark calm and quiet. Another gorgeous morning, Ray blew up the dinghy and we did some exploring. It became very hot so we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery and watching the occasional boat that passed through the Cala.
SUNDAY 30TH MAY
Another gorgeous morning I did some sewing and watched the boats come in and out of the anchorage. It was busy with lots of small local boats with families who were having picnics on the beach. We took the dinghy ashore and went for a walk before returning for our evening meal by which time all the local boats had left.
MONDAY 31ST MAY
A very warm but cloudy morning, we decided to motor around the harbour and find somewhere to moor so that we could visit the town. We picked up a mooring off Isla Clementina which only costs 10E per night but the marinero said we can only stay one night. We then took the dinghy ashore and walked miles for shopping calling at the chandlers on the way. We then found out there is a much quicker way to the main town from the harbour. We had lunch on board and were visited by Roberto who delivers fresh bread and croissants every morning. He gave us a free loaf as ‘it was not fresh as it was baked at 6 o clock this morning’. We had a lazy afternoon then changed and went ashore to wander, the town is lovely but very steep on the hillside. Ray was pleased as we found a shop that had his sailing magazines. We ate at the floating restaurant, the food was very good but the service was terrible. At least the dinghy engine worked when we headed back as it had been giving problems all day.
TUESDAY 1ST JUNE
A very hot bright morning. We went in the dinghy to speak to Tony and Pearl on Barolo and Sue and Mike on Persistence who were moored on Isla Clementina. We invited them on board for a drink this evening. The marinero came along and I asked him if it was possible to stay on the mooring for one more night, he said the boat was due back but if we waited 10 minutes there would be space on the Island for us. We put our fenders and ropes on and got in easily with the help of the marinero pushing the boats aside on both sides. We had thought there was no room but there was. The Island is one of two large square floating pontoons complete with park benches lamp posts and barbecue to which approx 24 yachts can moor. We then took some laundry to the Club Maritimo, it is a service laundry but very expensive, 37E for 2 loads to be washed, dried and folded (not even ironed). It was all bed linen and towels which I refuse to wash by hand so we grudgingly left it. We had Pearl, Tony, Sue and Mike for drinks which was very enjoyable but it meant we ate very late, far too late to Barbie. It seems that strong winds are coming in from the Golfe de Lyon so we may be here for a few days.
WEDNESDAY 2nd JUNE
Another beautiful morning, we got up early so that we could clean the hull whilst there are no boats either side of us (they left late yesterday). It was exhausting but the boat looks much better and only took just over 2 hours. We were going ashore for lunch but by the time I had showered and washed my hair I couldn’t be bothered. After lunch and a siesta we went ashore to see if I could find a hairdresser to cut my hair, we were unsuccessful. We then went for the laundry and looked at the forecast at Club Maritimo, it looks awful until midnight Friday so we may hire a car to see something of the Island.
THURSDAY 3RD JUNE
A sunny but very windy morning, the wind is blowing straight into the cockpit making it impossible to sit out. We did some outstanding chores and Ray tackled various ‘electric’ jobs around the boat. He gave up on sorting the generator as it will have to be a winter job. We went ashore and booked a hire car for tomorrow. We walked around Cala Figuera to stretch our legs. We went and had drinks with Mike and Sue on Persistence before eating on board.
FRIDAY 4TH JUNE
We were up early to collect the car, the weather was still windy but cloudy and warm. We left Mahon and drove through very pleasant green rolling countryside to Ciutedella which was once the Capital of Menorca. We managed to park just outside the old town and found ourselves in the marketplace where we stopped for coffee. It is a brilliant daily market of fish, meat and vegetables, all in exceptionally clean open sided buildings with wonderful fresh produce. We then wandered around the old town where there are some beautiful old buildings. We wandered as far as the port and then explored some of the back streets before having another drink in the Placa Nova, a very large central square with lots of open air bars and restaurants. We then motored to Cala Santandria just 5 km South of Ciutedella. It really is stunning and we found a pleasant little restaurant overlooking the Cala to have our lunch. This is definitely somewhere to return to by boat.
We then went to the North of the Island to Cala Morel, a fantastic cala with wonderful rock formations which have been eroded by the wind. We walked out to the headland marvelling at some of the strange rock shapes. This would be a great cala to visit by boat but only in calm and settled conditions.
We then went to Menorcas highest point El Torro. This was a ride up a small mountain with lots of hairpin bends but it was worth it for the view from the top.
We could see the whole of the Island, it was spectacular. There is also a monastery at the top and a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was very beautiful and well cared for.
Once down the mountain we headed South again to Cala Galdana, this was another beautiful cala with steep sided cliffs and a beach of fine white sand. There is a nice board walk along the river and some nice walks through some pine woods to the headland. We had a drink and then headed back to Mahon as we were invited for pre dinner drinks on board ‘Barolo’ with Tony and Pearl. It was 8.30 before we got back on board to change to go for a meal ashore. We went to a Greek restaurant and ate far too much but it was very good. We slowly walked back to the dinghy pontoon, it was a lovely night with almost a full moon and no wind.
SATURDAY 5TH JUNE
A poor night due to too much food and then we were disturbed by the ferries and a cruise ship entering the harbour so we were up early for a change.
We were going to leave but the wind increased and the marinero said it would be force 5/6 so we decided to wait and see what developed. We decided to go ashore as the wind had increased however just as I locked up Martin and Linda on Great Sensation came in. This was a boat that had over wintered with us in Almerimar and who we first met last year in Portugal. We helped them in and then sat drinking and catching up on gossip, it was then too late to go ashore as the shops would be closed. We spent a lazy afternoon and then Linda and Martin and Tony and Pearl came on board for drinks. It was 9.30 when they left but it was still very warm and the wind had died so we had a barbecue.
SUNDAY 6TH JUNE
(Mahon to Cala Grao, 7.9 miles. Wind N 2 or 3)
We were up early (again) too a lovely sunny and calm morning. After breakfast we prepared the boat for sea and left Mahon at 9.00a.m. We motored to Cala Grao just beside Iisla Colom. It is a beautiful anchorage but being Sunday was quite busy. We anchored easily and could have got further into the bay except for a small boat at anchor, they decided to move anyway as we had disturbed their nude sunbathing. There were only 2 other yachts who came in later but there were lots of small local boats going in and out the bay but this eased at lunch/siesta time. It was extremely hot so we decided to leave going ashore until late afternoon when it was cooler. We explored Es Grao, which is just a small village, we then explored the cala in the dinghy, the water was crystal clear and felt quite warm. We returned to the boat and had yet another barbecue.
I feel this passage report is getting long and boring so have decided to do a summary of the last month.
We continued our exploration of Menorca and enjoyed anchoring in some beautiful isolated calas some of which were quite tricky to get into. Menorca proved to be our favourite Island with little high rise development and lots of deserted beaches and calas. The weather continued to be hot but quite windy It is not known as the windy isle for nothing! We eventually had to put up the boom tent to provide us with some much needed extra shade. We also meet a number of friends in Menorca so our social life was good catching up on what people had been doing.
We eventually left Menorca on thee 20th June and headed back to thee bay of Pollensa on Mallorca where we spent a night at anchor in Cala del Pinar. We forgot it was Fathers Day again until we had phone calls from the family. We left Mallorca just before dawn and sailed to Port Olympico, Barcelona, some109 miles too the northwest in light winds which blew from every point of the compass! We had a great sail but the marineros struggled to find us a berth so we ended up on the waiting pontoon at thee varadero (boatyard). They managed to find us a berth for the next night and then we moved to Port Vell which is right in thee centre of Barcelona. I loved it there as there was so much to do and see, Ray wasn’t so keen as there was a lot of dirt in the atmosphere which of course ended up on thee boat. We stayed a week doing lots of sightseeing although we could only manage mornings as the days were so hot (33o) I enjoyed it so much that we asked about a winter berth but there is a waiting list so we will continue with our original plan and head towards Rome.
We left Barcelona on the 28th June and headed up the coast to thee Costa Brava sailing slowly all day as there was little wind and it was more pleasant to be at sea as it was so hot but anchoring in small calas at night. We are now on a visitors mooring sheltered by the Islas Las Medas just off Estartit as we have had strong winds since yesterday morning (1stt July). We are hoping the wind will abate tonight and we can move on to the Bay of Rosas and then Cadaques before we cross the Golfe de Lyon into France.
Best Wishes too you all
Ray and Sandra
Stratagem
Spain
