I had been sailing with them a couple of times before, but only for an hour or so. The first time we just had a gentle potter around Pevensey Bay, there was hardly any wind and I even enjoyed a spot of fishing. The second time was a different story. I got a much better appreciation as the boat heeled over and we raced though the water.
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| Sailing in the Bay |
We sailed to Sovereign light tower and I got some fantastic photos.
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| Sovereign light tower |
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I am definitely more of a fair-weather sailor and prefer it more when there's no wind.... or better still, sitting on the boat in the marina on a warm sunny day with a cold beer!
June saw the start of the Rally Portugal in Plymouth, and this meant that friends and family could track their yacht on a computer. I was glued to my screen as the progress across Biscay was updated every 4 hours, and I still recall the relief when they arrived safely in Bayona.
Sadly, 'work' and other commitments got in the way of joining them on en-route, but I had some leave left to join them in Spain for Christmas.
The day I left to fly to Almeria, it was cold, wet and windy at Gatwick airport. This was a stark contrast to the clear blue skies and warm sun when I landed just a few hours later!
As soon as the taxi entered the marina complex, I could see Scarlet Lady clearly as Lynne and Steve had put up the code flags to dress the boat for the holiday period.
After an emotional reunion, a quick change into shorts and t-shirt, and some homemade tapas for lunch, Lynne gave me a guided tour of the marina. It is huge! It must have taken over an hour to walk around, but some of that was stopping to be introduced to the many friends Steve and Lynne have made since arriving in October.
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| Some of the many waterside bars and restaurants |
Lynne was keen to point out the boules courts she uses every Tuesday, the bar that she goes to ladies coffee mornings, and the beach bar where she does Tai-Chi. I had arrived too late in the week for quiz night at Cafe Espigon, but Lynne tells me she and Steve have been on the winning team on four occasions!
When we arrived back at the boat, we noticed a heron on the mooring line looking for his dinner!
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| Waiting for dinner to swim along |
A short walk from the boat is a large supermarket and every other building appeared to be a bar or restaurant. Lynne tells me she heard there were over 75 to choose from!
By the end of the second day I was well and truly relaxed, and just about coming to terms with the novelty of wearing shorts in December.
It was a great catch-up visit and we packed in a lot. One day, we took the bus to Roquetas de Mar along the coast, and visited a huge shopping mall to do some last minute Christmas shopping. It would have been good to spend a bit more time exploring the town, but the last bus leaves at 5.30pm.
We got back from Roquetas in time to watch the 'Yotties' carol singing concert.
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| A talented bunch |
Christmas day lunch had been booked in the Stumble Inn, and it was the usual turkey with all the trimmings followed by a lie down to let all the food digest. Actually this turned out to be the only day of my visit that it rained, apparently for the first time in a month.
The wind really got up in the afternoon so Steve and I took down the code flags in case they blew away, and put an extra mooring line on. Watching the TV that night I could really feel the boat moving, and wasn't sure if I would be able to sleep that night. However, after a couple of sea-sickness tablets, I found I was rocked to sleep and slept like a baby.
By the morning it was calm as a mill pond and back to clear blue skies and sunshine, so we popped the code flags back up and headed off on the 'hogs' for a bike ride around the complex.
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| Fold up bikes come in handy |
We stopped off near the Marina office to check on Marcos the orphaned dolphin, who is being cared for by Promar. He is a local celebrity and even has his own facebook page!
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| Marcos the rescued baby dolphin |
Our regular haunt became Mario's bar as it had a pool table, and they served very good tapas with every drink. After an off day and losing to Steve a 'few' times, I soon regained my composure and remained unbeaten. Thanks to Chris and Peter for being such sporting opponents, and good losers!
On Boxing Day evening I got roped into a quiz night at Bar Ankara. This proved to be a really good fun night, and another prize chalked up for Lynne and Steve on the winning team. Sadly, I did not fare so well in the darts competition, but at least I hit the board Steve! Note from Steve:(Actually Phill, I got through to the semi-finals thank you very much)
It was hard to leave when the time came, but the first thing on my mind to do when I get back is to look for flights to meet up again when they get to Italy. Family, sun and free accommodation, can't say fairer than that.
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| Phill, editor-in-chief |
Ciao Ciao
Phill
