Tuesday 22 October 2013

Off South Again - Villa Garcia, Spain To Povoa Da Varzim, Portugal.

    The weather turned for the worse once our guests had departed and we were to be stuck in Villa Garcia for 12 days before we could venture south again. The time was well spent with admin, washing, cleaning, cycle rides, walks and safety equipment preparation for Portugal.  These pictures are from  our cycle rides to Il Carril and Ile De Arosa and show some lovely old traditional sailing yachts.

Small Fishing Harbour Of Carril
Traditional Sailing Yachts 
Traditional Sailing Yacht At Ile De Arosa
Guy At San Julian Fishing Harbour
    We were fortunate to meet up with sailing companions Bill and Aly from 'Fallen Angel' who were to prove good drinking and eating buddies in the excellent marina restaurant. 'Pass the Pigs' and 'Liar Dice games helped to pass the time away.

Final Meal With Bill & Aly Of 'Fallen Angel'
     We were eventually able to depart Villa Garcia on 5 October 2013 and set sail for Bayona. We passed our favourite islands of Cies and got used to flying the motoring cone for the tighter Portuguese regulations. This is required on a yacht when you have a sail up but are also motoring. Kisti Two anchored in the Bay of Bayona in glorious sunshine. It would have been lovely to stay but we needed to be heading on down south again.

Motoring Cone In Action Off Islas Cies
Goodbye To The Islas Cies
Kisti Two Approaching Bayona
Bayona Anchorage And Citadel De Monte Real
  We dpearted Bayona as the sun rose heading with several other yachts all bound south for Portugal. We had a most fantastic time in Northern Spain and did not really want to leave. The people of Galicia were all very friendly, generous and helpful and the Rias are an excellent and cost effective area for sailing. Thank you very much to all our Spanish friends from Galicia for making us feel so welcome. It was a wonderful experience and we were very pleased we had not rushed on south to the Med.

Ginny Smiling At Early Morning Departure From Bayona
Ginny Raising Portuguese Courtesy Flag At 1000hrs
At Long Last South Of 43 Northing.
Large Wind Generator On Approach To Povoa Da Varzim
    We eventually arrived at Povoa Da Varzim at 1630 having sailed past the Portugues 'Manhatten Skyline' that has been built along this part of the coast. The Church had a most useful lighthouse to guide in the fishermen and a horn sounded on the safe arrival of every fishing boat back to port. Not helpful if trying to sleep! We decided to stay here longer and use the new very smart Metro to visit Porto.

The Fishermans Church With Lighthouse
The Manhattan Skyline Of Povoa Da Varzim
A Long Atlantic Beach

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