9th to 13th September

On Tuesday we continued to pack up Imagine and took off the mainsail. The other two sails came off on Wednesday and both engines were serviced. From the dinghy Lucinda cleaned the hulls. The dinghy was then washed and dismantled. On Thursday we went to Reus to see the Gaudi museum which is a modern glass box, most unlike Gaudi's architecture. We discovered it was the national day of Cataluyna. Like the Scottish they have a vote coming up on national sovereignty. Unlike the Scottish vote it appears to be unofficial and non binding. We were up early on Friday to have a final flush of the heads before motoring to the other side of the marina where Imagine was lifted out. Her bottom was pressure washed and she was transported to her winter berth. I changed the anodes and put anti freeze in the engine seawater coolant circuit. We discovered the expensive 10 year anti foul was flaking and some screws have sheered off on the propellers. There's always something. On Saturday I took off the propeller to send back to be repaired. We packed, cleaned and tidied, and Imagine is now ready to be left for 7 months.

Over the winter the anti fouling will be touched up, the heater serviced, the seat and lazy bag repaired. On Sunday we will drive to Bilbao and try to get there in time to visit the Guggenheim. We have Monday to explore Bilbao further. On Tuesday morning we board the ferry for the overnight ferry to Portsmouth. We have already made provisional plans for next year. We will be back late April 2015.

8th September

Lucinda counted in 42 fishing boats over 90 minutes while we were at anchor.

8th September

Our last sail this season, and it wasn't much of one. We had the sails up briefly and made for the anchorage a few miles out into the lagoon. Once there I carried on clearing out the lockers and sorting out what needed to stay and what to take off. Yesterday's paper extolled the virtues of a siesta while in Spain. A good idea for another day. We filled the tanks with diesel and went to our berth for the last time. If all goes to plan we will next leave here on Friday to go to the boatyard on the other side of the marina. Once there we will be lifted out for the winter.

7th September

Today we headed for the hills. Morella is a medieval fortress town. The castle is built into and on top of the rock. Below it on one side lies the town, cosseted like a babe in arms by the outer rampart walls. We ground our way up to the top and were rewarded by the view of the surrounding countryside. Back in the village we had the set menu. It was cooler up at over 1000 metres. Back on the boat I started work sorting out the storage lockers.

6th September

We're starting to wind down now. After stocking up in the supermarket we motored 2 miles out into the lagoon and dropped anchor for lunch. When the temperature dropped a bit in late afternoon we tried out the new electric outboard. The wind was perfect for wafting down the lagoon under gennaker before heading back into the marina.

5th September

We headed off early back to Sant Carles where Imagine will remain for the winter. The first few hours we motored. A low black cloud was in our path and as we entered it's shadow it dumped it's accumulated water on us. At least the decks were cleaned. As forecast a light breeze appeared, typically it was blowing directly over our bows. Later the sun came out and the wind veered round. Engines off we sailed the last 20 miles. As we entered the shallow lagoon where Sant Carles is situated we encountered the fishing fleet heading for home. There were about 25 white and blue, red and green hulls all powering as though they were in a race. And perhaps there was a race to be first back. We were wallowing around under sail as one pair headed in our direction. One passed closely to port, the other missed us by a whisker to starboard. It only became apparent at the last moment that the boat to starboard was under autopilot with no one keeping a lookout. The sailors in the stern looked as shocked as we felt as they skimmed past. We will probably go out once or twice into the lagoon and then pack up. The engines are booked for a service on Wednesday and we are scheduled to be lifted out and placed on the hard on Friday.

4th September

Tarragon is as far north as we will be going. It was only 18 miles but it was hard work ploughing into seas with the texture of rough icing and the colour of lead, grey and dull. Inevitable the wind was against us and the low clouds dark and full of rain. We were intending to stay three nights. When I was told how much it would cost I was tempted to leave immediately. We will, however, leave early tomorrow and head back to Sant Carles. We can come here by car if necessary. We spent the afternoon looking round the old town. The Roman walls are magnificent and the amphitheatre interesting. The medieval cathedral has been restored to pristine magnificence. After all that culture it was supper on board and early to bed.

3rd September

Yesterday was Arthur's first birthday. He ate 18 chips for lunch. We continue to head north. We skirted the shallow and swampy Ebro delta, continued past the nuclear power station and arrived in Hopitalet de L'infant. On the way we saw birds eating fish, fish jumping out of the water, people fishing from big boats and small boats. The marina is a medium size but with few boats as big as ours. We were accommodated overnight on the waiting pontoon. The place feels like a ghost town with boarded up shops and restaurants, and long silent and empty walkways and parking lots.

2nd September

No major problems since Paul left. We headed further north in very light winds. The sail assisted the engine for the last few miles to Vinaros otherwise it was motoring all the way.

1st September

Yesterday was Lucinda's birthday. Congratulations and commiserations were gratefully received. Today was hot and windless. We motored back north and ended up in Castillon. Outside the harbour was a collection of smallish tankers and floating oiling buoys to service the tanks lining the shore just short of the harbour. The outer harbour was a sizeable freight facility where containers were being unloaded. There are two marinas in the far corner. We moored stern to where directed by the marinero at the Royal Club Nautico. We got settled, put out the passarelle and headed to the office. They said we could stay but only if we moved pontoons and paid a large fee. I decided to try the marina a short distance away. This was almost deserted and nearly as expensive. The town is some 4km from the port. We waited 40 minutes for a bus then wandered aimlessly round the deserted streets unable to find a restaurant. On the outskirts of town I had spotted a Wok which several people had recommended to us. It was a vast cavern of a Chinese restaurant serving help yourself, and help yourself again, Chinese buffet. We waited 30 minutes for a bus that didn't come. I called for a taxi which, given my non existent Spanish, miraculously arrived where we were waiting. The marina gates were shut. We pressed the bell and waited patiently for the night watchman to appear. He looked at us quizzically, raised his eyebrows and slid the unlocked gate aside.

29th to 31st August

We've spent the last 3 days here in Valencia. On Friday we took the tram and metro to the old town. The highlight was a visit to the cathedral and the 207 steps to the top of the bell tower. On Saturday we went to La Lonja, the old silk exchange. This is a stunning world heritage site. We visited the Art Deco Market and stocked up on ham and trinkets. Next to be visited was the museum of modern art. The river that ran through the centre of the town was diverted back in the late 1950s and is now a stunning linear park. We walked some way along that before getting the metro back to the boat. Today we decided to walk to the futuristic collection of buildings known as the city of arts and sciences. Carefully following the map we ended up lost in the fences surrounding the old F1 track. The only way out was across a railway line. We retraced our steps and eventually reached our destination. We were faced with a collection of extraordinary buildings resembling a futuristic, if somewhat soulless, vision of a city of the future. The science museum was a marvel of architecture with rather mundane exhibits failing to fill the overwhelming space. We viewed the other buildings from the walkways and then took a taxi back to the marina. In the evenings we spent some time with Karen and Jonathan who are here on Farfelu. They were joined this evening by Ken who had travelled up by bus from where he had left Unleashed.

28th August

We were 6 mikes out of Valencia and I was mentally composing a blog to say how uneventful the day had been. There was a soft thump followed by a judder and the port engine groaned a protest. Something was wrong, again. An underwater video showed something large and blue was wrapped round the propeller. There was only one thing for it; send Paul over the side. So in mid ocean he bravely entered the water in mask and snorkel clutching a pair of scissors. While Lucinda and I lazed on deck he worked away. The photo shows about half of what he freed up. The rest floated away and we hope it doesn't snare anyone else. Anyway we are now safely in Valencia where we ran into Jonathan and Karen on Farrfelu. Our hero Paul sadly has to leave to the airport. We will stay here 2 or 3 days.

27th August

No problems today, so far anyway. There was a lovely following breeze for the first couple of hours which faded away so we eventually had to motor. We are in a new marina in Burriana just north of Valencia. It's desolate, deserted and dreary. This is meant to be the height of the season. Where is everyone?

26th August

We had a relaxed start South from Sant Carles. We have obviously lost our sea legs. Although there was no wind the slight swell made us feel a little queasy. We motored the 27 miles to berth in Las Fuentes. That was when the fun began. A couple of hours before we arrived it became impossible to flush our heads. Two hours later, covered in sweat and other substances I had managed to clear the blockage. I'll spare you the details but a thorough shower was necessary followed by a few beers.

20th to 25th August.

We took the ferry overnight from Portsmouth to Bilbao. It was a mini cruise. I watched 2 movies, had a mediocre meal and a good night in our outside cabin. We drive down to visit Max in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The have restored a wonderful stone cottage into a comfortable home. The views were stunning. We stayed overnight and after a walk with the dogs headed South to Sant Carles. The boat was fine but shortly after we arrived a big storm blew through with string winds and torrential rain. At least it scoured the red dust off the boat. We spent a couple of days doing jobs and exploring the area. Paul arrived by train in the evening of the 24th. This morning I had to speak to someone in the boat yard and strange for work to be done when we returned. At 11;30 we were ready to leave. We slipped the lines, cleared the pontoons and them I pushed forward on the throttles. The boat juddered and we barely moved forward. This was serious trouble. It was a problem with both engines. In neutral the engines were fine. It must be a problem with the propellers. I called my new best friend in the boatyard. Tomasz was really helpful and agreed to lift Imagine out if the water. As anticipated both props were heavily encrusted with marine life. We had to wait until after lunch and siesta but a thorough pressure wash cleaned the underside of the boat. By now it was nearly 5pm so we went for a sail, practiced man overboard, came back to the marina for supper, had a beer in town and went to bed.

7th & 8th July

We needed about 20 hours to get back to the mainland. The weather was looking dodgy later in the week and a storm was expected this morning. Our only chance was to leave early afternoon and hope the forecast was more or less right. Black clouds swept in from the sea but the anticipated rain didn't come. We left about noon just as it was starting to clear. The first eight hours were a bit trying but we made good progress going to windward into the swell, propelled by force five winds. As predicted the wind died and we started motoring. I was expecting the wind to start up again about 2am and be blowing from where we were trying to go. Fortunately the wind remained light and the seas smooth as we neared land. By 5am we were just a few miles from our destination so I slowed down so we could approach the unfamiliar port in daylight. By 7:30 we were at the fuel bay and shortly after having breakfast at our berth.

We've all showered, the boat has had a first clean and I'm waiting for my new best friend Robert to come to the boat. He's coming to quote for all the work that needs to be carried out; the outboard won't work, the heater pours out steam and smells of burning, a bilge pump has packed up, the calorifier pressure release valve keeps dumping water into the engine compartment, a link in the anchor chain is rusting..... There's always something. And that's without all the things that I'm saving to be done over the winter. Anyway we're coming home soon so that's it from us until we returning late August.

6th July

I'm having bad vibes about Soller. The forecast was for strong winds and perhaps rain. I took extra precautions with the anchor including putting out a kedge to hold us in position. Lucinda woke me at 3:30am as the boat had swung round 180 degrees and the kedge was dangling uselessly like a limp lettuce. It was difficult to get to sleep after that as the wind whistled and the boat bobbed and we swung close to the other vessels around us. During the morning the wind increased. Roger and Sue rowed ashore struggling against the wind, but Lucinda and I stayed here to look after Imagine. We've been alright although several boats have dragged their anchor and earlier the lifeboat was bringing in a succession of small craft. The plan was to head to the mainland tomorrow. That still might be possible. If we don't go the weather is predicted to turn bad again for another 5 days or more. In the meantime Lucinda is eating all the twiglets and I'm nervously aware of every creak and yaw.

5th July

The weather today was much better although there was no wind to help us on our way. We've done this leg before but were still enchanted by the wooded cliffs and hidden villages and terraced hillsides. We anchored for lunch a few miles short of Soller and arrived here mid afternoon. We've given up on the outboard and rowed ashore for supper overlooking the harbour.

4th July

Although secure on a buoy it was an uncomfortable night. At 4:30 there was no wind and the boat kept gently bumping against the buoy sending gentle rasping rouses echoing through the hull. By 6 am the wind had got up blowing straight down into the harbour and we were pitching unpleasantly. The morning was overcast and we made a decision to stay another night. By the afternoon it had all calmed down. We went ashore in time to watch the Germany France match. There are lots of Germans here and they were pleased with the result. I tried to persuade the others to have a curry wurst to celebrate. They all decided they would prefer going back to the boat to eat.

3rd July

We had a frisky wind last night. He boat kept swinging round getting tangled up in our mooring buoy. When the buoy bounces against a hull the noise echoes throughout the boat suggesting something terrible is taking place on deck. I had to get up twice in the night to sort it out. We also had a rain storm which deposited red dust over the decks. Lucinda did a great job washing it all off, although it might have been better to close all the hatches beforehand. The forecast for today was for high winds and possible rain. We were intending to go to the small cove that had no room for us the other day. However with the forecast as it was I wanted a secure berth for the night. We therefore decided to head straight for the Port D'Andratx, thus missing the whole of Palma bay including Magaluf. It was a fast but somewhat bumpy passage. We are now secure on a buoy just off the old town.

2nd July

This morning we walked up to the castle guarding the entrance to the bay. It looks as though it has grown out of the rock. There was a narrow winding staircase to access the upper parts. Disabled access did not to be considered by architects of old. Sue went for a swim round the boat and got stung for her troubles. I therefore inspected the underwater parts of the boat by hanging off the side of the dinghy with just my head under water. Once again the outboard wasn't working. We took it apart and peered at the spark plug hoping for inspiration. When we put it back together it still didn't work. In the evening we went for a guided walk up to the top of the island. The views were extraordinary looking out towards Africa (too far away to see) and down over the natural harbour in which we were moored.

1st July

We met up with Roger and Sue this morning. We took the wheelie trolley and several bags to the supermarket to stock up on essential supplies. This seemed mainly to consist of white wine and lettuce. We are ready for anything now. The island of Cabrera is a jewel among the Balearics. It is a national park with access only allowed on a designated buoy. There is one bar and lots of trails to walk. We have booked a guided walk for tomorrow evening and are now having a beer and tapas in the bar. We'll stay here tomorrow night as well. Also Happy Birthday Sophie.

1st July

We met up with Roger and Sue this morning. We took the wheelie trolley and several bags to the supermarket to stock up on essential supplies. This seemed mainly to consist of white wine and lettuce. We are ready for anything now. The island of Cabrera is a jewel among the Balearics. It is a national park with access only allowed on a designated buoy. There is one bar and lots of trails to walk. We have booked a guided walk for tomorrow evening and are now having a beer and tapas in the bar. We'll stay here tomorrow night as well. Also Happy Birthday Sophie.

1st July

We met up with Roger and Sue this morning. We took the wheelie trolley and several bags to the supermarket to stock up on essential supplies. This seemed mainly to consist of white wine and lettuce. We are ready for anything now. The island of Cabrera is a jewel among the Balearics. It is a national park with access only allowed on a designated buoy. There is one bar and lots of trails to walk. We have booked a guided walk for tomorrow evening and are now having a beer and tapas in the bar. We'll stay here tomorrow night as well. Also Happy Birthday Sophie.

30th June

We had a lovely lie in and pushed off with the intention of looking at the bay next door. It didn't look too inviting so we pressed on round the southernmost tip of Mallorca and into Puerto Colonia De Sant Jordi. We're picking Sue and Roger up from here tomorrow. It was OK for lunch but not sheltered enough for overnight. The Pilot book had details of an interesting narrow cove 8 miles down the coast so we thought we would have a look. The narrow entrance led to a small inlet with room for about 4 boats. Sadly we were boat number 5. We went back to just round the corner from where we started and will stay here for the night.

29th June

This morning was overcast and blustery. The plan was to go ashore and then move further on to another bay further south. It seemed a lot of bother. And then a nice Spanish man told us that we weren't allowed to anchor where we were. That made our mind up. We motored a few hundred metres across the bay, picked up a buoy and decided to stay for the night. We downloaded the newspapers this morning, went for a walk this afternoon and have identified a tapas bar for supper tonight. Incidentally I must congratulate Lucinda. Today is our 35th anniversary.

28th June

This morning we rowed to the harbour wall and walked into the old town. Very picturesque but not at all touristy. Lucinda bought yet more fruit and vegetable; but can I persuade her that buying baked beans is priority? At breakfast I got a look from her as I helped myself to Lizzie's granola. It's Lucinda's special packet. We motor-sailed the 5.5 miles round to Porto Petro. This is a deep Cala with three limbs, one of which contains a marina. The other two bays are meant to contain bookable buoys but they had only been laid in one inlet. So we headed to the other and dropped anchor. We had to try twice as there is a lot of weed on the bottom. We ended up next to a Spanish boat with one male skipper and 10 young women on board. It was a small monohull and the women squeezed themselves into contorted positions trying to find space for all of them to lie out on deck. We'll eat on board tonight.

27th June

Last night the outboard motor failed to start. There's always something. This morning it sputtered into life and we went into town. The owner of the shop we stopped at is from Pakistan. He told us that the Caves of Drach were testament to the creative power of God. We walked to the entrance to find out. They certainly are spectacular caves, although not the best we have ever seen. Stalactites like yarns of wool and stalagmites resembling great organ pipes. According to the guide it was M.F. Will who explored the caves in 1880, although E.A. Martel discovered the lake that bears his name. Anyway halfway through the tour we sat in an arena by the lake within the caves. The lights dimmed. There was a glow in the distance. Ethereal music drifted over us. Lights appeared on the water and a small rowing boat silently came towards us. On board were two violists, a lady playing the cello and someone sat by an organ placed across the bow of the boat. It was like something from a Monty Python sketch. Back on the boat we were about to have lunch when the police started shouting at us from the shore. They didn't like us having lines ashore. Time to leave. We went south to Porto Colom. It is only 8 miles in a straight line. However even with motoring the last 2 miles, tacking into a southerly meant we had to cover 18 miles. They've filled the bay with buoys so we've picked one up.

26th June

The two French boats on our left and the big cat to our right thankfully pushed off this morning going dangerously close to other boats on their way out. Sut alors! Imagine got a thorough fresh water hose down and the water tanks were filled. Time to leave. We intended to pick a quiet anchorage going south but all we passed were either fringed with big apartment blocks or desolate and forbidding. We have ended up just outside Porto Cristo. The anchor is in mid channel and we've taken a couple of lines to the rocks to keep us (hopefully) secure and tucked out of the way while avoiding the expense of the marina. This is place is famous for caves discovered by MEA Martel in 1896 (me too) and an unsuccessful landing of the Communists during the civil war.

25th June

The storm I was expecting never came and we had a comfortable night at anchor. The starboard engine seems alright but I am concerned that there might be damage to the prop. We motored the mile back to the marina at Ratjada to fill up with diesel. Lucinda wants to hoover the boat and do some ironing so for the first time since Santa Pola when we started in early June we have booked in for the night. It means mains power and the chance to hose down the boat. The downside is it's expensive, dirty, smelly and noisy. There are also showers on shore. We will have to see if they are as good as the one on the boat. We have been to the supermarket to replenish stores and bought another gas canister. The water is too dirty to dive so I won't be inspecting the propellor here. Now we've been hit by another French boat. It was mooring next to us as we had lunch. Their bow swung round and crunched onto our starboard side. That will need another gelcoat repair job. Anyway we'll eat onshore as we can walk back to the boat. In the meantime chores to do.

24th June

Lucinda was woken by the lads on the adjacent boat returning at 5 am. Otherwise all was tranquil. In the town we watched the same hundred or so horsemen parade round an open area at the top of the harbour. Do they have a change of clothes? The horses were immaculate and once again the riders showed off with turns and Lone Ranger rearing up moments. After about an hour of this they formed up at one end of the arena holding lances. A light turned green and a bugle played over the speakers. A rider set off down the arena lance held upright. As he went into a flat out gallop he bent low over the horse and moved the lance in his right hand into a horizontal position. He charged directly towards a dense mass of people over whom a tiny target dangled from a wire. The crowd opened in front of the rider and closed behind him as the horse passed. The idea was to insert the tip of the javelin into a hole in the centre of a small metal plate dangling above the crowd. It was a tiny target. If the rider was successful a big cheer went up. But there were few of those. Most attempts were rewarded with a collective groan. We then went for a drink before coming upon the horses again performing their way through the centre of town. Too scared to brave crossing the column we cowered against the wall as hoofs and rumps gyrated in front of us. This was all rehearsal for tonight. However, by this time we had seen enough of the horses. The weather was predicted to deteriorate so we decided to set off for Mallorca. The windy was fluky, the sky leaden and the atmosphere oppressive. We arrived off the Puerto De Cala Ratjada and the starboard engine overheated. There's always something. Anyway the marina didn't look too inviting, especially on one engine, so we made our way 1.5 miles up the coast and are now at anchor in the Cala De Sa Font, and here we will stay for the night.

23rd June part 2

The main square was full. We waited for something to do with horses but we weren't sure what. A man dressed in black entered riding a donkey. He was banging a drum and blowing a whistle. Then a man riding a horse, also dressed formally in black with hat and black bow tie, boots and spurs. The horse was decorated with a colourful saddle cloth, ribbons in its tail and a Spanish saddle. Then came another horse and rider, and another. Lucinda estimates that there were about a hundred of them. The riders were all male with some who were quite old and one in an oversized suit was about 12 years old. They were all in black apart from the second in line and the second from last who wore white trousers and white bow ties. Last of all was a clergyman in a dog collar. The band started playing. They only had one tune which they repeated again and again, but it was good and catchy. The horses paraded round the square in and through the crowds. In front of the orchestra each rider wheeled his mount round and made it rear up on it's hind legs. People were hanging on to the horses, standing underneath as they reared up and turned full circles. The music played, the horses reared, the crowd were frenzied and it went on and on. When this had finally ended there was a break before hazelnut throwing commenced. Tonight the adolescents were at it. Extreme pick up techniques consisted of lobbing a handful of nuts at a girl you fancied and then getting your mates to throw her up into the air. By this time many were clutching plastic bottles or glasses of iced Gin and lemon. We sat in a narrow passage waiting for the final event. Great posses of people passed us in both directions. Many stumbling and weaving and clutching their drinks. There were some couples and a few older people. Most were groups of girls holding hands or swaggering boys. Then the horses came down the passage at a fast trot. In front of them was more than a wall of people. It was a densely packed mass. Without any hesitation the horses plunged into the melee, rising up on their hind legs and rotating in 360 degree turns. Somehow there was space in the seething mass for the horses to be swallowed up and surrounded as they ploughed through the crowd. We could see them down the road leaping and turning above the pack of people until they were out of sight. Time after time it seemed as though someone would get crushed or a rider unseated. Around the horses pressing in on them, people were singing, leaping up and down with arms outstretched, and yelling a repetitive song with lots of oles in it. It was terrifying and extraordinary to watch.

23rd June

The first bout of hazelnut throwing was last night. There was some affectionate chucking and some outright warfare. Among it all tiny kids were picking up nuts and putting them in baskets or jumping up and down on them to hear the popping noise. It was another disturbed night. A big thunderstorm swept in and the rain hammering woke Lucinda who closed the hatches. Streaks of lightning mingled with the searching beam of the lighthouse on the corner mingled with claps of thunder and the rattling of rigging. At 4am we were dozing uneasily when there was a thud by Lucinda's left ear which vibrated through the boat. Rushing on deck we could see a boat which had dragged its anchor. It had drifted back onto the rocks, swung sideways, slipped behind another boat and hit us. That took a while to untangle. We were firmly in place but on both sides of us boats were bobbing and swinging around uncertainly. In daylight we could see that the damage appeared to be superficial with a couple of gouges out of the fibreglass. The French boat that came adrift was made of steel and bounced harmlessly off the rocks. He's heading to the Canaries and across the Atlantic so we'd better sort it out while we are both here. Later our friends Clare and Gareth on Jalfrezi arrived, a pleasant surprise. We went ashore to see a man riding a donkey. There were performing horses somewhere but we couldn't find them. Tonight more horses and more hazelnut throwing. In the meantime more and more boats arrive and the town is heaving with excitable youth and rotund grannies wearing St Joan t shirts, hats and neckerchiefs.

22nd June

Looking from the dinghy it was clear we had a tangle of fishing net wrapped round the propellor. Problem solved at the cost of two beers, and I didn't even get wet. A young Spanish guy staying in the villa behind us dived down and cut it free. In the evening we took the dinghy into the harbour, explored, had a drink and ate dinner. We found out more about the festival of St Joan. The guide says "It is important to know that the hazelnut throws ... Have nothing in common with a war or a battle. The tradition comes from an act of friendship or wooing. Therefore, the hazelnuts must be thrown gently and without the intention of harming the others". It also informed us that ",,, there is no need to urinate in the streets". "Going with small children or prams is dangerous" (is that a general statement or one specific to the fete?) And, once again "Throw the hazelnuts affectionately". The nut throwing is not until Monday. We'll have to stay to see that.

21st June

Lucinda wanted to go to Minorca so here we are. Another 35 miles completed. We are in Ciudadela. The marina itself is surrounded by the town centre. We are in the narrow Cala leading to the harbour. We anchored in the channel and took two lines ashore to keep our stern near the rocks behind us. From here I can see the centre of the town. A bit later we will take the dinghy in to see what attractions there are. The Pilot book is quite enthusiastic. Unless we are moved on we will probably stay for two or even three nights. However, unfortunately, we appear to have got something round the starboard propellor as we were coming in. This may mean a dive under the boat, something I was hoping never to have to do.

20th June

Last night was at anchor in a narrow deep cove. We were close in with a kedge anchor to limit our swing. We were fine all day bobbing comfortably a few metres from a sheer rock face. With darkness the rock seemed ever nearer, looming above us in the moonlight. Perhaps I should have anchored further out. Lucinda and I both had a fretful and sleep deprived night fearing that the anchor might drag again. In the morning light everything once again was tranquil and we hadn't budged from where we started off. I received a text with the tragic news from Brazil about England. We have now rounded the north west tip of Mallorca. As we turned the corner the dramatic cliffs, caves and coves gave way to open beaches, low hills and blocks of hotels and flats. We're back in civilisation. We've anchored behind the point de la Avanzada, opposite the Puerto De Pollensa.

19th June

We're anchored by the Torrented de Pareis. This is one of the most visited sights in Mallorca. We anchored this morning in a desolate and deserted bay. High cliffs surround us, a dribble of a stream (the torrent) drips in to the sea across the pebble beach. We took the dinghy round the corner into another arm of the bay. Here there are 7 self service restaurants and a landing stage. We walked back to where we had anchored through two tunnels cut in the cliffs. While we were walking back the coaches and boats started to arrive and by early afternoon the place was a heaving mass of mainly German tourists. We were joined in the anchorage by an assortment of yachts and motor boats. Nearby, youth were dive bombing into the sea from a rock. We had lunch ashore and spent the afternoon chilling. Everyone, apart from a boat or two, will be gone by 6 pm. Sadly all the bars will be shut and there is no internet. Good luck England. I will have to wait until tomorrow to find out how they get on.

18th June

Well, what an exciting day. Lucinda woke me at 3am. The wind was screaming round the hulls, lightning was blasting nearly overhead, horizontal rain was buffeting us and a confused medley of horns, sirens and thunderclaps rent the air. A small boat was a few feet off our side. When we had gone below she had been 100 metres behind us. We had dragged our anchor, and we weren't the only ones. While I managed the engines Lucinda went forward in her light nightclothes to raise the anchor. She came back to the cockpit soaked and shivering uncontrollably like a demented beaver. I managed to avoid hitting anything in the confusion and we got the anchor down again. One yacht was motoring through the melee and others were relaying heir anchors. Suddenly the wind came at us from the reverse direction and all the boats slewed round to face the other way. After about an hour it settled down and I kept watch for another hour or so. We awoke pretty knackered in the morning to see all the boats around us bobbing tranquilly as though nothing had happened.

We then took he tram into the town of Soller and from there a train to Palma. Soller is completely enclosed by mountains. The train grinds it way up towards the sea and around in a wide arc to face inland. After 15 minutes it enters a tunnel from which it emerges 10 minutes later on the other side of the mountains. Palma was a big tourist town with a cathedral and other historic buildings. We had a quick look round before having a great tapas lunch and heading back. Time for a snooze, supper on the boat and planning for tomorrow's journey.

17th June

We pushed off early having no desire to step ashore. The bay was lined with apartments and hotels and disco thud gently pounded from the shore as we went to sleep. Today we headed west and then north along the inhospitable west coast of Mallorca. There is only one harbour on this coast and few precarious anchorages. Th scenery is stunning with rows of hills descending in shades of grey towards the horizon. The occasional dwelling clings to the rock face. Tall mountains loom inland above the sea cliffs while below caves have been hollowed out by the restless sea. We looked at an extraordinary anchorage hidden behind a rock jutting into the sea. We are now in Soller anchored among boats from England, France and Holland. We will take a tram into the town and perhaps a train tomorrow to Palma. This place merits more than a fleeting overnight visit.

16th June

We're in Mallorca (Majorca?) anchored in Cala De Santa Ponsa. We motor sailed most of the way. Winds were taking us to the eastern tip of the island but as the day went on they came round to the north and we made our intended destination. Sitting here at anchor with zero wind is quite a contrast from a few hours ago when we were wearing life jackets and warm tops bouncing our way to windward in 25 knots of apparent wind.

15th June

Woke up feeling slightly nauseous. Was it the lamb for supper last night or England's World Cup loss. It was the boat side on to a swell. Almost all the other boats had gone sometime in the night. The wimps. I couldn't handle breakfast on the boat so we went to the shore surfing onto the beach in the dinghy. Although there was a wicked swell there was little wind so we decided to see if the next bay was a bit smoother. It wasn't. We thought of heading to Mallorca. In our way was a big black cloud. Suddenly the wind picked up gusting at 35 knots. OK message received, back to our bay. Actual winds bear little resemblance to forecast. We'll stay the night and head to Mallorca tomorrow unless it looks really miserable.

14th June

We took a day off. Morning bus to the other side of the Island. Back for a late lunch. Snooze, swim, cocktails, supper and footie.

June 13th

View from the restaurant balcony. Spain have just scores from a penalty

13th June

We're in Portinax on the north east corner of Ibiza. The World Cup has starts. We saw most of the opening game last night. San Antonio is party central. Packs of assorted youth roamed the street at night, some grotesque, others attractive. The bigger the thighs the scantier the clothes. Big girls with elfin friends. Tattooed blokes with weedy mates. And everywhere tempting invitations to one club or another.

It's another world here. A small bay with a half dozen boats at anchor, a handful of restaurants and a few shops. Internet and the football on TV make this place close to heaven.

12th June

Not that it's boring but; woke to sunshine, pulled on shorts, motored and sailed 9 miles, dropped anchor, had lunch. Much the same as the previous days. However slight variation today as we are in San Antonio which is one of the three places on Ibiza with a marina. That meant we could fill up with diesel, and there are shops and restaurants and night life. There is also plenty of room to anchor within the bigger harbour. Everyone says it gets really busy but so far no problems.

11th June

We are picking our way round the north coast of Ibiza. As we nosed out of our anchorage Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior headed south. We passed Sir Baden Powell at anchor, the boat that is. We poked our nose into a couple of small rocky inlets and we finally decided to drop anchor here, at Cala Tarida. Total distance covered about 10 miles. There are 4 other similar sized boats at anchor and a massive yacht registered in the Cayman Islands. Where are they? I can see at least 5 restaurants on shore, some extraordinary paddle boats with inbuilt water slides. Someone is getting very wet attempting to master a water jet flying device. We are planning on eating out tonight. The anchor and chain are clearly visible through the ice green sea. Where are the famous Ibiza clubs? Not here.

10th June

Last night we ate ashore at the beachfront restaurant. Today we slowly motored (diesel needs husbanding) north to Ibiza. We are anchored in the shadow of two British yachts. One is 46m long, the other 56m. There is a fancy lunch place on the beach. No room for us and the prices were astronomic. So I had a Magnum and we had lunch on the boat. We'll stay here for the night.

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9th June

This is more like it. A slow drift downwind for 6 miles to anchor on sand in a small bay on Formentera with crystal clear emerald water and a small bar ashore. At 13:00 we were the 5th boat here. Looking around at 15:30 there are now 29 craft from small motor boats to several mega yachts of more than 100 feet. I wonder how many will stay the night. The water maker is now working and the solar panels are topping up the batteries. As long as the baked beans last we could stay here for ever.

8th June

We've made the next great leap. Getting to Formentera was dead easy. Flat seas, 4 hours of sailing and then motoring all the way. We're secured to a buoy off Espalmador which abuts Formentera. No anchoring here but still space. However more boats along this strip than we've seen outside of a marina. If only the water were warmer I'd be swimming.

7th June

Formentera here we come - well not exactly. The forecast was light winds and smooth seas. We were up and on our as dawn broke and back on at anchor by 9:30. As we left the shelter of our anchorage we could see that the forecast was way off. Winds of 30 knots gusting 35 were sweeping round the headland. I was certain it would ease off as we got away from land. An hour later the wind was persistent and constant. Decision time. Do we press on for a further 55 miles or turn back to the sunny anchorage with restaurant on the beach?

5th June

Last night at anchor was a bit uncomfortable. There was a swell; not the kind to rock us to sleep. The thud from the on shore disco vibrated through the water and keeping time with the water slopping in the tank by my right ear. After breakfast we headed north east towards Calpe. There was no wind but a perplexed sea throwing a big swell at us. It was tedious and unpleasant. In mid afternoon it abruptly became unpleasant and exciting as a strong easterly wind suddenly brewed. With a reef in the mainsail we head butted the waves making up to 7 knots. Lucinda said 'this isn't what I signed up for' and we diverted to Altea some 12 miles short of our target. Although it is a big fishing harbour and marina they said there wasn't room for us. Decision made we anchored in shelter just outside where we will stay.

4th June

The incredible journey, part 2, 2014.

We got back yesterday, bought gas and a phone card. Today we watered up, filled with diesel and headed out at noon. We didn't go far. We're at anchor just off the tiny island of Tabarca. It used to be pirate stronghold. Now it's three narrow streets, a tiny harbour, a handful of restaurants and day time tourists. We are all alone. The other 4 boats who anchored here have all gone home. The north side is sheltered but a hundred metres away on the other side of the island the palms are bent over and white horses are crashing ashore.

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27th May

Well we did go to Alicante, but on the bus. We've decided to leave the boat here in Santa Pola while we return to the UK. Sadly Roger has now left us; it was great having him on board. We had lunch by the harbour in Alicante and then saw a replica of one of the great Spanish galleons. The castle in Alicante is accessed through a long tunnel into the rock on which it stands, and then a lift journey up through the rock. There were fantastic views from the top. We walked down and caught the bus back. Tomorrow we will clean the boat and catch the plane on Thursday. Don't be disappointed if you don't hear any more until we return next week.

26th May

There was no need for an early start today. We went to the market, had a drink in town and then went 10 miles down the coast to las Dunas. It's in a river and they clearly haven't dredged it lately. There was just enough depth for us to get into the marina. However the lady in the office looked appalled to see us and said there wasn't any room. So back on the boat and another 10 miles further north to Santa Pola. We were planning on leaving the boat here for a week while we flew home. However they say they miscalculated their quote and are charging me more than I anticipated. Perhaps we'll go on to Alicante tomorrow.

25th May

Today is what Roger signed up for and we envisaged. Once we threaded ourself out of our overnight iron enclosure we drifted north on flat seas under a cloudless sky. If we looked to our right there was the boundless ocean with a few flecks of white sails on the horizon. To our left was a continuous cliff of high rise holiday homes. About midday a gentle breeze allowed us to slowly sail to our destination. A mere 15 miles covered. Here we are in the marina. We are starting to master stern too mooring on lazy lines. Off for a beer and tapas.

24th May

We're now at anchor outside an inland sea called the Mar Menor, near La Manga. Lucinda envisioned 10 miles of isolated beaches. It is 10 miles of high rise apartments all along the sand spit on the seaward side of the Mar. We're at anchor in the outer harbour. However they have obviously decided to build another marina here as we threaded our way through walls of iron pilings into a sort of marine prison yard.

23rd May

At last we're making progress. An early start but a good tail wind. We mainly motor sailed, covered 85 miles and ended up at anchor in Aguilas.

22nd May

The plan today was to get up early and sail some 35 miles up the coast. Last night I wrapped the lazy line rope around the propellor (Mediterranean sailors will understand). Before we could go a diver had to cut the rope free. It was late morning by the time we were ready and the wind in the shelter of the marina was then blowing at 22 knots, waves were breaking over the harbour wall and the sea was a mass of white horses. We decided to return to our berth. By an amazing coincidence we were moored next to another 385. Our humble Portuguese wooden plank was not long enough to reach the shore. The only way we could leave the boat was by using their passarelle (non yachties can look it up). The diver said they had an old one knocking around the yard so I bought it and spent the afternoon inserting the socket into which it sits. I had lots of advice from our friends next door and also from Terry, a sailor from New Zealand.

Here we are next to Enigma.

21st May

I should have looked more closely at the forecast. A steady 30 knts gusting 35. It was an exciting downwind ride of 60 miles. It's still blowing hard but we're safely moored in Almerimar. Coincidentally we're next to another Broadblue 385.

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May 20th

We are now in Caleta de Velez, a fishing harbour with a few recreational boats in one corner. Sailing past Malaga and Torremolinus made me ponder how much human civilisation had achieved. Will many episodes of the new BBC programme be devoted to the mind expanding growth in foreign travel and experiences available to the masses? We welcomed Roger on board. He will be with us for the next week. My brother, Simon, thinks these blogs are really boring. I'm considering livening them up with fascinating facts such as miles covered, course steered, engine hours and fuel consumption. Last night's supper was accompanied by bull fighting on the TV. Tonight Tapas.

19th May

The great escape. We finally got away from Gibraltar. We spent the night at the waiting pontoon in the marina while several other boats remained in the anchorage. We got away before the office opened and motored east in light winds. Apart from a freighter that seemed to follow me whatever my course the journey was uneventful. A PAN PAN was current for someone who fell off a yacht. We're in Fuengirola. It's our first Med type marina with moorings now or stern go the dock. However they've left us side on to the visitors pontoon which is a lot easier.

17th & 18h May

We're still stuck. We took a bus to Tarifa. It's the most southerly part of Europe with Morocco clearly visible a few miles away. Strong winds of more than 30 knots are said to blow there for 300 days each year. No wonder it's a surfing destination. There's a castle, the old city and rows of surf shops. On Sunday we cleaned the boat and filled up with water. Late afternoon we motored to anchor outside the marina. Shortly after supper the police came to tell us we couldn't anchor there. They also visited two German boats and an Italian also at anchor. We moved back into the marina. The others all stayed. What was that all about?

13th & 14th May

The winds remain strong from the East and it looks likely that we'll be stuck here until the 18th, Sunday. Yesterday we explored Gibraltar. One of the main attractions is the Morrisons supermarket. The Garmin men have fixed the wind direction indicator. They also fitted an AIS transmitter. This means that when underway we will transmit our position and other details. If anyone wants to follow us download an AIS app (probably one you pay for to pick us up). You need our MMSI number which is 235093159. While here we've also had the rigging checked and tightened. There's always something going wrong.

15th & 16th

The winds are still blowing strongly from the East so we've stayed put. We did the tourist thing in Gibraltar and saw St Michael's cave, the Great Siege Tunnels and the apes. I bottled out when it came to fish and chips. The forestay has been tightened and the last two evenings we've been playing Scrabble with our new German friends.

12th May

We're the catamaran on the left. Next to us is Infinite Dream who we sailed with down to Portugal. We have to have work done while we are here. We were hoping to sail East fairly soon. However the forecast is unhelpful until Sunday so we may be here for some time. There are worse places to be stuck. We're off to Morrisons across the border. We've been told it's the place to stock up with pickle and baked beans.

12th May

We're in La Linea marina in the shadow of the Rock.

11th May

We've done it. We're officially in the Mediterranean. The conditions couldn't have been better for the trip. We motored the first half on flat seas and on turning due East into the Straits we had the wind and current with us. We filled up with diesel at duty free Gibraltar prices and then went a couple of hundred yards across the border into Spain again. We've been learning from those that have done this trip before. Arrive in the evening and anchor outside the marina. In the morning go in and leave late the following day to anchor again. Voila nearly two whole days in the marina and three nights in the location while only needing to pay for one night on shore. Lets hope the anchor holds otherwise this wonderful wheeze won't seem so clever.

10th May

Another day with the wrong winds. The weather is glorious and what's the hurry. We got Antonio, our local taxi driver, to take us to Cape Trafalgar. We had a long walk over sand to get to the lighthouse and gaze out over the waters where one if Britain's most important and glorious sea battles took place. It took us a further 90 minutes to walk back to the local town and find a restaurant for lunch. A beer, local specialities and some ice cream were consumed before Antonio was summoned to take us back. Several bedraggled boats limped into the marina from the West looking a bit battered. It's been rough out there. Perhaps we can leave tomorrow.

9th May

Well we're not going sailing today. We had a lazy start, cleaned the boat and then after lunch took a taxi up the coast to near Cape Trafalgar. No mention in the guide books of great sea battles. It took two hours to walk back through the national park along the cliff edge. The views were stunning. Before supper our new best German friends gave us lots of information about the best places to go in Mediterranean Spain and the Balwarics.

8th May

The forecast was for light easterly winds. Not ideal for passing through the Straits but westerlies are not predicted until Sunday or Monday. We set off early into flat calm and almost no wind. About 10 miles out of Tarifa the wind suddenly increase and rapidly grew to more than 20 knts. Unsurprisingly the waves also increased. To continue meant motoring into the wind and waves and they were likely to increase until past Tarifa and into the Straits proper. So we turned back, Lucinda practiced her David overboard drill, and we returned to Barbate to wait for a change in wind direction.

7th May

The forecast looked good so we set of for Barbate. There was so little wind we motored the whole way. We survived passing through a firing range. A boat behind us thought we were being targeted. Even though the nearest the shells came was probably over a mile it did provoke some tension, particularly as we were a British boat heading to Gibraltar. Furthermore we weren't far from Cape Trafalgar. The chart shows that big overfalls can occur here. Not today. Back in the early 1800s Nelson chased the French fleet to the Caribbean and back to Europe. On October 20th 1805 a combined French and Spanish fleet, like us, headed southeast out of Cadiz. On the morning of the 21st Admiral Villeneuve turned his fleet north back to Cadiz. Nelson's 27 ships attacked the enemies' 33 ships. They were destroyed or scattered without loss of a single English ship. England expected every man would do his duty. Our duty is to put our feet up and have a beer.

6th May

The winds are all wrong to go to Gibraltar, strong easterlies. We will stay here in Rota tonight. In the meantime I am exchanging emails with Garmin about the lack of a wind direction indicator and dodgy autopilot. Lucinda is cleaning the decks and I'm getting prepared to climb the mast to look at the wind indicator. Wish me luck.

5th May

We got up at 5am and slipped out of Faro Lagoon just as the sun was rising. With no wind and many miles to cover I put both engines to work. By midday a slight breeze arrived from the east. Sadly that was where we were headed. During the afternoon the wind increased and for the last few hours we were bashing into a strong headwind and moderate seas. We made it to Rota Marina in the Bay of Cadiz just as the sun went down. I also sent off a distress signal by mistake. The Spanish coastguard were fantastic. They politely put me in my place and nearly gave Sophie a heart attack by giving her a call.

4th May Culatra

We couldn't leave until the marina opened at 9am. And we had to get out by 10 as the Lagos marathon was coming through the marina and over the footbridge blocking our exit. We are now over 40 miles from Lagos at anchor off the Island of Culatra in the Faro lagoon. It's been a pretty tedious day. Light headwinds meant we motored the whole way. It was quite cold under the bimini so I wrapped myself in a blanket while Lucinda sunbathed out in the sun. We feel we are finally on route to the Med.

3rd May

Our first sail. Would the steering work, have we put the sails up correctly, what could possibly go wrong? We were both a bit nervous motoring out of the river for the first time this year. There was one important problem, the wind direction indicator didn't work. Annoying but not vital. Everything else seemed OK. We went to Alvor and dropped the anchor. The new anchor roller looked great. Then back to the marina. We were planning to leave about 8am but discovered the marina office doesn't open until 9. We need them to open the bridge. And the Lagos marathon is taking place and the course crosses the bridge. Will they open it at all? We will find out.

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Imagine nearly ready

2nd May

Lucinda is doing the final cleaning. We've been at it for 4 days and now Imagine is nearly ready to set off. Tomorrow we plan to go to a bay not far away and check everything is working. The sails have been overhauled, the engines serviced, a new anchor roller fitted, a replacement solar panel and other work carried out.

If nothing goes wrong we'll set off for the Med on Sunday. We've nearly finished series 3 of Game of Thrones. Hardship, battles, love, setbacks, triumph, conquest and incest. Sailing has many similarities.

We'll keep In touch.

Imagine nearly ready