30th June

After breakfast we took the dinghy to the town to do a walk. This was described in two of our guide books although each set of instructions was subtle different from the other. All went well for the first mile until we found ourselves blundering through the dense, impenetrable, thorny maquis trying to find a path. This went on for about an hour before we found ourselves back on route. It didn't take long to get lost again and we never did find the walled Talayotic enclosure, a prehistoric site. Eventually we retraced our steps and found the path back for a total walk of 7.5 miles. It was then back to the boat, a quick dip to cool off and cast off from the buoy. We were able to sail down the coast to Addaya. The entrance is narrow, windy, shallow and surrounded by rocks. Once inside we anchored beyond the town in a shallow pool. We went into the marina for a drink, had a look around and went back to the boat for the evening.

28th June

The night was windless and the dawn magnificent over our anchorage. We motored north and then west along the north coast of Menorca. We anchored off the town of Grao and went ashore to stock up with essentials such as cucumber and melon. After lunch we motored round to the other side of Isla Colom and picked up a buoy for the night. We took the dinghy to the island but could not find any paths that went more than 100 metres from the beach. We retreated to Imagine and took a taxi boat to Grao to eat over looking the beach. The taxi took us back and so to bed. It was our anniversary; 36 years.

28th June

We got up early and motored the mile to Ratjada marina to drop off Sue and Roger. We then started on the trip back to Mahon, Minorca. It was windless for the first thirty miles and the engines droned as we motored across glassy seas. Then, as predicted, the wind started blowing from where we were headed. Our speed dropped and we ground our way slowly onwards for the next few hours until we reached the harbour. There we refuelled, 238 litres as you asked. We then moved to the anchorage for the night.

June 27th

Sadly this is Sue and Roger's last day. We did the crossing from Menorca to Majorca so they can get their flight tomorrow. We left early, shortly after dawn, and motored most of the way in light winds and flat seas. We were able to sail the last ten miles to anchor in Cala De Sa Font, just south of Ratjada. Time for a swim, drinks and supper.

26th June

We slept soundly attached to our floating artificial island. Sue and Roger went shopping. When they returned we motored out towards the entrance to the harbour
where we anchored. Later we visited La Mola, the fortress of Isabel II. It was largely built in the mid 19th century. These massive fortifications are on several levels and many layers from outside to in. Some of of the underground corridors stretch for many yards regularly punctuated with slots for cannons or small arms. Apparently it was used by Franco to house political prisoners. And so back to the boat for a swim (yes me too), drinks and dinner.

25th June

We had a fine sail east and then south to Mahon, the capital of Minorca. The town is up a long inlet the entrance to which is guarded by several forts and gun emplacements, the legacy of the multiple occupations and battles that have taken place here. We moored on a floating "island" opposite the old town. We went to the marina to see if there was any chance of leaving Imagine for July and August. No way at the price quoted. We then walked through the old town and ate on board.

24th June

Our neighbour woke us at 3am to tell us he thought our anchor had dragged. He was right. While sorting out the lines the dinghy was untied and in the morning had floated several boats further down the line. Sue bravely dived in to rescue it. We then headed north and east round the top of Menorca. We had to punch into a northeasterly but made good progress although sailing 27 miles to cover 20. We picked up a buoy in Fornells, a delightful well protected inlet with a small town and harbour. We went for a walk, did some shopping and ate at a restaurant.

23rd June

Today was the first day of the festival of Sant Joan. The first event, at 2pm, was the parade of horses. We set off for the main square which was pretty empty. We were directed across town to where the event took place. We battled against crowds going in the opposite direction only to find we had missed it. Never mind; back to the boat for gin and lemon. We returned to the main square in plenty of time for the evening festivities. The horses and riders circled the square rearing and swirling through the middle of the crowd. The band played a short catchy song over and over and the crowds leaped in the air, arms raised, yelling Olé. We had time for a drink before going to watch the hazelnut throwing. The street was strewn with the nuts, teenagers were clutching their big plastic bottles of iced gin and lemon, and random girls were being flung high into the air while sackfuls of nuts were being hurled over the heaving mass of the crowd. Many were wearing maroon coloured Sant Joan T shirts. We then had some delightful Tapas before returning to the centre. This time the riders raced up the narrow central street rearing over some of the more foolhardy spectators while we stood inches away on the pavement. The horses then gathered in the main square and we found ourselves corralled in the middle of a circling herd. Eventually things settled down and we headed back to the dinghy through the swaying packs of girls and boys.

22nd June

Although we are secure in our spot an unpleasant swell flowing into the inlet rocked us all night. We intended to go early to town but instead spent several hours fiddling with the anchor and shore lines. After that we went in, did the shopping and saw the cathedral. Later we went in again. Lucinda and I walked out to the end of the harbour while the Greens went shopping. We ate on board and went to bed with the hope that the swell would subside.

21st June

We sailed west to the western tip of Minorca and then north to Ciutadella. We anchored in the inlet leading to the town and then took some lines ashore. After lunch we took the dinghy to town and happened upon the parade led by a man carting a live lamb around in his shoulders. It was then back to the boat before going in to eat at a harbour front restaurant.

20th June

We had completely swung round in the night but everything was peaceful in the morning. After breakfast we walked through the woods to the adjacent Cala and back. This was enough for Lucinda and U to achieve our target steps. Our anchorage filled up with day boats and sunbathers on the beach but by 7pm it was silent once more.

19th June

We set off early and motored the 26 miles to Minorca. We ended up in Cala Turqueta, a small inlet on the south coast. There was a wonderful beach but sadly no bar. It was noisy as tourist boats came and went. By 7pm the beach was almost empty and including us four boats stayed the night. We put out the kedge to keep us bows in to any swell and ate on board.

18th June

We managed to do some cleaning and maintenance before catching a tourist boat to visit the caves two Calas south of us. The caves D'Artà extend 450m into the rock face. It was where Catalan soldiers smoked out and slaughtered 1000 Moorish refugees who were sheltering there. Sue and Roger turned up mid afternoon. It was then shopping, drinks on board, Tapas and bed.

17th June

The day started bright and windless. We broke out of our self imposed hideout and headed north. We motored, then sailed and finally had to motor again. We are in the harbour in Cala Ratjada. We have been to the supermarket to restock and will charge the batteries and fill the water tank.

16th June

This morning we took the bus to Felanitx. After a quick look at the church of Sant Miquel we took a taxi to the castle of Santueri. The approach is impressive with a gatehouse and ramparts encircling a rocky plateau. However apart from the views, which are stunning, that's all there is to it. We then walked back the 12k to Port Colom aware of the dense bank of cloud pursuing us to our destination. We got caught on the edge of town but the downpour was brief and we were on the boat when the rain fell again later.

15th June

We're still waiting for the thunderstorm to come through, probably tomorrow. We left our secure buoy to go 2.5 miles south for lunch. This was a beautiful but narrow Cala. We dropped anchor but to safely stay any time we would have needed to take lines ashore. After half an hour we decided to head back to our buoy. Later we went for a walk and visited the supermarket before eating onboard.

14th June

The sky remains overcast and the atmosphere oppressive. Rains are forecast on the next day or two and it feels like it. With the uncertainty we elected to stay where we are. We read the papers and went for a walk around the headland and on a couple of calas.

13th June

We went ashore late morning and sat at a café until Kennan and Melanie caught their bus. We went back to the boat and I had a siesta while Lucinda cleaned. After supper we sat down to watch Zombieland. Lucinda lasted less than five minutes.

12th June

Late evening the wind swung round to the south, the direction to which our anchorage was completely open. As the wind increased waves lifted Imagine and the noise of the wind and waves reverberated through the hull. Lucinda and I moved to the saloon to sleep. It was a pitch black night and as the wind increased we saw lights appear on boats around us as first one boat dragged its anchor and then another. We lay awake until 5am on anchor watch until the wind finally died away. The morning was then overcast with a light drizzle. We moved round the southern tip of Majorca and headed north on a mission to find a quiet place to spend the night. We anchored in Cala Gran for lunch as the sun appeared. Later we arrived in Porto Colom for the night. We picked up a buoy and went ashore to eat.

11th August

There were strong winds this morning as we walked up to the castle. We had a drink at the bar and went back to the boat for lunch. As forecast the wind died in the early afternoon. The plan was to head for South West Majorca but the easterly winds made that a bit tedious. So we headed to an anchorage just west of Colonia de Sant Jordi. We'll have showers on board and go ashore to eat.

10th August

Today our guest discovered this was really a waking holiday based on a boat. This morning we walked to the lighthouse and this afternoon to the top of the other side of the island. According to my App we walked over 13 miles in total. I also commissioned the water maker and almost went swimming. A few drinks at the cantina and back to the boat to eat.

9th June

We went for a wander on shore and the two 385s looked fantastic anchored in the narrow Cala. We said goodbye to the crew of ID and headed south towards Cabrera. This island is 8 miles off the south coast of Majorca. Once there we picked up a buoy. The others went ashore for a drink. We will eat on board.

8th June

The supermarket opened at 9am and we were first through the door. We needed a taxi to take our provisions back to the marina. A quick trip to the chandlery and then we were ready to head off. In convoy with Infinite Dream we headed 16 miles east to Cala Pi. This is a narrow inlet with a beach at its tip. We anchored and then spent some time getting a line ashore. Infinite Dream made it look much easier. Kennan went for a swim and caught a jellyfish in his armpit. We then all went to the beach and with our friends had wonderful Sangria and the bar. It was then back to ID for drinks before supper on board.

7th June

We took a bus to Deia, a small village on the west coast of Majorca. Robert Graves lived here for many years. The bus was crowded and we had to stand. As it was a Sunday Robert's house was closed. We stood by a sign and think we saw the outside of the house. The village has a spectacular setting with the sea on one side and steep mountains in the other. The hills are heavily terraced and houses are all traditional stone built. There was nothing to do but sit down and enjoy and wonderful tapas meal. Back in Palma we set off for the supermarket which we discovered was shut. We waited for Kennan and Melanie who flew in from London. There was time for a swim, a directionless walk round the old town in search of a restaurant, and then more tapas.

6th June

Our peaceful overnight anchorage rapidly filled up over the morning. By lunchtime there were 40 boats crammed into our little bay. Fortunately nobody had fouled our anchor and after lunch we were able to thread our way through to get out into the open waters of Palma Bay. It was then 5 miles round to Palma harbour and the real club nautico. Our friends on Infinite Dream were making the crossing from Ibiza and luckily the club could also accommodate them. I spent the afternoon unblocking the toilet once again. In the evening the 6 of us all went into town for Tapas. It meant I missed seeing Barca win the European Champions league. The sacrifices I have to make.

5th June

We motored sedately against a light wind 15miles East and into Palma bay. We're now at anchor in a delightful little bay not far from Palma. This is a popular lunch stop. Boats are starting to leave. I wonder how many will be here overnight.

4th June

We took the 9 o'clock bus round the coast to San Elm. Dragonera Island lies just off this small tourist village and boats lay at anchor in its bay. We headed inland up into the hills and had a wonderful walk through the forest up over a high ridge and back into Andraitx. By the time I got back I was capable of nothing more than lying in my bed. Later we went aboard Blue Sky for drinks before eating aboard.

3rd June

We're secure on a buoy in the heart of Andratx harbour, a wonderful natural inlet in the south coast of Majorca. The town lies some 5 miles inland from here. We found out where Boris had banned the bendy buses to as we boarded one to take us there. It was market day and we wandered among the stalls. There are about five different types of stall repeated many times. It gives the impression of a big rambling bazaar with many near identical tables selling shoes or wallets or tea shirts or handbags. After walking to the church, which was closed, we had a light lunch and had a delightful stroll back along small roads lined with olive groves and superb casas. We're eating on board tonight and enjoying the view.

2nd June

We had a wonderful, peaceful night at anchor. We left Portinatx shortly after 7am heading for Majorca. We motored the first hour or so, then motor sailed and finally had the engines off for the last 20 miles. Five miles out we came together with Rob and Carolyn on Blue Sky who had set off from the east coast of Ibiza. We are now on a buoy in the harbour of Andraitx. We will have supper ashore with our friends. Goodbye Ibiza. It may be some time before we return.

1st June

Last night we were anchored in Cala Talamanca, the bay next to Ibiza town. Although there was no wind an annoying swell made it's way into the bay. Imagine lay at right angles to it and we had an interrupted night rolling in our bed with the noise of the water slopping in the tank by my right ear adding to the discomfort. Today we motored north up the east coast and stopped in Cala Boix for lunch. With southerly winds predicted this was not a good place to stop for the night. We continued north investigating several anchorages as we went. None were great for a safe overnight anchorage so we pressed on to Cala Portinax which we know well. When we were last here there were only 4 other boats at anchor. Tonight there are twice that number. We should have a settled night and will head to Majorca tomorrow.