Friday 14 July 2019

We could have moved on just a few miles east, this morning, but have stayed put. The weather forecast was for 20 knots, gusting low 30s knots from the west. It would have been nice to investigate another cala, but the high cliffs around the one we are in would give us better protection.

We needed some exercise, so, during the morning, we swam the 350 metres to the beach, which was nice and easy in the direction of the wind and swell. It was great to have a walk along the beach and into the sand dunes bordering a nature reserve behind. The brackish river is bordered by tall rushes, which I’m sure must be home to all sorts of creatures. We spotted lizards, beetles and heard a frog croaking in the undergrowth. There were only a few people on the beach, as it was a grey overcast morning with the wind blowing straight in and starting to build. Swimming back to the boat was not so pleasant against the short steep waves, but we made it back fairly quickly, just before another yacht came steaming in at speed. It was a little worrying for a few moments, as to whether they had seen us, but they turned away fortunately. By this time the wind had built up such that they had difficulty controlling their boat to anchor, although I suspect they making it more difficult than it need have been. With their anchor down they swung round, way too close to us, so we politely pointed this out. Although there was loads of free space in the bay, they lifted their anchor and departed the bay. Maybe they were not happy with their holding. I hope they found somewhere, as the wind whipped up into 30 knots plus at times for most of the afternoon. Other boats arrived afterwards, though, and anchored successfully quite easily. All the boats, by now about six in the bay, were getting really bounced around, so it was rather uncomfortable for that period. Several are French boats, two of which are being sailed single-handed. The two Frenchmen have gone to and fro between each other’s boat, helping each other.

Now the sky has cleared to the lovely blue again and the wind has dropped, but there is still quite a swell, not too bad though. We’ve managed to cook without any difficulty. The evening is very mellow, with our favourite Chilled Ibiza music aiding relaxing.

Distance covered today	0	nautical miles
Trip distance covered	857	nautical miles
Distance covered 2019	857	nautical miles
Tricia (and Steve)