Costa Blanca and the BIG Birthday
Saturday 22nd June…. We slept well after our long day crossing the Ibiza Channel yesterday. Just woken by a bit of rolly polly sending the cutlery drawer flying open around 5am. We had set the alarm for 6am to get Saffy ashore, because it was too late last night being dark and in a strange anchorage, so she had to cross her legs all night. She was fine and we did go walkies before the sun rose over the headland, so it was still cool for her. Next up was time for Dean's skinny dipping, only he hadn't warned me beforehand and i didn't have the camera at the ready. Just as well i suppose.
Thésée in the anchorage this morning at Ensenada del Rinconet
The formidable Penon de Ifach at Calpe in the background
A super calm spot for getting the dinghy on shore
What a lovely little bay this is
Magnificent mansions and floral hedges above
It’s a bit of a walk from the anchorage into the town, so we dinghy’d into the marina where we thought we may be able to land and go for a look around the shops. Well as soon as we approached the quay, the Capitania appeared and we got a bit of a telling off. However, he said we could stay for 5 minutes, so we hot footed to the Ferreteria but it was closed. It’s a Festival Weekend….. again.
Once back on Thesee we discussed whether to move on or stay another night. It was a fabulous anchorage, well protected and calm but as always we were itching to move on. So we checked the weather… 13 knots NE…. no problem. We researched an anchorage 10 miles south and off we went. OH DEAR, VERY BAD DECISION. Once out in the bay the waves and wind started picking up, quite a few white horses around. We struggled to motorsail around the Calpe headland with another yacht right behind seemingly trying to overtake.
Once we got round the headland it should have been calmer but the wind and swell just followed us into the bay. We got to the anchorage at Punta Mascarat (just East of Marina Greenwich) and found they had put buoys in it, only allowing boats up to 12 metres. There were a couple of boats anchored but it was so rough, we couldn’t believe anyone in their right mind would stay there. By this time we had 23 knots of wind and a big sea. We couldn’t go back to Calpe as it would have meant running directly into the weather, so we decided to go on a couple of miles to Altea Marina. Well the sea just kept on building and Thesee was soon rolling around all over the place, it was horrible. Dean called ahead for a berth and fortunately they had space. I was going in there no matter what!! We weren’t even thinking about how we were going to berth in the marina in the windy conditions. We just wanted to get there.
On our way to Punta Mascarat anchorage
'The calm before the storm!'
Nearing the marina two small motor boats came out and they were bouncing all over the place almost disappearing in the waves. Nutters! I guess they thought the same about us. We finally rounded the breakwater and were able to get the fenders and lines out, then look for our allocated berth…. easier said than done. After a while Dean heard the Marineros whistling our attention. We headed over to where they were pointing and Dean superbly managed to reverse Thesee into an incredibly tight spot with wind blowing beam on. There was a bit of a crunch against the next boat at one point, but we found later that all we had cracked was the plastic container for our Danbuoy, which sits outside the guard rails. But on the scheme of things we were just glad to have landed. No damage to Thesee or any other boats. Time for two very large rum & cokes to calm our nerves and heart rates. I think even Saffy would have had one too. We were so glad to be here safely and started to assess how we could have got the passage planning so wrong. I went on the weather website and it still showed wind at 13 knots!! Joke. In reality we left too early, tonight there’s not a breath of wind and the sea is flat calm.
We’ve been for a walk into the old town tonight and it was wonderful with a beautiful Church in the Plaza de Inglesia. It was definitely the place to be seen, with lots of really lovely restaurants and boutique shops. Well worth the visit.
Looking down on our climb up to the Church
The dark line is a water gulley
Our arrival at the Old Town
The Ice Cream shop with a moving toy train over the doorway
First glimpse of the Church
Virgen del Consuelo
....and the restaurants
...ooh two domes
Now a little further away with the restaurants in view
Then we found the viewpoint... WOW
Look how calm the sea is now
And then we crossed the tram lines
Alicante to Denia I believe
Late night shot of what it used to be like
Sunday 23rd June... Decisions, Decisions. Should we stay or should we go? We didn't want to end up in a pickle like yesterday, so we studied the weather very carefully. In the end we decided to stay and went to pay for another night in the marina. Somehow once you've made the decision, whichever way it may be, it feels like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Dean always finds jobs to do and today he fitted two 12 volt sockets for the new fan he recently bought. One socket is in the fore cabin for a fan to blow on Saffy. The last couple of days have been so warm inside the boat. It always seems worse when you're in a marina as in an anchorage you get the constant breeze. Also in the marina, the dinghy is on deck and covers almost three hatches which we're then unable to open.
The new fan above Saffy Perro's bed
After lunch we went to the local supermarket, a mere 5 minutes walk away. It wasn't our usual supermaket, this one was called 'Consum'. We were really impressed with it, not only being open on a Sunday, but its different stock of foods to the norm. We even managed to find some Kellogs Crunchy Nut, so we bought two packs.
On the way to the shops
We want this
Happy again
While we were out, our friend Ron on Silver Cloud phoned. He was crossing from Ibiza to the mainland and was just 20 miles away. He asked us to arrange a berth for him here in the marina and about four hours later he and Mike arrived. We know Ron and his wife Sue from the UK where we used to see each other at the MCCC (Midlands Coastal Cruising Club) winter meetings at Ashwood Marina near Stourbridge. He and his friend Mike are sailing Silver Cloud all the way from Greece to the UK, and we've been trying to co-ordinate a meet up for the last week or so.
Mike, Ron, & Dean having a beer or two tonight on Thésée
Monday 24th June... Still Bank Holiday weekend here in Spain. Our neighbours went out on their boat last night about 8pm and didn't return until well gone midnight. Obviously some partying going on somewhere local on the water.
We said cheerio to Ron & Mike who were sailing to Torrevieja today. We decided to stay here in Altea. On Saffy's walk we had a little look around the club house and stopped for a quick morning coffee, which was very nice. Dean scrubbed Thesee's decks, we've got the Canadians arriving tomorrow in Alicante! Boy was it a HOT HOT HOT day. Just look at this thermometer. Could have done with being in a crystal clear anchorage for a 'refreshing' swim.
The swimming pool at the Club House
Free Entry for visitors
Too early for a swim yet
Sitting having a coffee with a pretty view
The Club's Ensign.
Notice the tree blowing wildy already.
Our thermometer in the cockpit.... Yikes, 37 degrees !
Tuesday 25th June... On the sea this morning by 8.45am for our trip down to Alicante. Alan, Yasi, and Angela arriving today from Canada and the UK. Was a shame we had to motor for 4 hours but sometimes it has to be done. The wind direction was south west so no good for sailing. We arrived in Alicante without any problems.
Benidorm passes by about 1 hour into the journey
Rounding the headland at Cabo de la Huerta
Very nice homes here
Having already reserved a berth at Real Club de Regatas de Alicante we were soon tied up and getting settled in. Very warm again today, so we couldn't go for a walk until about 8pm, when we took a stroll around town looking for Ferreterias. We also found a Chinese Bazaar and i bought some new sunglasses (3 Euros) as i knelt on my old ones the other day and they snapped.
Inside the harbour, now to find the marina
Yay, we're here
Toadstool Street??
It was just after 10pm when the gang phoned to say they had arrived at the marina, and we went to meet them. This marina is a bit like Fort Knox and you have to actually walk through the Club House and two security doors to get to the pontoons. Anyway it was great to see everyone, and we celebrated with Rum and Cokes of course until 1pm in the morning. More partying tomorrow..
Wednesday 26th June.... All up present and correct, Dean & Alan went off to the local Mercadona to stock up with pop, juice, & beers of course. Then they found a campingaz supplier and Dean was so excited he exchanged our two empty bottles for new ones. One thing i didn't expect him to come back with was a brand new SUP windsurf/paddle board! Well it is his BIG Birthday very soon so a little present to himself won't hurt.
Meanwhile Ang, Yasi, and myself had our own little local stroll. There is a huge derelict shopping complex nextdoor to the marina but all the shops and restaurants (bar one) are closed down.
Dean arrives with his new Birthday treat
Here's a smiling Dean with his full Campingaz bottles
Checking out the flowers on our walk
Real Club de Regatas de Alicante
This huge tree branch has to be supported by two metal bars
Spooky
Thursday 27th June... A windy day was predicted. We thought it was a good idea to try and get walking as early as possible before the heat took over. Dean stayed on the boat because he wanted to hose the decks and do a couple of jobs. The rest of us walked through town heading towards the castle. It's not an easy place to get to and we never thought we would make it to the top as there are so many steps. We came across an area in town where there are about 8 fantastic and very very old gnarly trees. It really was an incredible sight.
Last night's midnight fireworks
One of the old trees
This huge tree branch has to be supported by two metal bars
We reached the old part of town and stopped at a lovely little pasteleria for a cold drink. The girls had yummy juicy drinks with lots of crushed ice. From there we found some very quaint, old, and narrow residential pathways. All the homes abundant with flower pots outside.
Oddly coloured pigeons in Alicante
Refreshments
Delicious cakes at the cafe
Below the castle walls
Angela surveying the area
Alan & Yasi this time
A view out to sea, looks rough today
Very pretty streets
Not long afterwards Dean called. He and Saffy had walked around to the other marina and we were only a 10 minute walk away so we went to join him. When we met up he had already been in the four chandlery shops there, searching for bits and bobs, and extras for the SUP board. It was lunchtime by now so we ate at a cafe along the waterfront before tackling the long walk back around to base.
On the afternoon, we arranged to change Angela's flight home so that she could stay a few extra days and fly back the same day as Alan and Yasi. That took a bit of time sorting out, and before we knew it, it was time for showers and dinner. Back into town on the search for restaurants. I think we will be wearing our flip flops out at this rate. I was so tired and as soon as we got back at 11pm I went straight to bed (only to be woken by the midnight fireworks).
Inside the Cathedral Sant Nicolau de Bari
At the altar
All day breakfast.... love the toast
Statue with a little head
Friday 28th June... Time to leave Alicante now that our 3 nights are up, and fortunately the wind we've been having has calmed down. Next stop Isla Tabarca. So off we went at 10am, everyone else seeming to have the same idea as there was a mass exit there and then. The two hour trip was pleasant and passing the coast near the airport we watched the planes taking off, trying to spot which one Angela would have been on if she hadn't decided to stay longer.
On arriving at the south side of Tabarca we were pleased to see there were a few boats already anchored. This always is a good sign that you've made a good choice to go there. We had plenty of space to choose from and dropped the anchor easily on the sandy bottom. We like to take a while to see how the boat settles and all seemed well. In fact all was going really well and we were soon changed into our swimsuits. Dean inflated his new SUP board and gave it a trial. Having never been on one before he was so good. First kneeling, then standing. There was no stopping him.
On our way to Tabarca
Dean pumping up his SUP board
..... and he's off
Easy Peasy
Next up was my turn. Dean paddled whilst i sat down and we circumnavigated Thesee together giggling and laughing. Then he swam behind it and pushed me along. I wasn't expecting it when he let go and let me float off, making me paddle for myself!
Now for my turn
Getting adventurous
Oh No! He's let go of me
In no time at Alan was having a go and the boys were having a whale of a time. Dean was snorkeling whilst Alan was mastering the SUP board. Well would you believe it, Dean found a Go-Pro camera on the seabed. Finders, Keepers. Ang and Yasi both went for a swim about and then when we were all finished we ate dinner on the boat.
Ang thinking about it
Alan's turn to give it a go
This is the life Ang
Yasi basking in the Mediterranean waters
What are they up to now?
By this time the sea was getting quite rolly as the wind had dropped to nothing and we were side on to the swell. After a discussion we decided it was not going to be a pleasant night here at anchor so we legged it across to Santa Pola and took a berth in the marina.
A walk around the local bars ensued and we had such a laugh. The waitress kept forgetting what our order was and bringing the wrong drinks, and sometimes no drinks at all. Another late night to bed.
Saturday 29th June... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAN
A very special day today.....the Skipper's Big Birthday. Not so sure he was looking forward to it as much as everyone else though. It was obvious that we should start the day with a Scrambled Egg on Toast breakfast. Following on with a walk into town to the Castle. More sort of a castle wall rather than a castle. So, we stopped in the square for a bite of lunch and to keep out of the sun which was very hot again by now. By the time we got inside the castle walls the museum was closed. Oh well, never mind. We're getting used to everything always being closed. So off we went and immediately found an ice cream parlour.... and they were OPEN. Delicious.
Through the fishing port on the way back
We returned to Thesee and Yasi made Margaritas for everyone about 5pm. After showers we ate Pizza and Salad, followed by round of Happy Birthday (again) when i bought out Dean's 'Trifle Cake' with three candles.
Margarita time
Cheers to the Birthday Boy
Est 1959
Here comes the Trifle
Make a wish
Then for a mid evening stroll to the beach and on to a bar for Rum & Coke celebrations, and i mean Rum & Cokes!, until 1pm to bed.
I just 'lurve' this glass
Happy Birthday to YOU
Sunday 30th June... Tried to work out what to do today. As always, deliberating the options of staying or going, and if going, where to? Eventually we decided upon staying. Ang, Alan, & Yasi took themselves a walk about town for a few hours whilst Dean & I caught up on some stuff like doing the blog! We ate dinner on board and sat chatting in the cockpit until 10pm drinking Yasi's Margaritas. No more Tequila left now so we'll have to start on something else tomorrow. It's been so hot again today. Can't complain. That's what we've come for.
Monday 1st July... Went to the Chinese Bazaar to get some new flip flops and also got some pretty blue flamingo wet shoes, total cost 6.50 Euros. Tried to book Saffy in for a haircut but two shops were busy and third shop was closed. At noon met up with Ang, Alan, and Yasi in the castle square for coffee and cake. That was a nice change. Dean and Saffy went back to Thesee to wash the decks, whilst the rest of us jumped on the Tourist Train for a leisurely trip around the beaches and town. Was quite rickety though going over the speed bumps. Took a slow stroll back to the marina and chose a restaurant for this evening's dinner as it was our last night together and we wanted to celebrate the week. Dean & Alan went to the fishing shop later on. Before we went out to eat the boat next to us complained that we had scratched his boat. Dean ended up polishing the scratch out for him. By the time we got to the restaurant it must have been 8.30pm. More rum and cokes, but no wine tonight as we forgot to order it with our dinner!
Last celebration of the week
This will be the last blog post entitled 'Costa Blanca and the BIG Birthday'
The next post will be entitled 'Time to Chill'
