Having left Corme, we managed to make it to Camaraňas where we stopped for a couple of nights in the port. We all made the most of the hot showers available and being plugged into the electricity, we had the heater on at all times to dry us and the boat out.
Having limited internet available, we were unable to get a detailed weather update and decided to try and head a little further south. We left the port, only to be confronted with huge breaking swells. We were hitting the surf head on and after a wave nearly breaking over the top of us, the decision was made to turn around and head back to safety. I really didn't have much of an idea of how dangerous it was and was actually enjoying hooning down the back of the surf until Mark explained what could have happened if we'd been submerged. Sometimes ignorance is bliss!
We set course to the opposite fishing port of Muxia, where we put the anchor down, prepared the tender and went to explore the town.
Having only ever been to Barcelona for a long weekend, I did not know what to expect from Spain or the Spanish people. So far, I have been pleasantly surprised. Due to our unfortunate weather circumstances, we have stopped at pretty much every port along the north and north west coast of Spain and everyone we have come into contact with has been super friendly and helpful. This is possibly because they are all from fishing backgrounds and think that we are mental for being out at sea at this time of year but never the less, I am very impressed. I have just started trying to learn Spanish and have only just finished the first 2 cds of Michel Thomas basic level but whenever I try and use what I have learnt, I have been pleasantly surprised to find people wanting to understand and help me. Having struggled for years trying to communicate in France and mainly being confronted with a huff and a shrug of the shoulders of not understanding due to not having the perfect pronunciation, being in Spain is very refreshing!
The boys are also loving the Spanish hospitality in the form on Pinchos. Every bar/cafe we have been to, you are given a free bit of tapas with your drink. These range from a bit of tortilla on bread, an oyster, baby crab, slice of bacon and potato on bread or on Sundays, a rank looking bowl of chick peas with pig cheek and stomach. Drinks are super cheap, with coffees under a euro and beer just over, so a place is generally rated on the pinchos, quality, quantity and whether you get another helping with the second drink!
We spent 3 days in Muxia, having moved from our anchor point to against the port wall. A huge gale hit the port so the boat had to be moved or risk it being snapped from the anchor and hitting the rocks on the side of the port. Unfortunately the relays on our windlass (the thing that brings the anchor up) had broken, so the boys had to leave the tender with the anchor rope and bring Vitriol a.k.a. Betsy to safety. Fortunately for me, I was left in the warm, dry cafe, so I watched through the window, the pelting rain and huge gusts of wind blowing the trees down knowing the boys were braving the elements trying to save our little Betsy. Thankfully they did and once the weather cleared again, we were able to go a little further to our current resting place of Muros. With Northerlies and the current in our favour, we were able to sail without the motor all the way, so I was finally able to experience some good sailing. Now all we need are a few more degrees of warmth. Bring on the equator!
Our fishermen friends!
Muxia coastline
The timer works!
Big Little man!
Happy new year to you wishing you good winds.
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