Count down to departure

We have enjoyed Almerimar and the surrounding areas during the 6 months we have stayed here. But frankly, we are now more than ready to see new horizons. When we came here late September last year our main route plan was to go east into the Med in April, starting with the Balearics followed by Sardinia, Italy and maybe all the way to Turkey. With a sailing boat and plenty of time we have used the opportunity to change plans. Our outline route now is to head (back) to Algarve, Portugal,  maybe with a stop at the Spanish enclaves Melilla a/o Ceuta on the Moroccan north Med shore. On our way we also need to buy a outboard engine, preferably at Gibraltar. From south Portugal our plan is to sail over to Madeira and spend a couple of weeks there as we haven’t been on these islands before. Then we head south to the Canaries. We plan to spend plenty of time checking out the 7 major islands before we tuck in at Gran Canaria, Puerto de Mogan. We have reserved a mooring for 6 months, after which we either extend our stay or head further south to Cape Verde.

So much for planning 🙂

Last week(s) we have spent in

• project mode;  2-3 days fixing bilge pumps, shower pump, gangway, etc
• social mode; dinners with our german neighbours @ Blue Moon, with our home marina (GKSS) pals
  Peter & Siv, with Ann-Sophie and Anders (from Gävle, east coast of Sweden) who spoiled us with freshly baked bread and a sour dough kit
• filling up the ship stores. Experience from the south coast of spain is long distance to shopping so we have made good use of our rental car.

Today we have finally got some really nice weather after 7 days of Burrasca (low pressure), meaning about 25 C with next 7 days promising more of the same. We are really sorry for our Scandinavian friends and relatives who today got a setback with snowfall. But, from own experience, we know than once Eastern holidays comes, the weather settles.

We plan to leave Tuesday next week, when Windfinder promises Easterly winds and a pleasant 24 C temps.

Cheers

Peter&Eva