SPRING FEVER

Can't believe today is already May 11/11.  Wauw!!!  It's already been roughly 3 weeks since my last blog.  With my memory not being what it used to be, I hope I don't leave out too many memorable experiences.



Easter long weekend in Benalmedena was a total washout in more ways than one.  It was cool and damp with all shops closed.  My one consolation was the neighbour's dog.

Moving on....the next port Velez, was a whole different experience.

Concealed behind the quiet enclaves of resort condos was a mini "Disney World"- like resort including an aquarium.  Included in the tourist tram route around the resort was a visit to the marina.  If you can enlarge the picture you see one of the people waving to us.  We were actually a tourist attraction.  Believe it or not?????  A 5 km path consisted mostly of restaurants and shops.  I bought a cap with our vessel name "Simple Abundance" stitched on the front.  Like I need another cap.  But it was totally fun.

Leaving Velez, we motored along the coast looking at the "white" fields???  Upon closer examination with binoculars we realized they were farm-like areas draped with "white" tarps for produce production.  This large-scale usage of "plasticulture" as its known here, originates from recoiled plastic.

Heading farther east we steered toward Almerimar.  Our mooring berth was directly towards the street, not very private , but very entertaining.  Mario's cafe off to the left not only had the most friendly service, but also the cheapest place for homemade tapas and  the only place close for internet service. We really lucked out here.  Once again we met several people from the UK and the chandlery here had a great inventory including a gangway for getting off the boat.  It's not as wobbly as it looks.



Everything in Almerimar was relatively inexpensive, incl the marina, so we decided this would be the right place to leave SA while we are in Canada.  However, once we were underway we realized that going back was too far.

Our flight back to Canada is booked for June 2, leaving from the airport near Cartagena.  It took Wolfgang one whole day to make the arrangements because there are several options and variables to consider.  We will stay 2 nights in Zurick and then on to Toronto.



I'm getting ahead of myself.  From Almerimar to Mazarron a small fishing community.  The Bay of Mazarron is quite sheltered by the foothills of the Sierra de la Almenara, a mining area.  With over 30 km of sandy beaches, coves and rocky sea beds makes this area ideal for scuba diving.



After the 9 hour trip to Cartagena we arrived in a new marina with a marinairo waving us along side the pontoon.  He was very swift and professional leaving a lasting impression.

Check- in was fast & easy....with showers and internet room 20m away.

Heading into town the next day for a little sightseeing we took in some of the many Roman ruins.  Among its numerous sites the recently restored Roman Theatre is on the city's most impressive landmarks.  My two personal favourites if the city hall and a hotel.

HOTEL

Cartagena is a large city with a population of approx. 250000 and is home to the Spanish Navy and a big naval shipyard.  It has been an important naval port as far back as the 16th century.

In the mean time, today is May 22; we spent the last 20 days in Guardamar de Segura, Marina de las Dunas. Nice beach, nice marina, the town is a 3km walk one way.  Luckily Vivamare has two collapsable bicycles on board which came in very handy for shopping.

Guardamar de Segura

After spending the last five months travelling together Vivamare did the jump across from  mainland Spain to Mallorca where they met up with friends coming from Germany.  So for the first time since Guernsey Wolfgang and I alone with only each other for company.
Yesterday we returned to Cartagena, best price in the Med.  June 1 is the beginning of the high season in the Med and a one night stay can easily start from $100 per night.  Therefore, prices are really important.

We will spend this next week preparing the boat.....sails down, clean and store.  Cleaning fridge and freezer etc.; the usual, I won't bore you.  Really looking forward to coming home; plan to stay til September.  We'll be in touch with everyone once back.  Too many details to mention in writing.  See you all very soon.