7th August: Baiona to Viana do Castelo * PORTUGAL! *
Well we woke up to a disappointing morning of grey cloud and mist. But, during breakfast, we saw a pod of dolphins in the bay! This was very exciting and cheered us up! We left Baiona at 10.30am and we found the sea state to be much better than what we were expecting! Phew!
Rob did us all a round of bacon sarnies for lunch (this is beginning to be a trend, but who is complaining!).
It was a motor journey all the way, unfortunately, but we arrived in Portugal at 5pm.
The marina is tiny but the wifi is brilliant! We paid for one night (€30) but then decided to stay for 2, because of the wifi hahhaha! We had to adjust our clocks and we are now on the same time as the UK. We are all very pleased to finally arrive here!
PORTUGAL 
8th August: Viana do Castelo
We are all loving the wifi! It is amazing! Jack is catching up on Fortnite, Rob is backing up his computer and I’m catching up on Corrie! What’s happened to Elaine? I think that Geoff has frightened her off and demanded her phone…. Rob and I popped into town in the afternoon to pick up a few bits. We planned to leave in the morning and head to Porto, but the office is still closed (We both popped up there a few times during the day, as we need to pay for tonight’s mooring). We continued making full use of their excellent wifi and we watched a film from Netflix after dinner 
There are not any photos as we didn’t really leave to boat to explore because of the wifi hahaha
9th August: Viana do Castelo to Porto
We had our breakfast at 9am and then Rob popped up to office to find it still closed(!) Not much more we could do. We slipped our lines at 11.30am and promptly met the fog! It was very thick in places and visibility was quite poor. Both Rob and I were on constant lobster pot lookout! Early on, two dolphins came over and played with our bow wave. Yay! Because of the fog, the journey was llooonnngg!! It dragged and dragged!
We eventually arrived in Porto at 7pm. Rob did a lovely BBQ chicken roast dinner, which we washed down with the wine from Viana Do Costelo, which was lovely! We fell into bed around midnight 
10th August: Porto
We woke up to yet another blanket of fog 
so much for exploring in the sunshine! After breakfast, we checked in for two nights (last night and tonight) at €46 per night (ouch!). Then it was showers all round and lunch. Finally, we were ready to spend some time in the town. We all walked along the river to the beautiful bridge, looking at the famous Port barges as we went. We stopped at a cafe by the bridge and I had my glass of port in Porto! Very happy! It was very nice too! We walked over the bridge and I pointed out to Rob where Jack & I had stayed back in July. We all caught the tram to the ferry crossing opposite the marina. We had to run for the ferry but we made it! It would have been a very long walk back otherwise!
so much for exploring in the sunshine! After breakfast, we checked in for two nights (last night and tonight) at €46 per night (ouch!). Then it was showers all round and lunch. Finally, we were ready to spend some time in the town. We all walked along the river to the beautiful bridge, looking at the famous Port barges as we went. We stopped at a cafe by the bridge and I had my glass of port in Porto! Very happy! It was very nice too! We walked over the bridge and I pointed out to Rob where Jack & I had stayed back in July. We all caught the tram to the ferry crossing opposite the marina. We had to run for the ferry but we made it! It would have been a very long walk back otherwise!Rob & I had a quick cuppa and then it was off to the supermarket (steep hill, narrow streets!) but a huge store! Shame we had to be so quick! Back on board Hoopla, Rob cooked a lovely sweet n sour pork for our dinner and we fell into bed at around 11.30pm.
11th August: Porto to Aveiro
We were up at around 9am to find low grey skies so we anticipated some fog. We returned our keys to the office and we left Porto at 11.30am, and then headed out. After an hour or so, the wind picked up so Rob was able to put out both sails. He left the engine on, though, and we averaged out at 6 knots. No fog on this passage, which made it a much nicer journey! And not a lobster pot in sight! Hurrah! With 2 hours to go, we were joined by a large pod of dolphins! Wow! We eventually found our anchorage at 7pm and we settled down for the evening. There was just one other boat with us, a nice blue French yacht. Rob & I cooked a cordon bleu meal of burgers, mash & beans, hahaha, with hot chocolate and squirty cream for afters (about 11pm).
12th August: Aveiro to Figueira da Foz
Averio was such a peaceful anchorage! We all slept like babies! But we woke up again to more grey clouds, while back home in the UK, they are suffering from a heat wave of 30°! We pulled up the anchor at 11.30am and then headed out to sea. Rob put out the sails to help the engine (I’m thinking of naming the engine Ivor!).
We saw the French boat behind us and I took some photos of her as she sailed past (a lovely 50’+ yacht) as we think they are going to Foz too.
This was not such a lovely journey at all! A really yucky, rolly sea (the same as Biscay!) but we were joined by lots and lots of dolphins!! This made up for it 🙂 We had about 11 at one point. They were jumping and surfing the waves! FANTASTIC!
We moored up around 6pm, which was earlier than anticipated, next to the French boat! Rob and I checked in for 3 nights (€28 per night) and we then found a cafe for a beer! I popped aboard the French boat and WhatsApped the pics over (they were pleased). We’ve now used the last of our teabags and are on the yellow label brand. Ouch! Pete is bringing some more with him when he arrives on the 20th. Phew!
13th to 15th August: Figueira da Foz
We checked in at the marina but we decided not to pay straight away, as we weren’t sure how long we would be staying. It’s a damn long walk from Hoopla to the marina office hahha!
I made use of their washing machine, at €6.30 and same for the dryer – but line drying is free! We also made use of their very nice showers! Lots of hooks and shelves!
Rob sent Jack up mast to prod the wind speed odometer – it’s now working! Yay!
Rob & Jack also used this stop to edit another work related video.
We found an Aldi, so we did our weekly shop there. It was as good as the UK but we preferred the local supermarkets as aldi’s didn’t have (well we couldn’t find anyway) fresh milk and juice. We also came across an aviary in a park! Lots of budgies and finches plus some babies in nesting boxes. Ahhh!
On Saturday, we saw that they had a market (more like table top sale) but it was quite a large one and Jack bought a little dog ornament.
Unfortunately, the wifi is very hit and miss PLUS quite laggy which was disappointing.
which was disappointing.After checking a couple of sailing apps (Windy and Windfinder) Rob decided it was best for us to leave on Sunday morning. We popped to office to pay up Sat night, and for four nights (12th to 15th) we paid €112 (€28 pn).
We all worked at getting Hoopla ship shape after dinner, set the alarm for 6.30(!) and fell into bed at around midnight.
16th August: Figueira da Foz to Peniche
I woke up at 6.25 and the alarm went off at 6.30. It was very foggy and we left Jack in bed while we prepared Hoopla for this 12 hour passage. We had a quick cuppa on deck and left Foz at 7.15am.
Both the AIS and the radar were on because of the fog, but this was burnt off by 9am (hurrah!) and we had hazy sunshine for the rest of the day. Oh my life, so many lobster pot bouys!! One after another after another for the whole passage! Some were very poorly marked, even looking like rubbish/plastic milk containers!
Breakfast was en route at 9.30am and shortly after we went through a pod of hunting dolphins!! Wow! They were simply unbelievable to watch! Jumping fish, jumping dolphins and one dolphin was actually swimming with a fish in his mouth! AMAZING!
We saw a few more pods of dolphins on our way, which was lovely.
We arrived at 7.15pm, exactly 12 hours later! We were expecting the use of the marina but visitors were only allowed to use the visitors pontoon. Unfortunately this was already full of old, deserted yachts! We moored along side one but couldn’t plug in as all the plugs were already being used! Luckily we and Hoopla can be self sufficient, so we were ok with this (just a little narked!). The local fishermen regularly sped past at a rate of knots, which made it quite uncomfortable for us all. Rob soon fitted snubbers onto our shore lines, which really helped.
17th August: Peniche
Unsurprisingly, we all had a crap night because of the fishermen! So dissapointing!
After breakfast, Rob repaired our nice blue ropes (they had got mullered in A Coruna!) while I sorted out our cabins. During this, I found a box of t-shirts that Jack hasn’t really worn and he was now too big for! Hahhaha! After lunch, we all walked into town and checked in at the harbour office. We stayed for two nights but he only charged us for one, €28. In my opinion, this is far too much for the lack of facilities (rafting out etc and one male and one female toilet/shower). The marinero was lovely, kind and helpful, but, we felt, it was still too much money.
We decided to leave at 10am the next day, as the office opens at 9.30 and we needed to return the keys. Rob did a lovely shepherd’s pie for tea and we all looked at the routes and travel plans for the next few days.
18th August: Peniche to Cascais (Lisbon)
Twice during the night, fishermen nearly made us fall out of bed hahhaha! So we are NOT sorry to leave! Rob returned our keys at 10am and we slipped our lines at 10.30. Again, wall to wall lobster pots for most of this passage (10 hours!) but WE SAW A WHALE! AN ACTUAL WHALE!! It came to the surface twice right in front of us!! AMAZEBALLS!!
We arrived in Cascais at 7.10pm and we anchored quite close to the shore and we settled down for the evening. I did us a philli pasta for tea and then a round of gin rummy (Jack won – AGAIN!). Hot chocs all round and we turned in at around midnight.
19th to 23rd August: Cascais & Lisbon
We had 2 x peaceful nights at anchor in Cascais and it was so lovely to hear the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. Mid-morning, the marine police came over in their rib and asked us to move. Apparently there was a 300 mtr limit zone from the beach – and we were just inside this zone.
We moved (sigh) and then watched a motor boat arrive and anchor there! Ho hum!
Rob & Jack went diving and snorkeling after lunch and Rob removed the muscles who had attached themselves onto the rudder! We saw Caroline again! (a sailor we knew from A Coruna). She looked well and was staying here for a month, hoping to meet with family. On the 20th August, we left the anchorage and motored 3 hrs up the river to our marina. There was a large swell and a choppy race into the river, which we were not expecting. We came across 2 tankers en route but finally arrived at 1pm. The marina’s rib came out and met us and led us to our mooring (how nice was that? and so much better than Peniche!). Pete was waiting for us on the quatside! Yay! Welcome aboard Pete (and thanks for the tea bags!). Lisbon marina was a lovely, non-rolly marina. We took advantage of the showers but they were bldy cold AND no soap in mens loos. Not good! The wifi was non-existent too Welcome aboard Pete! Hahaha!
Welcome aboard Pete! Hahaha!On one of the days, we took the train to the shops and we came across a water park on the way. We didn’t find a wifi router but we did buy Jack a skateboard!
On our way back to Hoopla, we stopped for a lovely pizza in Ginos, delish!
Jack is now skateboarding along the promenade at every given opportunity. On our last day, we did a big supermarket shop (€112) and we were given a large, free bag of supplies as we had spent more than €75. What a lovely surprise! Our food lockers are now bursting at the seams!
On the 23rd Aug, we checked out of the marina (€28pn). They said the wifi is working(?) and they will replace the soap asap! Apparently someone broke the original dispenser and others had stole the soap supplied….
We left the marina and had lovely 4 hour sail (Pete at the helm) back to our original anchorage in Cascais. After lunch Rob & Jack went diving and swimming. Rob did a lovely meal of fajitas, chips & salad in the evening and then we had a game of scrabble. After which, we prepared Hoopla for the 10 hour journey to Sines the next day. We plan to leave at 9.30 so the alarm was set for 8am.
24th August: Cascais (Lisbon) to Sines
We were all awake by 7am, so we had a quick breakfast and pulled up the anchor at 7.30am. We swung past Caroline but she was still asleep hahhaha!
Unfortunately, it was a motor all the way but it was warm and sunny. It was a not very nice rolly sea with literally no wind – but the coastline was magnificent to see. Its sad to say that the handheld side of our autohelm (Tilly) decided to stop working Tilly could be altered from the main cabin, though, so at least we could still use it, thank goodness! Just after rounding Sines headland, we saw:
Tilly could be altered from the main cabin, though, so at least we could still use it, thank goodness! Just after rounding Sines headland, we saw:• a baby dolphin with its mama
• a basking shark
• a pilot whale
• a swordfish jumping out of the water
Just unbelievable!
Soon after, as we approached our anchorage, we saw a blanket of fog ahead. Rob switched on our lights and radar as we entered it. It was very thick fog – like pea soup! Visibility was about 10 mtrs! So all crew was on deck, on lookout! We tentatively motored in, trying to avoid the fishing boats emerging from the mist and we came across a line of bouys marking the beach! Rob quickly popped the engine in reverse(!) and slowly backed out.
We dropped our anchor at 7.15pm and I did us all a nice phili pasta for tea.
We were all very tired but so happy with the wildlife we saw earlier! We prepared Hoopla for a 12 hour passage for the following day and, after setting the alarm for 6.30am, we all turned in at about 11pm.
25th August: Sines to Sagres
The alarm went off at 6.30am and we woke to thick fog still. This thankfully burnt off during our breakfast at 7.15. We pulled up the anchor at 7.45am and said goodbye to Sines, weaving through the waiting container ships!
No sailing, just motoring again as no wind. Sea swell was at about 2 mtrs but also like glass in places! A few pods of dolphins (one of 9!) popped over to say hi but didn’t stay for more than a minute or two.
as no wind. Sea swell was at about 2 mtrs but also like glass in places! A few pods of dolphins (one of 9!) popped over to say hi but didn’t stay for more than a minute or two.It was a loonnggg 12 hour passage but with lovely views of the Portuguese coastline and we took it in turns to helm, one hour at a time. As we went around Sagres point, the wind finally decided to kick in but far too strong, would you believe! It was very windy when we eventually dropped our anchor at 7.15pm and then we settled down for the evening, when Rob did a lovely curry for tea. We plan to leave at 11am tomorrow for Lagos. Our ETA is 3pm and my good friend Brad will be there!! Brilliant! I haven’t seem him for about 15+ yrs and for us to meet up in Lagos is unbelievable! I am SO excited! I really, really hope it works out 
26th August: Sagres to Lagos
Not the best night of sleeps last night, because of the roll. Sagres lives up to its windy reputation! But it is very nice and sunny though We lifted up our anchor at 11.15 and mosied on out. We managed to sail just over half way before the wind died and we had to switch on the engine. Pete helmed all the way and the coastline was fabulous!
We lifted up our anchor at 11.15 and mosied on out. We managed to sail just over half way before the wind died and we had to switch on the engine. Pete helmed all the way and the coastline was fabulous!We turned into Lagos and the heat hit us! Like a sledgehammer! On our way to the visitors pontoon Pete & I saw an ocean sunfish! What a weird creature. We moored up on the pontoon and we checked in with reception. We were still melting with the heat when reception lifted the bridge (a first for us) and we “parked” Hoopla ok inside.
Still melting, I’d arranged to meet up with Brad at 5.30pm, by the bridge. We had a great, unbelievable catch up! So fantastic to see him after all these years! It was amazing that our paths had crossed here! It was so nice to hear how happy he was and to find out how well he is doing! He also joined us for dinner, which made my evening!
27th to 29th August: Lagos
Oh wow! Hot, hot HOT!!!
We can’t believe how hot it is here! Its almost too hot for t-shirt and shorts – I may have to go out and buy dresses hahha! It was defo cooler out on the sea!
What a lovely place Lagos is! We were so lucky to catch up with Brad yesterday, as he flies back home today (27th). We will defo meet up again, either in the UK or in the Med!
We quickly found a local skateboard park for Jack and it’s only a 15 min walk away – and this is where Jack and I spent the next three days! 
Rob & Pete temporarily repaired the wind speed sensor at the top of the mast (it needs new bearings, which we will get when we stop travelling for the winter in Cartagena) but we are all so pleased it is working again! They also managed to fix the cockpit remote for Tilly the autohelm. Yay! This makes sailing or motoring much easier.
I had to do two wash loads at the launderette, @ €6 each, but it was very, very windy. I was worried that my t-shirts would end up in the water! But they didn’t, phew! The showers here are also absolutely fabulous!
Rob went scuba diving under Hoopla and thanks to Pete for being his safety person on watch, while he cleaned the hull, removed some barnacles on the prop and freshened up the coppercoat anti fouling, by going over it gently with a stiff brush. Not an easy task!
Pete and Rob also did the supermarket run, taking a taxi there and back as it was quite a distance.
All in all, a very pleasant stay at Lagos!
30th August: Lagos to Portimao
We woke to a lovely sunny morning but with no wind, unfortunately.
We all prepared Hoopla ready for our onward travel and we left the mooring at 10.30. Rob had to radio ahead the harbour office to request that they open the bridge – but someone else had left their mic open, which meant we couldn’t actually contact them! So, we had to drop Pete off on the pontoon and motor around in circles, while he walked to the office to ask them in person. Half an hour later, the bridge was opened and we picked Pete up again. We motored to an anchorage that was just around the corner – but it was too cold for a swim hahhaha! Rob & Pete each took the dinghy out for a bit and after lunch, we SAILED to Portimao. Pete helmed all the way for this 2 hr passage, averaging at 5 knts with peaks of 7kn and 20knts of wind. Lovely! The strong winds did make the mooring a little tricky, however, but we succeeded in the end! Rob & Pete checked us in – and finally we have decent wifi!
31st August: Portimao to Vilamoura
After a very good night’s sleep, we woke to blue skies and sunshine! We pottered about until around midday, then Pete & Rob checked us out (€49 per night) and we left around 1pm. Pete helmed all the way but as there was absolutely no wind, it was motor only – but oh so very hot! (thank goodness for the bimini!). We soon approached the cliffs and saw all the caves, so we slowed right down and went quite close to them, as we won’t get another opportunity. They. Were. Amazing! We saw pigeons nesting in the caves and heard the echo of birds tweeting. Not far from our destination, we were fast approached by the Portuguese police in their rib! How exciting! Rob contacted them on the radio and they came alongside. We think that they wanted to check that our SSR number, printed on the side, matched with the info that they saw on our AIS? Anyway, they left perfectly happy!
We arrived at Vilamoura’s visitors pontoon at 7pm. What a very welcoming reception! I had a look around and saw my first banana plant flower! Huge!
After check in, we motored to our pontoon (the tiniest finger pontoons I’ve come across yet – they narrowed out to 12″!) and we moored up.
We all had quick showers (my life! Immaculate and wonderful!) and then headed out for a very nice meal.
1st to 3rd September: Vilamoura
We all slept so well! Next morning, we saw lots of Ferrari’s, 4×4’s and custom cars as well as huge motor boats and yachts! There are also lots of designer shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and tourist shops. I wonder who will enjoy exploring here! The amenities were amazing and immaculate! No flip flops needed here hahaha! This is going to be an expensive marina, me thinks.
Pete took the harbour taxi to the office to book his taxi to the airport for the 2nd, for 7.45am.
We then went to the beach for the afternoon, when Rob and Pete had a swim – but it was damn cold haha! As it was Pete’s last day, we all went out for a lovely meal.
After breakfast, at 7.45, Pete’s cab was waiting for him and his journey home had begun. It was lovely to have him come and stay with us and we hope he had an uneventful and easy return journey. We hope to see him again soon.
Rob had a couple of zoom meetings later in the day, making use of the good wifi! Because of their excellent wifi, we booked an extra night here as Rob had work to do.
We topped up our supplies at the local supermarket and had a look around the shops. I spent an absolute fortune with my eyes hahhaha! It does have some advantages living on a 36′ yacht rather than a house!
4th September: Vilamoura to Faro
After another good night’s sleep, breakfast and showers all round, we all prepared Hoopla for our next passage. We left the pontoon around midday but first we headed for the fuel berth. We want to fill up in Gibraltar but we needed to top up our fuel now, as we only have a quarter of a tank left. Rob topped up the tank by €80 while I walked up the pontoon to reception, to check us all out (€58 per night. Ouch!). We finally left Vilamoura at around 1pm and we managed to sail about half way, which was nice. We had to tack but it was good to sail and not to motor for a change.
The entrance to the estuary was very interesting! It had quite a race (very choppy sea with largish waves) going on! We arrived at the anchorage at 6.30pm and it’s a very peaceful place – even though there appears to be around 50 yachts here!
5th to 6th September: Faro (Olhao)
We woke up to lovely sunshine and blue skies every day, which was wonderful. This could have been such a peaceful anchorage but unfortunately there were also lots of motor boats, going as fast as they can in between all the yachts, causing lots of big waves in their wake…..
Rob put the outboard engine on the dinghy for the first time and we all went to the island on both afternoons. Only two photos, I’m afraid, as we didn’t take our phones to the beach. Rob and Jack went swimming and the water was warmer as it’s an estuary, with a lovely sandy shore. I think that the CI Bears are also enjoying the good weather(!). Rob towed Jack behind dinghy on his bodyboard too hahha! Brilliant fun! He did well to stay on!
7th September: Faro to Ayamonte (Guadiana River) ! SPAIN !
As it’s a tad warmer now, we are now leaving all the hatches open and the main door open at night! This really helps keep us keep cool and allows us a good nights sleep! The fans Rob fitted back in A Coruna are now coming in to their own!
Rob wanted to be leaving at 11am and, after clearing away the breakfast items, we were ready to go. We pulled up our anchor and caught the out going tide of the harbour, which was great – but then we had the tide against us for 3/4’s of the way! There wasn’t any wind either, so we had another 7 hour motor journey but:
but:I SAW A FLYING FISH!! I was so happy!
We arrived at the visitors pontoon at 7pm (8pm local time) and checked in. We were allocated our pontoon and that’s when the winds decided to pick up! Typical! Rob decided to go in stern first (backwards) which worked out brilliantly!
We all settled in for the evening, opening a bottle of wine to celebrate our return to Spain! 
8th to 10th September: Ayamonte
Today (9th) is Jack’s first day ‘back at school’ for year 8! So my alarm went off at 8.30am. Shortly after, we heard fireworks! Weird! We had breakfast at 9am and was ready for school at 10am.
As the wifi was quite good, we first downloaded all of his subjects ‘points of study’ (study instructions) and then we started on maths.
Rob had set up his computer in our cabin and he worked from there. Jack and I finished lessons at 2.30 (which included one 20 min break plus a lunch break (approx 30 mins). Jack and I had showers and the amenities were good and clean, just a little ‘tired’. We heard fireworks again at 10.30pm. Strange.
The next day (9th) Rob was teacher and English was the subject. I decided it was laundry day so I put a wash load on (€3.50 which included the liquid and fabric conditioner). It was not as windy as last time thank goodness! While this was on, I took a deep breath and rang Vueline airlines. 4 more calls and 45 minutes later, I was told I will be refunded within 7-10 days… whoop whoop! This was even confirmed by email!
After lessons (Rob said that Jack’s hand writing is much improved). Rob and I walked into town. Here, I was served the largest sangria ever! Nice! Unfortunately, there isn’t a skateboard park nearby but we did find an area good enough for practice.
Next day (10th) was our Matt’s birthday!! Whoop whoop! As we are an hour ahead, I waited until lunchtime before calling him! What a good Mother I am 
Jack and I were on History, so we studied all about King James 1st (6th of Scotland) and the gunpowder plot. It was their torture and death penalty that turned my stomach but Jack found it very interesting….
11th September: Ayamonte to Huevla
We woke up at 9am and had breakfast at 10am. It was cloudy so a little cooler but still sunny with blue skies. Following a leisurely breakfast, we started preparing Hoopla for our next leg of our journey south. Rob and I checked out (€29 per night) and returned our keys. We slipped our lines at midday and settled down for a non-eventful, 6 hour motor journey
It was quite a nice passage though, following the coastline. No dolphins unfortunately and we haven’t seen any for ages. Shortly after turning at the red and white ‘safe water mark’ (placed because of a moving sand bank) we entered the harbour. We had the choice of 3 marinas, which were:
1st) Futher away and had fairly poor feedback on Navily (a sailing app);
2nd) No feed back on Navily but the pilot book said moorings are available;
3rd) Navily feedback said it was very dilapidated, poor amenities and very run down!
So we decided on no. 2 (and would leave feedback ourselves). However, when we arrived at no. 2, there were no visitor moorings available!
So, we turned around and made our way towards no. 1. As we went past no. 3, we were directed to a mooring. So we took a deep breath, moored up and a marinero helped us with our ropes. Looking good. When we checked in, we were asked to move as Hoopla is 10.8 mtrs and we were in a 10 mtr pontoon ‘sigh’. We had a quick look at the facilities and all seemed clean and new, so we moved, as asked.
After dinner, we made our way to the skateboard park, which was only a 15 min walk. We were back on board at 11.30pm(!) and we fell into bed after our obligatory hot chocolate….
12th - 14th September: Huevla
We found a good skateboard park that was only a 15 min walk away! Result! So this is where we spent our days in Huelva! Jack is doing very well and has improved his balance a lot!
One evening, Rob & I went to look at the quayside stalls. They were very pretty with fairy lights, selling jewelry etc.
Rob & I then went into town and it was HEAVING with people (all wearing masks). We had a drink at a cafe and did some people watching. Lovely. There was a great atmosphere.
The days were quite cloudy but still quite warm. While here, Rob repaired our ‘anchor up’ switch and completely washed the decks & waxed & polished the hull – she looks like a new pin! We now have to take our shoes off when coming aboard hahaha!
One evening, we looked at the maps and the forecast, and decided that Tues 15th would be best day to leave. There were strong winds and big seas forecasted from the 17th/18th, so we wanted to be in Cadiz by then.
Huelva marina was very nice and peaceful with great, clean facilities. When we checked out, we paid €29 per night.
15th September: Huevla to Chipiona
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a good night’s sleep for our last night here. This was because of the fisherman’s engines, their shouting & the wash from their boats at 4am(!) What a shame.
Rob returned our keys at 7am (as arranged last night) and we received our deposit back. We slipped our lines at 8.45 whilst Jack was still fast asleep.
At 10.30, we saw a pod of dolphins swim past. This confirmed that they were still around anyway!
Someone (me!) forgot to switch on the AIS, so we missed the beginning of this journey. Whoops! We motored for 3/4’s of this passage and then Rob sailed to the marina. We moored up on the visitors pontoon at 5.30 and we had our temperature taken in the office! A first for us!
16th September: Chipiona to Cadiz
We had a much better nights sleep! Thank goodness! But we woke to a yucky, clammy, muggy day. We had a quick visit by Border Control who just wanted to check our passports. Rob had arranged for me to have a look around my first catamaran. It was very nice but I prefer Hoopla’s living space. I did like the trampolines for sunbathing though!
Rob checked us out at the office and we were charged €29 for the night.
We slipped our lines at 12.30 and finally the winds picked up and we sailed! Yay! We went past a naval base and a miilitary plane went overhead, a Guardia Civil fast patrol boat was seen speeding to check up on fishing boats and we had an aircraft carrier behind us, heading for their base! Amazing!
We arrived at Cadiz marina at 5pm and it is a very peaceful place. The weather still felt muggy and had threatening clouds. We cleared the cockpit area of cushions etc and put up the spray hood. The black clouds did indeed lead to a short downpour.
17th to 21st September Cadiz
What a wonderful city Cadiz is! It is beautiful! The only snag was the half hour walk from the marina to the city, so we couldn’t just pop in for a coffee or a beer. It’s a tough life!
The marina amenities were ok and were situated right next to us, up the gang plank – which made a pleasant change from having to walk 5 mins for a shower lol!
One evening, we decided to make ‘French bread pizza’ & garlic bread! It was so easy to do and really delish, better than actual pizzas! Definitely one to do again!
It is very peaceful here in the marina. On our first walk into town, we saw a very wild sea, following the recent strong winds. We were so glad to be tucked up inside. During this walk, we saw the wonderful park gardens with the waterfall. We could also walk behind it, which was great. We came across the spectacular cathedral in the central part of town, in the main square. Amazing!
I finally replaced our tatty blue place mats with the new black ones that we bought ages ago. Very posh!
Rob resealed a small leak that was coming into the galley area, from the traveller (a main sail control device) fitted on the cabin roof. The leaks appeared during a heavy downpour on the 19th.
During our stay here, a Frenchman gave us a glockenspiel and a wetsuit for Jack as he had sold his yacht. I had some great fun with the glock – much to Jack and Robs dismay. I also managed to fit in another wash load (€3.50 incl liquids).
We all enjoyed our stay here and have some wonderful memories of Cadiz!
22nd September: Cadiz to Barbate
After good nights sleep, the alarm went off at 8.30am closely followed by breakfast at 9am. Unfortunately, some workman had started drilling at 7/7.30am at top of our gang plank! Ouch. They were removing the tiles from the gents loos. Rob went ahead and checked us out (€29 per night) and we slipped our lines at 11am.
It was another motor journey – with a bit of a swell (not pleasant!). Rob did a fantastic brunch of bacon, egg and fried bread! Delish! Followed by a mug of tea! I knew there was a reason I married him.
We motored past Trafalgar (where a famous battle took place), which sounds much more exciting than it actually was hahhaha. The wind picked up for the last hour, so Rob unfurled the sails and gave the poor engine a rest.
We decided to anchor out for the night as we are continuing on in the morning. We dropped the anchor at 7pm, along with one other boat. This was not a bad anchorage; nice and well sheltered.
We aimed to leave at dawn in the morning (8.15am) so the alarm was set for 7am.
So, tomorrow we arrive in Gibraltar and I’m very excited! But also a little nervous as the mooring process changes. We will have to ‘park’ Hoopla bows in (nose first), and attach two bow lines to the shore, meanwhile picking up a ‘slime line’ and attaching it to our stern! Gulp! These will be mine and Jack’s jobs as Rob is on the helm. So Jack will be on bow line duty and I’ll be on slime line duty. Apparently it’s called a slime line for a reason! Yuck! Fingers and toes it all goes well!!
23rd September: Barbate to Gibraltar
Our alarm went off at 7am as we had decided to leave after breakfast! We got up at 8.15 and started to get Hoopla ready for our next leg TO GIBRALTAR!! yay! We lifted up our anchor at 9am and started yet another motor journey. This went on and on and on – but the company was good!
We followed the shore line and we had the tide with us all the way, peaking at 7 knots.
It was very exciting to finally be in the Straits of Gibraltar! It was also amazing to be able to see Africa!
The winds picked up for a short while so we managed a small sail in until they died down again.
Just after arriving in the harbour entrance, we saw a jumping ocean sun fish(!), closely followed by 3 more floating/swimming past. Rob was very happy to see one at last!
We were all slightly worried about ‘slime line’ mooring – but it was actually ok. Rob went in bows first, slowly, and a marina staff chap was there to help. Phew! He took Jack’s bow line and secured it to a cleat on the shore, and then passed a thin line/rope to me, that was attached to the ‘slime line’ (a thick rope secured to the sea bed). I passed this line to Rob, which he used to pull it up and then he attached it to our stern cleat. Meanwhile, Jack passed the other bow line to the man, who then cleated it off on the shore. We are now successfully moored up!
Rob & I went to go check in and also had a quick peep at the bathrooms and some had an actual bath!! Wow! We also have good wifi!
Our marina is surrounded by very nice hotels and one huge ‘yacht hotel!’ I would love to have a look around it! We are also close to the runway and we saw a military plane take off. I am so looking forward to our stay here!
24th - 30th September: Gibraltar
Wow! What a lovely place Gibraltar is! The marina is gorgeous and the amenities are excellent! We all lurve the showers (and there are even 2 baths!) but it was too hot for one . Getting on and off Hoopla via the bows is interesting! I hope to get used to it soon!
. Getting on and off Hoopla via the bows is interesting! I hope to get used to it soon!We all really liked this place! Why? I’m not sure. Maybe because it was sunny and familiar but it is also a town with a holiday feel. Soon after arriving, Rob ‘had to go to the chandlery’ and bought a wind shoot and a new reefing line (he never comes back empty handed!). That afternoon, Rob and I walked through tunnels to get to the Main Street – and it was fabulous! But would you believe that they had a power cut! So all shops were closed! I bet Rob planned it hahhaha! The main square was also awesome, with cafes, restaurants and shops! There were quite a few fish n chip restaurants in Gibraltar, but only a few that actually had savaloys (Jack’s favourite). So, for our first meal, we ate at Roy’s on the square and Jack had savaloy & chips (very happy!).
One day, while Rob was teaching Jack, I finally got around to replacing my watch battery. It has been at 4 o’clock since Pete was with us! I then had a look around all the shops on my own followed by a GF lunch in a cafe.
We had good wifi so Rob downloaded the series ‘ghosts’, which we watched during our stay. It was so funny!
I had a wonderful birthday on the 26th! Lovely cards, very nice aftershoz headphones and the biggest bottle of Baileys I have ever seen! Plus cash to buy something from the shops! Perfect! For my birthday, we decided to visit the Gibraltar history museum (Sat) and visit the top of the rock the next day (Sun) as most shops will be closed anyway. On our way to the museum, a small military march went past. We spent about 1.5 hrs in there and I loved the Neanderthal display. After, we caught the bus to the border and WALKED into Spain! It was unreal. We then spent a few hours at a skateboard park where Jack, unfortunately, sprained his wrist. We had a fab meal at Pizza Express and on Sunday, we took the cable car to the top of the rock! I was SO brave! We saw the monkeys as soon as we stepped out of the cable car! It was so amazing to see them so close! I watched as they tried to take a ladies handbag and Jack said some had taken a carrier bag with food in! We saw two monkeys later eating apples from the lunch – Jack recognised the carrier bag. I then saw one monkey with a tube of pringles! Hahaha! He was running, not going to share them! A few monkeys jumped on Jack and he unfortunately also got bitten. They did hurt but he was ok. After a nice lunch in the cafe, we walked down to St Michael’s Cave. It was huge. Amazing. We followed the path down to the halfway station where Rob & Jack took cable car back back down. I wanted to see the WWII tunnels, exhibition and Moorish castle, so I continued on (and not because I didn’t want to get on the cable car!). I really enjoyed the tunnels and exhibitions but I was not brave enough for the moorish castle.
Its cooler now in mornings and at night (fleece temperatures). We found a Morrisons where we did our weekly shop and dribbled and drooled over the familiar products! We said we will do an ‘English Shop’ the day before we leave. That night, we had ribeye for tea, a first for months! There was no speaking during THAT meal hahhaha! I also made time to get a hair cut as I was desperate for one. Rob & I then went to the shops and I bought clothes using my birthday money! Could the day get any better?
As promised, on our last day in Gib, we went to Morrisons! £77 on lots of English foods; apple sauce, sausages & beans (sml tins), corned beef and lots of Uncle Ben’s rice (Jack’s fav). This was followed by a meal at Roy’s fish n chips!
