28th & 29th June - Cala d'Es Torrent, Ibiza:
After breakfast, we motored round from Cala Roja to Cala de’Es Torrent and it literally took 15 minutes – the bay we were after was just 2 bays along! We anchored close to Dranack and met Dominic & his family. I have been in regular contact with him so it was great to finally meet up. Here we found another postcard bay.
We did lots of swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters. This is what we signed up for. That evening, we had sundowners onboard Dominic’s catamaran and Hoopla was “the kids” boat 🙂
Back on board at 9pm for dinner at around 10pm hahhaha. But, at around 9pm a nasty swell appeared from nowhere that stayed with us all night. It was really bad. This was NOT what we signed up for ! We had about 4 hours sleep in total.
The next day, though, was another, lovely, fantastic day with swimming and jumping of the boats. Dominic said that last nights swell was unusual and didn’t happen often. That was great to hear! Rob sorted out his diving equipment and cleaned the hull, so Hoopla should sail better and a little faster – and this fed the fish. I swam nearby to watch but I really must sort out that snorkel. Jack and I pulled ourselves down on our anchor chain. The sea really is so beautiful and so clear. Jack saw a flat fish before it buried itself in the sand. Later, Rob & I went to a very nice bar on the beach for drinks with our boat buddies (travel was by paddle board hahaha). At 8pm, we were back on board to prepare dinner – and the swell kicked in again, big time! It was just as bad – if not worse – than last night. Honestly, it was worse than the Bay of Biscay! A glass even slid off our table and smashed on the floor!
At about 3am, Rob went to check if all was well above decks to find that we were VERY close to Dranack! He quickly switched on the engine and we moved forward a fair bit. He then spent a few hours in the cockpit, keeping an eye on things. There was no question about us moving on the next day! Rob would have had a mutiny on his hands otherwise! The same can be said for Dranack!
30th June - Cala d'Es Torrent to Cala Benirras, Ibiza:
After another sleepless and uncomfortable night, Rob had a 10am convo with the crew of Dranack. We had all decided to leave but they were already packed and ready to go! They left the bay at 10.30.
Jack swam over to Fin while Rob and I prepared Hoopla. It was a shame to go as it was a really nice place but, my goodness, the roll was bldy awful! Honestly, it was so bad!
We had our breakfast at 11.30 and we were finally ready to leave at 12.30.
It was a sail to start but then the winds died and we had to then motor the rest of the way. BUT we really noticed the difference with a clean hull! Well done Rob!
We arrived at 3.30 to another picture postcard, turquoise bay. Everyone was happy and in the water in the afternoon (apart from me this time!) followed by drinks on Hoopla at 7pm. The beach was packed for the drumming that happens at each sunset. It was magical and surreal.
We waited with baited breath for 8pm and then 9pm – but no roll in sight! Thank goodness for that!
1st to 3rd July - Cala Benirràs, Ibiza:
We had a roll at around 3am but nothing like the last place! And it had stopped by about 6am. It’s so beautiful here with the sand and the clear, turquoise sea.
We moved into a motor boat spot when it had left, so we are now closer to the shore.
In 7 meters, we can so clearly see our chain on the sea floor and the fish swimming around. Beautiful!
We took our recycling to the bins on the beach (and to vist the loos). I needed 0.50 cents but they stank so bad I couldn’t use them in the end. hahha! We saw and met Philippe and Fabienne in a cafe, and so we stopped and joined them for a drink (coffee). We used the cafe loos for the cost of a coffee (€3!) But non smelly hahahha!
We all went swimming later and I FINALLY used the snorkel. It was fab! We swam over the rocks and the posidonia grasses. Jack and Co were swimming around and jumping off of the paddle board. Such fun. We must sort out Jack’s go-pro! We were aboard Dranack for sundowners and the drummers were out again and it was lovely.
The following day, Jack and Rob went scuba diving while Sean snorkeled above. Rob & Philippe took a cab to get the bottles refilled (the cab cost €75). They refilled them but they shouldn’t have done, as Rob was told that they need to have had a sight test. This is an annual Spanish requirement apparently. Whoops. Meanwhile, Fabienne & I went to the market and then stopped for a drink. We were back in the bar when the boys returned and then we were back on board at 8.30. Another late evening meal.
Next morning, it was Sean and Clara’s turn to scuba. Clara decided not to in the end but Sean had a fantastic time! He did really well and Rob said he was a natural diver! After, they took the diving equipment to the beach shower, to rinse off the salty sea water. Just as they had finished, the beach lifeguard said that this wasn’t allowed. We all decided to move to another bay after lunch (not because of this, though) and we started to get Hoopla ready. We all decided to go to Portinatx.
We pulled up our anchor and headed off, following Dranack. It was only an hours journey and we sailed for a bit but then we had head winds and so the rest of the passage was by engine. We arrived at just after 4pm but it took us around half an hour to find a suitable spot to drop our anchor. We are not allowed to disturb the posidonia weed (understandable) so we had to find a sandy patch with enough distance from the other boats. We all went for a swim and/or snorkel before drinks aboard Hoopla. The crew of Dranack are leaving at 7am tomorrow, heading for Mallorca, so we all went out for a pizza! I had the most delicious steak & chips instead. We are staying here as we have guests arriving on the 10th.
It was a lovely evening and we said our farewells on the beach. We hope to catch up with them later. Back on board, we put all the dive equipment in the main cabin and just fell into bed!
4th & 5th July - Portinatx, Ibiza:
After a rather leisurely breakfast, Rob prepared the diving equipment and him and Jack went for another dive! I got a little burnt a couple of days ago and so stayed in the cabin with my kindle. Both Jack and Rob said the dive was perfect!
At around 7pm, Rob and I rowed ashore for a pint/sangria, followed by a look around the shop. Here, there are 4/5 restaurants/cafes and a shop. Further up the hill, we can see a few more restaurants. Back on board, Jack and Rob loaded up the dinghy with the dive gear and rowed ashore. They gave it all a good rinse using the beach showers and put it all out to dry on Hoopla’s decks. We heard that Dranack had arrived without any problems in Mallorca, following a 10 hour motor journey. Good news! We hope to catch up with them all again soon.
We all had a lazy day the next day then Rob & I walked to the diving place after a nice lunch in a cafe. We needed to confirm the place that can do the visual inspection on his bottles. This is such a lovely town. The cicadas in the trees were SO loud hahhaha! Back on board and we all went for a snorkel around Hoopla. Happy Days
6th to 10th July; Benirras, Ibiza, again
After breakfast, we left Portinatx as the wind is due to change and so we need to find better shelter. The best is back in Benirras – but it was full. We went next door to San Miguel. It should be ok, though it is a little exposed. We spent the day onboard as I’m not feeling that great – I’m coming down with a cold I think. Rob went swimming and said it was good. He did us a lovely meal before we turned in at around midnight. At 1am the winds picked up – and so did the sea! More rocking and rolling! As if we haven’t had enough lol! This made for a very uncomfortable night! At 3am, Rob moved to the cockpit as he was worried about either us, or other boats, dragging their anchor. But all was OK on that score. At first light, Rob & I switched on our engine, pulled up our anchor and we headed out – as did all the other boats in the bay! We bashed the waves to the bay next door, back to Benirras. It was empty & much calmer, thank goodness! We set our anchor, had a cup of tea and then went back to bed! It was still a little rolly – but nowhere near as bad as San Miguel. Rob & I went to the beach in the afternoon, for a break from the roll hahhaha. Later, I was so determined not to have another disturbed night of our belongings crashing and bashing, I prepared Hoopla, before turning in, as if we were about to cross the Bay of Biscay! Well, that worked a treat as we all slept right through hahha. Yay!
Jack & Rob saw, and dived for, 2 masks near Hoopla in 8 meters! Well done both of them! It’s great too as Jack needed a new mask as his is now too small! Both are now very keen treasure hunters and are looking for Rolex watches now hahhaha! This is the place that has the beach drummers at sundown. Fantastic.
Next morning, at 7.15, Rob swam after our dinghy! He saw it drifting away from Hoopla out of our window! I looked up to see his butt cheeks running down our corridor hahhaha! He managed to get it back safely (with trunks on!). We spent the day on the shore and had a pizza in the evening. We thought it was a fairly expensive meal for what it was, though.
The wind has died right down now, so now we are just waiting for the sea to follow suit. I am still feeling yucky with this cold but a cup of lemsip has helped. I sorted out our guests (due tomorrow) bedding and aired it all over the boom. It was much, much calmer today.
We’re booked into San Antonio Marina from Sat 10th to tues 13th. We aim to be there for 12pm (when the berth is available) so we can do all of our boring chores before Lorena and her friend arrive, at 9pm. As it’s a 3 hr journey, we want to be leaving here at 9am.
But, oh dear, we got up late – 10am! We had breakfast at 11 lol! Whoops! We were getting ready to leave when Rob saw that some ropes from a nearby bouy had caught around our anchor chain! This. Was. Bad! Rob swam down to try to untangle them but he said he needed his scuba equipment! Thank goodness we have it! It took Rob 10/15 mins to free us! We eventually left at 1pm. It was a motor all the way, because of the head winds, but we had fantastic cliff face views though. We turned into the marina and we saw wall to wall hotels! Wow! The marina staff helped us in, bows-to. Rob went and checked us in (€40 per night). For the first time, we had to show our vaccine certificate – which Rob also had to email them. We also had to pay (in cash) a €90 deposit for the pontoon key and for 2 x cards for the showers. Better make sure we don’t lose em!
The passerelle (gangplank) was almost vertical(!) so it can’t really be used. Rob & I turned Hoopla around so now we are stern to. Rob took the dinghy off the davits and secured it to the bows. It is so much easier (and safer) to get on and off Hoopla now.
We popped up top for a drink and there was a stag party on the next table. Welcome to Ibiza! We also quickly popped up to lidl for tonight’s dinner and then LORENA AND HER FRIEND ARRIVED!! Hurrah!! It was so lovely to see her again!
Dinner was very late and after we went to find the showers. There were only 2 loos & 2 separate showers but very clean. Us girls then went for a walk along the bay. So many people and neon lights. It was around 1.30am when we decided to turn in G’nite all
11th to 13th July; San Antonio Marina, Ibiza
We all slept surprisingly well. We were up at 9.30 with breakfast in the cockpit: choc croissants. The girls went to the beach, while: I had a shower and then went to laundrette; Rob took his air bottles to the dive shop to get tested and refilled (he took a cab there & caught a bus back); Jack stayed on Hoopla…..
We all managed to meet in a cafe for lunch, which was very nice! After which, we all went in the sea. It was VERY shallow hahaha and Jack was doing handstands.. the sea is not as beautiful as we have been used to! It is green instead of turquoise.
Rob did us fajitas for tea. They were a bit spicy but very good. BUT, We both forgot to do our spanish homework! Again! Doh!
The next day, we woke at 8.30 and had toast for breakfast. It is soo hot; 35° we have to have a swim in the sea to cool down. Another lunch in another cafe and Rob stayed there to do some work. For the crew of Hoopla, we have been on anchor for around 3 weeks and so we are really enjoying the easy access to shore and shops etc! And showers! Hahhaha!
Meanwhile, Jack went to get his hair cut (and it looks very good!) and us girls went and did the shopping in Lidl for supplies, for the next 4 days. It only came to €48! We are worried that we have not bought enough now! On the way back to Hoopla, we saw a Waitrose! After a dip in the sea to cool down, we went to have a look. WOW! Unfortunately, it was just closing but I promised to be back when it opens at 9am tomorrow!
Lorena and Samira did us a lovely dinner with melon for dessert. Delish!
The following day, the alarm was set for 8am. We arrived at Waitrose for 9am and we topped up our squash! I also bought a mint Aero & some Wotsits among other thinks. Jack was very happy! Somehow I spent €45!
We were back by 10am and I got Hoopla ready to leave the marina. Rob returned the key & cards and we left dead on 12pm, which was when we had to leave!
Unfortunately, there was a nasty swell from the strong winds we had yesterday. It was rough for about 2 hrs – which was tough for our guests. It did settle down when we passed the point but this didn’t help really. We arrived at the most perfect turquoise beach, it was so clear. The girls loved it! Rob rowed Samira to the beach (and I’d given her a small packed lunch with water) and we said we would meet up ASAP. Us four had a quick lunch on board Hoopla and then Lorena & I swam to the beach and we all finally met up with Samira again. Rob & Jack joined us and we spent a lovely day on the beach
Rob & I were back on board at 7pm, to prepare dinner. We decided to have it on the beach, cooked in our Cobb cooker. There is a small, private cove opposite Hoopla. Perfect! Tonight, the girls and Rob decided to stay on the beach. Rob rowed us back to Hoopla and I sorted him out the spare sleeping bag and blankets etc for the girls. Back on the beach, we had our dinner watching the sun go down. It was absolutely perfect!
14th & 15th July: Cala Tarida, Ibiza
Rob and Lorena came back aboard at 8.30am, bringing all the sleeping bags and blankets back. They had all slept on the beach surprisingly well! Rob & I made breakfast of toast and coffee for the girls, cereal for Rob & I, to have on the beach (Jack is still asleep). It’s so lovely and sunny! What a wonderful start to the day!
Back on board for a tidy up (sand! So. Much. Sand!) and to sort out the girls bags, as they are going to an airbnb for their last two nights. This took forever! Finally, us 3, the girls luggage plus a bag of food were all in the dinghy! Unbelievably we made it to the shore without falling in! Well done Rob! A quick drink in the bar (of course!) and then us girls walked to the bus stop. Jack is not feeling too well – we think he had too much sun yesterday, so he stayed with Rob. We arrived at the place at 5.30 and its lovely. We had dinner on the balcony, overlooking the sea, and then I caught a cab back to Rob & Jack. Rob met me on the shore and, a quick drink in the cafe later, we were back on board at 9.30pm and in bed by 11.30pm!
Next morning, we woke at 9.30! It was a cloudy start and hardly any yachts in the bay. We had breakfast in the cockpit and we pottered about on Hoopla, while the girls caught the bus to the beach and then swam over to us. Rob sorted out some bread and threw it at Lorena and Samira and the fish were on it like rockets! It was so funny!! I joined them in the sea and then we swam to the beach. Another day on the beach, swimming in the amazing turquoise waters! They leave tomorrow, early, so we all had a nice meal in the cafe. I can’t believe they are going home already! The days have just flown by, but they were filled with much fun and laughter! We wish them a safe journey and made promises of keeping in touch!
Rob and I made plans, looked at routes and weather reports to go to Formentura tomorrow.
16th July; Cala Tarida to Raco de Sa Talaia, Ibiza
Rob rowed me ashore first thing, so I can pick up some food for our lunch, from the supermarket. When he came to collect me, my life, the wind had picked up and we had a VERY choppy sea! Wet bum alert Hahhaha!
Back on board, we picked up our anchor and left at 9.30am. The wind has switched direction which made Formentura a no-go. Such a shame. So, another change of plan and we have decided to head for Mallorca instead! Maybe we can meet up with Dranack on their way back from Menorca? Fingers crossed! First, though, we need to find an anchorage for tonight, opposite Mallorca. It was a motor journey all the way, with an average speed of 5 knots. We had no wifi signal at our destination, so we couldn’t use Navily for anchorage reports. All we could do was to just pop our nose in each one until we found one that Rob was happy with. It took four attempts hahhaha! But we are now nice and secure and there is no roll. Yay! No signal, though, which meant no up-to-date weather information either. But when we checked this morning, all was fine for our crossing tomorrow. So, tomorrow night we go to sleep in Mallorca! How exciting!
12th Sept; Pou des Lleos to Ibiza Town, Ibiza
Did you notice the jump in the dates? This is the point where we left Ibiza for Mallorca and then Menorca, before returning to Ibiza. Here, we continue our circumnavigation of Ibiza.
It was a bit of a disturbed night for Rob & I. He couldn’t settle, because of his cold, and he eventually took a blanket and pillow and went to sleep on deck. Poor Rob. We all hope his cold goes soon! But we were all having breakfast in the cockpit at 9.30 and its a very nice way to start the day! The boys had a swim and they explored the rocks. They said it was amazing, just like swimming in a fish tank! Unfortunately, it was Pete’s last swim off of the back of Hoopla. Its sad but he has said that he has had an amazing holiday, with lots of adventures! At 1.15, Rob lifted out the anchor and soon we were following an amazing coastline. As it’s Pete’s last passage, he helmed all the way to the marina. I can see Formentera getting clearer in the distance and I hope we get to see it. Oh, fab news! Nigel and Sarah (our sailing friends and neighbours from Cartagena) have arrived at Botafoc! We will be there soon! Yay! They saw us arrive and moor up – and they are one pontoon down from us! We soon met up with them for arrival drinks. They are both looking good and we had a marvellous catch up. We are so pleased to see them!!
13th to 16th Sept; Botafoc Marina, Ibiza Town, Ibiza
Pete caught the 9.30am ferry to the town for his PCR test and it appears that Jack is also coming down with this cold. Rob is still feeling pretty groggy but I’m ok for the time being. Rob popped to the marina office to try and book an extra night here, for Pete, and for the 10 days for Jack and I, for while he is in Paris. Hopefully they have the spaces!
Well, Rob has booked an extra night for Pete – but they cannot book our 10 days until we check out – but it should be ok. Hmm. Nigel asked if Jack would like to earn some cash as he has a couple of jobs that need doing. How kind of him! Jack practically bit his hand of and a deal was struck! Later, we took the passenger ferry to Ibiza town and we walked up to the castle. So. Many. Steps! I’m not used to them hahaha. We had a coffee stop on the way back (a lovely strawberry milkshake for me) before catching the return ferry. We all loved the town of Ibiza! Pete received an email to say his test was negative. Even though we knew it would be, that was still a relief to hear.
The following morning, Jack did his first hour aboard Gemini J, washing down her decks etc, being supervised by her skipper, Nigel. Jack was very pleased with his cash and is now praying for more rain with the Sahara sand hahha! Poor Nigel! I wonder if he knows what he has let himself in for! I spent all morning trying to register and do an online shop with Eroski supermarket. I persevered as they can deliver direct to Hoopla and could possibly make things easier in Cartagena. I succeeded (with Sarah’s help!) but it did take ALL morning and part of the afternoon hahhaaha! It’s Pete’s last evening and we are eating out! We had a wonderful meal, talked of our adventures and we toasted his safe travels for tomorrow!
We were all up and about for a cuppa with Pete at 7.30 (apart from Jack as his cold has wiped him out, poor thing!) Sarah popped round to wish Pete a good journey too. How nice was that! My shopping gets delivered today, between 10am and 12pm. I am a bit nervous that the address is OK! Rob & Pete walked to Pete’s taxi at 8.50 and we really hope his return journey goes like clockwork The weather is not looking so good today, it looks like rain, but we still met Nigel and Sarah for our morning coffee. Would you believe it that our shopping arrived when Rob & I were in the marina office! I hurried back to Hoopla but I couldn’t see the delivery van (a tad stressed now!) but the driver had already given it to Jack! Brilliant! But it did mean that Jack also found his Haribo. The office still can’t guarantee our 10 day request. Hmmm. Nigel and Sarah had hired a car and us 4 went out for a drive. The traffic was awful heading into Ibiza Town and so they showed us the beach cafe that they were at earlier that day. It had very nice views over the bay, but soon the heavens opened and we headed back to our boats, quick smart. Pete’s connections went well and he had arrived home in Edinburgh by 3pm. Rob emailed Club Nautico marina in St. Anthony and we hope to hear from them soon. The marina next door, PortsIB, can only do a maximum of 5 days at a time and then have a ‘no return’ policy for 7 days, I think. We’re getting a little nervous now of finding a berth while Rob is working in Paris. Gulp.
All the rain had stopped by the next morning and the sun has returned – but it has left behind more sand. We all had a lazy morning, with Rob splicing ropes and me on school admin/prep duty. Boat School returns Monday 20th Sept. Rob popped to the shop & then to the office. They still do not have any spaces for when Rob is in Paris. We are still waiting to hear back from the other marina, and the 3rd can only book up to a max of 5 days. We are having a look at another marina this afternoon, while Jack cleans Gemini J (again!). We all left to have a look around Santa Eulàlia. Sarah parked in the marina car park and we found a very nice bar! Rob & Sarah walked to the marina office – and they came back brandishing a piece of paper… Rob has booked us for the 10 days! Fabulous! €455 which equals €45 per night. Not a bad price and we are all so very relieved! Sarah and I left the boys in the cafe with their pints while we had a quick explore. It looks amazing here! So many shops, cafes and restaurants! I think I MIGHT be ok here… but Robs wallet may not…..
17th Sept; Botafoc Marina, Ibiza Town (Ibiza) to S'Espalmador
My alarm went off at 8.30 and Rob & I were having breakfast at by 9am. Jack’s cough disturbed him last night, so we let him sleep in. I met Sarah at 9.30am, as we had a date with Tescos! €42 later mainly on treats including custard creams, licorice allsorts, UK cereal and squash hahha. We dropped off our goodies and then we returned the hire car – via the petrol station. We had to queue before we could get to a pump. Then we were told you have to pay first! How do you know how much to put in? It took us two attempts as we didn’t put enough in first time. Really, really odd! Now we know why there was a queue! At 11.30, Rob checked us out at the marina office and we were charged a reasonable €32 per night. Can’t grumble at that! We are all looking forward to spending some time on a deserted island and at 12.20, we slipped our lines.
Gemini J was just behind us as we left the marina and we jumped right into Ferry City! So. Many. Ferries! Loads! The sea was a mess with their wash. We both had an interesting passage to say the least! But by 2.30, we had arrived and we were shown to our bouy by a man in a rib. Jack was on line duty but the man was there to also help. He took Jack’s lines and passed them back, for him to cleat off. That was so helpful! We paid him the €30 for the night, which is quite a lot for a bouy but what a fantastic location! The boys went for a swim but not me, as I’ve had a headache all day. After our lunch and a siesta (it’s all hard work you know) we took the dinghy to the shore. Sarah joined us on her paddle board and offered their kayak to Jack! How kind! We saw quite a few jellyfish on our way to the island, which was a shame as we wanted a swim and a paddle… we pulled the boat, paddleboard and kayak up on the beach and then we were ready to explore. The middle of the island is fenced of for a nature reserve, so we walked in the soft, warm, fine sand and we followed the beach as far as we could go. There was a bit of a surf on the other side and that’s when Rob & Jack went in. We didn’t see any jellyfish this side. We then walked back around to watch the sunset and Nigel joined us in his dinghy. The sunset was magical. Not long after, we all started to make our way back on board, minding the stingers. All in all, a wonderful, fun-filled day
18th Sept: S'Espalmador to Cala Llonga
We had a bit of a rolly night last night, but it wasn’t too bad – and we did get some sleep! We rowed over to Gemini J for goodbyes over teas & coffees at around 9.30. We’ve had such a great time with this lovely couple and they really made our stay in Botafuc(!) & here such fun! We will miss them both! We both slipped our bouys at 11.15 and we went our separate ways; Hoopla to Cala Llonga and Gemini J to Sant Anthonio. We all waved our goodbyes and I look forward to us all catching up again in Cartagena. Jack is still coughing and I’ve started to come down with the cold. No surprise there huh? Explains the headache all day yesterday. Sigh. More nasty rollers and a sea chop from the thousands of ferries all travelling backwards and forwards between the islands. Its like a washing machine! Not nice. Rob said that when we have passed Ibiza, there will be no more ferries and so no more wash. He was right. The sails even got to make an appearance! Hurrah! It was so lovely to have the silence back. We had 5.5kn under sail! Get in! Rob saw plenty of flying fish – and I saw just one hahaha! We finally arrived at our anchorage at 2.30. We dropped our anchor and we all agreed that this place looks amazing! It’s quite windy, though, 15 to 20 knots.
19th Sept; Cala Llonga to Santa Eulalia Marina, Ibiza
Luckily, the strong winds died at around 1am. We would have been OK but I am still relieved. We all had a good night and we’re now having breakfast at just after 10am. It’s a very nice anchorage, very peaceful, and the sun is shining! The winds have picked up again, unfortunately, but are due to die down at 3pm. We will leave here at around then. So, a few hours of reading, swimming and eating later… and at 4.30, we lifted up our anchor. The marina is literally just around the corner, so by 5.15, we were all slime lined up and plugged in! Rob and I walked to the office and checked us all in and wandered back to Hoopla via a cafe..
20th to 23rd Sept; Santa Eulalia Marina, Ibiza
While Rob was out shopping this morning, he phoned say have a look outside! We saw another tornado! Unbelievable! Also, unbelievably, both Rob & Jack have been granted their Spanish residency but I haven’t hahhaaha! They don’t think I earn enough apparently. They now need a certified copy of our marriage certificate! Really? We don’t even have an UNcertified one with us hahha! Rob said he will sort it out when he is on the train tomorrow. Let’s see what happens. Today is our first day back at school! Well, boat School. First, Jack made a schedule for his subjects and today is maths. I’m still yuck with this cold, so we decided against eating out tonight, before Rob leaves us tomorrow, for 10 days. I’m not sure other diners would appreciate me sneezing and snuffling throughout dinner.
Robs alarm was set for 6am, next morning, and mine as back-up at 6.30. He found a taxi right outside the marina, which was a relief and he was at the ferry terminal by 7.45. It is absolutely pouring down! Jack and I have battened down the hatches! Luckily, it’s all nice and cosy on Hoopla. Robs ferry left on time, at 10am, and it looks like to be a good crossing for him, even with this wind! Jack & I went food shopping in the afternoon – but I need to go again, on my own lol. Rob arrived fine in Barcelona at around 6pm and his hotel is lovely. He had first bath in two years hahaha!
Oh I had a disturbed night last night! But I did manage to get some sleep, thankfully. Its still quite windy with the occasional downpour, and we have small surges here in the marina. I was worried about our rudder being pushed up against the pontoon and getting damaged, as this would mean no more sailing until it was fixed! The man next door very kindly pulled in our slime line a bit, which pulled us away from the pontoon! This really helped! Rob also had a disturbed night – as he was worried that his alarm wouldn’t go off and so would miss his train. But it did – and he didn’t – and is now en-route to Paris. Phew! Jack and I start on geography today and we had a lazy afternoon. Robs train connections all went smoothly and he has arrived in his Airb&b. Its very nice and will suit very well. Bad news; Rob lost his wallet Thankfully he has managed to borrow some cash and he paid it back via mobile banking. Fingers and toes crossed we receive the new cards soon
Another disturbed night for me (read: standing on deck watching the rudder at 1.30am) but all was OK. I think I’m over worrying hahha. English lessons started at 11am and it included two debates. Good fun! Jack gives a good argument (some would say he takes after his mother!) After lessons, I popped to the supermarket. Again, it was only a small one, so I need to find a larger one fairly soon. Jack cooked tonight and did a delicious spag bol. HmmHmm!
24th to 26th Sept; Santa Eulalia Marina, Ibiza
Not such a bad night for me last night, but I will be happier when these winds have died down. I woke up to dark clouds! Hopefully they will not lead to anything. I am looking forward to meeting up with Sarah (from Gemini J) later! She is catching the bus over from St Anthoni, ETA around 12.30. Sarah’s bus was quicker than she thought and she arrived just after midday. It was so lovely to see her! She had a little something that I am not allowed to open until Sunday! How thoughtful. After making sure Jack was happy to continue with the last few bits of history (and to sort out his lunch, which he was!) we made our way to the cafe’s, shops and restaurants. Oh we had a really delicious lunch and pudding! An early birthday present from Nigel. Now feeling very fat, we exited the marina and found a coastal path with stunning views. These, with great conversations, was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Her bus was waiting at the bus stop when we but we returned, but it started to indicate to pull out just as we got there! We both called out and a man knocked on its door and it stopped! Phew! That was close! Sarah got her ticket and we waved our goodbyes through the door. Until next time! Back onboard Hoopla – but no jack! But his shower kit was missing, as was the key. He returned shortly after, all clean and he said that he had finished his lessons ok. We all had had really good Friday afternoons!
It was still a little windy, the following day, but nowhere near as bad as it has been, thank goodness. Jack and I were having breakfast by 10.30. I Chatted to Rob for an hour, which was lovely and then I walked to the marina office to extend our stay for an extra night – but it had closed at 2pm. Hmm. I hope to try again tomorrow, but definitely Monday if not. I found another supermarket but still no meat. I stocked up on fruit and veg and Jack and I had Larder Specials for tea! It’s very, very warm with a 60% humidity so very close.
I woke next morning (my birthday ) to the sound of the kettle! Jack is making me a cuppa in bed. He also gave me his card & gift and then I found the card and present that Rob had left for me. Sarah had also given me a goodie bag on Friday for today. Peter & Mum have given me some cash (and very generous they were too!). What a lucky lady I am. I’m feeling very spoilt I have managed to book an extra night here, but I need to return tomorrow and pay for it hahaha. We shouldn’t have a problem with an extra night or two either, if needed, though she couldn’t guarantee it….
Sarah and Nigel left St. Anthoni at dawn this morning and I hope that their passage is good one. At around 4pm, Dominic and crew arrived and so we all went for an ice cream before walking along to the next bay. We followed the same lovely route as Friday, through a small wood and along the stunning coastal path. We stopped off at a bar and I was persuaded to try a “gold tooth” vermouth drink. It was VERY nice! The boys played on the beach with Lilly while we caught up. We lost track of time until we saw the sun going to bed. We quickly left as we had the walk back but they also had the car journey to St. Anthoni and a row out to Floss! Jack & I walked with them to their camper van and we made plans for us to catch the bus to them on Tues. Their van was brilliant! What lucky family they are! We said our goodbyes and we made our way back to Hoopla, via a fried chicken takeaway place! A very nice end to a very nice day! Happy 52nd birthday to me!
27th to 29th Sept; Santa Eulalia Marina, Ibiza
It is a very warm today and it’s very still in the marina at last! Thank goodness! Today we had a late start on maths – but it just means that we finish late too hahhaha. I left Hoopla at 1pm for the laundrette. It’s literally just up the road, which is grand. I used the tumble for all but our heavy items. I put these on a line and they had dried in 2 hrs! Robs stand in Paris is doing very well! He is really enjoying seeing and catching up with his old colleagues and friends. I noticed, here, that our dinghy was filled with rain water so Jack got in and bailed it out. Good lad.
We were up fairly late (again) next morning, so it was breakfast at 10am – and science at 11.30(!) Today we, again, finished school later (also again) at 4.30. Alex from Floss had told me where the nearest larger supermarket is and I found it without any probs (thanks Alex!) and we now have a full fridge and larder! Phew! I bought us some pizzas for tea, which Jack cooked while I put the shopping away. Rob, meanwhile, arrived in good time for his train – to find all the trains have been cancelled! His first bus went to the middle of nowhere(!) and his second (which went to the airport) was rammed! He managed to squeeze in with his luggage and it went straight to central Paris with out stopping, thank goodness. Then his connections were back to normal and he caught his train in time for his ferry, for his overnight crossing.
Rob has arrived home!! Yay! He was on board Hoopla and having a cuppa at 7.30am! Breakfast was at 9am with leasons, geography, starting at 10.30.
Rob had a look at our toilet as it is getting scaled up again. Welcome home Rob hahaha! Floss’s crew were back in Santa Eulalia at around 3pm and we all met up for an ice cream! It was so good to catch up and we wished each other well for our next adventures. Dominic, Alex and children have plans for heading back to the UK in the not to distant future and we’re heading on to Formentera. Later, Rob and I had a quick look around the shops (and he replaced his wallet). Jack filled up our water tanks while we were gone and then we all went out for dinner. Another pizza for Jack and I hahaha! We had lots to celebrate: Robs show in Paris, my birthday and our last night in Ibiza. Tomorrow night, we go to sleep in Formentera! How exciting!
30th Sept; Ibiza to Formentera !
Well, the alarm was set for 8.30 and its breakfast at 9am but there are no lessons today, as we are moving on! No showers for us this morning, though, as the shower keys don’t work. The marina office didn’t update them when I paid for an extra night. Hmmf! I am popping to Mercadona (a supermarket) for a supplies top up while Rob and Jack prepare Hoopla. Rob & I checked us out and we slipped our lines at 12.30. Whilst still in the marina, I popped Hoopla in neutral while Rob and Jack brought the dinghy round from the bows to the stern and lifted it onto the davits. We left the marina and met a metre swell! Not brilliant but ok. We motor-sailed in this for 1.5 hours but for the last hour, Rob switched the engine off and we are now sailing. Lovely. We dropped our anchor at 4pm in a beautiful, turquoise bay! We’ve arrived! Rob & I are looking forward to exploring our last Balearic island tomorrow