3rd Oct; Cala Sardinera to Javae Marina, Spain
It’s quite windy this morning but we are very secure on this bouy. We can hear it howling through the rigging during breakfast! Jack is studying English today and Rob has booked us into a marina, but we can’t check-in there until midday. It’s only across the bay, about half an hour away, so we can leave here anytime this afternoon. Wow, we are watching a Regatta, going right past us. Its so nice to see lots of sails out on the water. Rob & I are sitting here having lunch in the cockpit, watching yachts arriving – even in this wind! There wasn’t a metal loop/ring on our bouy when we arrived yesterday and, we found out when it was time to leave, that our ropes had become twisted tightly around the chain. As in, really tightly! It was a struggle to separate them but between the two of us (well, mainly Rob!) we managed to in the end – and without having to cut them. We finally left the bay at 2.10 and arrived at 2.30! Not even enough time for a cuppa hahaha! We decided to go in bows-to, to make things easier with the dinghy! It is very easy getting on/off this time, not too high at all. Rob and I checked-in in a lovely, old fashioned marina office. We’re here for 4 nights and we paid a total of €135 / €33pn We finished Jack’s English before heading out for our sangria & beer. Priorities! 🙂 Rob saw the Hotel Miramar, and thisis where he stayed at as a child, aged 11. The marina showers/loos are stunning; all old fashioned. dark wood with green and white tiles. The showers are solar powered but Jack wasn’t over impressed (cold apparently!). He is cooking us a nice spag bol for dinner and it has just started to rain, but all is cosy on Hoopla.
4th to 6th Oct; Javae Marina, Spain
What a good and peaceful night! We were having breakfast at 9.30 and its sunny, not windy. Lessons were underway by 11am and Rob is working nearby, in a cafe. After school, Jack went to get his hair cut while Rob & I went for a walk along the harbour wall. I saw my 1st octopus! He was amazing! We sat and watched him for at least ten minutes, looking for food. He fired two jets of water into crevasses and sliding his tentacles in others, before swimming off. Fascinating! Rob and I had tapas and a Baileys to celebrate.
The following day was bright and sunny and this is a very peaceful marina. After school, we all went ‘for a little walk’ up a mountain! It was nice to get out and stretch those legs!
It absolutely poured down during the night but by breakfast, next morning, at 9.30am, it was sunny again. Rob and Jack are on science today and they have an experiment to do for his assignment! Good luck! So disappointing that my fitbit didn’t register our walk yesterday! The time is also wrong and the step count is not working. I spent an hour trying to reboot it, but no success. This shouldn’t happen when a Fitbit goes flat surely! I’m going to have to pop into Corte de Ingles when in Cartagena. I had a lovely hot shower (not sure what Jack was moaning about!) before heading into town for lunch and an explore, both of which were lovely. Rob has just been informed that I have been granted residency!!! Yay!
Tomorrow, we are returning to El Campello. We’re looking forward to it as we stayed here with Dranack and her crew for a good few days at the start of our holidays, and had a lovely time
7th Oct; Javea Marina to El Campello Marina, Spain
Rob & I are up and having breakfast by 8.30, not bad huh! We slipped our lines at 9.30 and met a one metre swell. Hmm. We saw a square rigger on the horizon, or was it pirates? We tentatively tested the autohelm – and its working! Yay! So we sat down and enjoyed just keeping a lookout. But would you believe, we didn’t see the two HUGE pot bouys! We just missed them! We still have the nasty swell with us but the coastline is amazing though, with lots of caves in the cliffs.
We went around the point and the swell slowly disappeared and its now much calmer. At 11.30, we had the main sail out and we were motor sailing. At 1pm, one seriously big dolphin came alongside! Could it have been a bottlenose? At 2.30, Rob let the Genoa sail out. We are still motor-sailing, but the sails help take the strain off the engine. We have a lovely, calm sea. We arrived at El Campello at 5.15 and we slimed up with no problem, then we went and checked us all in. I had a quick look at my fitbit, and it’s working! Our walk is on there, Strava has also updated – as did my steps! Thank goodness for that. At night, we can hear the popping of the shrimps again (sounds like bubble wrap!) – and they’re very loud hahha.
8th Oct El Campello, Spain
I’m boat schooling today and Rob is working in a cafe and Rob and I plan to go to the beach after. Its a lovely beach he was having a good swim while I was on my kindle. Happy Days.
On our way to the jacket potato restaurant, Jack lost his phone in the beach!! In the dark! Unbelievable! Well, maybe it is hahha! The next half hour or so was spent frantically looking for it. The AA advert “It’s in the sand” kept coming to mind! I was convinced that the phone had gone forever – but then Rob found it! Brilliant and Jack’s very, very lucky! We had a good meal in the end, followed by a nice stroll back to Hoopla. Back on board, the shrimps are really loud!
9th oct: El Campello Marina to Marina de las Dunas, Spain
Wow its so peaceful here in El Campello and we all had such a good night’s sleep x
Rob left and checked us out at the office, while I cleared up onboard, and we slipped our lines at 11.10. It Looks like there are heavy showers ahead but currently it’s warm and sunny. We watched the shower go in the opposite direction while we headed for blue skies. That’s what we want! Following along the coast, it was a quicker journey today than yesterday, time wise, but it felt longer for all of us. Not sure why though. The wind picked up, which meant that for the last hour or so, we could switch off the engine and bring the sails out to play! We finally arrived and we were slimed up by 4pm. The marinero gave us two slime lines at same time, which was odd (we are normally passed one line at a time). We secured one, but we couldn’t get the other one around our stern and under the dinghy. We are only here for one night, so we thought we’d be ok with one (in some marinas, that’s all you get anyway) so we dropped the other back in the water. We’re quite close to the pontoon, so it is very easy to get on and off Hoopla. Jack plugged Hoopla in, while Rob & I went to the marina office to check us in. We HAD to check out the bar too, be rude not to, huh! We then had a look at the beach and walked along the shore. The marina is so peaceful and quiet and the facilities here are nice too. We have another 4/5 hour journey ahead of us tomorrow, so we would like to be leaving early. We won’t set the alarm, though. I found out earlier that my fitbit is just over an hour out and the step count has not registered either. I tried re-bluetoothing and pairing it, but it didn’t work. I’m hoping it catches up overnight.
10th Oct; Marina de las Dunas to the Mar Menor, Spain
When we woke up naturally at 7.15, we decided to get up and get this show on the road, followed by a quick breakfast at 7.30. Now, the bridge opens every two hours, so we are going to aim for the 2pm opening. It is decidedly chilly this morning so we are going to need fleeces until sun wakes up and does her job. My fitbit is now reading 2 hours out. I am so disappointed. I swapped it for my Radley watch, again! After a motor journey, it was 1.20 when we arrived at the bridge and so we motored round to an abandoned marina. We waited there for 15 mins (not even time for a cuppa!) before joining the other sailing vessels heading for the bridge. We have just seen the beginning of a tornado(!) but it didn’t complete, thank goodness! At 2pm, the bridge opened and we motored through – and we are now in the Mar Menor! This is a huge, huge lagoon and once inside, we found that we wereheading straight for a storm! But as we motored towards our anchorage, the black clouds seemed to be moving away too… phew! We finally arrived at our anchorage at 3.30. This place is so big, it took us 1.5 hours to get here from the bridge! Wow! The black clouds are still moving away from us and it’s so very still and peaceful Apparently, Mar Menor means minor sea in Spanish.
11th to 14th Oct; Mar Menor, Spain
It is so very peaceful here, we all slept amazingly. Jack and Rob were on English after breakfast while I had a bit of a tidy up from bow to stern! The sun is shining but it’s very windy (as forecasted, which is why we are here) but we are very snug. We need to go ashore later for supplies, as we are very low. We took the dinghy to the marina and we were allowed to leave it there. We had a quick walk to look at the sea and, damn, it’s rough! We’re so glad we are not out in it and that we are safe as houses in the anchorage. We took a bus to Aldi and we managed to get most of what we needed. Back to Hoopla and we saw that our anchor bouy has gone! This is a small, orange bouy that we attach to our anchor, so we (and other sailors) know where it is. It must have come loose and in this wind and it could be anywhere now! We had a lovely evening but now we’re more than ready for bed!
The following day, we noted that the wind had died down. Apparently more is due but all is peaceful at the moment. We hope to go ashore later to explore, but first, Jack and I have History. Rob went for long sail in the dingy (but no sign of our anchor bouy). After school, Rob & I went to shore and Rob had a quick dip in the sea. A nice Beer and a Baileys before we heading back to base. At night, we can hear the shrimps under Hoopla (it sounds like popping bubble wrap!) This always makes me smile.
Next afternoon, Rob fixed our water pump! Yay! This means that we can use our hot water when we are plugged in. We all went to the beach after school; Rob swam, I paddled, Jack skimmed stones. It was a lovely afternoon. Plans were made to take the drone out but it’s still too windy. Maybe tomorrow.
After science the next day, Rob rescued a pool noodle from the sea. If we can’t use it, I’m sure we can find someone who would. Rob & I went to the beach after school for the last time, as we will be leaving here tomorrow.
We have enjoyed our little stay here and we are so pleased we came. We nearly didn’t, as so many people tried putting us off with their 3rd hand stories. Swimming in the Mar Menor is not recommended but it has been so peaceful. We would definitely anchor here again.
15th Oct; anchorage to anchorage, La Manga, Spain
Yesterday (14th Oct), we decided to catch a late afternoon bridge opening today (15th) and then anchor out tonight, nearby. The plan is to then leave for Cartagena the following morning (16th). So, after Jack & I completed his history module, we all started to prepare Hoopla. Its now 3.30pm and we’re ready to slip anchor. Rob is very happy as the wind has picked up – which means we can sail! At 3.45, we left the anchorage and we are sailing! Then more sailing! One happy skipper! We arrived at the bridge a little early and so we tacked out and back again, which equals more sailing! We went through the bridge without any problems at 6pm, and by 6.45pm we had found a very peaceful bay. There is just one other vessel here, a catamaran. Rob and I are on the deck, watching the sun go to bed. Beautiful ! A beautiful end to a beautiful day
Next stop: Cartagena!
16th Oct; La Manga to Cartagena (!) Spain
We were all up at 8.30 and at 9.30, we are getting ready for our last passage of the season! We’re excited and nervous at the same time. As we take down and put away the anchor bouy for the last time, we are also sad that our holidays have come to an end. It’s a 5 hour journey to Cartagena and at 10am, Rob lifted up our anchor. We soon met a one metre, rolly swell. Ugh. Its a motor journey and, at 11.30, we went past where we were anchored in the Mar Menor hahha! We even saw the small sea inlet entrance. The swell slowly disappeared, which made the journey much more pleasant. We don’t mind the motor journey after the fantastic sail we had yesterday! At 4pm, we dock alongside the fuel berth – and we need to wait for an attendant. While we were waiting, Rob lowered the dinghy from the stern davits and moved it to the bow (front of hoopla) where he then secured it. Two minutes later, the attendant arrived. €207 later (gulp) and she’s now full. Rob added a mixture to the fuel to help prevent diesel bug. Jack then left us to it, heading for shower block, leaving us at the fuel pontoon. We slowly left the fuel berth and made our way to F34. We saw Sarah from Jemini J (who took our arrival photos, how lovely & thank you Sarah!). Rob went in stern first (reversed) and Jose was there to help and pass us the slime lines. Jack was also there to help with our lines and Jose couldn’t believe how much Jack had grown over the summer! Jack then left for the skate park. After making sure Hoopla was all safe and the instruments were switched off, we went aboard Jemini J and had a fab catch up with Nigel and Sarah, comparing passage stories.
After, Rob cycled to the marina office to check our post and, yes, his new induction cooker and induction pans have arrived!! We had to try them out and wow, what a difference. Rob is very happy! Jack had a good time too at the park. We are all pleased to be back.
17th Oct; Cartagena.
Our 1st full day in Cartagena! There is a damp chill in the air. Hmm. I went with Sarah to Aldi (a short car drive away) and I bought our heavy items: UHT, potatoes etc, making full use of her car! Really, so helpful! In the afternoon, Sarah came with me on my run reckie. It worked out to be around 4.5k, so a good distance to start. There are lots of places where I can add a loop to increase to 5km too. My 1st run day will be Tues. Fingers crossed as I haven’t ran in a LONG WHILE!! Jack popped up to the skate park after dinner for an hour or so.
It was a very warm day in the end. Lovely.
18th to 31st Oct; Cartagena.
That cruise ship from yesterday had it’s engine running all night! We all slept through but we’re missing the peaceful anchorages! Rob has sourced the items needed for our fresh water flush, for the loo. Let the work commence! Jack has been at the skate park all afternoon!
We all had a Skype meeting with Jack’s Progress Manager. She is very pleased with what he has achieved so far and we discussed his IGCSE’s and touched on A levels (gulp). Lots of decisions to made (double gulp!).
Today (20th) I have a dentist appt at 10am. Gulp! This is for the tooth that broke just before we left in June. I am deciding whether to have an implant or not. There is definitely a chill in the air now, in the mornings and evenings. It’s currently 16°. Rob has booked our flights for our trip to the UK. How exciting! Our first stop will be Edinburgh, 24th Nov, to catch up with Pete. We are then driving down to England, with stops with family on the way. Our return flights are from Gatwick – booked for the 4th Jan So looking forward to it! I rang the covid helpline re a vaccine for Jack – and he has got an appointment for 9am tomorrow! I then remembered that we have been left two bikes by previous live-aboards. Rob popped to the office and they found the envelope with the keys in! How great is that! Rob checked the brakes and pumped up the tyres so they can be used for the appointment tomorrow.
The alarm went off at 7.30am next morning, and they both cycled there without any problems and Jack was Jabbed! Apparently he said that he needed sustenance after his stabbing! Rob agreed and so they stopped for some cake….
Rob and Jack still had school (English) much to Jack’s dismay haha. Rob said the bikes are great and so we hope to get a lot of use out of them
Jack’s arm aches after yesterday but not enough to cancel history!
It has started to rain heavily while Rob and I were in town, so we bought an umbrella haha! Rob has just heard, via email, that we have our police station appt next friday! We are all having our fingerprints taken. This is for our residency. Whoop whoop! Rob is still working on our fresh water system. It’s coming together nicely and it looks as if it should work! Rob took the dinghy out and had a lovely sail!
This morning (the 25th) we all have dentist appointments! Rob & Jack have check ups and I am having a scan for the implant.
Rob & Jack are also diving under Hoopla today, scrubbing her bottom. We have some strong winds due and Rob wants it done beforehand (the marina has dirty run-offs from the mountains). They did good! No more barnacles or slime.
Today (28th), Rob is putting Hoopla’s engine to bed. He changed her oil and all the filters. He also flushed it through with fresh water and antifreeze. I had another dentist appt at 10.15, just to confirm the implant. She will see surgeon this afternoon and call me with an appt to have it fitted. Rob has seen a car he is interested in, in Hertfordshire. Pete has very kindly agreed to collect it on our behalf, when it has been serviced etc, which should be soon. Its a blue Nissan Note and will come in very handy.
On the 29th, we were all at the police station for our 9.30am appointment, re fingerprints. It all went OK and we can collect our cards in 40 days – but we will be in the UK! Inma (our solicitor) said that they will be OK to collect when we return in January. I finally received an email from the dentist, and he can do the implant on 24th! When we fly out! I replied back immediately, asking for earlier date. I’m so disappointed. Later that afternoon, I still hadn’t received a response from the dentist, so Sarah & I walked there to ask in person. The receptionist said that the surgeon is next in on Tues (today is Friday and its a Bank Holiday here on Monday). So I will check then but the lady said that an earlier appointment will not be a problem. We have just received an amber weather warning, due this weekend. Because of this, Rob & I took the bimini down before turning in and put all of the cushions etc in the main cabin.
Well today (30th) it is very, very windy! But I still did a run so that’s good! I saw lots of people on their decks, tightening up their ropes haha! Rob continues to work on the fresh water flush system and it should be finished soon.
Today is the 31st (Halloween) but it’s still very windy! We had to wait until late afternoon before decorating Hoopla – and even then we couldn’t do the lights! We had to secure both Mr Bones and Claude with ropes because of the strong winds. We had a few scary trick or treaters so it was worth it! These were followed by a very pleasant evening aboard Jemini J !