Paul hauled up the anchor at 1015 this morning and we motored out of the Bay
with v.little wind, just 4.7 knots NE - the sea was calm, like a mill-pond,
as we motored along the south coast past Puerta Rico and Puerto Mogan which
we visited a few days ago..... Mogan being the most attractive Marina in a
traditional fishing harbour with delightful Spanish colonial-style terraced
houses with colourful roof-gardens and courtyards set in narrow streets,
quite a unique place. As we passed Mogan and on around to the west coast the
cliff-face became more dramatic with steep sided mountains - there are few
roads leading to the west coast and barrancos (valleys) lead down to remote
beaches only accessible by boat.
The wind picked up as we rounded Cape Descojonado and soon there were
19+knots of wind and the Genoa joined the Main in taking the strain - this
wind acceleration zone is said to be the worst in the Canaries, but it was
very kind to us today. We had to tack for a couple of hours to reach Aldea
because of the headwind and the tide. On arrival at 1515 we surveyed the
anchorage and dropped anchor at 1535 in 5m water off the beach and nearto
the end of the short breakwater. It is a small village set amongst high
cliffs and mountains though quite remote. A snorkel and swim to cool down on
arrival revealed a very rocky bottom, crystal clear water and quite a number
of very colourful fish - 2 cheeky yellow fishes swam under Rosies tummy for
quite some time, turning frequently to look at her and chat to each
other...... there are also many large Parrot Fish. We came here because
Aldea is mentioned in the Canary Diving book as a shore dive with Morays and
Stingrays, Damselfish and Bream amongst others.
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