Arrival in Isla Graciosa

Cat-man-do
Tue 7 Aug 2007 14:24
After a lovely crossing down the coast of Morocco with very light shipping and good weather we somewhat belatedly headed towards the channel between Graciosa and Lanzarote. I say belatedly as the guides say not to enter the marina after dark, it was of course with a setting Sun we headed towards the entry. We needn't have worried too, the entry itself was pretty straightforward with no sign of the half submerged fishing boats that supposedly littered the entry. A very helpful local official was found waving a torch directing us to an empty berth behind another Cat on a hammerhead, so a pretty straightforward mooring. As usual, a quick tidy up and the drinks (metaphorical cabinet) was open for open for business. We actually secured the last the mooring lines in the dark, so after 3 and a half days sailing, you could say we were cutting it a little on the fine side. Anyway, a few beverages and off to bed for all the crew. A very peaceful and deep sleep followed with not a hint of waking till 9 the following morning.
The following day dawned bright but pretty windy and off we trotted to explore the surroundings. Off the marina and onto the main street to head into the town. I use the term main road rather loosely as there aren't actually any roads on the island, just flattened tracks in the sand where the staple form of transport (Land Rovers) potter around the island. There aren't even any roads in the main town, just a paved area on the sea front to indicate where the centre is. We pottered around the town after making ourselves known the very relaxed local official for immigration formalities.
Sat in a local cafe having a couple of cups of very nice coffee and watching the world potter about in the sunshine. Emma rang to say she wouldn't be joining us due the practicalities of getting flights etc. So, so that she wouldn't feel too left out I took pleasure in describing our surroundings and how nice it all was (not sure it was appreciated that much !!)
Off to the Supermarket for supplies, then back to the boat to get changed for an afternoons R&R on the beach. Suitably attired off we went, not sure when we actually got to the beach, the whole island actually being sand. The kids went off to play in the rather pleasant sea whilst Michele, in the interests of investigation went off to check out the part of the beach where people were totally devoid of any clothing.
A very pleasant afternoon followed before heading off back to the boat to wash and change before picking one of the two restaurants for dinner. Not a gourmet meal by any standards but edible enough and pleasant enough sitting under the veranda watching the.........rain !! To be fair it didn't last very long and we headed back to the boat for a reasonably early night.
Up at a very civilised 9 ish this morning to leave and head for Marina Rubicon on the South of Lanzarote.
Graciousa, a lovely island with a nice laid back atmosphere. Large groups of hippies in tents on the beach, taking life as it comes. It would seem it's quite acceptable to turn up on the ferry from Lanzarote and pitch your tent on the beach for a few nights.
Do you know, I think I might just try it some time..... 8O)
 
Take care, and thanks for reading...