Monday 26th May

Friday morning brought a continuation of the rain and wind at Aguete, so we stayed onboard. After a discussion about the weather forecast, TRUMPETER sailed at 1230 in a heavy rain shower. By 1400 it was bright and sunny, so we decided to follow suite, and had a good passage around to Ria de Arousa. We could see heavy rain on the hills to the north side of the Ria, but we were spared a soaking.

We went to Villagarcia, and secured alongside the waiting pontoon. This was opposite, and broadside to, the marina entrance, and although it was only blowing force 3, a scend was rolling in causing us to surge and bump against the pontoon. Looking around, most of the boats were moving significantly in their berths, and many had lines across to the opposite finger pontoon to hold them away from contact with their own pontoon. To cap it all, there was a funfair on the harbour wall adjacent to where we were berthed, with a raucous roundabout ride winding itself up for a long and noisy evening. It took us less than 5 minutes to decide to leave again!

One of the advantages of this area is that there are lots of alternatives available. We made our way to Vila Nova (or Villaneuva), another place written off in the cruising guide as having little attraction for visitors. Wending our way through the extensive area of mussel rafts, what we found was a new marina with good arrangements and plenty of space, extremely helpful people who guided us into a comfortable berth, and perfect peace! The shoreside facilities were not finished at the time of our visit, but they have got a useful looking travel hoist. However, there is no fuel, except in cans from the garage, which is some way away.

On the Saturday morning we walked up to the town (in pouring rain again!), which seemed to us to be a perfectly pleasant little place, and one that would be a good stop in fine weather. A further exploration that afternoon after the rain cleared confirmed that view.

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On Sunday, we made our way across to Caraminal on the north side of the Ria. A Galician Festival was in full swing, where they use flowers to decorate the streets and squares. Once again we found a newly extended modern marina, with plenty of space for visitors. It was definitely festival time ashore, with the whole town out in the squares and parks and café-bars. We spent a good hour sipping our drinks and watching the locals going about their Sunday business.

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Today we have been dodging the heavy showers and generally pottering. We are planning to leave here tomorrow, weather permitting. The first task will be to find some fuel to replenish our tanks. Evidently, you turn right at the rock with the white beacon on top, then follow the mussel rafts until you come to the fishing boat pier with a pump………...