Mahon 39:52.66N 04:18.49E
Red Skies
David Alexander
Mon 17 May 2010 18:15
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In true sailing fashion, we had to alter our plans
as our intended route North was forecast to be in the path of a N/E or N/W gale
depending which prediction you believed.
We headed south to a "Very sheltered" bay Cala
Santa Galdana and anchored for what we hoped would be a peaceful night. However,
the weather gods had other ideas, and although not producing strong winds, did
kick up a southerly swell which made for a very rocky, rolly night. That,
together with rain and thunder meant that we have no photos of Galdana and no
special memories although I am sure it is a lovely spot.
We had an early start for Mahon, with the wind from
the west and a 2 metre swell- not much fun but at least it was a short
passage.
We anchored in the Cala Taulera, a completely
sheltered bay (honest) tucked behind the Isla de Lazareto and La Mola a
19th century fortification on the Northern approach to Mahon
harbour
 The anchorage in early evening.
 An outlying defence tower on La
Mola.
On Sunday 16th May, we dinghied into Mahon (
half-an-hour) but found most of Mahon, including the fuel berth was shut! There
are extensive Marinas, quayside berths, floating pontoons and mooring buoys all
with spaces, but after our previous experiences with prices, we are happy to
stay at anchor!
 View from the walkway up to the old Fransican
monastery at the Western end of the harbour looking out to sea.
 The monastery, now a Museum- shut on
Mondays.
 Quayside moorings.
 Impressive steps (ses Voltes) linking the port
and the old town
 Mahon was in the last day of a Mahon in Bloom week
although this display was made of old water bottles.
 Floral displays.
By chance, we wandered into a square where the
Mahon Music Festival was in its last day. A very accomplished group of all ages
was performing traditional Spanish folk songs with a huge range of
instruments.
They were accompanied by dancers performing jotas
and fandangos, but not in a pre-staged way, just local people in everyday
clothes singing and dancing for fun.Everyone could join in, and they did. Small
children, teenage boys and girls, mums and dads and grannies. It was great fun.
There was no charge and nobody brought round a hat.
 Dancers and singers in the Square.
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