Day 32 - Gijon

Silk Sheets
Ben Shute & Fiona Kennelly
Sun 31 Aug 2008 15:46

We slipped from the wall we were rested up against at Ribadesealla at 7:36AM in the stupid rain on Friday 22nd August and attempted to sail (lack of wind) to Gijon 43:32.81N 5:40.11W 

 

The morning was rather grey and horrible but we pushed on through to end up with a fantastic afternoon. It was as hot and sunny as they come so we were wrapped. We have a high pressure system sitting on top of us at the moment, which means the great weather comes at a price, no wind. As we stripped back the layers of clothing so did the knots of wind until it was about even - almost no cloths v’s almost no wind. I put the engine on which I hate doing with a passion and we headed into Gijon.

 

I finally caught a couple of decent fish in these horribly polluted and pillaged seas. Fiona and I had a fantastic BBQ fish dinner while I got the usual comments from the numerous traveling yachts in the marina such as ‘I should of guessed the smell was coming from you Aussie’s. Anyhow everyone was very jealous that I had fresh fish and they did not.

 

The waters here as mentioned above are very polluted, there is rubbish everywhere that we need to keep a good look out for such as ropes, fishing net’s, fish tubs, plastic bag’s and so on. It is really sad to sea so much crap in the water in such a beautiful part of the world. To add to the issue the Spanish fish the place to almost extinction, there are fishing ports every 20-30 miles along the coast which is great for us if we need refuge, but what it means is these boats go out every day and net anything in there path’s. While watching a fishing boat that was sorting its catch the other day I saw many fish wasted in the process and thrown dead back into the water. If they are to small or damaged from the netting process over they go, no wonder the sea bidgy’s are so fat. It was also very noticeable that the minute I put my rod in the water in either France or the UK I got a fish however it has taken me 2 days here for two fish. Someone really needs to do something about it because my plan to live of fresh fish is seriously being hindered here.

 

As per usual after we have berthed the boat in the evening we head straight into town to see if we can find a free WIFI spot which we always can, the added bonus to it all is the fact that these hot spots are normally in a bar so we play computers and drink beer. Anyhow check out the pic’s.

 

 

Special comments by Fiona:  Ben would eat fish every meal, every day if he could.  I do like fish but not for breakfast, lunch and dinner so the fact that we are not catching a lot of fish at the moment doesn’t really bother me.  I think from being sick the last time I ate fish has put me off a bit, not to mention the fishy smell on the boat after Ben has gutted the poor things!  But the fish Ben BBQ’d was delicious!  And my enjoyment of fish is returning much to Ben’s delight.  

Oh, about Gijon – another amazing port.  Every time we come into port, to me, they are all quite similar.  But once off the boat, every port is unique and I’m finding myself loving Spain more and more. 

 

Day 32

Destination – Gijon

Traveling Direction – West

Wind Direction – There was not any (once again)

Average Speed - 4.1 Knots

Top Speed – 6.4 Knots Through the water (I have the water speedo working now so this is a more accurate speed)

Total distance – 39.9 Nautical Miles

Travel Time – 9.39 Hours

Temperature – 26 degrees

Crew - Fiona (Now hating to have the engine on but still loving the afternoon sun)

Missing Work – Work?  Ericsson?  What?

Expenses – €6 beer (what else)   €6.20 cheese and bread

 

Next Destination – Hopefully La Coruna or as far as the wind will take us.

 

 

 

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