Ok….well, that’s another unexpected overnight passage (number 3 of the trip so far – only 1 was planned…Torquay to L’Aber Wrac’h)….I haven’t pulled this many all-nighters since I was in my teens!

We left Bilbao & sailed through the imaginary breakwater for the 2^nd time (on the charts, but not actually in existence), heading to Santander. The plan was to stay in a small new marina on the far side of the Santander estuary - we decided that because it was in the middle of an industrial estate, & we were making good time (as always), that we would crack on a few miles to stay somewhere a bit nicer: San Vicente De La Barquera, a further 30 miles on. However, upon approach to SVdlB we discovered that there was a good chance that the entrance would not have been dredged, leaving the depth at less than 2m – no bloody good!! Starving, we anchored just off the Point of Africa with the intention of staying for the night, had some lamb chops, discussed what on earth that couple could be doing on the cliff top at that time of night (I thought possible murder attempt!) & thought about what to do next. The wind was pretty strong, so we agreed not to stay in the cove overnight & that the only plan of action was to crack on to Gijon….a further 50 miles away, ETA dawn!

Nothing much to report in the dark – we were overtaken by a ship carrying “dangerous cargo – category D” – any ideas? Dynamite? Drizzle? Dinosaurs? Dandruff?   The sun rose over the bay in Gijon as we entered, pretty shattered, but ok……lots of cups of tea & mushroom soup along the way……we moored up on the visitors pontoon & hit our bunks!

We got up about 11.30am & checked-in at the Capitania, hired some bikes, had some breakfast & well needed showers & headed out into Gijon! Cycled up to the old battery above the marina & then  along the promenade next to the beach (totally packed & reminded me of home, only hotter), stopped at a little bar with 14 types of Gin – Ed had a beer & I had a mojito -  I have been informed that the Bulldog is one to try…….maybe later! Upon returning we remembered that we had no gin onboard for tea-time cocktails (a daily occurrence), so had to ride around until will found a shop to stock up on alcohol……how we get up in the mornings is beyond me!

Have arranged with Nick & Richard when they will arrive & (sadly) I have booked my flight back to the UK today……looks like I won’t get quite as far as I had hoped, despite being a few days ahead of schedule, but will be great not to rush & to enjoy the sun, now we’ve found it – 33 degrees tomorrow!!

Until Ribadeo…

Sailor V & Loup De Mer xx

P.S. On arrival in Gijon we had some small pieces of fish fried in breadcrumbs and dipped in French mustard…yes…you’ve guessed it…Goujons in Dijon in Gijon!!  

Photos show : a zombie guarding a boat in Bilbao, Our anchorage at Punta d’Africa,

More bagpipe playing and some strange activity with chainsaws and big logs in Gijon, the inevitable Golden retriever, that we chase after and photograph..

Canapes with jamon Iberico..mmmm…