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Date: 16 Aug 2007 23:28:52
Title: Thursday 16th August at Baiona
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We spent an extra day at Portosin on Wed 8th. Eric and Martin hired bikes for the day and set off for a visit to an iron age fort a few miles along the coast. Whether through bravado or just foolishness, this developed into a marathon ride up over a 1000ft pass, and half way down the other side to view a waterfall, all in blazing sunshine. There is life in the old dogs, but not much that evening!
Set off in a brisk north easterly wind on Thursday morning, and were soon joined by a pod of dolphins, who enjoyed playing in our bow wave, and seemed fascinated by Eric serenading them on his harmonica.And so on round from the Ria de Muros and in to the Ria de Arousa, where we secured at the marina in Villagarcia.Invited to drinks by our neighbours Godfrey and Christine in Gemini Dreamer, and then ashore for dinner in the marina restaurant, where we met and chatted to Andy and Jinti Wright-Boycott from Selkie Dancer. All seem captivated by the Galician rias.
The next morning we moved 5 miles down the ria to Vilanova, where we were given a great welcome by the marina manager Paco. Not only was he there to take our lines and introduce himself to us, but he also took us in his car to Cambados,  which we had told him we wished to visit. A lovely town, the centre of the Rias Baixas wine region, and it just happened to be having a wine and sea food festival. Open air stalls with all sorts of shell fish, the product of the rias.Perfect.
Saturday 11th dawned foggy, so we spent the morning around Vilanova. Attracted by the sound of a brass band, we followed the local musicians as they marched around the town, accompanied by a local supporter who released rockets with tremendous  bangs every few minutes. Then discovered a rival band with bagpipes and drums also marching around. What entertainment. Finally set sail after lunch, and headed around to the next ria south, Ria de Pontevedra.Made our way up to the head of the ria, past the Spanish Naval College, and anchored off Combarro. insufficient energy to get the dinghy out, so a quiet evening onboard.
On Sunday morning we decided to take advantage of the settled weather and headed out for the Isla de Ons at the mouth of the ria. Made our way cautiously into a small bay on the southern tip of the island and anchored off what seemed to be an inaccessible bay from the land side. We were half way ashore in the dinghy when a national park boat appeared and told us it was a nature reserve and we were not allowed to land. Most annoying as we could see there were two people on the beach. So settled for an evening onboard. Woke up the next morning to find several fishing boats at work around us, but managed to depart without upsetting them or getting tangled in their nets.
We made our way south on Monday morning to the Islas Cies, off the entrance to the Ria de Vigo, where we anchored in the Playa de Roda. Another nature reserve, but here ferries were landing visitors, and there were a number of yachts at anchor. So we rowed ashore in the dinghy, and set off for a walk. Climbed up a track to a lighthouse which gave magnificent views up and down the coast. Very taken by the tameness of the wild life, with young gulls squeaking to be fed by their parents, and not bothered by us passing close by, and a rabbit who also just sat and watched us. Also by the complete lack of any litter, despite the number of visitors, a truly lovely wild spot.
Woke up on Tuesday morning to find the weather had changed, with a fresh south westerly wind which made the anchorage uncomfortable. Watched while an adjacent yacht dragged anchor and became entangled with his neighbour, and decided to leave after breakfast.Set off with two reefs in the main, and enjoyed a brisk sail for the 9 miles it took to get to Baiona, where we were assisted to a very good berth in the marina by a friendly Dutch yacht.Ashore in the evening to explore the old town, and for a very good dinner courtesy of Eric, followed by some hearty singing and harmonica playing onboard.
A slightly subdued crew set off the next morning to visit the replica of the Pinta, the first ship to reach Spain from Christopher Columbus' trip in March 1493. Duly impressed by what they achieved, especially the return trip across the Atlantic in the middle of winter. Certainly puts our little jaunt in perspective.Then set off for a walk around the fortifications, within which is situated a fine Parador hotel. Decided to give Eric lunch in the taverna there, seated in the window with magnificent views back up the coast we had all just enjoyed, to send him on his way back to Scotland. He departed on the  5 o'clock bus to Vigo, and then on by train to Santiago for his return flight.
Thursday 16th, today, we have beeen joined by Patricia and Peter, who are coming with us for the next stage of our journey south along the coast of Portugal, which starts tomorrow. 
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