Wednesday 16th July at Cadiz

Spellbinder
Wed 16 Jul 2008 14:43
Last Wednesday we waited until 1115 before the sea breeze got going to take us on to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, enjoying a gentle sail on a lovely sunny day before arriving at the Guadiana marina in the early evening. Waited for slack water before moving into a berth at 8.30, so settled for supper onboard.
The next morning we set forth on the bus to visit Tavira, a picturesque town on the river Gilao. Lovely lunch in a local restaurant off the tourist trail, and a pleasant afternoon roaming the historic town centre.
Friday morning we waited for slack water before leaving the marina at 0945, and made our way back down the river and off along the coast to Spain in a westerly breeze. Initially under genneker, but as the wind picked up we settled for a boomed out genoa, and enjoyed another lovely sunny days sail to Mazagon, adjacent to Huelva, where we berthed in the marina at 1645. Walked up the hill to the adjacent town, which proved to be a very lively spot, so we watched life go by over a beer in a cafe, and then enjoyed a very good fish meal in El Chico restaurant. On the way back found the town had really burst into action at about 11pm, with a large marquee full of sea food stalls and a lively local group playing. Spent a while watching the locals at play, families with small children, all enjoying the evening.
Saturday morning we got going at 9am for the 40 miles to Cadiz, and were rewarded with a good north westerly breeze, so off we went with boomed out genoa, dead downwind, making very good speed, and only limited by having to dodge endless fishing floats- the down side for us of all the excellent sea food ashore. Into the Puerto America marina near the centre of Cadiz just before 5 pm, and a quiet evening onboard to conserve energy for the next days sightseeing.
Sunday morning we kicked off with the museum, to get an introduction to the history of the city, which goes back to the Phoenicians, and includes the Romans and the Moors. The Brits get a mention for some serious demolition work in the 1500's! The museum attendant gave us a good recommendation for a place for lunch, after which we walked around the perimeter of the old city. A bit hot. All greatly helped by Anne's excellent ability in speaking Spanish.
By this time the weather forecast was for the Levanter to get going, setting up a strong east wind through the straits of Gibraltar, and making the next planned section of our trip difficult. Decided to stay in Cadiz, allowing more time for exploring the area, and arrange for Anne to complete the trip to Gib by road to make her flight home on the following Friday.
So on Monday we covered some more of Cadiz, including the market, the Roman theatre, and the bishop's house, where the lower levels have been excavated right back through Roman to Phoenician remains. After late lunch and siesta, we rambled around the city again in the evening, ending with dinner at 10pm- we were still the first diners.
Tuesday we devoted to a trip to Jerez, making use of the excellent bus service. Henry and Anne took in the magnificent display at the riding school, while Martin studied the Sandeman bodega. Later, after a wander around the Alcazar, we all took the tour round the Gonzales Byass bodega, and enjoyed some Tio Pepe before catching the train back to Cadiz.
Wednesday Henry and Anne set off for Medina Sidonia, while Martin settled for personal admin, and tomorrow H and A drive down to Gibraltar so Anne can catch her flight home on Friday.
The Levanter is set to ease by Friday, so all being well we will be on our way for the final lap some time on Friday.