Marina Del Esta
Our latest stop has yet again had some weather issues but more on that later.
Marina Del Esta is a lovely picturesque secluded local marina, in fact so secluded, it's very difficult to get out of here (land or sea!!!!). The only road here is very steep and tightly winds up the hillsides. We have tried on 2 occasions to get the local bus and on both occasions no bus arrived!!!! We appear to be having some difficulties understanding the timetable. In fact, when asking the locals, they also seem to have the same issues with the timetable and the route.
Cathy threatening to swim at the entrance to the marina.
Mark sat on marina wall looking eastwards.
Watermark IV moored up stern too, complete with washing drying on the bow in good cruising mode!!!!
As always, Charlie has befriended the local restaurant people who have kept him in old bread for the last 4 days. This has maximised his fishing opportunities which he has grabbed with both hands. Up until the last 36hrs, the fishing has been very good and the waters very clear but with the change in winds and weather it has not been so good. However, he has caught something quite different as you can see below;
Charlie's first POISONOUS fish...!!!!
At this point the local resturant people came running over shouting not to touch any of the spikes... I'm not sure we have clearly identified this one just yet - so answers by email please if you know what it is?? After this even Cathy wanted in on the action.
"I know it's your fishing rod Charlie but get lost, I want it. Smile for the camera........!!"
Swimming and Snorkelling Just at the end of the marina is a small beach. Again, quite private and secluded. We have spent quite a bit of time at the beach were Charlie loves to play in the water, swim and dig in the sand. For the first time ever, I took him snorkelling where there were plenty of small fish to see. Charlie thought this was fantastic and is very keen to go again.
The boys in the sea messing around. Have to say that the water is still not that warm - 19degrees!!!!!
And now to the advanced stuff - Snorkelling. "Mummy, mummy, I've just seen a whale next to me!!!!" Hmmmm, Cheeky.......
Latest Weather UpdateSo, why are we all still here in Marina Del Esta and not moved on as planned. Yet again, the winds have moved around to the East and the Spanish Met Office are giving F5/6's. This has created a large rolling swell and if we'd gone yesterday as planned then we'd have been motoring into a big winds and seas. Not the reason for being here and not good for those that may be prone to some sea sickness.
In fact, this change came in Sunday evening. The sun has disappeared since then and yesterday was just grey cloud all day,but very sunny and hot today . What has been worse is that this marina is not suited to N/E winds and the swell hits the coast and rolls on into the marina. As we are moored only by lines (no pontoons) the boats build up a very uncomfortable rocking motion which has got quite severe to the extend that I have not slept for the last 2 nights. I have been out constantly adjusting fenders and lines and fending other boats off us. I've even purchased more fenders to help. Conditions onboard have not been great and it's been a constant worry for me looking out for the boat. The amazing thing is that there is no wind with this, it's just a rolling sea coming along the coast having developed offshore rockin' and rollin' Watermark IV. This has probably been our worst two nights since leaving Gibraltar.
Again, the locals tell me this is very unseasonable. What is it with weather and me......
Next move I'll be checking the weather later and hoping that things have calmed down by tomorrow. Hopefully we'll be leaving tomorrow, if not then Thursday for sure. As people keep saying "If you don't have to rush and go off in uncomfortable conditions, then why do it??". Guess that is good advice but were is the time going each day. Charlie still has his fishing, swimming and schoolwork. I need to clean the boat constantly and Cathy, well, she's reading a book called "The secret life of a Slummy Mummy"..... There seems to be a lot of similarities with us and this book......
Charlie gets the camera and we go strolling in the evenings........... Nice one Charlie. | 
