Au Revoir! Iberia Here We Come!

To head South was always the goal, but perhaps first to Bordeaux?

No way! Said the Admiral! Let's hop directly to Spain, to revisit A Corunna and escape the cold and the wet. So off we set, from Benodet, where we had gone to make some Westing and get a better angle on the westerlies to cross the Bay of Biscay. Our little ship was effortlessly prepared for a 400 mile mini passage, and after a good night's sleep in a fine flat anchorage just inside the mouth of the Odet river, off we went.

One last bite at Adventuress by the French Customs! At mid-afternoon this French customs ship came through the rain when we were 25 miles South of Benodet, steaming at us at 15 knots. An extract from Adventuress' log reads: "French Customs approached to 100 yards and radio'd us: JFK explained our Helgoland trip and afterwards our two inspections last summer. They asked last port and final destination: answer 'Benodet to Smir Marina, MOROCCO! After 10 minutes checking their records they radio'd back and wished us bon voyage to Morocco!"

Crossing the Bay of Biscay on a grey day........

......Admiral Nancy takes an afternoon nap behind the lee cloth on port side of the main cabin.

A Corunna!  52 hours after leaving Benodet, we tied up on the visitors' pontoon at Club Nautico Marina, next to the berth we were in four years ago after crossing the Atlantic.

 This pic of evening in the big square 300 yards from the boat at A Corunna is a fine memento of our return visit.

And so we sailed round the corner to Finistere.

Rounding Cabo Villano, we found ourselves in company with a Brit boat "Hepzibar".

Finally sailing in blue skies as we crossed into Portuguese waters.

Our second port of call in Portugal was Povoa de Varzim, where we found a warm welcome at the Marina.

On Saturday June 16 we caught the Metro and trained South 24 kilometres into the heart of Oporto, where we had a fun day being tourists, enjoying the vibe of this ancient port, including patterned streets,,,,,,

....the street buskers.....

 ...the street art,,,,,

.....and the decorated architecture.

An unusual bike stand, hanging off your second floor balcony!

 Two happy sailors seeking out shade under an olive tree: finally it was warm, but Nancy still has her fleece round her shoulders!

A welcome surprise! James and Bex on "Hepzibah" arrive next to us at Povoa de Varzim marina.

And what fun to find a December 2017 pic among the camera downloads! As if Nancy isn't already homesick for family and friends in Lancaster PA!

Very best to all, and a happy English Father's Day to Dad!

John and Nancy
Povoa de Varzim Marina, Portugal.

Back to Houat!

We enjoyed a peaceful anchorage in the Vilaine River and then we were ready to take on the French at The Battle of Arzal Lock!  We were psychologically ready for them this time, but still it is quite tricky with the Admiral on the bow wielding a boat hook and quite oblivious to the French words coming at her. We came out unscathed and were off to the island of Houat (pronounced "what") where we found just Houat we needed...five bars on the cell phone, so we can check the weather for our little passage to Spain. 

8.15 am and the Battle of Arzal Lock is in full swing.....here's a crazy mishmash on the bow.....

.....while astern more sardines are being crammed in. About 20 boats in total.

Fine day but little wind so it was a motor sail.

The beach at Houat is pristine and a couple of miles with no houses or roads nearby.

Some people just have to leave their mark!

Another beauty spot on the way into the village and harbor....

...along a coastal path enjoying the perfume of wild flowers.

The village is full of opportunity for Nancy to make photographic art.

So we enjoyed our walk around Houat, even though at noon the restaurant was out of food for lunch: apparently the ferry had arrived without the food order!

So the Admiral said "Let's make a selfie from the dinghy!"

If the forecast holds, we will be arriving in A Corunna, Spain, middle of next week.

Best to all, 

Nancy and John