Galicia
30 July 2015 | Galicia
Windy
A Coruña
After the epic Biscay crossing, of tempests, serpents and fishing boats we have a very friendly arrival to A Coruña (used to be La) and straight ashore for a beer, Liz is reluctant as the shower is more tempting after four days without. But, I prevail and we have our arrival cervesa, and then the shock............€2 each, wahoo!!
Back to the boat and a Canadian next door says, 'hey we saw you in Crosshaven'. Tis a small world!!
Went for a late wander and found a medieval fiesta going on in the old city. Mad stuff, even jousting knights and wenches selling sweets.
We stay six nights in A Coruña and what a wonderful time Galicia gave us, so like Ireland in many ways, easy going, friendly. It isn't touristy, not Costa del Sol tourist anyway, but plenty of Spaniards out and about. And an Aladdin's Cave chandler where he opens up during Siesta for us and puts his hands on what we need, immediately!
We head to Santiago de Compostela on the feast of St James (Galicia Day) July 25th, to see the end of the famous Camino walk and the relics of St James the apostle. We got the train rather than walk, so we better come back and do it properly some time. Or light a few candles;-). The queue to see St James was huge, I considered sneaking in the exit, but I though it's best to keep all the saints on our side. Whatever you do, go and see Santiago de Compostela before you die. We saw it at its best for sure, street party, pipes playing and revellers dancing.
Back at the marina we met a lovely family from the Yorkshire boat Delphinus next pontoon, sailing around the world no less, which turns into a hectic cruisers social scene, with a Belgian back from 5 years around the world, a solo French man back from the Atlantic Circuit, a Doc on his way around the Atlantic in the prettiest boat you have ever seen, friendly yanks on an enviable ocean cruiser, a retired couple with a bath and gifted children, culminating in an invite to the prestigious Real Club Nautico Coruña, where the beer is cheaper than the marina bar and they have a few Olympic gold medal winners. Royal Irish eat your heart out!!
So, off we go again, with a list of new friends and boats to look out for and promises of returned beers on the way south. I'm liking this cruising business!!
It turns out that when a Spanish weather man says 15 or 20 knots, he means 25 or 30!! A lively sail to our first Spanish Ria, big seas and big speeds, boat handled very well even if we were over canvassed. So I am very happy with her. If only we had remembered to close the top hatch properly, wet seats and a clean up beckons.
Pulled into Ria de Corme for a quick look and a re-group. Then out again after a tea and a pee and heading for Ria Camarinas. Spectacular coast line and a lovely down wind sail, Liz feeling the effects of the second glass of posh wine though!! Bleurgh!! The first mate and the weather brighten up as we sail past the intimidating, though welcoming sentry of the lighthouse on Cabo Villano and in to the Ria through the lively Boca Chica channel. Six gun salute as we anchor off the fish factory, ah no, they are scaring the seagulls.
We are now sitting on 40m of chain with the smell of pines off the hills, sipping Spanish wine and eating Spanish cheese, anchored off the tiny headland of 'Punta Fraga de Abajo', in Ria de Camarinas, it's about the size of the back haggart at home, but very nice. 'Very grand' I hear you say, you're right, tis grand!
What shall we do tomorrow?? Nothing?
By the way, a Ria is an estuary or bay!! There are about eight big ones on this corner of Galicia to visit.
Adios por ahora.