There was no great rush for us to leave this morning. We knew that the weather forecast had some stronger winds in the early afternoon, and we did not want to arrive at our anchorage in Fermine before this had died down. We also had some shopping to do, the supplies of fruit and veg, and bread were running low, and needed topping up before we could have 36 hours cut off from land.
As we have spent time in Balestrate before, we know where most of the shops that we want are, so set off to climb the 120ish steps up to the town again. We discovered a different fish shop which looked very much as if it was staffed by the fisherman. We had seen fishing boats coming into the harbour before we left, and the fish we bought looked as if it had been landed today. There was a comparatively small amount of fish available, but plenty enough for us, and very well priced.
We were disappointed to find that the butchers was shut and it was not clear if it was just for today or had closed permanently. It was a shame as this was one of the best butchers we have found here, but never mind, we will eat something else.
By the time we returned, our cooking gas bottles had been returned refilled, and we now have plenty to last for weeks. Balestrate offers a very good service of having a guy coming to the boatyard, so the bottles do not have to be carried too far. It is also incredibly cheap. Despite rising gas prices, the amount he charged us for 2 bottles, was about 1/3 of what we had paid for 1 in some other places.
Towards midday we set off to Fermine. Today and tomorrow will be the last days of retracing the route we took last year. It was a relatively short sail today, and with light winds at the start and end, we had to do some motor-sailing, never a favourite.
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| We just need a coffee machine to have the perfect office |
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| Many thanks to Henry for the donation of his Mark Warner spray top, ideal for keeping the wind out |
We spotted the first significant aquatic life of the trip. Part way across the bay from Balestrate, we saw a dorsal fin appearing briefly above the waves. We have no idea what it was, although clearly a fish rather than a marine mammal, as it did not come to the surface for air. Whatever it was, it swam lazily past and disappeared out of sight. Later, when we had anchored, we saw a much smaller fish, about the size of a John Dory, right next to the boat. He also seemed to check us out and then swam away.
We were kept entertained by the planes coming and going from the airport, although it was not quite the novelty it had been last year when we passed. There are many more planes this year, travel seems to have picked up considerably.
When we arrived in Fermine, we anchored in almost exactly the same spot as we had last year. As we approached we saw some small fishing boats heading out to wherever their favoured spots are. We had not been stopped long before a boat appeared and put down nets reasonably close to us. As previously, he then came over to us and asked how long we were staying and pointed out where his nets were and what we should do to avoid them. It was all done with considerable care and charm. It is in both our interests to make sure we don't get tangled in the nets.
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| The first good sunset of the year |
We had a nasty cross swell that made the boat a bit uncomfortable, but I am sure it will either die down or rock us to sleep. I hope so anyway!
Miles Today - 18
Miles 2022 - 55
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