July 15th - Cartegena Spain

We left Gibraltar a few days ago with our sights set on the Belaeric islands (IBIZA, MALLORCA, MINORCA). We stopped in Estapona for a night to refuel our propane tanks (It's difficult to find someone to fill US tanks - everything is different here...) 

On our second night at sea we bumped into a Gale and decided to make for a sheltered cove. After a few hours of beating into the weather, we anchored in a cute little fishing village (San Jose) and go some needed rest. 

The next day we left and both Janet and I fell ill (Flu we think) and so decided to make for Cartegena for a rest. Another excellent spanish town with a lot of history (read castles, forts, museums, etc.) and a lovely marina with a pool and a very short walk to town.

Today we're on the way again - making for Formentera (a small island south of Ibiza) Apparently the beaches are pure white magic. 

July 7th - Gibraltar, UK

Welcome to England - home of Fish and Chips, bland beer, and cricket 24 hours a day.  

After several excellent days in Cadiz - we've finally reached the Gates of the Med. Very cool. 

For those sailors out there - We made 9.3 knots in the straight this morning. We were flying.

Also- We've posted pics from the crossing and of Portugal and Spain so far - Check'm out. 

Ta for now...

July 2nd - Cadiz Spain

After a 2 day crossing, we landed in Spain- In Cadiz.  So far- Wow! It's one of the oldest cities in the world. Locals claim 3000 years. Very densely packed streets (think NYC on steroids) but clean and absolutely packed with charm and character. 

We ate paella (of course) and were not dissapointed. Food is a big part of life here, even though the restaurants don't open until 7:30PM!! Everyone is out on the squares until 11 or 12 at night - kids included. Very different pace indeed. 

Wifi here is pretty spotty at best - I am currently typing in the air to keep the connection alive in the hopes of getting one post out... Sorry no pics until we can find a blue wire. 

Kids are doing great - They've adapted quicker than expected - they jump from the bow to take a bath, and happily squeeze together into the V Berth for sleep. They're becoming closer as brothers too for lack of other friends to entertain each other.  Anytime there are other kids around, they quickly connect and start playing hard. The other day they spent an entire afternoon with some kids without understanding a single word of each other. 

Besides reliable internet, our other struggles are transportation - every town center seems to be 30 to 45 minutes walk from the marina, and propane; our US system will simply not work here and so we need to either replumb the boat or jury rig something together. We bought scooters for the kids which is definitely helping, but a couple of bicycles would be awesome- better yet would be a few Segways...

Among other things, today is laundry day- we do our wash with a bucket, a toilet plunger and some elbow grease. Drying is done on the deck. It works well and certainly reminds us to limit laundry to things that really need it. No more magic laundry chute!

24 June: Surprises about Portugal

This is a quick and dirty list of things that have surprised us so far in Portugal:

• Portuguese sounds like Russian with Spanish words mixed in.
• All the streets in Cascais (prounounced: Cash-kay) are paved with well-worn cobblestones
• Pizza Hut (not just McDonalds) is ubiquitous
• In the Indian restaurants, Brits and Americans outnumber Portugeuse
• I dont know how to spell Portugeuse
• Playgrounds are filled with kids well past our 'bedtime'
• There are a ton of fish all around the docks and the boats.  Maybe because the water is clear, they are easier to see.

June 23 - We're Here!

Arrived Portugal June 21 - Found the coffee, wifi and showers. 

From the Azores to here it was 8 days and 950 nm. Arrivfed early Tuesday morning.  On the way we saw a LOT of dolphins and had the distinct honor of having a visit from two Minkhe whales for about 30 minutes. (pics coming) They circled us and dove underneath - Unfortunately nobody spoke 'whale' so we simply enjoyed their company. 

We dropped off the temporary crew (all except Ted) yesterday and picked up the next batch of recruits late last night. Janet and the boys did in 6 hours what took us 6 weeks. A little tired and jetlagged but otherwise no worse for wear. It was very very nice to see them after so long away. I guess I know what it was like for sailors of old. 

We're moored in a marina in a town called Cascais (Kashkais) on the coast of Portugal. We'll likely head  up the river in a few days to spend some time in Lisbon proper to begin exploring.