Islas Atlanticas, Parque Nacional, Espana

Off, the three of us went to Cies and anchored in a bay of the larger island,” Isla Del Norte” (bay 4 on the above photo).   By the time we anchored and launched the dinghy it was pitch black.  We landed on the beach, and with the help of mobile phone torch (Flashlight) application made our way up a track following Teresa. She knows the islands very well and is very protective of them!  We thought the island was totally uninhabited but after awhile to our surprise we stumbled on a restaurant!!  There are people who are long time residents before it was made a national park plus campers and some boaters.  It all closes at end of Summer and the birds and see life can have peace from so many tourists!!

The next day we explored the island on foot and later in the day by dinghy to another bay.  Glenda walked to the top of the Light “Faro in the heat and since Teresa had done several times she kept Richard company healing from his bad back.  We occasionally make exception to our Vegetarian diet, like being in an island and only can eat seafood, so we tried fantastic  “ pulpo” (octopus)  salad.  By the time we returned to Elemiah it was pitch black again as no moonlight.  We had not put the anchor light on but could pick out Elemiah from 2 garden solar lights mounted in the winches.  The night was so quiet and beautiful we were one sailing and one motor boat in the whole bay!

Glenda & Teresa

The next day we decided to visit  the smaller island, Isla Sur (bay 3 on photo).  Teresa contacted a resident  friend of hers and was anxious to share his company with us. Teresa’s friend, Paco has his primary house in the island for many many years before it became protected as a National Park, therefore he and his wife are only one of 3 residents in the island. His wife does not visit much any more due to illness, she stays at Vigo. Paco is the President of the Committe of resident of all the Islands who together help protect the islands. We landed on the beach early in the morning of Sunday and there was Paco out with his dog walking on the beach.

Paco in green shirt and guests.

From there it was a party and great Galician wine from Paco’s cellar.  Paco gave us a private extraordinary hike to the other side of the island. As all in life Paco and us also bonded as parents who share a special company, we know the pain of loosing a son and daughter!

Hiking with Paco

The other end of the Island, an ancient mill

We were able to contribute food for the evening meal as he was not expecting us and brought gluten free supplies for Glenda, brought milk, whatever as his refrigerator was down.  No matter, we were joined by his friends and together we created a feast of a meal.  By the end of the evening we were exhausted and our kind host Paco gave us a bedroom instead of making it back to Elemiah.  In Spanish style we were having dinner at midnight!!

Paco, had not anticipated all the guests and needed more food so whilst we were sleeping Paco and Javier, his young guest took our dinghy and laid a net to catch fish at 2:am!   By the morning Paco had brought in a plentiful supply of fish and gutted them.  Javier cooked a vegetarian paella for us!

Elemiah on Paco’s private mooring

Our host Paco Conde

By the end of the day, Paco raided his cellar to give us some good Galician wine as a farewell gift!  We asked him to visit us in Rota, and warmly bid Paco goodbye.  We  returned our guest Teresa to Vigo who had her sweet mother and brother picking her up at the harbour.  Galician hospitality is the best we have experienced ever!!!

From Vigo we stayed a couple of nights in the last and beautiful town in Spain Baiona!  To all our fellow sailors, Baiona is a great town to visit the Pinta replica for only 2 euros, enjoy a visit to the sailing club and stock up with Galician food and wine. Next morning we said good bye to Spain and its wonderful hosts for a while!

View from castle wall overlooking charming Biaona Harbour

Replica of Pinta, one of Colon’s vessels that arrived back from the New World to Baiona Harbor.