It is great to be back in La Coruna, with Oboe.  Memories of the place from 2 years ago, en route to the Canaries and the Caribbean, re-emerge as I spy familiar bars and cafes.  At the time of writing, however, we have been in La Coruna too long already – it is beginning to feel like home.  In Café Nemo, on the water’s edge at the marina we are welcomed like locals and our favourite drinks are brought automatically with a plate or two of tapas delights.  The weather has kept us here but the frustration is that it’s not at all bad here, it is the persistent gale warnings for the whole of the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal , 30 miles away, that prevent us from departing.  Surely it can’t be that bad? -  someone throws into the conversation.  It’ll be exhilarating!  Ummm… me thinks; been there, done it and lived to tell the tale but have no wish to do it again, at least not voluntarily.  So, to the disappointment of all, we sit tight and order one more beer.

Easter ceremonies begin.  The Madonna is reverently paraded, shoulder high, through the streets to the sound of bagpipes and drums.  She is shrouded in black as are many of the “mourners”.  Others wear white robes and pointy hats.  Families promenade and politely greet one another: Hola, hola.  Easter Sunday and with brightening forecasts we stretch or legs on the seafront with a stroll to the Tower of Hercules, a majestic lighthouse built in 2 AD by the Romans and still operating today.  3 Euros and 200 steps later we pop out at the top to a magnificent view over the bay. 

A bit of washing, boat cleaning, bed making and general maintenance mark the rest of the day, in anticipation of an early Monday morning start.  After a light supper of Mushroom risotto on board, in marked contrast to the plates of pulpo, potatas bravas, tortillas, jellied pigs ear, chorizo and all manner of unfamiliar delights, we turn in for a crack of dawn start to what will become a memorable day’s sailing.

Follow our progress here:

http://blog.mailasail.com/oboe, where you can see our daily progress on Google Earth.  Email us at: oboe {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com any time you like.  Phone us on +881 631 669 194 and we’ll pick up via Iridium satellite.

Fair winds to you all.

Nigel

Paul

Paul

Tereza

Josef