42:12.205N 008:54.127W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Thu 9 Aug 2012 15:44
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"Islas Cies - 8th August"
A very lazy start to the day finally leaving our
mooring at Bayona at lunch time. The day was bright and sunny with a gentle
breeze. We were surprised to leave the harbour and head straight into a
bank of thick fog. On went the AIS, SeaMe and trusty Navman so that we could
find the critical cardinals to avoid the rocks in the Ria and also any large
shipping going to and fro from Vigo. We could not see the Isla de San
Matin, the island which was our rendezvous for the evening and overnight
stay at anchor. The wind increased and under mainsail alone we sailed gently
towards our destination peering into the grey mist out of which finally emerged
signs of the island and ghost like shapes of yachts and power boats at anchor.
We picked our spot and dropped our anchor and waited for radio communication as
to whether our flotilla had been granted permission to land at this Nature
Reserve and walk across the island to the XII century remains of a monastery
which was destroyed by pirates around 1589. The wheel and tower of the ancient
mill still stands but many of the monastery stones were used to build a fish
farm now also lying in ruins on the shore. We received consent and arranged to
meet on the beach, where earlier arrivals eagerly waited to assist with the
carrying of dinghies up the beach. The Atlantic was turquoise blue at the
waters edge and very cold, some brave souls had enjoyed a swim earlier. The walk
across the island was fun, our troop clambering over rocks and pushing our way
through bracken. We found blackberries and sloes along the way and many wild
flowers including thistles and honeysuckle. Bit by bit the fog continued to lift
giving us sightings of the lighthouse above the sea mist on the next island
which is tomorrows objective. As dusk fell the fog filled in again, anchor
lights appeared twinkling in the gloom around us, whilst the fog horns
of passing ships signaled their passing presence. Another lovely day has been
enjoyed.
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