Jun 30, 2012 - Fornells Bay to Cala de Algayerens

We had quite an exhilarating sail west - with the wind gusting to 27 knots and a reef in both the mainsail and the genoa (headsail), we were still moving along at 8 knots! We anchored in Cala de Algayerens which was our first anchorage on Menorca 10 days earlier, but is much, much busier now we are well into high season. It’s been very hot both day and night for the last week or two (sorry to all readers in the UK who’ve been having lousy weather!) so a cloudy sky with forecast of rain tomorrow was perversely quite welcome.

Jun 21, 2012 - Cala de Algayerens to Cala Son Saura

Menorca is known as the windy isle as it gets a lot of the north-west winds (the mistral) that funnel through the Pyrenees and then come down from the Gulf de Lyon and hit Menorca from the north. There was a strong north-west wind forecast for the night so we had to move and went anti-clockwise round the island, finally anchoring in Cala Son Saura on the south coast (18 nautical miles in just over 4 hours). Menorca is split into two geologically: the northern part is sandstone and hilly whereas the southern part is limestone and has more...

Jun 20, 2012 - Puerto de Pollensa to Cala de Algayerens, Menorca

After nearly 10 days in Puerto de Pollensa it was time for a change and with a rare north-west wind forecast we decided to set off for Menorca. It was a fair crossing and we caught sight of Menorca through the haze at about 15:15 having set off at 11:30. As the wind was due to go back to its normal southerly direction that night, we went a little way along the north coast and anchored in beautiful bay called Cala de Algayerens. There was only one other boat anchored there and it was a Lagoon 380 as well, flying the German flag (34 nautical...

Oct 19, 2011 - Closing Down Ibiza!!!

Closing down Ibiza is exactly what Amanda and I did for almost a solid week in Ibiza which is known for being the biggest party island on the planet. When we booked the trip to Ibiza, Spain I had no idea we were going the last week of the season, which is famous for it's "closing parties." It was a very long day traveling from Stockholm, but luckily being United Gold status we got in all the lounges, so we were able to consume Oktoberfest beverages and sausages in Munich and Amanda and I even got upgraded on the flight! We were thrilled to...

Dec 18, 2007 - Las Palmas, Spain

Well here I am in Spain once again, but this time in a lovely spot on the Grand Canary Island. Its very touristy and does not at all feel like Spain. There is a lovely beach where we have been able to take advantage of surfing, snorkelling or just sitting and relaxing. We did an 5 hour hike through the mountains on the second day here and it was great. The scenery was amazing. We started in one little village, walked up the mountain side, back down the ravine, into the river bed and through huge areas of bamboo. Along on the trek was a...

Sep 6, 2007 - Cangas de Onis

This area is very beautiful with many mountains and a very nice river. There were a lot of outdoor activities to choose from. A lot of the group did canyoning. I had never heard of it until this trip, but you basically get to the top of a cliff/hill and then repel down the cliff into the water. Looks like this trip, it was as if you repelled down a waterfall. Very cool. I choose to do the canoeing instead. It was a lovely trip. It took about 3 hours to canoe about 11 kilometers (not sure how many miles). The river was a little fast in areas...

Oct 4, 2006 - Half way - can hardly believe it.

I got a text two days ago from Migs (from Bridlington - I think I already mentioned her) to suggest that we try to meet up at Terradillos de Templarios today to celebrate getting half way to Santiago. My problem at the time was that I was just over 60 k away - but I'm here! Yesterday I did over 32k (with a head on wind) and today about 28 k. made possible by a new pair of trainers purchased in Burgos. So the boots are now on their way home, and the blisters are nearly a thing of the past. Last night, after my 32k, I treated myself to a...

Jun 14, 2006 - Hospital de Orbigo

I had a wonderful rest in Leon. Loved the cathedral with magnificent stained glass. I left Leon this am and met a man 4km outside. Tom is from the UK and speaks with strong Lancashire accent. A strong union man who has just started the walk as he is doing it in stages. We walked together all day and had excellent conversation. On arriving at our destination we met 2 pleasant Dutch ladies who told us the best place to stay. It was lucky as it is truly fabulous albergue but not the closest. Lucky as it started to rain hard. There are many...

Jun 12, 2006 - Carrion de los Condes

Tough day. Due to excess orujo a very strong.drink and excess heat. My foot is very bad today too many km and too hot. Had dinner with a Barts doctor, She looked at my ankle and told me to take some time off I probably will. The trip to Carrion de Les Condes was good for the morning but early afternoon the ankle became very sore. I had to stop in Fromista. I even went so far as to get accommodation. But I thought if I do that I will quit. So I went on for another 18.5km on a very boring road. I met this woman who seemed to be having some...

Jun 7, 2006 - Najerra June 7

Last night I spent a quiet evening recovering from the heat. It stayed hot till way after I was asleep. I have a problem. Over the last 2 days I have had a gradually increasing pain and swelling in my right ankle and lower leg. My diagnosis is tenosynovitis but alternate diagnosis is stress fracture. There isn't much point in going to a doctor as I will be told to take NSAIDs and put ice. Also likely rest which would mean stopping. It may come to that if the current rate of deterioration continues. Funnily it is better with activity than...

Apr 18, 2006 - Ibiza Baby!

April was time to escape the cold winds of Edinburgh and head to Ibiza for a bit of sun and relaxation. Ibiza was formed when the continental plates of Africa and Eurasia came together. This formed a mountain range in the middle of the Mediterranean. Ibiza was once a very high mountain but as time went on it sank back into the water and is now a popular tourist island completely surrounded by water. This island has had a long history of being conquered and lost by the likes of the Romans, the Arabs, the Catalans and don't forget the...

Nov 27, 2005 - Off to Spain for the Winter!

We are off to somewhere in Spain. Probably along the Mediterranean. Isn't it grand, the only thing we have to worry about is finding a warm place to spend the winter! We are leaving in the morning, unless it snows. The camper is packed, just waiting for us.! If you need to get a hold of us you can e-mail Kjersti at: paladinofamily@yahoo.com She will be able to text message us or call us on the cell phone. Of course, feel free to e-mail us with any news, it will be fun reading what has been going on in your life while we are gone. You will...