Cudillero, Asturias, Spain. Monday 6 July 2015.

From the log with comments.

Departed Bilbao 10.00 28 June after a good few days but enough of the noisy marina bars and long walk to the supermarket. No wind as I motored  past a Spainish naval vessel dressed overall and protected by the Guardia. Some sailing until Cabo de Azo then more motoring. Slipped into the anchorage behind Isle de Torres in the entrance to Santander and anchored in 7 meters off a rather lovely beach. Long  walk for provisoions on Monday but  wind piped up so I left at lunchtime on Tuesday 29 June and had a great sail with Arthur steering with the wind well aft of the beam for miles. It is what Pisces does best. Suddenl;y 6 knots and easy motion. The wind dropped after dinner and spoke to JB before putting on the engine overnight. The mist came in around an hour before dawn and had some nervous whistling with a fishing boat overhauling me and a coaster coming the otherway. I slowed dwon and the sun came out to reveal the high Picos mountains and Gijon ahead. Easy entrance and very helpful staff in the marina so stayed a few days, did some waliking, washing, eating and generally mooching about. Met up with Pierre and Ann-Marie on Jubilare II, a Moody 37 and had some jolly times. Left Gijon on Saturday 4 July, Tessa’s birthday, and motored most of the way to Cudillero. Nervous entry and achward mooring but lovely once in with the cliffs all around. Took a swim today to check the propeller and wash around the boot top but all looks well.

My highlights.

Anchored off the beach behind Isle de Torre in Santander. A long but beautiful walk for provisions.

My at sea berth with half lee cloth and gloomy dawn.

The beach where I swam at Gijon.

Lunch.

My kind of statue!

Pierre and Ann-Marie on Jubilaire II. They are from Pornic and sail down to the Spainish coast every year. Impeccable English and excellent drinks cabinet. Trust we will meet again. Also  had a VHF check with Pierre at sea and all seems to be working fine at last.

Leaving Gijon Harbour with M/V Portland anchored outside.

Cudillero looking from my mooring and at low tide.

John and Josephine from the hostellers sailing club have trailed this 16 foot boat that John built in 1978 and are cursing along the coast. John came over to ask me if Pisces was originally moored at Paglesham in Essex and did I know Norman Bishop! Norman was the original owner, so yes and yes! Click on their picture for website.

Sunday lunch.