Bobbing about in Biscay.

We’re in the middle of three sea days before reaching our first destination of Madeira on Wednesday.  The journey so far has been a bit choppy but the “Oriana” is giving us a very easy ride.

On Saturday evening we sailed serenely down Southampton Water, past Fawley Oil Refinery and round the Isle of Wight. 

The “must have” photo.

We’re very pleased with our cabin – plenty of room!

Sunday started with a very windy game of deck quoits.  Half the ship turned up for the game but only the elite were chosen (if you believe that you’ll believe anything!)

The choppy conditions, as we entered the Bay of Biscay, made swimming in the pools a bit of fun – if you were a strong enough swimmer that is! 

The ship has some lovely features – this ceiling above “Tiffanies” really does make you feel like being under a lamp shade.

At 2 0’ clock this morning, amid a force 9 gale in the southern part of the Bay of Biscay, the waves leaving the bow of ship and passing our cabin window were tremendous.  Even so, the ship rode the seas very well and we are still fit and well and attending breakfast this morning!

Ship Ahoy!!

This morning, brought by friends Ann and John to the Southampton Cruise Liner terminal, we embarked on P & O’s “Oriana” for a 14 day cruise round the Canaries. (Yes – we know we’ve just come back from there!)  This time we’ll visit all the islands on a little ‘birthday treat’ for Doug.

After the ferocious storm we had at home last night, the thought of another 14 days in the sunshine is rather appealing, and our first glimpse of the “Oriana” this morning was very welcome. 

At the very well appointed City Cruise Terminal we were “processed” and in our cabin 45 minutes after being dropped off.

We had lunch in the self service cafeteria and then a walk around the ship to familiarise ourselves. Before sailing at 4:45 this afternoon we can enjoy the far-reaching of Southampton Water, Fawley Oil Refinery and Ikea.

The ship, although older, is similar in feel to the “Aurora”.  It’s very clean and well presented and, although we booked late for this trip (yesterday in fact!) and expected an inside cabin, we’ve actually got an outside, disabled room ……..

……… which is twice the size of a normal cabin and a lovely big wet room and, at the moment, a view of a sunny Southampton Water.

With the current weather systems barrelling around this part of the world we may be in for a bit of choppy ride down the Canaries.  That said, we’re sure we will have good time!

Action Men!!

We’re now back home in rain soaked Britain, having flown back from Fuerteventura late on Wednesday night.  Our last couple of days on the island were pretty busy so blogging has been rather delayed.  Something James was looking forward to while we were there was a motor trike ride round the island.

Before our visit Bill had “arranged” for James to have a pink trike -  and the joke rather back fired when James couldn’t have been more delighted!  Here he is on his ‘Pink Panther’ (very low mileage as most of the men won’t ride it!)

The four hour ride took us right up into the mountains, with fantastic views owing to such good weather.

Here’s James and Bill proudly showing off their “wheels”.

Part of the trip took us past Julio Iglesias huge island villa.

James’ view of the road ahead with the lead machine in front.

Doug came too of course - as we settle down for the next section of the tour after an interesting trip round a goat farm. (There are just short of 100,ooo people on the island and 106,000 goats!)

It was quite windy in some places and the last leg of the journey took us through some very open and windy territory and Doug had to hang on a bit on the back!  However, that didn’t detract from the awesome day we had – especially for James who misses his motorcycling days.

The next day belonged to Doug.  He won a jet ski ride at Piero’s nightclub and was eager to have his go.

This looks like mid Atlantic but was about 300 yards off shore – some fairly big stuff for him to tackle on his first trip.

In slightly calmer waters and enjoying the ride as much as James did on the trike.

We thought the number might have been a bit auspicious but ………

……….. he got safely back to base after a brilliant session.

Our last evening of course had to be spent with all of us having a great meal (the third of the week) at the Frado Rock restaurant.  Doug, Bill Eileen and Les tucking into the most amazing meal.

It’s been a fantastic week on Fuerteventura – great to catch up with friends and get a sun tan to boot.  Thanks so much to Chris and Les, Eileen and Bill for their invitation to join them during their winter break.  We left the island with temperature in the mid 20’s and arrived at Gatwick at 7 deg C.  By the time we got home, after several major diversions and a lot of lying water in the roads, it was 01.30 in the morning (welcome home!).

Animal close-ups.

We’re continuing to have a whale of a time in Fuerteventura. On Sunday we went with Les to the island zoo at Oasis Park.

We were very impressed with the animal welfare and visitor interaction.

Mixing with so many of the residents it felt a bit like “Dr Doolittle”- some of them came over for a chat!

Doug didn’t much like the macaws and parrots flying loose around our heads …………

……… but, on the other hand, James was eager to volunteer to hold a reticulated python.  First though, he was asked to do the Macarena (something he hates) to entertain the crowd!

There were some fellows that we weren’t allowed to mix with ……..

…….. and others we were.

At 6ft 4in. James doesn’t have to look up to very much in life but this magnificent animal was certainly one to admire.

Part of the huge area which the zoo covers is set over to Botanical gardens.

There were hundreds of crocs and alligators – we even saw some eggs in the sand. 

Of course, there has to be one!

Well, after a very good day at the zoo with Les, and a coach ride back to Caleta de Fuste, we met up with Bill and Eileen for a Chinese meal and (of course) serenaded by the owners son – a very talented young man.

Basking in it.

Thursday evening we went out ‘on the town’ in Caleta with Les and Eileen, firstly having dinner at the Frado Rock restaurant where …….

…………. they cook the meat on hot stones at the table.  This is the meat for three people!

James, the vegetarian, takes over the cooking for the chef – who is (in the background) hurrying back to the table to save the bacon!

After dinner that evening we went to Piero’s nightclub for some superb performances by the resident artists.  Here’s “crazy legs” Brian (a Facebook friend of ours) doing the most amazing take off of Freddie Mercury………..

……… and the evening’s Compare with a stunning impression of Lady Gaga.

Then it was back to “crazy legs” Brian doing Tina Turner – hilarious!

After the show we followed Brian back to his “Beer Garden” where he entertains into the small hours of morning with his singing and dancing.  Here’s “crazy legs”, Doug and Les with some rapid action.

We’re experiencing some great weather here in Fuerteventura at the moment – it’s difficult to imagine what the UK is going through right now. 

This is Caleta de Fuste harbour – blue skies and emerald waters that so clear you can see the fish swimming about.

Friday evening we all (Bill, Doug, James, Les and Eileen) went back to the Frado Rock restaurant for dinner again………….

………. where Bill and Doug ordered leg of lamb – and they got it! – a whole leg each!

Afterwards we all went bowling -  great poise by Eileen!

Marvellous leg work by Bill!

Terrific positioning by Les – now all she needs is the bowl!

And James – terrible attitude! (but he did win!)

Today (Saturday) we went with Les to the twice weekly market and then popped into Piero’s bar for a beer and a bask in the glorious (and incredibly hot) sunshine – well in the uppers 20’s!

Walking back to the villa after our liquid lunch (Les is a terrible influence on us!) we took a short cut through a bit of scrubland and met up with some of the local wild life.  Some of these Chipmunks are not very wild.

Lazy Days–Fuerteventura Style.

On Wednesday morning we flew out from Gatwick to Fuerteventura to stay with friends, and members of the Braidbar Boat Owners Club (Canary Island Branch).

Before the flight we enjoyed a couple of hours in North Terminal No1 Lounge drinking champagne and having a leisurely lunch.

Reaching Fuerteventura in the early evening we went out with friends Eileen, Les, (Doug) and Bill for a very good Chinese meal.  During the meal we were serenaded on the violin by the very talented 10 year old son of the restaurant owner.

Today the weather was very hot and sunny all day and the swimming pool was the main order of the day.

James made friends with Dolly the dolphin ……..

….. but the friendship was soon interrupted by Doug.

Later this afternoon we had a good long walk away from centre of Caleta de Fuste, where the roundabouts are very well cared for.

Then into the volcanic and somewhat Martian landscape of the island’s northern Atlantic coast.  After returning to the sandy beaches near the town and enjoying some relaxation in the sunshine for an hour  ………..

…..we walked back to our friends’ villa and continued our sunny relaxation around the pool – enjoying both their great company and the wine and nibbles!  With the temperature in the high 20’s Bill, Doug, Les and Eileen take in the afternoon. sunshine.