This week began surprisingly early for our conditions. Promptly at eight thirty, exactly to the opening of the pivoting footbridge, we had the SUMMER ready and cast off cast. The sun was somehow not yet fully awake, because they had not yet been able to enforce against the dense fog over the water. The entire deck was covered with a thick layer of morning dew. Let's see, how it would develop.

We again enjoyed the beautiful view of Lisbon, as we drove on the Tego with water running off with engine power towards the sea.

Already in the mouth we sat in the dense fog and were not pleased, that we had our radar problem apparently still not solved. Again and again the signal disappeared from the screen and now we only had an average maturity of less than one minute, before the screen went black again. Lately even funny colored circles were added (mostly in pink). It was really "milking mice" for! Visibly irritated, Dietmar wrote an email to Raymarine and organized ourselves before a technician for our next port of Lagos.

Jointly we tried in increasingly dense fog, to sink even a "small" 100m tanker in the wake of Tegos. Aber er hatte Glück und konnte uns leider gerade noch so entkommen 🙂

At sea finally wind came up and the fog lifted quickly. The swell was running but transverse to the vessel and the SUMMER seemed to us like a bottle cork, rocking on the waves back and forth. Not bad, since the wave was not high, but somehow exhausting. As fears, the wind came right from the beginning and was not interested in further predicting, to turn toward the south west, so that we could finally set sail.

We chugged further south and the time passed this time rather viscous. All attempts to sail at least a bit, failed miserably. So we added ourselves to our fate and sold us the time reading, Eating and Sleeping. In the late afternoon we got a visit from a large Delphi School, which was launched to play. The three and four of them jumped at the same time often far from the water. Together we stood on the front of the bow and enjoyed the spectacle. This front was almost impossible to hear our engine. How beautiful and peaceful the world was without the useful "Annoying Dwarf", with his noise disturbed the peace under the dirt. To top it off we saw several times the blow of a whale, the vorbeizog close. What a beautiful experience.

The night began clear and beautiful. The full moon shone so bright, that the visibility was almost as good as the day. This time I had the first watch, I had slept quite a lot during the day. Uneventful the time drew unfortunately something like chewing gum. Only several flocks of birds circling the boat at night. Once decided two of the little guys but for a while on our solar panel to drive with. I was a bit worried about the two, the sat so close to the propeller of the wind generator, rotating at impressive speed. But everything went well and at some point I was again alone on deck.

Against three clock in the morning, shortly after the changing of the guard, came back to very dense fog. In complete contrast to my relaxed Guard, Dietmars layer was really no fun. But he managed to, safely around the "Cabo de São Vicente" to maneuver us and all large and small fishing boats, unfortunately without AIS are in Portugal go more or less spacious avoid. Hairy it was only once as in ca. 70 Meters on the port side appeared a trawler trawls from the fog. No directed AIS no fog horn and only one headlight on the power. Dietmar was even able to clearly hear the individual voices of the fishermen, before the fishermen silently disappeared in the fog. When I crawled at eight-thirty back from my bunk was all over again and I had slept through everything. Dank meines lieben Ehemannes führe ich manchmal schon ein echtes Luxusleben 🙂

Our fuel gauge showed just over an hour since "EMPTY" (dust dry) an. In Lagos, we therefore first filled our tank with almost 300 Liters of diesel again, before we verholten the SUMMER in the harbor. Funnily enough, they accepted at the gas station only cash and American Express. A real challenge for us, because we wanted to fill up yes and no bank or ATM in sight.

After a directly subsequent, hearty breakfast ashore (good, that you almost anywhere you can pay by debit card) and a small nap we were back fit and enterprising. For the evening, in fact our first visit from Germany had announced. The Lachaise family spent their holidays in Portugal and watched our progress towards the south for several days. Now we sat with Michael, Silke & Philip together in a restaurant at the marina. Dietmar Michael had only last year told during a joint sales call in Austria about our plans today and we all sat together with us on the boat at the southern tip of Portugal. It really is incredible, but it worked :-)After the great night we look forward to seeing you again next year!

This morning we were very relaxed early on the go. At nine clock should start on the marketplace a very special spectacle. What exactly, the harbor master had not betrayed us. When we arrived, was the entire marketplace already completely crowded with onlookers as we and almost 300 Bombo drummers divided into ca. 20 Groups from different Portuguese cities in colorful costumes. Good, that the tasting of yesterday had remained without consequences, because with a thick head that would have been too much to bear :-)Before the town hall each group could present itself again with a solo performance in front of an enthusiastic audience - and this seems the drummers really are in the blood. The only risk: Tinnitus-risk!

At the end of our battered ears got a little relaxation, because the orchestra of Viana do Castelo suggested much quieter and very melodic tones of.

Now we had a breakfast worthy of us honestly. Already on the way to us was a particularly inviting cafe caught your eye. It really was everything, what the heart desired. And also the amount of the bill at the end was nothing to be desired.

Above Viana do Castelo on Monte Santa Luzia is the same pilgrimage churches to see from a distance. Already because of the great foresight, we did not want to leave unvisited this location. But the athletic 670 To climb stages of the pilgrimage, attracted us in the afternoon not really. Beautiful, that there was an alternative for lazy tourists like us another cable car. On the way back to the port we received still drive a bit through the streets, but somehow we had enough for today "Fiesta".

So we dressed for dinner in the restaurant SUMMER back. There you had are a special delicacy on the menu for tonight: „Hornhecht, fangfrisch“ 😉

Before meal it was on the waiting dock or another person. A berth was available between the SY Ganesha and our SUMMER. This had taken a Belgian yacht targeted. Good, that we saw it coming. Dietmar was waiting at the dock, to accept the linen. I had remained on board, because the pike stewed already in the pan. But Curious, I went on deck but, a little port cinema is always nice. Just in time I was able to prevent, that our anchor underwent a permanent bond with the Belgian sea-railing, which would probably have drawn the short straw. Dietmar tried under the, Bug in der Yacht (complete ohne Fender) possible without damage to maneuver past the web. The two had probably underestimated the strong current of the river. We were able to avoid a worse fate for both the fourth Belgian yacht as well as for its two neighboring vessels. Das hätte uns gerade noch gefehlt 🙁

Today I was once again a lesson on "Travel broadens the" learn. No sooner was the food served, I thought my eyes were not to be trusted: A garfish has green bones Y-. This was definitely not the wine, we treated ourselves to dinner. Something suspicious, I let myself but quick to convince delicious taste. Und grüne Gräten sind beim Zerlegen auch viel leichter zu finden 🙂

Preparations for the final fireworks ran at full speed. Even at noon had secured a considerable number of large and small rafts in the middle of the river, which were covered with tarpaulins. On the shore is lined up chairs in all colors and forms, probably all, there was in Viana do Castelo at all :-). We had to be randomly landed very lucky at the bar waiting in the front row; behind us and the audience before the fireworks.

Before darkness came on the river movement. Sailing yachts and motor boats left the harbor, full of young and old, on the way to the best anchorages. The stands behind us slowly began to fill.

Also we met the last preparations. For safety's sake, we placed a bucket of water on deck and attached seat cushions and drinks into the cockpit.

At twelve clock it then went off. More than 25 Minutes colorful images were drawn in the sky, starting from the middle of the river or the railway bridge. For us one of the most beautiful fireworks, we had seen so far. Unplanned we were again at the right time, right place. Life is just gorgeous!

The next morning, slight hangover mood was announced. On land, most remnants of the Fiesta had already disappeared. We started early with water running off the road on to Porto. Without fog, but even without wind the day passed somehow gray in gray.

Only the arrival of the new "Douro Marina" did some light on this day. We were only three miles from the city center received royal. Two Marineros accompanied us to the berth and helped us when mooring (Although we would like mostly been happier alone. But they were only of the SUMMER from when they were of the opinion, now we could do both tourists nothing broken).

In the harbor office we got after completion of the usual paper war first a small, Portuguese Gastgeschenk (Delicious fish in garlic oil in the can), also:

• the mandatory key for the web and the porcelain department,
• a map of Porto. The special instructions, what would like best to visit, were added by hand by the Harbour Master
• a list of possibilities, as the three kilometers to Porto are to lay most convenient back (Boot, Bus, Tram or even walking)
• the address of the port cellars, with the marina has negotiated a special deal (no entry and delivery of the optionally purchased wine to the port)
• a recommendation card for four lying on our way ports, the us there 20% Discount will contribute
• the data for Internet access (there are actually three ways)
• For directions to the nearest supermarket
• A map to the best and second best restaurant in the vicinity
• For directions to the boat service (Raymarine)

And finally you told us with, that morning, the rolls between eight and half past eight come as a gift of the house to the boat. What else can I say, since we are probably landed in paradise. Und Dank des Verhandlungsgeschicks von Martin von der GANESCHA ist das Paradies auch gar nicht so teuer 🙂

The Capitano today morning had ants in Popo. Even at a quarter past eight, So for me felt in the middle of the night, spread it (busy) Hustle and bustle. The SY Ganesha was already up and away. That was not at all times! So was the original plan, to go on after the radio round eleven clock anchor, not to think. At least I still got a chance for a decent breakfast. As even the Finn next to us got up the anchor, was finally no stopping.

So we were at ten clock on the trip to Viana do Castelo and completed the remaining preparations halt on the way. So we made the Parasailor tableware clear and after an hour and fell on, that we had the spark did not even activated. The absence of the winch crank, however, was already noticed when setting the first sail. There is nothing better than a lightning start in the morning.

But at some point everything was so, as it should be and under the Parasailor we made good journey south. From Eckhardt of the SY LONI 3 we got over VHF radio the last advice for our way. Ganz prima, if you go ahead an explorer. So we already knew, that in Viana do Castelo, a big fiesta would expect us. The harbor was crowded, but the waiting dock would still places to get. In addition, the entrance was something choppy in the river and from about 16 Clock was with local winds to 30 Expected node. Since the Parasailor should be better back in the sack. What should go wrong? 🙂

So the ride was completely relaxed. Not that here comes a false impression. I do not sleep all the time, wenn wir unterwegs sind 🙂 Auch wenn Dietmar das manchmal so erzählt.

Dietmar threw the Troll and short time later, the day was perfect. A garfish, Proud 85 Inches long, emigrated to supplement the on-board meal plan in our fridge. Unfortunately, I can not describe this worthy event as non-fishing, let alone evaluate. But since I have always loved to eat fish, I am looking forward to me previously unknown species. I will keep you posted, as the handsome guy has tasted.

In order afterwards to be able to fully utilize the time ashore, I cooked our dinner before traveling. The time ashore is really a shame, to waste with such trivial things such as cooking. And if the sea conditions allow, one can also there doing the housework. This is all a matter of practice.

All predictions proved to be true. In the river entrance, we went because of the choppy lake prefer a slightly larger sheet and announced wind of well over 20 Node came at just the Docking at the bar waiting a bit inconvenient.

In the city bustling with activity. A huge costume parade reminded me almost a little bit of Mardi Gras. The atmosphere was great and we could drive us simply, tried here the delicious Farturos, there looked at the numerous stalls and could infect us by the Portuguese joy of life. This allowed Martin and Violetta not miss the SY Ganesha. The lay next to us at the dock and were not even on the go. Together we plunged back into the fray.

(Many more pictures are in the gallery of Viana do Castelo!!!)

After tasting various Portuguese wines we were all quite pretty groggy. But to 12 Clock fireworks at the old fortress was yet announced! We decided, briefly return to our SUMMER, to us to strengthen with the prepared dinner, to something better get back into shape. This decision, however, was clearly a mistake. Just five minutes after eating Dietmar was asleep blissfully. At first I thought still, no problem, I wake then afterwards. But eventually fell even my eyes to. So we heard the fireworks though, toasty snuggled up in our bunk, but we have seen nothing. Good, dass morgen Abend noch eines ist 🙂

Only a stone's throw away from Vigo Baiona, directly to the Portuguese border. This city should be our last stop for the time being in Spain. Although already lay all day thick fog over the "Ria de Vigo", but in the afternoon the visibility was again elucidated so far, that we could make our way south.

Finally, we had once again a strong wind and we laid all the way back under sail. Although we had to cross to the south wind, but it was still a pleasure. Only once before the target disappeared everything behind a white curtain of dense fog and we both stood vigilant outside in search of the small fishing boats and sailing yachts, who were traveling without AIS.

We had already set in Vigo, that we in Baiona not in the Marina, but wanted to go in the bay at anchor. Because on the Portuguese west coast, the anchorages are very rare and we wanted to again enjoy the peace. The Bay of Baiona loved it at first sight and we were at a safe distance from the lively beach at anchor. We spent the evening on board, because we both did not want, yet to make the dinghy clear. So we enjoyed a delicious dinner and a beautiful sunset. With the dark calm returned to the bay and we disappeared quite early to bed.

The next morning, while the radio round, we note, that the LONI 3 had arrived in Baiona yesterday, but was in the Marina at the transit bridge. Eckhardt and Ilona but wanted today continue to "Viana do Castelo" in Portugal. We sparked a bit back and forth, still got a super good restaurant tip for the evening and the latest weather information. Then we got ready for the shore excursion. As heard in front of the bow a foghorn. Eckhardt it did not take, but again personally to look over at us. We were very pleased, the two again to see in person and agreed to meet in Porto for dinner.

I got today again a dinghy driving lesson. Today, the start was a "cold" motor on the training plan. First open tank vent, Engine key purely, Choke raus, give some gas and then pull the starter cord with growing enthusiasm ... unsuccessfully ... then push in choke, enter and draw more gas, Pull, ziehen….endlich 😉 Zwischendurch musste ich noch dem Skipper auf die Finger hauen, as to what the rumzog and there still which turned. As a passenger, it is really a catastrophe.

So we chugged towards Marina, moored there our dinghy and went ashore. As always, Dietmar was not so easy without the business to enter and walk past the local chandlery. But this time he had really a concern: Our radar, several times by tested and inspected personally, got out yesterday in the fog again. Actually clear, yes two days ago we had only the Raymarine Service on board. As the next section for fast emerging coastal fog is known, but we did not waive these important safety factor. Unfortunately, we had forgotten, that today was Friday. Nothing would happen before Monday here and it would probably take three days again, where appropriate, provide replacement parts. It was nice, but as long as we did not want to remain. So we moved the repair to Porto, about our next destination. There we have planned anyway a longer stop.

So we strolled through the old town and were on their way home, wie so oft, not resist inviting tapas bar. Good saturated we made after siesta on board our SUMMER.

In the afternoon the SY Ganesha walked beside us anchor. So we meet again. We chat a bit with the two and exchanged the latest news from. Then we headed back on the road on land at the recommended restaurant, for there to feast royally.

When we got served our seafood platter, We were really impressed. But also a little intimidated, when we saw the tools provided. The could have also good to use for a heart transplant. Armed with pliers and a strangely shaped type fork we moved the plate valiantly to body. Somewhat tedious and laborious indeed, aber ein echter Hochgenuss 🙂