Blimey, I can also hear the sights of relief from here! Well I don’t want to get your hopes up too much - the relentless flow of drivel is not about to cease as tomorrow we fly over to Gran Canaria. We will be back down in Puerto de Mogan for just over a weeks relaxation and to try and and plan out a few things – more of that later. There may not be a blog everyday though…….
Anyway, back to now.
With just one day left, and the mercury still not climbing high enough we set off north again, right near to the top of the island to the little town of Orzola. Nothing of particular note here – more of the little ‘sugar cube’ buildings mainly, although like many places it boasts an excellent fish restaurant or two. It does however serve as a port for the regular boat service between the mainland and the little island of La Graciosa. Attentive readers will remember this from a previous blog. Having talked to someone in a restaurant the other night, we decided that we would head over there.
Lonely Planet warn that it can get very rocky on the first bit before you get around the headland – and they weren't wrong. The boat pitched and rolled quite violently at times and a few of our fellow passengers were looking distinctly uncomfortable.
Once around the headland though it calmed considerably and it gave us a chance to marvel at dramatic coastline and the almost sheer drop from several hundred metres up.
Not half an hour later we were docking at the port town of Caleta del Sebo, one of only two real settlements on the island. There are just five volcanic peaks here, and less than 1000 permanent residents in less than 28 square kilometres of mostly barren scrub land. No buses or coaches and the only real motorised transport comes in the form of old Land Rovers. More of the little sugar cube houses fronting right on to the sandy beaches. It is like stepping back in time and absolutely delightful. There are plenty of places to stay, mostly above restaurants but there are some purpose built apartments, although nothing over two storeys. There’s a couple of internet cafes and the mobile signal is better than at our apartment!
We paused for coffee than a little later for lunch. The owner, showing off his grasp of English proudly reeled off the various types of fish he had on the menu. We thanked him and ordered a ham sandwich and grilled chicken.
The boat ride back was no less rocky, and the boat was even smaller which made it seem even worse. The captain was working hard to avid the worst of the waves. We both thought and said the same thing – our dear friend Roy would have loved it.
Our last supper was excellent, as have all the meals we’ve had at the restaurants here. It’s just a pity there are not more people around to generate some atmosphere.
So, all in all an enjoyable few days. The weather was a little disappointing but didn’t stop us exploring. The highlights for me were the El Golfo on the south western coast on the first day, Caleta de Famara on the other side, and finally La Graciosa. Great places to just chill out with a good book and a cold drink.
By the time you read this we will be on our way over to Gran Canaria or may have even arrived. As I said at the top, the flow of drivel will not cease but it may lessen slightly!
Until then….
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