Not Retreating

Faro, Portugal

For those of you who have noticed our sudden move east, rest assured we are heading south to the Canaries.  Soon!  When the weather provides us with a suitable window for the 3 day (or so) crossing.

Why then, are we in Faro?  You may well ask…  We splashed Thursday, 2 Nov just after 3pm and decided to make for Portimao to anchor rather than be wimps and seek the security of the Lagos Marina (otherwise known as Port Velcro).  We had our sea legs in mind.  So did the natural forces!  We had a bouncy ride over, reminding us that we had forgotten to stow away for Atlantic conditions, followed by a rattler of a night (shaken not stirred) on anchor given a wind against tide against swell.  Friend, KT, can attest to the delights of this experience.  On that occasion (2012), we sought relief in the Portimao Marina.  On this, we made post haste for Faro and its delightful (and calm) anchorage off Ilha da Culartra.  

The winds were strong and perfect for a brisk sail along the coast; a chance to get the bugs out and remind us why we subscribe to this boating life.  We were brought back to earth with the sighting of Faro’s notorious lagoon entrance.  Naturally, we had perfectly timed it for a challenging ride.  Imagine if you will, those (river) Bar Crossing videos…  We could have made one too but what we both really wanted to do was hide in the loo.  In truth, all we could do was hold on.  In we surfed (all 46 feet of us) as the water in the channel eddied and swirled threateningly.  Our forward momentum was brought to a sudden halt as we hit the outward current running at least 5kts.  It seemed to take forever before we actually moved forward to escape the clutches of this minor Charybdis.  

Hugs all round and lashings of wine after setting the hook, right on last light.  

On anchor - look no swell!

Our neighbours with barrier island Culatra beyond

Culatra Settlement & fishing boat harbour