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 🙂

Was für ein wunderbarer Tag dieser heutige Mittwoch aus verschiedenen Anlässen doch zu werden versprach 🙂 Aus gutem Grund öffneten sich meine Augen schon gut zwei Stunden früher als sonst üblich. With great expectations and filled with curiosity I got out of the warm bed and approached cautiously toward the object of desire. The TAURUS mosquito sucker, was busy all night quietly humming and blue shimmering on the prowl for bloodsuckers. A look into the collection box brought clarity. Although I looked inside, but no one looked out! Perhaps we have better luck tomorrow…..

All trials in order to catch quota optimization, Katja in a small blood donation (placed as bait and scent sample on a handkerchief in the collection basket) to persuade, verliefen im Nirvana 🙂 Das positive Fazit aus der Nummer war, even after 48 Life years my hunting- or. Game engine is still very well preserved.

However, a flattening of the voltage curve was not in sight. About 10 Clock (+/-) the technician RAYMARINE announced, talk more about in my opinion, defective parts and sensors. Our technique has manufacturer's warranty and therefore RAYMARINE want to know of course, whether the complaint is justified or not. So as not to stand there like an idiot at the end and me to perhaps even explain, I sent the service on the wrong track, I have checked every single cable, all connections and plugs treated with contact spray, performed a software update of the whole system, and finally even the specialists Peter from Yacht Service Gutowski asked for advice. It just had to be so, that the donor of the Sign and the anemometer were the Trouble-Maker!

About 10:40 was it as far as. Even from afar, the two technicians were identified by the tool boxes and spare parts cartons. Somehow it did me then feel sorry, when I noticed the subliminal disappointed looks of both. They probably did not expect, that the customer has already examined the patient himself from head to foot and was ready with even the diagnosis. What did the boys choice, as quickly to board the mast and install the new part? However, they have let it take, den Job ohne fremde Hilfe auszuführen 🙂

After a total of 10 Minutes was replaced the part and now came the big moment. “A question of honour” you could say. After all, I was able to boot the system again and it was nice to see, that all ads were doing again your service. Of course I did not give it back, the two guys in detail for your great work to praise and very much to thank me for it. For without the fast forward and rapid supply of spare parts we could do nothing. RAYMARINE- Thanks for the top service! However, I had them both but again something “hurt”. The donor to the Sign I myself have installed and then soldered clean again with Katie's help.

Die Nummer war also gut für uns gelaufen 🙂 Wenn man schon keiner geregelten Arbeit mehr nachgeht, then you must create it, his satisfaction and self-affirmation from things such as. to relate successfully carrying out repairs. A similar wisdom has given to me on the way before the beginning of our journey of ex-owner of a large accounting firm with, who had sold his firm two years ago and has been sailing since the with his wife on a catamaran on the high seas. The man was right!

The grand finale of the day we organized together with Waltraud and Wolfgang von der SY MENTOR a barbecue on board with us. The Cob Grill and Wolfgang as grill masters have proven to be “Dream-Team” proved once again. Delicious salads, Wines and other delicacies from the depths of the pantries of both yachts made the day perfect and aroused the desire for an early repeat.

All well and good……. . Before going into the bunk then the TAURUS case was quickly made sharp. Mal sehen wer oder was morgen aus dem Körbchen herausschaut 🙂

Thanks to our empty refrigerator we wanted to test today, what have to offer the Spaniards for breakfast. All our expectations were not too big but. In the lovely cafe on the marina but we were pleasantly surprised, because the breakfast selection in the map looked really promising. Unlike at home, but interesting. We chose two croissants, mit einen Toast Käse, a Foccacia with ham and cheese, two orange juice and two cappuccino. It sounded great but at! But it was apparently been so crowded on weekends, that we had to reduce our buffet clearly wishes. Unfortunately, there was no orange juice or cheese, Sausage or ham. Thus, we were then again landed in classic southern breakfast: Toast with butter and jam and croissants.

After it had become so hot in the sun, dass uns die vom Butter Croissant tropfte, was there at the time, to disappear in cooler climes. So we went into the air-conditioned shopping center and there directly to the Media Markt.

"Yo no soy tonto" - "I'm not stupid". The same slogan as in Germany, equal, we felt right at home.

Actually, just buy a new board vacuum cleaner stood at, but the offer was just too tempting, to restrict only to a suction. Already home loved Dietmar purchasing technical equipment such as. Flat Screen TV, Sound systems, and other great toys. But we have at the moment neither need nor place. Now a frightening way is his focus on Breadmakers, Kettles and other household appliances. Also on the purchase of a second board-laptops was thought. After about an hour we managed all temptations despite empty-handed leaving the media market again. The further shopping was very easy on the board cash. If one is honest, actually we need nothing. A great insight….

For several days now we are struggling with technical problems in our on-board electronics. Our Wind- and speed indicators (Login) did not make a sound more. After extensive analysis was made, that we need spare parts from Raymarine. But we had a blessing in disguise, because in Vigo there is a Raymarine representation.

Well prepared with address and Internet map we pulled together los. What looked on the map after a short and pleasant walk, turned out in reality as forced march and partially offset a steep and confusing maze. On and on we removed ourselves from the busy main roads and were soon far away from any street signs and beautiful glass facades of the quaint shops . Pretty soon we were sure, Directions and actual environment that did not fit together. We had lost our!

As an elderly man appeared, determined to the came to us and inquired probably just because of the many question marks on the faces, if he could help us because. Unfortunately, he did not speak a word of English or German, but the word "yachting" was well enough internationally. He accompanied us in the right direction, organized nor pen and paper for his caring "painted" Directions and also told us a piece of his life story from his time in Germany, in the city of Osnabrück had to have played a central role. Thus guided, we just needed the help of a "Tabacco" shopkeeper, a nice lady and a sports cyclist, until we had finally reached our destination.

But the long journey was worth it. Quickly and professionally we were helped. The parts required should be ordered in the morning and the day after tomorrow delivered to twelve clock. But not only that! On the way back into town the friendly Spaniards offered us even, to drive us with his private car back to Vigo. For obvious reasons, we decided, move our SUMMER tomorrow night in the marina "Lagoa" to, which lies just outside the front door of the Raymarine representation. A modern marina, beautiful, quiet, green and situated on a hill with sandy beach. Auch die Liegeplatzgebühren ließen keine Wünsche offen 🙂 So stürzten wir uns am diesem lauen Abend noch einmal ins Stadtleben, enjoyed tapas and white wine.

In the morning we walked together going, to the board refrigerator replenish. At the fish market, we bought first fresh fish. After prolonged internet research we also know, what kind of fish we bought because. A St. Pierre-fish, the real luxury at the Atlantic Fishing. Then I made my way to the supermarket, while Dietmar over yet looked at the tackle shop and finally pick up the selected vacuum cleaners at the Media Markt and of course also drag the boat should. Amazingly, there were next to the vacuum cleaner still a big fan and an electronic mosquito live traps on board, as I was with my full and heavy shopping bags back on board later. Da konnte jemand wohl doch nicht widerstehen 🙂

Despite the afternoon heat, I wanted to make one last trip to the "Castello of Vigo". Dietmar was unfortunately not to inspire. Unfortunately for him because the view over the whole bay was breathtaking. About five clock we left the downtown Marina of Vigo and share a liveliness and urban road against peace and nature.

Is a great day tomorrow: Endlich können wir die SUMMER reparieren 🙂 und am Abend freuen wir uns auf das Wiedersehen mit Wolfgang und Waltraud von der SY MENTOR.

In bright sunshine we were traveling at eleven clock. Even the wind was from his cute side and slid under the SUMMER sailing silently through the sparkling blue, Fantastically beautiful picture book. Soon it was me in my long pants, I for hip 5-6 Held winds appropriate, but much too warm. Somehow the temperature rather filled in according Bikini. Also, the Captain decided to finally get to work on his tan sailors, for his impressive brown arms ended just above the elbow. Actually, he looked even without T-Shirt, as if he had a white T-shirt.

Where the wind was because once again towards? Maybe we were in the wrong area on the way? Around noon, we had to fire up but the engine chugged and then relaxed. The Troll was put into operation. Right at first bite ripped the fishing line and the fish at the other end of the fishing disappeared along with the entire Paternoster and the turn signal again in the Depth. The Captain took it real personal. Then, when even the second Paternoster during the afternoon, including fish demolition, my Capitano was deeply hurt in his honor and anglers dream behind the huge fish, had escaped him just.

Each short pass coming breeze wind we tried to use, to sail a bit. Unfortunately, the pleasure was always of short duration. So our SUMMER was during the afternoon even to the hairdresser salon, because the skipper it was time again for a summer haircut. For the passing motor boats we have two really a funny picture have given. Maybe that's why they came still nearer past us. Amazing, I still inflicted to the Lord in the rocking neither a wave pattern holes in the head.

In Vigo we wanted to enter directly in the downtown Marina of the Real Club Nautico. Cleverly steered us the skipper through the narrow entrance and allocated by Marinero web. Surprisingly many people watched our successful docking maneuvers. Soon everything was stored away and time for our investors earned beer. Again and again people remained at the top of the harbor wall stand and admired the SUMMER. Was hatten wir nicht für ein schönes Boot 🙂 Oder sollte es für das große Interesse etwa einen anderen Grund geben? It was surely not prevent, that we still rolled out the full mainsail had standing at the mast? Incredible ... that was so embarrassing, that it was actually almost laugh again. So nahmen wir es mit Humor und ließen das Segel schnell im Mast verschwinden 🙂

After we stirred together on board our last food to a tasty dinner, we made a bit of the old town and the waterfront uncertain. A cocktail I really fell for us. After extensive quality control of the product range we can fully recommend this.

Today in the late morning, the Spanish regatta nightmare was over just as quickly again, as he had come. Unfortunately, the participants have at your departure also “the Internet” taken. So had the last night waiting finished products, until we were back online.

For today, a trip was planned to Pontevedra. But it was not only relaxed sight seeing on the program. The defective WLAN antenna should to check back at LUNA TRONIC in Germany. This almost invincible challenge proposed Dietmar pretty on the stomach. Would we be able, to bring here in Spain a package on the way?

In the port office you directed us to the bus stop in the village. Actually quite easy, about 100 Meters to the supermarket on the right side. That should be really easy to find. Armed with the road map we have the supermarket quickly found. We followed the road as described ... 100 meters ... 200 meters ... 300 meters ... .400 meters ... then was the way to end. Very strange, So again back. As a precaution, we obtained in the nearest open bar or a second opinion.
Dietmar was able to finally install his comprehensive knowledge of Spanish:
Excuse, a question: Where is the bus stop?
(Sorry, a question: Where are the buses?)
Most Spaniards, we have learned, are incredibly helpful. So we escorted the bar owner precaution part of the way back in the direction, from which we had just come. "Immer da lang, over there at the house ... ".
When we arrived back at the supermarket, we felt a bit stupid. With the help of another helpful Spaniard we stood again sometime about 100 Meters behind the supermarket on the road.
While it was far and wide to find no reference, who pointed to a bus stop (neither shield / Road Marking / Bank / timetable) and still held five minutes later, this is exactly where the bus. That could be fun, if it should be in the same or similar Pontevedra. Maybe we'd better go back by taxi.

First work, before pleasure: Looking for a “Post Office” (Post office) came back the beautiful Spanish standard set used and just before the midday closing, our package was on the way to Germany. Now we could relax. The city invited to stay. Schade, that they are not located directly on the sea and no port has, one can start with our boat.

The old town was completely dominated by the "honey-feast", the whole ten days was celebrated in Pontevedra. Somehow we find in Spain almost always a reason to celebrate (Honey, Tomatoes; Wine, Sea ... .eigentlich not matter). A huge fair was built with a large stage and carousel for kids and adults. We moved in the great old town with its charming squares, mit Bars und Cafés, a bustling market hall, many churches and ancient palaces. In the midday heat, but we had soon had enough. Very clever these Spaniards with their Siesta.

As previously planned, we wanted to treat ourselves to a taxi for the way back ... the streets were deserted ..but during siesta. When we were yet arrived back at the bus stop after a long search, we were able to stop a free taxi one there. Beautiful, that it continues tomorrow with the SUMMER. As we make our schedule and stops itself, exactly as we like it.

Were for tomorrow's trip to Vigo in the next Ria only 25 Hip nautical sailing. That we dared despite the hip 5-6 Wind strengths to. But before one load was quickly washed yet, but this time on board with us. After an hour exaggerated some telltale Persil whitecaps of our rear in the wind of it and shortly after our laundry flapping on the clothesline in the wind. Although our neighbor looked a little suspicious, wondering certainly, where we have conjures up all the clean laundry. But the luxury we enjoyed.