Spain 2016 - Isla Canela Marina - 1st impressions

It took a day and a half of travel to get here; drive from home (thanks Simon), flight Toronto to Heathrow, bus Heathrow to Gatwick, flight Gatwick to Faro (delayed), drive Faro to Ayamonte. We got here in the dark (inside car light on with Dad reading the e-mail instructions and me driving) and found the agents office to pick up the keys and after calling him (thank you Bell, my phone worked) to get the right lock box code, keys let us in the gate and we parked in the designated spot, up in the elevator and into a very cold apartment. After a brief look around we went looking for food. The only place open was Neptuno Cafe/Bar. The only food on the menu was tostadas con jamon. This turned out to be a large toasted bun with a little container of olive oil to drizzle on and a plate of serrano ham. That and 2 glasses of Rioja and we were much happier. Oh yes and a chocolate eclair.

This morning it was foggy and cool when we woke to the sound of renovating next door. Renovating in a cement and tile building is noisy. I headed straight out to find coffee and ended up at the Neptuno again. Breakfast was one of those excellent toasted buns with butter and jam and dos cafe con leche. Mum and Dad joined me there.

Our terrace after the sun burned the fog and cloud off.

From the terrace looking towards the right, North East.

To the left is a small area of tidal marsh.

We wrote a grocery list, had to stock up with essentials for the 2 month stay and the next few meals. We drove into Ayamonte and found the tourist office for directions to the market, supermarket and advice on parking.

There is a dedicated market building but we were there late in the morning and there weren't a lot of stalls open. We weren't sure if that was because of the time of year. Have to go earlier next time.

We bought 3 oranges and a lemon from this stall for 1 Euro. After the transaction was complete, he, with a charming smile, handed Mum and I each another orange. Good marketing, how can we help but buy from him again.

Next was the supermarket and we stocked up on everything from olive oil to wine and then headed home, exhausted from a morning of shopping (oh yes, and a day of traveling). Lunch and then, while Mum and Dad rested and read, I decided to go for a walk to the other side of the marina.

Ours is the terrace just above the Cafe Dante sign (its supposed to be open on weekends)

From the other side of the bit of tidal marsh.

Don't think this is going out fishing any time soon.

Our side of the port is a marina and docks for pleasure craft, sailing and motor. The other side is a small fishing village with small and large commercial craft.

I love it when the tide is out and the boats are slightly a-kilter.

Deck of one of the larger commercial boats.

Bay of little fishing boats and lighthouse behind.

Good fishing for egrets too.

I also got a picture of a Curlew in the shallows but it was on digital zoom and not good enough to post. Good enough to identify in the bird book though.

The pool at our building. Even though it has water in it, it is closed so I don't think I will get any swimming here.

Home and it was time for a drink and making supper.