It is ‘sods law’ that the weather would turn ‘yucky’ as soon as we get visitors from England. Strong northerly winds kicked in and the temperature dropped.
Great weather for running around on the beach, if you are a dog, but not quite the swimming weather my humans appreciate!
We had planned to sail to Lanzorate and meet our visitors there, but the strong winds trapped us on Graciosa. But my Aunt Helen and Uncle Steve are very adaptable and they were happy to catch the Ferry to join us here.
Ferry arriving at Port
It was all very exciting having visitors. Four months of sailing and they arrive after a four hour flight!
We’re here!
As you can see the weather was not ‘exactly’ that warm!
Since it was ‘obviously’ not going to be a beach holiday, we decided instead to do some relaxing, eating and sight seeing.
One of the best things we did was visit the volcanoes of Lanzorate’s interior.
The lunar landscape is quite impressive and has not changed much since the last eruptions in the mid 1800’s. They have turned the whole area into a ‘tourist trap’ and you have to pay to take one of their coaches around the area.
It is not that bad as it frees you up to appreciate the sights with out dealing with the treaturous road way.
Everyone on the coach
There are still active heat vents
The coach takes you up and around the many craters in the area
The coach road travels down through lava tunnels
The coach trip starts and finishes at a visitor centre and restaurant built on on of the crators
At the end of your coach trip you are shown demonstrations of how active the craters still are.
Hay is placed down a crack in the Earth
The heat from the ground quickly lights the hay
Water is poured down a hole in the ground
Back up comes the water as steam
If you want you can also go to the restaurant, where they are happy to roast your dinner over the volcanic heat vents.
We decided instead, after visiting the tourist traps of the South, to drive through the pretty older towns of the North right up to the cliffs overlooking Graciousa.
Lanzorate’s famous view point and local artists home
Looking down on our little island of Graciosa from the northern cliffs of Lazorate.
You can see our volcano, anchorage and even the port with our boat in it.
Don’t jump!
Graciosa’s port, our little town and the regular ferry arriving.
Where we have been weather bound for a week.
They’re visit was too short. Before we knew it they were on their way back home again.
Sad goodbyes
Just as they leave the weather decides to improve….’sods law’!
We have all their treats, and spares they brought for us, to stow away and we will be able to make our way to Lanzorate. We will anchor up on the ‘big island’ for a few days because I am due to see the Vet for my annual injection. One of my humans also needs to see a dentist. Both are available there.
If you want to see how my Aunt Helen and Uncle Steve are doing preparing to go cruising with us in a few years, just use the link on our page to their boat Allegini.
