Volume 0309

Muros, Spain to Bayona, Spain

Our time in Ria Biaxas was similar to a Maine summer: often we could literally see the next port.. Few were more than 30 miles distance. So we relaxed and meandered from port to port. Therefore we did not keep our normal daily log. These charts and short descriptions provide the essence of our cruises. The ports are the key to the charm of the rias. Almost without exception, the water is deep, the holding good, and the rocks plentiful.

Leg 1, August 15-21st: Our week with Mark Bumgarner where we visited the following ports: Muros, Corrubedo, Riveira, Cambados, and Isle de Arosa. When Mark departed, we toured the ria with our Spanish friends and just enjoyed Riveria, one of our favorite locations. Unfortunately we became complacent and did not check the weather daily so were caught in a gale (30-35 mph winds) for two days. The customs boat awoke us the night after the gale to go through their customs routine with us. They were informative and very nice, completing the formalities onboard with Chris in his skivvies and Jackie in her PJ's.

Leg 2, Saturday, August 30th: After a two day gale at anchor, we move to the next ria south. Our friends from Sea Princess send a phone message not to miss Combarro so we anchor there.

Leg 3, Sunday August 31st: After visiting the medieval village in Combarro, we motor down to Bueu to go to the market for provisions.

Leg 4, Monday, September 1st: The anchorage at Bueu proves unstable so we sail (yes!) to Cangas, the closet port to Vigo. What a wonderful surprise! A great marina which allowed us to pay to dock our dinghy during our all day ferry rides to Vigo. Cangas has one of the best small, family run restaurants in the area, and the typical, friendly Spanish people.

Leg 5, Tuesday, September 9th: After an extended stay in Cangas including renting a car for three days to tour the regions both north and south of Vigo, we sail to Bayona to prepare to depart Spain for Portugal. We had to wait for the king of Spain and his security to vacate Bayona before moving south.