39 02.2 N 001 36.6 E Cala San Carlo, Ibiza
Tues 13th July 2010

We have spent the last week and a bit doing an almost complete circumnavigation of Ibiza. Went back to where there is a gap between Espalmador (where we landed) and Ibiza to have a look at Ibiza town itself. It was everything you imagine (and reminded us why we avoid places like that)! But had to say been there, done that.

Back through the gap to start a clockwise look at the island. From Jondal on it becomes increasingly craggy and wild, with many little calas or bays cut into the cliffs, some of which have little beaches at their inmost point. Some are developed tourist beaches, the bleaker and wilder ones left unspoilt. With wind from the E, this W and NW coast was ideal.

Went to some terrific coves, explored caves by dinghy, the anchor and fish by snorkel and the various rock formations. Highlights include fisherman's beach huts built under the cliffs with launch ramps for their boats that have been turned into multiple use as beach huts (being away from the beaches they are favoured by those who prefer going "au naturel". Rounded "Rabbit Island" to do the N bit.

World Cup night we were in Cala Benirras, a perfect little spot. (I am not a footie fan, didn't even know there was a world cup on until recently and certainly not who was playing when). However....
With Spain in the final, the beach was thronged with people, the restaurants all had TV sets on, the jugglers and bongo drummers were in full swing, fire dancing and general good natured mayhem with the "new age" and naked dreadlock brigade playing happily side by side with elegant Spanish Senoras and other foreign riff-raff. A great atmosphere ending with the ferrying of various bodies back to their respective boats (hopefully) in the dark. And the bongo drums played on.

Here too was a rock, fondly known as Queen Vic, on account of the profile from one angle purportedly looking like Victoria on the throne. And it does. It stands 27 metres high and local sport seems to be seeing if you can climb its vertical face to the top, then come halfway down and launch yourself into the water. Luckily very steep to and the water is deep - it's a long way down. Watched and applauded a few who managed it. Weren't tempted ourselves!

On round the NE tip of the island to a little island charmingly called Tagomago and stopped for the night in a cove called Cala San Carlo - strewn with unmarked rocks - a bit unnerving. But weather good for launching ourselves off tomorrow for another "channel length" crossing to Mallorca.

39 30.8 N 002 28.2 E Santa Ponca, Mallorca
Thurs 15th July 2010

Hope all you weather-bound sailors in France were nicely tucked up and enjoyed the Bastille Day fireworks last night.

Another classic beam reach 50 nm accompanied by dolphins crossing to the bay and town of Ponca. A bit of a rolly anchorage, but the place itself is good, first impressions are that the scenery, particularly north of here, looks stunning and we have lots of information about places to see and explore - huge caves with prehistoric fossil remains and enormous stalagmites, etc. Thinking of taking an old 1920 railway trip through the middle of the island from Palma (S) to Soller (N) in order to get the feel of the interior. But that's for later.

Our Malo 37 friends texted us to say they are making their way over, probably tomorrow, so we will catch up with them somewhere on the island and compare notes.

Oh yes, and we have booked the boat in at Marina Badalena, just north of Barcelona, for August, so will make Lucas's 1st Birthday as planned! Means a 100nm trip north to mainland, then back again in September, but we haven't been to that bit of the coast, so c'est la vie.