Bridge that was once the main route to Maro.
The old aqueduct.
View to Nerja from the start of the roman road.
Lovely colours along the track.
Stroll around Nerja
Hangover the next day so only a short walk around Nerja. It was a beautiful sunny day. The sky was clear and the views were spectacular. This brief walk took us towards Maro, around the old sugar factory and down a dodgy roman road.
Bridge that was once the main route to Maro.
The old aqueduct.
View to Nerja from the start of the roman road.
Lovely colours along the track.
Bridge that was once the main route to Maro.
The old aqueduct.
View to Nerja from the start of the roman road.
Lovely colours along the track.
Dinner at Los Arcos
No trip to Nerja would be complete without a visit to the restaurant at Los Arcos. Luckily, the fire hadn't caused too much damage so it was business as usual.
Fire damage at Los Arcos.
Family ready for Dinner.
You can't go wrong with a steak at Los Arcos. I had the pimienta and it was wonderful. Monica was less impressed with her fish, a bit oily, and it seems that they have cut back on the veg portions. Still, one of the best places in Nerja by far.
Compliments of the management.
After finishing off the red wine, the manager came over to thank Martin again for the help tackling the blaze. A bottle of cava for the table as well as passing around the 103! No chance of going home sober tonight then!
Cleaned up at Killer again!
After the meal there was still time to take the money of the oldies at Killer. Easy money!
Fire damage at Los Arcos.
Family ready for Dinner.
You can't go wrong with a steak at Los Arcos. I had the pimienta and it was wonderful. Monica was less impressed with her fish, a bit oily, and it seems that they have cut back on the veg portions. Still, one of the best places in Nerja by far.
Compliments of the management.
After finishing off the red wine, the manager came over to thank Martin again for the help tackling the blaze. A bottle of cava for the table as well as passing around the 103! No chance of going home sober tonight then!
Cleaned up at Killer again!
After the meal there was still time to take the money of the oldies at Killer. Easy money!
Fire!
A quick trip into town with Papa to pick up some supplies. On the way back we could see thick black smoke on the horizon. A fire had broken out somewhere near our house! As we got closer we could see the source. It was Hotel Los Arcos. The hotel that the Aunties and Uncles were staying at. Visions of putting up the whole family flashed before my eyes.
View of Los Arcos from the terrace.
Bombereos and Guardia Civil quickly on the seen.
By the time we got home and raced to the terrace to see what was going on, the acrid black smoke had gone. The smoke was more like a chimney burning. Mama and Monica thought I was kidding them until they saw the fire engine and the guardia civil in attendance. What about the family?
20 minutes later and the familiar sight of the family walking down the street on the way to our house. Thankfully, they were not carrying all their belongings. Or had they gone up in smoke?
Room for 4 more?
It turns out that the fire had broken out in a private house next door to the hotel. However, they were away and the flames were spreading and the Los Arcos kitchens were next. One of the brothers who own the hotel was frantically trying to put out the fire with an extinguisher. Cue his new hero Martin. Quick as a flash he raced around the hotel collecting every extinguisher he could get his hands on and passed them up to the brother. The fire was quickly brought under control before the fire brigade arrived. No damage to the kitchens and more importantly no guests were made homeless. Panic over!
View of Los Arcos from the terrace.
Bombereos and Guardia Civil quickly on the seen.
By the time we got home and raced to the terrace to see what was going on, the acrid black smoke had gone. The smoke was more like a chimney burning. Mama and Monica thought I was kidding them until they saw the fire engine and the guardia civil in attendance. What about the family?
20 minutes later and the familiar sight of the family walking down the street on the way to our house. Thankfully, they were not carrying all their belongings. Or had they gone up in smoke?
Room for 4 more?
It turns out that the fire had broken out in a private house next door to the hotel. However, they were away and the flames were spreading and the Los Arcos kitchens were next. One of the brothers who own the hotel was frantically trying to put out the fire with an extinguisher. Cue his new hero Martin. Quick as a flash he raced around the hotel collecting every extinguisher he could get his hands on and passed them up to the brother. The fire was quickly brought under control before the fire brigade arrived. No damage to the kitchens and more importantly no guests were made homeless. Panic over!
On the Tapas Trail
Quick note to self:
1) Don't organise a Tapas Trail on a Sunday Night out of summer. All the best bars will be shut stupid!
2) Never arrange a tapa night when there is a big group of you!
The above are all things I knew but we went ahead and did one anyway. All the family was present including a group of Auntie Lyn's friends from Stalybridge.
In El Pulguilla.
It was decided that the authentic tapas bars of Nerja would be too much for this crew. We had to make it more "Upmarket". Fit for tourists in other words. So we couldn't stray far from the centre. First port of call would have been Los Barriles. Didn't have to worry about finding space for 12 of us as it was shut.
After trying a few more up Calle Cristo that were also shut, we went for El Pulguilla. Normally, the tapas of choice here is fish. However, Mama would not be too happy with this. She rarely changes from Chicken and then its for a Chicken Curry. Still, we asked for a mixture of tapas and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The gambas was great!
Papa with his "Girlfriend" Jean.
It wouldn't be Papa if he didn't try to make a fuss over the girls, or the "good time girls" as he would refer to them. He had to get his photo taken with Jean, one of the many he bands as "girlfriend", even though he hasn't seen her for years.
In Meson de Julio
The next stop was Meson de Julio, our favourite place on Calle Cristo. Dani served us with the usual before exclaiming a "Joder!" when he saw the rest of the group walk in. Any visions of turning the place into a restaurant were swept aside as it turned back into a pub in an instant. The girls becoming more rawdy with each sip.
Before things went pear shaped like the last trip to the Italian, we decided it would be a good idea to head for H20, a little closer to home. Not for the girls though, who were staying at Marinas de Nerja. They would need a taxi anyway so they came along for the walk. This brings me neatly on to the other lesson I learned. When you ask for a taxi at H20, don't keep them waiting. They simply won't and you will find it nearly impossible to get them to come back!
1) Don't organise a Tapas Trail on a Sunday Night out of summer. All the best bars will be shut stupid!
2) Never arrange a tapa night when there is a big group of you!
The above are all things I knew but we went ahead and did one anyway. All the family was present including a group of Auntie Lyn's friends from Stalybridge.
In El Pulguilla.
It was decided that the authentic tapas bars of Nerja would be too much for this crew. We had to make it more "Upmarket". Fit for tourists in other words. So we couldn't stray far from the centre. First port of call would have been Los Barriles. Didn't have to worry about finding space for 12 of us as it was shut.
After trying a few more up Calle Cristo that were also shut, we went for El Pulguilla. Normally, the tapas of choice here is fish. However, Mama would not be too happy with this. She rarely changes from Chicken and then its for a Chicken Curry. Still, we asked for a mixture of tapas and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The gambas was great!
Papa with his "Girlfriend" Jean.
It wouldn't be Papa if he didn't try to make a fuss over the girls, or the "good time girls" as he would refer to them. He had to get his photo taken with Jean, one of the many he bands as "girlfriend", even though he hasn't seen her for years.
In Meson de Julio
The next stop was Meson de Julio, our favourite place on Calle Cristo. Dani served us with the usual before exclaiming a "Joder!" when he saw the rest of the group walk in. Any visions of turning the place into a restaurant were swept aside as it turned back into a pub in an instant. The girls becoming more rawdy with each sip.
Before things went pear shaped like the last trip to the Italian, we decided it would be a good idea to head for H20, a little closer to home. Not for the girls though, who were staying at Marinas de Nerja. They would need a taxi anyway so they came along for the walk. This brings me neatly on to the other lesson I learned. When you ask for a taxi at H20, don't keep them waiting. They simply won't and you will find it nearly impossible to get them to come back!
The Italian Job
The annual trip to the Italian with Mama and Papa and the "Hangers on". As always, we headed for Bella Roma near the Balcon. The best pizza in town. However, tonight we all decided to have pasta, except papa who went for the very Italian dish of Chicken and chips.
Papa and Martin at the Bella Roma.
We had a few bottles of red wine for the meal. However, the ladies went for the Rose. Quite a few bottles of the stuff. The ladies end of the table started to get a bit animated. The alcohol kicking in. It was then the annual event for Mama to try showing me up with stories when I was a baby. Water off a ducks back now. So she tried a new tactic. My backside was discussed.
This proved to be my Auntie's downfall. The plan was to walk back to the Parador side of town to go to the new bar. However, on route Auntie Lyn fell down a hole whilst she was not looking where she was walking. Where was she looking? She insisted that she was not drunk but all arguments were settled as she fell for the second time outside the bar. Time to go home!
Uncle Martin has to keep Auntie Lyn upright on the walk home.
Tricky chicane to negotiate.
Papa and Martin at the Bella Roma.
We had a few bottles of red wine for the meal. However, the ladies went for the Rose. Quite a few bottles of the stuff. The ladies end of the table started to get a bit animated. The alcohol kicking in. It was then the annual event for Mama to try showing me up with stories when I was a baby. Water off a ducks back now. So she tried a new tactic. My backside was discussed.
This proved to be my Auntie's downfall. The plan was to walk back to the Parador side of town to go to the new bar. However, on route Auntie Lyn fell down a hole whilst she was not looking where she was walking. Where was she looking? She insisted that she was not drunk but all arguments were settled as she fell for the second time outside the bar. Time to go home!
Uncle Martin has to keep Auntie Lyn upright on the walk home.
Tricky chicane to negotiate.
The Arrivals
Busy time in Nerja for us. Not one, but two sets of arrivals in under a week. First it was the arrival of Mama and Papa. A two week stay at our place. They soon made themselves at home. They liked the new house but still managed to find things to complain about. Particularly, the lack of a memory foam mattress topper on their beds. Well, I don't want them to get too comfy here.
They had a couple of days start on the others. The weather forecast was not great for the weekend so they decided to soak up the rays on the terrace. Should be easy to spot our house on Google Earth if they took a picture. Papa's belly was seen by the new Chinese astronauts. The sight prompted Monica to start threatening me with diets and fitness regimes...
Mama and Papa on the terrace.
The others, Auntie Lyn and Uncle Martin, Kath and Martin, arrived a couple of days later. Their fourth attempt at finding their way from the Airport to Nerja. Again they failed. However, this time they were saved the usual detour through Málaga city because of road works. They managed to turnaround and make the A7 turning.
Everyone arrived and settled in.
They had a couple of days start on the others. The weather forecast was not great for the weekend so they decided to soak up the rays on the terrace. Should be easy to spot our house on Google Earth if they took a picture. Papa's belly was seen by the new Chinese astronauts. The sight prompted Monica to start threatening me with diets and fitness regimes...
Mama and Papa on the terrace.
The others, Auntie Lyn and Uncle Martin, Kath and Martin, arrived a couple of days later. Their fourth attempt at finding their way from the Airport to Nerja. Again they failed. However, this time they were saved the usual detour through Málaga city because of road works. They managed to turnaround and make the A7 turning.
Everyone arrived and settled in.
Rio Chillar re-visited
Its been over a year since we had done the water walk up the rio chillar. What would we find up there nearly a year after the massive storms that flooded the area? Armed with our trusted walking sticks and my new gadget pedometer, we went to find out.
The one thing that hadn't changed is the popularity of this walk. The usual car park near the cement factory was full. We had to drive further up river to find a space. That's normally the trick of the 4x4 drivers. Still, we gingerly crawled over the rocks in first gear and found a good spot.
The first part is a 20 minute walk to the central electrica. This is normally the first point that you encounter water. Not any more. The water has reached almost to the car park. Most 4x4 drivers who ventured further upstream to park in the dry riverbed now had wet feet getting out of their vehicles.
New Waterfall
It wasn't the only place new with water. Just under 10 minutes from the central electrica and you can see that the storms have created a spectacular waterfall on the right. Walking up the river and it seemed that more rock pools had been formed. 5 minutes later and you reach the first of the cahorros.
In the first cahorro
Just after the first cahorro and a new rock pool had been formed. Usually, families that venture up the river begin to stop off and picnic. They usually make it to the first pool, about 30 minutes from the central electrica. However, this new pool seemed a favourite spot. Still, traffic going up the river was still busy. Would we find a secluded spot for our picnic? Doubtful.
In the 2nd Cahorro with evidence of the storm damage
The second, and most spectacular of the cahorros can be seen from the new rock pool. The already narrow passage way was littered with fallen trees from high above. Some felled trees spanned across the rock face making a bridge. However, even the most adrenaline filled dangerous sports fans would think twice before crossing it.
The big pool just after the second cahorro wasn't as busy as I imagined it would be. The new pool has taken a few customers away from it. Still, this is the furthest point most would venture. The next attraction up the river, the rock pools and waterfalls are another hour up river.
1st rock waterfall pool is packed
Its well worth the walk to this point. The one's that do put the effort in and reach here are rewarded by a stunning rock pool with crystal clear water pouring down from the rocks above. A great place to have a dip and cool off. Unfortunately, more and more people are making it to this point so it is a bit crowded, especially on a Sunday. I'd love to see the place during the week. You may be lucky and get the place to yourself.
2nd rock waterfalls
If the crowds are too much, don't despair. I'll let you into a secret. There's another rock pool about 10 minutes further up. There are a series of blue spots painted on the rocks. Follow them. Its a bit of a scramble up the rocks but that means less people will do it. The pool isn't as big as the first but its less crowded. This was our stopping place for a dip.
Still, we weren't alone. We decided to see how much further you could go. The guidebook that we used basically says that not much further up is the end. Unpassable. I'll let you into another secret. There is a way and its not by following the river which indeed does become unpassable. There is a path to the left that is the Liman trail. It takes you to Frigiliana. 5 minutes up this path and it clearly points you to the left, up hill. Ignore it and take the path to the right that follows parallel to the river. 10 minutes later and your back to the river.
We found a rock in the river and had our picnic spot. Not a person to be seen or heard. Our tranquillity only disturbed by the pesky hornets that kept buzzing by us. After a bite to eat and a little rest it was back the way we came.
The end of the walk and we were both shattered. It seems this is our favourite walk to do after I'm recovering from a bad back. Crazy! The pedometer recorded that we had taken 16,771 steps, travelled 11.24 kilometres and burnt off 838 Kcal. Oh, and it took 4 and a half hours. Bloody thing doesn't work. Its at least a 16 kilometre walk!
The one thing that hadn't changed is the popularity of this walk. The usual car park near the cement factory was full. We had to drive further up river to find a space. That's normally the trick of the 4x4 drivers. Still, we gingerly crawled over the rocks in first gear and found a good spot.
The first part is a 20 minute walk to the central electrica. This is normally the first point that you encounter water. Not any more. The water has reached almost to the car park. Most 4x4 drivers who ventured further upstream to park in the dry riverbed now had wet feet getting out of their vehicles.
New Waterfall
It wasn't the only place new with water. Just under 10 minutes from the central electrica and you can see that the storms have created a spectacular waterfall on the right. Walking up the river and it seemed that more rock pools had been formed. 5 minutes later and you reach the first of the cahorros.
In the first cahorro
Just after the first cahorro and a new rock pool had been formed. Usually, families that venture up the river begin to stop off and picnic. They usually make it to the first pool, about 30 minutes from the central electrica. However, this new pool seemed a favourite spot. Still, traffic going up the river was still busy. Would we find a secluded spot for our picnic? Doubtful.
In the 2nd Cahorro with evidence of the storm damage
The second, and most spectacular of the cahorros can be seen from the new rock pool. The already narrow passage way was littered with fallen trees from high above. Some felled trees spanned across the rock face making a bridge. However, even the most adrenaline filled dangerous sports fans would think twice before crossing it.
The big pool just after the second cahorro wasn't as busy as I imagined it would be. The new pool has taken a few customers away from it. Still, this is the furthest point most would venture. The next attraction up the river, the rock pools and waterfalls are another hour up river.
1st rock waterfall pool is packed
Its well worth the walk to this point. The one's that do put the effort in and reach here are rewarded by a stunning rock pool with crystal clear water pouring down from the rocks above. A great place to have a dip and cool off. Unfortunately, more and more people are making it to this point so it is a bit crowded, especially on a Sunday. I'd love to see the place during the week. You may be lucky and get the place to yourself.
2nd rock waterfalls
If the crowds are too much, don't despair. I'll let you into a secret. There's another rock pool about 10 minutes further up. There are a series of blue spots painted on the rocks. Follow them. Its a bit of a scramble up the rocks but that means less people will do it. The pool isn't as big as the first but its less crowded. This was our stopping place for a dip.
Still, we weren't alone. We decided to see how much further you could go. The guidebook that we used basically says that not much further up is the end. Unpassable. I'll let you into another secret. There is a way and its not by following the river which indeed does become unpassable. There is a path to the left that is the Liman trail. It takes you to Frigiliana. 5 minutes up this path and it clearly points you to the left, up hill. Ignore it and take the path to the right that follows parallel to the river. 10 minutes later and your back to the river.
We found a rock in the river and had our picnic spot. Not a person to be seen or heard. Our tranquillity only disturbed by the pesky hornets that kept buzzing by us. After a bite to eat and a little rest it was back the way we came.
The end of the walk and we were both shattered. It seems this is our favourite walk to do after I'm recovering from a bad back. Crazy! The pedometer recorded that we had taken 16,771 steps, travelled 11.24 kilometres and burnt off 838 Kcal. Oh, and it took 4 and a half hours. Bloody thing doesn't work. Its at least a 16 kilometre walk!
Feria de Maro
Saturday and a quick trip to Maro to see the feria. The locals have been upset with the Nerja council over the lack of funding for the fiesta. This may have explained the lack of attractions at the event, or is it just that Maro is a very small place.
Noelia and Monica at the Feria
Anyway, one of the attractions was that Mari-Carmen's daughter Noelia, both work colleagues of Monica's, was dancing. She appeared a little nervous before the show. This wasn't helped by the fact that she had to dance the part of the hombre. Apparently its not only funding they are short of in Maro.
Maro Feria
Iglesia de Nuestra Séñora de las Maravillas
Traditional andalucian dance
Noelia bailando.
Noelia and Monica at the Feria
Anyway, one of the attractions was that Mari-Carmen's daughter Noelia, both work colleagues of Monica's, was dancing. She appeared a little nervous before the show. This wasn't helped by the fact that she had to dance the part of the hombre. Apparently its not only funding they are short of in Maro.
Maro Feria
Iglesia de Nuestra Séñora de las Maravillas
Traditional andalucian dance
Noelia bailando.
Plaza Mayor and Ikea
With the weekend a write-off it was a quick trip to see Fran to start treatment on my back. The rest of the weekend would be resting up at home. Or so I thought. Monica had other ideas like a shopping trip to Ikea.
What can I say. Ikea is Ikea. Luckily I was spared the walking around upstairs. I only had to manage around the ground floor using the shopping trolley for support. The thing I hate most about Ikea is they try to herd you around in a set way. Big blue arrows pointing the way for those stupid enough not to no where they were going. So naturally we had to go swimming against the tide.
The other thing I hate is that you get a few things from the list you have but end up with more things that weren't on any bloody list. They must use some special scent that drives the impulse to buy stuff. "Look triple A batteries. Lets buy a pack of 10".
The next stop proved to be better, Decathlon. We need to do a little research on backpacks for our trip to Thailand. The place is huge and caters for all sports. I quickly found the golf section but apparently we had to stick to looking for things on the list. They must not have the Ikea scent in Decathlon.
Guiri Train in Plaza Mayor
The next stop was a quick look around Plaza Mayor. This is a shopping complex similar to the big indoor centres such as the Trafford Centre or El Ingenio, except it is outside. The number of restaurants, fast food places and bars easily outnumber the shops. Always a good sign. Time for a MacDonald's. A MacDonald's always involves having a conversation about when was the last time we had one. 6 months ago? Maybe longer. 5 minutes later and you quickly realise why its been so long since your last visit. Still, I'm sure we will go through the same routine at some point early next year.
Plaza Mayor
The other major attraction at Plaza Mayor is the Yelmo multiscreen cinema. I don't know how many screens they have but it looked like they were only showing Batman. Must have been 15 posters for the "Caballero Oscuro". Oh, and one in English. Excellent, they show films in English! Must come back soon. Now, when is the next bond movie....
What can I say. Ikea is Ikea. Luckily I was spared the walking around upstairs. I only had to manage around the ground floor using the shopping trolley for support. The thing I hate most about Ikea is they try to herd you around in a set way. Big blue arrows pointing the way for those stupid enough not to no where they were going. So naturally we had to go swimming against the tide.
The other thing I hate is that you get a few things from the list you have but end up with more things that weren't on any bloody list. They must use some special scent that drives the impulse to buy stuff. "Look triple A batteries. Lets buy a pack of 10".
The next stop proved to be better, Decathlon. We need to do a little research on backpacks for our trip to Thailand. The place is huge and caters for all sports. I quickly found the golf section but apparently we had to stick to looking for things on the list. They must not have the Ikea scent in Decathlon.
Guiri Train in Plaza Mayor
The next stop was a quick look around Plaza Mayor. This is a shopping complex similar to the big indoor centres such as the Trafford Centre or El Ingenio, except it is outside. The number of restaurants, fast food places and bars easily outnumber the shops. Always a good sign. Time for a MacDonald's. A MacDonald's always involves having a conversation about when was the last time we had one. 6 months ago? Maybe longer. 5 minutes later and you quickly realise why its been so long since your last visit. Still, I'm sure we will go through the same routine at some point early next year.
Plaza Mayor
The other major attraction at Plaza Mayor is the Yelmo multiscreen cinema. I don't know how many screens they have but it looked like they were only showing Batman. Must have been 15 posters for the "Caballero Oscuro". Oh, and one in English. Excellent, they show films in English! Must come back soon. Now, when is the next bond movie....
Piraguismo - Socorro!
The start of the weekend. Let the good times roll. A busy weekend was planned, starting with the usual piraguismo trip. Unfortunately, an old problem, coupled with me being an idiot, surfaced to wreck my plans.
The last Friday of August and Monica and I were the only members of the Piraguismo club to turn up for the early session. However, the Adventura crew was packed meaning my number one choice canoe was unavailable. I went for the smaller version, fatally without any water covers on it.
Damning evidence of no water covers on canoe!
The sea was rough and the winds were picking up. Still, we launched from Burriana with little problems and set off for Carrizal. The trip was a little like a roller coaster, sea water crashing over the canoe and beginning to fill the boat. Monica decided it was too risky to land at Carrizal. There was nobody there to help. We turned back for Caleta where the Adventura group would be.
With the waves crashing into the shore it proved to be a great test of my exiting skills. A couple of monitors from the Adventura group watched closely as I prepared to exit. Wait for the right wave and go. Nice one! Our problems started when we tried to leave.
The waves were the biggest I have seen since we started with the kayak club. My first attempt almost proved successful. I got into the sea but the boat was very unstable. I had taken a lot of water onboard as a big wave crashed over me on entry. I had to exit and empty the boat. The second attempt was disastrous. A big wave wiping me out and completely flooding the canoe. I tried to pick up the boat and "Crack" my lower back went.
Stranded on the beach with the Adventura group already departed. How were we going to get back to Burianna? We spotted a canoe further up the coast but no canoeist. A few minutes later and a double kayak was heading to the beach with Marco, one of the monitors with Adventura, in it. He was coming ashore to collect the other canoe. Monica dashed over to explain our problem.
So I was gently lowered into the other canoe with the water covers on it. If only mine had had them we would be sat comfortable in a bar watching the sea now. Marcos helped me launch and then got into my stricken canoe. Then it was a case of attaching the toe rope and heading back to Burriana.
The trip back was more shameful than painful. The embarrassment of being toed in a canoe! Marcos was great and effortlessly paddled back to Burriana. I was left thinking about the wrecked weekend. How many days would I be out of action? Things couldn't get any worse. Then I saw the later group paddling towards us. Embarrassment now complete.
The last Friday of August and Monica and I were the only members of the Piraguismo club to turn up for the early session. However, the Adventura crew was packed meaning my number one choice canoe was unavailable. I went for the smaller version, fatally without any water covers on it.
Damning evidence of no water covers on canoe!
The sea was rough and the winds were picking up. Still, we launched from Burriana with little problems and set off for Carrizal. The trip was a little like a roller coaster, sea water crashing over the canoe and beginning to fill the boat. Monica decided it was too risky to land at Carrizal. There was nobody there to help. We turned back for Caleta where the Adventura group would be.
With the waves crashing into the shore it proved to be a great test of my exiting skills. A couple of monitors from the Adventura group watched closely as I prepared to exit. Wait for the right wave and go. Nice one! Our problems started when we tried to leave.
The waves were the biggest I have seen since we started with the kayak club. My first attempt almost proved successful. I got into the sea but the boat was very unstable. I had taken a lot of water onboard as a big wave crashed over me on entry. I had to exit and empty the boat. The second attempt was disastrous. A big wave wiping me out and completely flooding the canoe. I tried to pick up the boat and "Crack" my lower back went.
Stranded on the beach with the Adventura group already departed. How were we going to get back to Burianna? We spotted a canoe further up the coast but no canoeist. A few minutes later and a double kayak was heading to the beach with Marco, one of the monitors with Adventura, in it. He was coming ashore to collect the other canoe. Monica dashed over to explain our problem.
So I was gently lowered into the other canoe with the water covers on it. If only mine had had them we would be sat comfortable in a bar watching the sea now. Marcos helped me launch and then got into my stricken canoe. Then it was a case of attaching the toe rope and heading back to Burriana.
The trip back was more shameful than painful. The embarrassment of being toed in a canoe! Marcos was great and effortlessly paddled back to Burriana. I was left thinking about the wrecked weekend. How many days would I be out of action? Things couldn't get any worse. Then I saw the later group paddling towards us. Embarrassment now complete.