The Adventures of Melvyn and Lesley
Having retired we are busy pursuing the things we enjoy
First proper venture into the hills. After the storm, conditions underfoot were very wet and muddy in places but it was great to be back. I had a look at where I sailed last year with Chris Andrews, but at the moment there’s a barrier across. Conditions for driving there look dodgy too.
Well, that was quite a storm. Laying in bed was like being in the middle of a firework display. We got off lightly, some people were completely flooded with muddy water. The car park and roads are like wet fields and the beach has been washed into the sea.
Well, breakfast/lunch. A favourite past time on a Sunday is to sit in the harbour reading the paper while enjoying a coffee and a snack. Usually with chocolate in it for me. Lovely scenery with more than the occasional RIB taking out dozens of divers. A bit rusty with the Spanish names for some of the food on offer but we got there. We both had cafe café con leche, Lesley had media una rodaja de tomate en pan tostado (half a slice of tomato on toast) y (and) manzana tarte (apple tart). I had queso y jamón sándwich tostado y Napolitanas chocolate (chocolate filled filo pastry thing). All very nice and lots of calories.
On the way back we stopped to have a look at Playa de Levante de Mar Menor. We have seen locals windsurfing there and it looks like a good spot for wave sailing.
It wasn’t as windy as we hoped but at least I got onto the water. Using my biggest sail but really the board and fin were too small. Maybe it’ll be better tomorrow.
Well that’s the first week, always a busy week getting setup. It flies by.
The first bike ride this trip. Apart from sore bums, necks and wrists, it was very enjoyable and a good chance to remind ourselves of some of the local geography. 31k done in all with a coffee stop at about 27k (Los Nietos). Dos Café con Leche grandes for a mere €2.20 – it must cost that much just for the contents.
Today I rigged my two biggest sails. That now gives me sails from 8.5m² down to 6.0m², that should cover most everyday situations.
I also rigged a system to hold the sails secure against the hedge using springs and rope. Hopefully, they will be held tight even in strong wind. All I need now is the wind.
Great news from Tom today as he FaceTimed us to let us know that he has qualified as an International Certified Personal Trainer. Well done Tom!
Feeling a bit tired today, started with short run and then shopping. My turn to drive the Fiat 500, very impressed a lovely little car.
Had a bit of a siesta when we got back, missed the windsurfing but went down to have a look later.
Lesley made a lovely tea of sea bass, lentils and brocoli.
Another day, another run. Still on short runs at the moment for both Lesley and me. Plenty of time to get more serious and I’m really looking forward to getting into the hills. After the run, I joined Lesley for a Pilates lesson given by Paula Denvir. A good session so I’m hoping to join these on a regular basis.
The main job today was to get the trailer built, uncharacteristically I forgot (misplaced) some of the nuts and bolts, fortunately, I had spares. Trolley made and one sail rigged, from tomorrow I’m good to go sailing.
It’s very warm here at the moment and it’s nice to just sit and enjoy the weather towards the end of the day.
Started with another run before tackling the windbreak. Today I ran past the Salinas and wsa pleased to see there were still some flamingos there. Although they’re not pink, they do have some pink tail feathers. I think Dulux would describe their colour as pomegranate white.
I bought some cleats last year which, with some clever rope work allows me to fastened the windbreak very securely. Just as well because people like to lean on it when they’re “talking over the fence” and of course when it’s windy, which hopefully will be frequent. Also put up some pretty solar-powered lights so we can find our way home in the dark.
Next it was on the roof to unload the boards and other bits and pieces and set up the washing line.
First day back in Spain started with a small run followed by setting up the pitch. It normally takes 2/3 days to finish it off and kindly the wind didn’t blow enough to go windsurfing. Jobs completed so far, outside floor down, tent up, plumbing for fresh water and waste, washing machine plumbed in and tested, WiFi set up, TV set up, numerous cups of tea drunk, hidden chocolate digestive found and opened. More of the same tomorrow.
