We moored in Cala Toulera, a near land locked bay in Mahon.. Although totally protected it did not stop many boats from dragging in a force 5 on our 2nd night. We have just invested in a must have Spade Anchor described by Yachting Monthly as the best holding type. To Chris’ disbelief; we dragged. Anchor watch was active that night, with flashing lights and hooters resounding when yet another boat took off. It gave the skippers lots to talk about the next day…..
The moment we stepped foot in Menorca, we fell in love with the Island. It is beautiful, clean and well cared for. Its people friendly and very welcoming. Although development has been active in the past few years, good care has been taken to combine living needs with pleasing looks. Very few flats have been allowed. How can a place get it so right whilst others get it so wrong.
We even fantasised buying a property to retire but after having driven around we decided that although 30 flights daily to UK was a link, it did not alter the fact it was an Island. Access to foot paths is limited, restricting walking. It made us appreciate how lucky we are in Britain to be allowed to walk almost anywhere.
The Menorcan fashions and shoes have great style and are very reasonable. The leather industry is prolific in the production of “Abarcas” the local sandals, for worldwide export.
Mahon the Capital city.
Ciutadella. Town on the North part of the Island
Teulera Bay. Our base for nearly 3 weeks.
To cut a long story short, our water maker fitted 18 months ago was supplied with the wrong pumps (not suitable for salt water). It packed up, the pump that is, after 50 hrs. “all the Colours” our Australian friends fitted their exactly at the same time. Their pump gave up the ghost 10 days after ours after 500 hrs. Obviously time sensitive. After lots of deliberation, much head scratching
the pumps were dismantled and their guts spilled out on the best tablecloth!…..
Emails were sent to France. Phone calls made to Ireland and after 4 replacements pumps were ordered for the two watermakers, (No point in taking chances during our world tour; better to carry spares) we decided to make the best of the waiting and enjoyed the atmosphere.
FEAST week-end in Es Mercadal, the home of the Menorcan horses, consists of parading these magnificent black horses with long mane and tail, round and round the town with thousands of people squeezed in the street. Many of whom are inebriated youngsters who encourage the horses to rear up by pushing their chest upwards. The horses would pirouette into the crowd. A most terrifying and unnerving experience as there is nowhere to run from these flaying hooves. The consolation is that there is an ambulance at every street corner! I was relieved when we left the festivities in one piece.
Sorry no pictures of the actual pirouetting, too busy intent on self preservation!…….
At last the pumps arrived and after 3 weeks, we left Menorca to continue our journey Westwards.
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