2 nights moored in Playa Blanca, near Punto Papagayo was the perfect anchorage to meet up with ATC and other yachty friends. We swam in crystal clear water even ran along the glorious beach.
We stayed 2 nights in the up market Rubicon Marina where Scorch was tucked up safely whilst we explored inland.
Early in the morning, together with our friends from “Sea Topaz” we aimed to reach the Timanfaya National park before the tourist buses arrived. We drove through Zaiza, which was awarded, the well deserved, accolade of the prettiest and best-kept village in Lanzarote. At the Park’s entrance herded like sheep by some Fidel Castro comrade look alikes, we began to feel bolshy and ready for mutiny. We accepted the spoon fed 14km bus tour, and rightly so, the endemic flora would not survive the unruly mob of thousands trampling over such a terrain. To be truthful we would not have enjoyed walking over such hostile rough ground which could have been hazardous even resulting in injury.
It was a wonderful experience, each hairpin bend giving us a different view of this extraordinary landscape of great geological importance.
Does the moon look like this?
No easy walking
“El Diabolo” the circular restaurant was designed by Cesar Manrique, a artist and sculptor, born on the island in 1912. An man of great genius whose influence and architecture is felt everywhere in Lanzarote Most amazing in my view is that a government in the sixties should have had the understanding and foresight to give this unsurpassed genius free rein. The result is outstanding.! Even the loo had to be seen to be believed…
El Diabolo
Even loos can be inviting!
Our next stop was Mirador del Rio, a viewpoint over the strait of El Rio, a passage used by migrating pilot whales between Lanzarote and Graciosa We must admit that we did not see any whilst moored 2 weeks in Francesca Bay.
Nice hallway
How about that for a mobile on your ceiling
Good view of our anchorage for 2 weeks
Los Jameos Del Aqua was formed around a spectacular subterranean volcanic tube surrounded by many caves. Under the direction of Manrique it has become, in the words of Rita Hayworth (not mine) the 8th wonder of the world. The underground lake is the home of blind albino crabs.
The overwhelmingly peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by piped music which could be tacky but interestingly in this case it added to the magic of it all.
Pool Reflection
Not bad for an underground bar
Rock Garden
Clever Vista
Dr. Who has landed
The bright white swimming pool has been design to encompass the environment. The flora blends with the prominent volcanic rock to form a unison of contrasts
Entincing Pool
The last but not least was the Fundation created by Cesar Manrique and a group of friends in 1982. The artist’s impressive home, the domestic’s quarters and the garage now house the Foundation’s headquarters. These areas were remodelled by Manrique himself,before he died for their new function as a museum.
The harmonY between the modern conception of architectural space and traditional Lanzarote architecture and its environment resultS in a unique relationship; a feast for the eyes and senses.
Nice Gardens
Underground lounge with sculptures
these are only a few of the 238 pictures I took
On our way back to the boat we passed roundabouts exhibiting Manrique’ mobiles whose intricate designs incorporated wind activation.
Back to reality and after a quick visit to a supermarket to replenish the cupboards we climbed aboard fairly exhausted but excited by such a wonderful day.
The Grotty bit of Lanzarote must refer to the tourists! Because the island is anything but grotty, with its beautifully kept villages, and obvious national pride.
I was so fired up and inspired by such an artistic genius that I could not sleep and was up most of the night!..
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