10 April - Gomora

A bit of a rocky first night at sea. I takes a little while to get used to the fact that not only your bed moves in unusual directions, but your whole world does the same thing. Still, gradually getting our sea legs. The comfort level on board is excellent, and nothing too much trouble for the crew and ‘hotel’ staff.

Our first port of call, arriving early in the morning, is San Sebastian, on the small island of Gomera. A sleepy town, partially perched on top of an impressive cliff overlooking the Atlantic.

The local inter-island car ferry service kind of put our small Wolfe Island ferry into perspective . . . .

Deciding to avoid the organized island tours we strolled off the port into town, soaking up the local atmosphere and breaking for an el fresco lunch.

Although the ship wont leave without you, it does have a schedule, so back to the boat on time by all is appreciated . . .by all!

A final glimpse of San Sebastian draped over the hills as we slip out of the harbour. The pilot leaves us, and we’re on our way again, next port of call, las Palmas.

9 April

The Canaries (named after the dog breed, not the bird!) . . .and a hotel with a view!. A far cry from suburban London, and the weather just right.

Probably fair to say we don’t usually treat ourselves to such luxury, but after the Ryanair flight, the treat was deserved. Hotel Botanico comes by its name honestly. The gardens are spectacular, and a rival to Kew. I counted seven types of palm tree . . .

Trees with blue blossoms!

Turtles as well as black swans . .

Ponytail palms larger than anything we’ve grown at home in 30 years. Ours is still in a pot!

Orchids in every corner.

Finally – our yacht.

Settled on board, and with great fanfare, raising the Windstar flag as we leave port . . .

A new adventure . . .

Well, I honestly don't know where time goes to, but making the most of it, we're on another adventure, this time a cruise off the east coast of Africa. But . . . first a stop in London, for some R&R and recovery from jet-lag.
London wouldn't be the same without theatre.
London's West End surely rivals New York's Broadway for live theatre entertainment, and nothing more uplifting and enjoyable than the West End run of Beautiful, the story of Carol King. Brilliant musician and composer, and one of our all-time favourite artists.

Now, packing tonight, and heading out for Stansted tomorrow. . . . south to the sun!

Tuesday - 1 March, and the end of our idyllic month in the Bahamas . . .

Well, as we know, all good things come to an end.

A last evening on Elbow Cay proved idyllic . . . not too hot, sunny, and bright.

But, an early start, and down to the dock early next morning for the ferry . . .

. . .and a last glimpse of the yachts in the harbour before the ferry bore us away for another year.

The big, most pleasing surprise was the hotel we'd booked in Nassau, close by the airport for an early start the next morning and the haul north to Canada and home. The last time we over-nighted at a hotel in Nassau was, well, horrible!

So we were not anticipating much for the accommodation that we'd booked over the internet, but only to be totally delighted with our 'find'. Thus, if you're looking for a place to stay in Nassau, we can 100% recommend 'A Stones Throw Away B&B'.

Huh - some B&B!

Saturday . . .

So, our vacation draws to a close, as all good things must do.
Another couple of days, then we head back up north.
I lugged the camera along with me on my morning walk yesterday. Up, around the north end of the cay, then back to the village.
I guess it's an area we know fairly well, having stayed there a number of times.
but no matter how often we visit, there is always something to charm . . .
I'll let the images speak for themselves.
Remember, click on one and you'll get a full screen picture, then scroll through . . .