Menorca

We are on the 3rd of the 'bigger' Ballearic Islands.  The scenery leaving Mallorca from the North side was simply dramatic.  Beautiful mountains - limestone cliffs - caves -  rugged terrain drop off into blue, clear, warm water.  We could see the bottom of the shore at 40-60 feet.   It had rained the night before, and the grasses and even the trees seemed to green up overnight.  It was just stunning.  

We stopped for the night at an anchorage after dark - the last one before leaving Mallorca, and we were off again before dawn for Menorca.  It was a long day of some sailing, some motoring.  We reached Calla Covas at about 3.  Graeme and I snorkeled together - for him it was his first time really snorkling! I think it was because he was without his lifejacket, so he had to really concentrate on swimming.  At first he was nervous - he didnt recognize the underwater world and he needed to get comfortable with it.  He relaxed and went with it as long as I swam with my hand on his back...and as soon as he was comfortable he became a little fishy.  It was amazing...in just a few minutes he was chasing little fish, reaching his hand out to try to touch them, and swimming zigzag to follow their path.  He swam around the rocks, poked a sea urchin, and by the end I needed to slow him down.  

Aethan and Code hiked up to see caves, which were made as burial grounds almost 3000 years ago.  There are about 100 caves up and around the cove (which in itself was spectacular). It was probably one of the most beatiful coves I have ever seen.  The only downside is that as we're heading into August, the tourist season is gearing up in to full throttle.  All of Europe vacations in August, it seems, and many find their way to the Med.  The trash is piling up, the anchorages are more crowded, and prices are adjusting accordingly.  Fortunately, we have the rest of the year, and starting in September, the Med quiets down substantially.

The sailing is OK.  People seem to complain about it - there is too much wind, or there is no wind, they say.  Its all just fine with me. 

We will head to Sardinia later this week.  There, we will purchase a more reliable means to the internet, so we can post more regularly and I will be able to have work days on the boat instead of in internet cafes (which is nice, but after a while, I feel like I am imposing, even in Europe).  To sit on the boat and work...that will REALLY be the charm!