We were sorry to leave France, but it was time to move on. The 336 nm route runs SW across the Golfe de Gascogne (aka Bay of Biscay in English).
This body of water is known for very rough seas due to it's shape and
location, the shallow shelf that extends outwards, so that big ocean
swells really pile up when they run into it. And there are various
coastal currents that change with the tide, So there were a few unknowns
to be prepared for. Therefore, we chose our crossing time with great
care. Winds were light and seas were calm, so it was a moderate and
easy two day passage.
We made landfall in a quiet bay in the Ria de Cedeira. The scenery is spectacular mountainous high cliffs, with lighthouses and misty clouds blowing over. It was hard to get a good photo, so I borrowed this one from a land trip site online.
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Cabo Ortegal
We hopped along the coast to La Coruña to meet some other boats from OCC, the Ocean Cruising Club. La Coruña is the site of the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse built by the Romans and added to over the centuries. Unfortunately, it was foggy....
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| At the base of the tower: Minute Man or Don Quixote? |
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The coast has many rias, or bays that were great anchorages with charming small towns along the way. One of several stops was Finesterra, a village on a point that many pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela visit, after Santiago, if they feel like walking another 50 miles or so.
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