Formentera

14th-15th June

From Cala Talamanca we sailed to the island of Formentera, a passage of just over an hour. Formentera is a very popular spot in summer with boats at anchor all over the bay but the season is still early and although there were boats anchored in the far corners of the bay. In front of the town, by the entrance to the lagoon, there were only a few so it was easy to find a spot, drop the anchor and there we were. Until morning that is, when we were very politely told that we were in a 'no anchoring' area... so that's why there were so few boats!!! We were advised that we could anchor anywhere where the bottom was sandy. For environmental reasons there is a restriction on anchoring where there is weed growing... there is a particular type of weed that is making a comeback in the area after nearly dying out. It is good for the fish and also for the sea, helping to keep it clean. On Mallorca and Ibiza there are well documented 'no anchoring' areas and marine reserves where mooring buoys have been put down but we hadn't caught up with the new regulations here. Perhaps it would be better simply not to anchor where there is weed growing. That could be difficult.

We moved to another part of the bay and anchored in front of a long, sandy beach where the water was crystal clear and a gorgeous turquoise, it looked so inviting. Alistair and Gill couldn't resist and they were soon swimming around. It was a day for the beach: a boat doesn't give a two year old the same amount of freedom of movement. Eva spent the day playing in the sand... but still there was no way she was even going to put a toe in the water.

In the evening we went ashore by dinghy. This time we encountered a small problem: it is not easy to park a dinghy in the port area. In fact, the marina part has signs up everywhere, 'No dinghies'. Hmmmph! Tony is inclined to ignore such signs, I am more nervous. Eventually we found a place in the far corner of the port, in the section for local fishing boats. Well, we needed a walk. (Parking the dinghy had been easier the night before when we were on the other side of the port and could go into the lagoon.)

A play park, a restaurant nearby and a successful evening was assured. All we needed was to find an ATM the next day.