The Cíes Islands are truly a natural paradise of exceptional ecological interest. The craggy granite rock hills and cliffs of these three islands were once well known as a hideout for pirates. The western sides of the islands share nearly vertical cliffs and numerous sea caves, both formed by erosion from wave action generated by Atlantic squalls as they pass over the islands. The more sheltered eastern side is protected from the salt spray of Atlantic winds and has formed beaches and dunes carpeted with brushy vegetation. The area is now a nature reserve and home to over 15,000 nesting seabirds, most of them Yellow-legged Gulls. The water around the islands is exceptionally clear and cool, and the islands are a favourite recreational spot for the local people.
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May 27th
A morning at sea, The new guest lecturer, Carol Bell gave her first lecture on Europe's Atlantic Facade. She was very excited by discoveries within the last few years on the timings of when people spoke Celtic. And a talk by Lisa M a German, on sand, with Trivia, with the new Activity manger, Daniel, in between.
The ship docked at Vigo just before 1am. After lunch we walked the short distance to a catamaran that took 45 minutes to take us to the Cies islands, there we had an hours easy walk with a lovely lady, Anna, across the causeway and on an easy path to a great view over another beach to South Island. We then enjoyed a banana before walking back by ourselves along the incredibly long beach.
Then an ice cream and another short stroll before the arranged return time of 5,45, no sign of a catamaran and no announcement. Just a little rain!. David got very agitated but Roselea and Matt seemed unconcerned. When we finally boarded the catamaran at 6,10 Roselea arrived aboard with 50 ice creams to placate us all.
A scenic depart from by now, a sunny Vigo, followed . We had an interesting meal in the restaurant with problems with all but one choice, culminating with a Seville orange tart, Anything but!, but the pastry chef assured Nobleman that it was and sent back an identical panne cotta with an orange sauce. We had a long chat with the new entertainment manager, Daniel
click on a thumbnail to get a bigger photo
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