Time to post an update to cover the month of February!To say that the weather has been varied is to completely understate it!
We have had some beautiful days, such as the one when this yacht was spotted between our Bristol promenade and the islet of Lobos.
...and then there is the handful of bad storms! A particularly nasty one started on 31st January. There had been some warnings, but we went out with neighbours Sandy, Pete and Gary in the afternoon for a
round of mini-golf at the Baku water-park. We had a great time (although three of us pulled various muscles!), but the dark clouds were massing. We thought we should be close to home for dinner so went to La Luna and caused havoc with raucous chat and laughter a la Saga Louts!
round of mini-golf at the Baku water-park. We had a great time (although three of us pulled various muscles!), but the dark clouds were massing. We thought we should be close to home for dinner so went to La Luna and caused havoc with raucous chat and laughter a la Saga Louts!At about 10pm there was a huge thunderstorm which continued into the early hours. The streets were ankle-deep in rain, and they stayed that way with the Monday being disgusting. One thing you can say about Canarian weather, however, is that improvements happen fast. By Tuesday afternoon we were sunbathing at home, and on the Friday it was worthy of a big beach visit! This was the first since late October. Last year the mid-winter gap went on until the end of February, so we are arguing that this winter has not been as bad as last. Many disagree! The good spell this time lasted a week - until 13th when it turned dull, and on the Sunday exceptionally wet. Ruth had won another free English breakfast at Penny Lane (the other end of town). We arrived there - equipped with Saturday's Guardian - as the heavens opened. We left to move on, stepped outside and immediately turned round and went back in for a beer until they closed for the afternoon. Then it was a long and very wet walk 
back. The following week (largely English half-term) was pretty bad too with either very strong winds or rain or both. The talk was all of what horror was on its way and whether our island would catch it, but on the Tuesday there was a tiny afternoon window of glorious sunshine and stillness. We went for a walk around town and then decided the opprtunity was too good to miss and stopped for tapas at El Bribon. This is a rather flash and recent addition to the seafront, which our other neighbours swear by for lunch, and it was indeed great value and with a beautiful view. We talked to the staff about the coming storm, but the sun continued to shine and we ended up staying so long that we saw three ferries come and go! Next morning the storm had still not arrived, but we remained on red to orange alert. As we needed shopping fo
r staples we ventured out and made a quick stop at Africa's shack. She was (as usual) despondent about the weather and its effect on the (already dwindled) custom. At 3.15 it happened! All hands to the pump to clear her tables, chairs and plants and a frantic dash back home! This was a Wednesday - the most significant transfer day for Brits - so the restaurant over at La Luna, which is part of a big hotel, was heaving with people who couldn't venture any further for dinner. We joined them and watched news flashes on local TV showing that Gran Can and Tenerife had - once again - suffered worse than us. Once again the streets were awash, and Ruth had a very soggy walk to the radio station next day. By Saturday we were realising how lucky we were as we saw footage of Madeira!
back. The following week (largely English half-term) was pretty bad too with either very strong winds or rain or both. The talk was all of what horror was on its way and whether our island would catch it, but on the Tuesday there was a tiny afternoon window of glorious sunshine and stillness. We went for a walk around town and then decided the opprtunity was too good to miss and stopped for tapas at El Bribon. This is a rather flash and recent addition to the seafront, which our other neighbours swear by for lunch, and it was indeed great value and with a beautiful view. We talked to the staff about the coming storm, but the sun continued to shine and we ended up staying so long that we saw three ferries come and go! Next morning the storm had still not arrived, but we remained on red to orange alert. As we needed shopping fo
r staples we ventured out and made a quick stop at Africa's shack. She was (as usual) despondent about the weather and its effect on the (already dwindled) custom. At 3.15 it happened! All hands to the pump to clear her tables, chairs and plants and a frantic dash back home! This was a Wednesday - the most significant transfer day for Brits - so the restaurant over at La Luna, which is part of a big hotel, was heaving with people who couldn't venture any further for dinner. We joined them and watched news flashes on local TV showing that Gran Can and Tenerife had - once again - suffered worse than us. Once again the streets were awash, and Ruth had a very soggy walk to the radio station next day. By Saturday we were realising how lucky we were as we saw footage of Madeira! The weather has gradually improved over this week, with a glorious day to report on Ruth's next Thursday programme, and 28 degrees until late evening yesterday.
We went to El Cotillo on the (very hot) bus. It was too windy for the beach but we had a walk round the town (village?). The sea was wild! Three closed adjacent restaurants and nothing happening at the biggest hotel suggest they are suffering badly from the recession, but at La Capitana and La Vaca Azul there was plenty of custom. We had a very pleasant light lunch at the former, bringing a sardine home in the bag!
Today we are again on storm alert! It keeps you on your toes!