A Coruna

Hi everyone,

We've have a wonderful 5 days here in A Coruna in Galicia.  The weather has been variable with afternoon thunderstorms on two days, all day rain on one and today cloudy but dry.  Air temperature has ranged from 10C to 20C, with water temperature 16C.

Zen Again is berthed at Marina Nautico (aka Marina Real).  This marina is in the centre of town so is very convenient.  The visitor's pontoons suffer from wash from local fishing boats moving in and out of the marina but otherwise is very good.  Hot showers and a small but functional laundry.  Substantial discounts for CA and OCC members.

Marina Nautico is in the centre of town

The old town is very close to the marina.  Praza Maria Pita is impressive and celebrates the woman who famously helped fight off the 'pirate' Francis Drake.  Around the square and throughout the old town there are countless bars and restaurants.  The local brew Estrella Galicia is a very nice IPA-like brew.

Praza Maria Pita

There are many supermarkets within walking distance.  Gadis appears to be one of the biggest and has a market area above it.

Gadis indoor market

We were visited by Anton, the OCC's Port Officer.  He took us to the Real Club Nautico for a drink on their balcony.  The club is very formal and impressive.  Sailors staying at Marina Nautico can get a card from the marina office entitling them to visit the club.  No shorts and no flip-flops!

Real Club Nautico

With OCC Port Officer Anton at Real Club Nautico

A Coruna also has a wide range of shops.  Cruise ships normally stop here, which gives one a tip as to the type of shops.  We liked the bars, restaurants, ice cream and sweet shops!  All of the places are practicing social distancing and face masks are mandatory.

Treats!

On Monday we walked about 15km around the town and out to the Tower of Hercules.  We had hoped to visit some of the museums but couldn't find any which were open.  The park around the Planetarium featured Eucalypts which smelled like home!

Eucalyptus Trees

Walking along the coast we passed the other A Coruna marina.  Apparently it also suffers from wash.  Unlike Marina Nautico it has fuel supplies.

Marina Coruna

The Tower of Hercules is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world.  It was established by the Romans and is now an imposing building.

Statue of Breoghan with Tower of Hercules beyond

Coastal View

Local fishing boats in Marina Real

Today we visited the local chandler 'Pombo' to get water tap adaptors for our hoses.  The marina taps here are very small diameter but can be adapted to the universal click-on fittings.  We then had a coffee (with free cakes) which were amazingly cheap before a provisioning run.  Then it was time for a Tapas lunch, which proved tapas here are larger than we've ever seen before!  No wonder the locals sleep all afternoon.

Zen Again in Marina Nautico

Zen Again is now rewatered, her diesel tanks are full (from our jerries) and she is fully provisioned.  Tomorrow we plan to start heading west towards Cape Finisterre.  There are a couple of Rias where we may anchor overnight along the way.