Atlantic Ocean - France heading South to Spain

Below a picture from the kitchen window :-)

We left Les Sables and headed South along the Atlantic coast where we had to go under our first bride. A friend of ours (and you know who you are) told us that he clipped a bridge with his boat) so we were a bit nervous and extra careful. Our boat height (Air draft) is 18.42 and we had enough space but it still felt strange going under it,

We hired some bikes in La Rochelle and off we went to explore the old city.

We also got the chance to stock up the fridge with more fresh vegetables from the market.

We watched the very young ones learning to sail. Adorable.

Departed La Rochelle at 7.30 am and arrived in the Royan Marina at 10.45 pm at night. Always interesting to arrive in the dark with a boat in a new place. In the morning we checked out the local bakeries. There were many croissants to choose from - we have not seen Raspberry croissants before.

A great spot on the boat.

We sailed through the night to Anglet. We were tired but decided we needed the exercise and walked to Biarritz. The 11 km walk along the coast was lovely.

Looks like no Covid at the beach in Biarritz..... the beach was crowded!

walk back from Biarritz to boat

Once back on our way further South we got a surprise visit.... We got followed by a big boat.. We got a call on Radio Channel 16 in French asking for "Kwilena" to respond. Once we answered we were asked to change channel. Who do you think it was?

It was a French customs boat (with a big sign DOUANE on the side) asking us who we are, where we are going and if tax on boat was paid (which we confirmed we have not). Once they were happy with our answers and reason for traveling they left again. They were really friendly.

On our next stop heading South we anchored in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The picture below was taken early evening from our bed.

Our last stop in France was Hendaye where we started to make lots of phone calls to Spain. It was still difficult to get clear answers where and if we could stay overnight.

We also did a Covid test which is needed to enter Spain.

Below shows 0.3m depth under boat but we had another instance where it showed 0.1m very briefly coming into one of the harbours. We knew this would be the case at that time of the day. This was a good opportunity to try out our forward scanner.

Another stunning sunset on the water.

We crossed into Spain (exchanged the French for the Spanish flag). We called the harbour but were told that we are not allowed into the Marina in Getaria - "el puerto está cerrado - No puedes entrar" It was considered a red zone due to Covid and the harbour was closed.

We therefore anchored in the small protected bay outside. You can see our boat below.

We decided to do a quick trip to the town and took our dinghy (we were allowed to get fuel/food). Everybody wore facemasks and kept their distance. However, we were surprised when all the restaurants were open.

Sven was finally able to have his first draft beer in a pub after 4 1/2 months because there were lockdowns in Germany, Switzerland and France.

Lovely smell in the streets.

A walk around the old part of the village.

Today is a long day. We got up at 4.30 am and are on our way further South down the Spanish coast and plan to stop in either Bilbao or Santender. It is rainy and a bumpy ride - we are wearing our weather gear today - next update will not be as sunny...

Here is a link to TMG magazine (TMG is an Australian boat sales company) who asked us about our handover experience in France - "the World carries on - latest pick up in France

or if you you are unable to open copy and past below