Christmas in Tenerife

Never go to sea without taking your seasickness tablets. At least that is what I learnt on our Las Palmas to Santa Cruz crossing. 

The journey to Santa Cruz, Tenerife was to be a short 4-5 hour day sail. We were ready, all necessary boat prep done and we left about midday, but what we had not been prepared for was everyone getting seasick, well, everyone except me, that is. Pretty much from the moment we got out of the harbour in Las Palmas John, Lucy, Ruth and even poor little Adam started to be sick. It was horrible and a bit scary.

The weather was not particularly bad, the wind was blowing between 10 and 15 knots, which is not a lot, and the seas were not stormy. It seemed almost impossible that anyone could be seasick. But seasick they were. Thankfully we had enough buckets. Looking back, we think their tummies revolted because there was a short chop that we believe was created by the quickly shelving volcanic bottoms around the islands. Though to be honest we are not entirely sure. The one thing I am sure of though is that we will not be leaving a harbour without taking our seasickness tablets again.

So here we are in Santa Cruz, Tenerife. No longer were we surrounded by hundreds of other cruising boats and many chandleries and other boating facilities. This was a much smaller marina and a much smaller city and to be honest, more to our taste. It is a bit more industrial with oil rigs being refitted to our south and a large cruise ship and ferry terminal to our north. That being said, Santa Cruz is a lovely hilly city. The city has managed to keep many of its old building and there is a lovely large park and playground in the center of the downtown area as well as a great pedestrian shopping area where I imagine we will be doing our Christmas shopping.

A typical morning.

Up with the sun and Adam. Tiptoe out of the boat and hope not to wake up Ruth, she is an early bird but with us going to sleep so much later to keep up with the Spanish night culture she really needs her sleep. Adam and I are off to the bakery to purchase today’s bread. So, across the deserted car park, wait for the hundred or so passing cruisers heading out for their various tours for the day, and then up and onto the main cycle path. All in all, this round trip takes about 15 minutes. We get back to the boat with our bread and sometimes, if we’ve been really good, a pastry or, the girls’ favourite, chocolate donuts. Then it is tea, breakfast and school. Adam has a nap and John gets on with some boat work. The afternoon’s are spent exploring the city, or island.

While in Tenerife, we were treated royally by our friends Celia and Alberto. Alberto grew up on the island and is passionate about everything it has to offer. We were taken out one evening to a wonderful meal where to girls impressed us by staying awake and being extraordinarily well behaved until 10pm! They are rarely up that late.

The next day we were next taken for a wonderful day-out up to the Teide National Park where we saw the unlikely snows of Mount Tiede, which is still an active volcano and the highest peak in Spain.

To the left is a family picture, minus a sleeping Adam, with Mount Teide in the background.

Ruth showing off her balancing abilities on an survey marker after a short walk up a little hill.

Adam and John on their way up the path. As you can see it is a bit chilly. 

After Celia and Alberto left for the UK we took their suggestion and drove south to find the sun and the warm water. It was a really nice day at the beach, even though it was very touristy. We had fun burrying the kids in the sand and Adam tried to impress us with how much sand he could eat. 

Tourists as far as the eye can see!

Adam eating more sand.

Christmas week was a lovely quiet time. While we missed being around the hustle and bustle of friends and family we were made to feel very welcome in the marina by the other cruisers. A few days before Christmas Eve we were invited on-board John and Jane's boat for mince pies and wine. Then on Christmas day we were invited to share a bit of brunch on the pontoon with Irene and hubby and the rest of the marina guests. The girls and Adam loved talking with other people,. even though they were grown-ups and John and I enjoyed just sharing Christmas with others. 

On Christmas Eve we decided to take the teleferico up to nearly the summit of Mount Teide. We were up and out of the boat verty early as it takes an hour or so to get to the lower station. We brought our warmest clothes, including hats and gloves. Can't say I thought we would be using our warm weather gear as much as we have been since leaving the UK in August. Once up the volcano we were in snow. The girls were in heaven.

There were a few venting holes along the path. It smelt pretty bad, but it was fun to stick your hands near the warm air. reminding us that this volcano is still active. 

Pine trees sprouting out of the volcanic rock on our way down to the sea.

Thankfully on Christmas day we awoke to find that Santa had found the boat. 

He had left the kids stockings on their beds and their presents all wrapped up in blue snowflake paper under our mast tree. 

Christmas morning also meant dressing the boat overall. This was the first time we did it and I have to say I think Dark Horse looks pretty smart. 

After opening their stockings the girls sat down to a hot chocolate, a homemade cinnamon bun and a good read. A collection of Winnie the Witch books were delivered by Santa. 

After brunch on the pontoon the girls and Adam were busy playing with their presents as John and I enjoyed the prep for dinner. And a lovely dinner it was too. A simple traditional Christmas dinner of turkey, and the usual accompaniments. Followed by plum pudding. Lovely! Girls and Adam off early to bed leaving John and I in quiet digestive contentment.

Just a couple of days now and my Dad will be arriving! As will David, the Irishman who we met in Las Palmas, and will also be joining us for our Atlantic crossing.