Cádiz - Birthday Celebrations in Puerto Santa Maria

Saturday 15 February
Hello all, just a quick note to say that we had a change of plan for Skipper's birthday.  The restaurants we fancied going to in La Viña were shut and ones that were open were bar type arrangements with outdoor seating and, as it was raining heavily, we decided to go out tomorrow - on Mick's actual birthday.  We checked the forecast and a good day was on the cards which meant the ferry would be running and would give Mick his first taste of boating since leaving Frontignan all those months ago.  So we settled for a home cooked spag bol, a good bottle of wine and a DVD instead!

Sunday 16 February - the auspicious day!
Well, Mick's turned 56 today and I still don't think he really looks it - only the salt & pepper hair colouring hints at the big figure!  We decided to spend the day in nearby Puerto Santa Maria - another town on the sherry triangle and from where Colombus sailed on two of his four discovery voyages.  We took the train there to maximise our time there (the ferry runs a very limited service at weekends) and on arrival, this appeared to be the most run down of the towns on the sherry triangle.  We didn't let that put us off though as we had a good restaurant in mind and this trip has taught us never to judge a book by its cover!

We passed the town square - Plaza de España - and its amazing old church - Iglesia Mayor Prioral built between 15th & 18th centuries and home to nesting cranes - and what a strange sound they make!

Iglesia Mayor Prioral, Puerto Santa Maria

We also passed the impressive bull ring which, unfortunately, was closed as it is low season. Built in 1880 it is apparently one of Spain's most beautiful and important bull rings.  Another time maybe ... 

Plaza de Toros, Puerto Santa Maria

From here, it was only a short walk to the nearby River Guadalete and a string of riverside cafes.  We fancied eating at Bar Santa Maria, always packed with locals apparently as it serves fabulous fish.  It was simple to choose from an impressive menu - grilled seafood platter for 2!  We wanted something a little different from the usual fried fayre that is so popular in these parts and it was cooked to perfection with a big salad - delicious!  Good food always comes from really fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection and not embellished with anything too fussy - just good quality oil, a bit of sea salt, a slice of lemon and a bit of parsley.  Mick had a beer and I tried the local white wine which was rather drinkable!

Lunch at the fabulous Bar Santa Maria

We couldn't hang around too much (there wasn't much more to do and see to be fair) and the ferry was due so we upped sticks and got the mid-afternoon ferry back to Cádiz.  Conditions were perfect and Skipper was grinning ear to ear - always at his happiest when on a boat - even a ferry!

Skipper on the aft deck

And here's a piccie of the moorings we passed with a decent amount of sailing yachts.

Riverside moorings - Pto Santa Maria

And that pretty much sums up Mick's birthday.  I couldn't have wished for a more fitting day for him - we both really enjoyed our short trip to Puerto Santa Maria.  We'll be returning to Estepona shortly to catch up with friends and get a bit of sun which has been in short supply on the west coast sadly.  Then back to Seville for the trip home northwards - ho, hum!

So, until the next post, over & out me hearties! xx