Summer hols in the Med

I have just come back from a week in the Med having been invited by some friends to join them on their 43 foot catamaran. We set sail from Palma, Mallorca and spent five fantastic days travelling clockwise around the island.

Conditions were superb in the sense that the water was flat and the sun was shining. It did mean however that we resorted to engine power for the whole voyage, with the light Mediterranean breeze providing just a little back-up.

One of the highlights of the trip has to be my 'Dr Dolittle moment' - I was engrossed in my Jeffrey Archer novel whilst catching some rays on the front deck. As there was no wind at the time the boat was slicing smoothly through the sky blue sea. A voice in my head suddenly told me I should be looking out for dolphins, so I looked up from my book, and there in front of me were a couple of fins arcing out of the water on our port side. We turned the boat towards them and had the pleasure of seeing two adults and a baby dolphin swimming in between the hulls of the catamaran......that was one of life's special moments!

We weren't lucky enough to see any turtles but we did see a Sunfish from a distance, 'sunbathing' on the surface of the water and splashing its fin whilst being pestered from seagulls.

The north west coast of Mallorca is stunning and comprises mainly of sheer cliffs with just the occasional small bay to moor up. We called into Port Soller for a night where we stocked up on provisions and witnessed a bizarre Spanish soiree on the water front, but resisted the temptation to try and beat the locals on the mechanical bucking bronco! The most northerly point of the island is the spectacular rocky outcrop of Cap Formentor. The eastern side of Mallorca is a complete contrast to the rugged north western coast - lots of sandy beaches and far flatter countryside.

I have now just about recovered from my land sickness and look forward to visiting Mallorca again.... in fact next week, but this time for some much needed bike fitness training and perhaps not quite so many bottles of wine!