S2.22 - Stuck, Pampered & Celebrating in Gran Canaria
Oct 24–27: Marina Days & Friendly Faces
Once again, we found ourselves stuck in ‘overflow parking’ at a marina for maintenance—our least favorite place to be when there are bays waiting to be explored.
This is what the maintenance dock looked like.
To make the best of it, the “boys” headed off to hotels for a break, while we happily discovered Alan and Judi were at the same marina. Catching up over dinners with old friends turned what could have been a discouraging wait into something memorable.
Oct 28: Trading Deck for 5-Star Luxury
We welcomed the boys back onboard and happily swapped roles—now their turn to babysit Lucky Enough. With that, we headed off to the new Paradisus by Meliá, a 5-star resort in San Agustín Beach for the next few nights, ready to celebrate Ryan’s birthday in style. A rental car and scenic coastal drive set the tone for our resort escape.
Our ‘welcome cocktail’ made from local rum! Yum!
Oct 29: Pampered Perfection
Our pamper day was pure bliss—mani/pedis, facials, and heavenly in-room massages.
Oct 30: Rum, Roads & Romance
The day began at the historic Arehucas Rum Distillery, one of Europe’s oldest.
After an engaging tour (and a few liquid souvenirs), we braved a narrow, windy mountain road which led us to 6,000’ elevation for a wine tasting—only to find it closed.
At least the return drive was rewarded with a resort-hosted wine and cheese evening, serenaded by a local Spanish duo.
To top it off, our suite surprised us with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a “Happy Birthday” message from the staff.
Oct 31: A Birthday with Twists
The day started perfectly:
A Spectacular Birthday Morning View
A walk through the most silky golden volcanic sand
… another blissful massage, and a surprise WhatsApp from Al and Judi sailing by our resort.
Full Circle III
But then came the dreaded call from Roa explaining that the marina was threatening to kick us out due to being fully booked with the ARC and ARC+ cruisers. With Roa’s invaluable Spanish skills and friendly demeanor, he helped negotiate one more nights’ stay at the marina, and managed to contact the generator technician who finally showed up that evening to wrangle a last-minute fix on our generator, but only after canceling Ryan’s birthday dinner and checking out of the resort early so we could assist with the marina fiasco. Not quite the celebration I’d envisioned, but at least Lucky Enough was back in working order.
Nov 1: Finally Free
Farewell Las Palmas
After overstaying our welcome, we slipped away from Las Palmas and made the 5-hour run south to Playa de Meloneras. Dropping anchor felt like liberation. our whole purpose for coming to the Canary Islands early was to be able to take advantage of the time and explore these amazing islands before our heading out on our Atlantic crossing.
Nov 2: Beach Vibes & Bass Beats
With the canopy up, Ugh (our dinghy) ready, and a gentle sea breeze, we settled into Meloneras. We toured the coastline and admired San Bartolomé’s sweeping sand dunes.
Peace seemed to return—until nightfall, when cribbage and calm gave way to thumping bass from a beachfront DJ. Ugh, indeed.
Nov 3: Gran Canaria Redeemed
We set out early, ready for the long 10-hour sail toward Tenerife, when Ryan spotted something glistening in the distance. A quick check confirmed it—a hidden anchorage at Playa de Veneguera. We altered course and were rewarded with pure magic: the only soundtrack was the rhythm of crashing waves against untouched cliffs. As we turned in, Roa reeled in a fresh catch—just in time for dinner.
By the time the anchor was set, my food prep and laundry were done, leaving nothing but a sun-soaked, blissful day ahead. We swam (OK - guys swam 1.25km) while I followed on my paddle board), snorkeled and enjoyed the black sand with silver swirls glowing with a blue Hugh. I didn’t have my camera, so you’ll just have to trust me when I say it was striking.
Gran Canaria had redeemed itself in spectacular fashion.