Damn those Sea Urchins! (but what a great trip)

Here are a few snaps of the action over the last couple of days.

As I mentioned, we took a boat to La Graciosa and surfed a deserted reef at around 2ft. Just right for yours truly and not too shallow.

The clan thoroughly enjoyed this trip. La Graciosa is exquisite. Here we are, as photographed by Tila:

Next up (yesterday) was an interesting morning for Karen and I. We checked out the excellent Cesar Manrique Foundation with Heidi. Manrique was an artist and an architect who had a massive influence on life in Lanzarote. His house is amazing and I'd commend a visit to anyone who comes here. 

After we left Heidi got on the phone to Jose Saramago's assistant, in Tias. Saramago is the Portuguese Nobel prize winning novelist - and my literary hero. I've read all of his work (in translation, I hasten to add) and I'd made contact through Heidi because it would be an absolute honour and privilege to meet him. But in chatting, and just before we set out to go to Saramago's house, I made an error.

I left my wallet on the roof of the car and drove off. I discovered this outside Saramago's house but decided that que sera, que sera. Inside I did not meet the great man - he is immersed in his next novel - but did get to check out his library and talk about his work with a very helpful assistant called Javier. Indeed, I've just heard from Javier that I am to be invited back to interview Saramago. This is wonderful news.

Back at the Manrique Foundation, my wallet was on the side of the road. Curiously, a friend texted me as I was looking for it. My brief reply said: "Disaster - lost wallet." Literally, at the moment I sent this this text, I saw my wallet. It had been denuded of cash but my credit cards and driving licence were still there. Fate works in curious ways, and signs could be discerned from such strange coincidences, but leaving such conjecture aside I could only think: result! As I said to Heidi and Karen, to lose a few quid in return for fate giving me the chance to meet Jose Saramago is a fair deal. It did, however, take Karen a little while to agree that I wasn't a complete **** (here she is giving me her 'why are you such an idiot?' look).

After such excitement, it was obvious that the only thing we could do was go for a surf. The clan headed over to La Santa with Josh Braddock in tow. Mindful of Neil Watson's cautionary words about encountering remorse if I paddled out to the La Santa rights, I did precisely that. It was, however, very small - say about chest to head high on the sets. Nevertheless, once there I couldn't help but look at the rocks looming in the take-off area and contemplate the consequences if I hit one. I paddled for a few waves on the shoulder but, as with many reef breaks, you won't catch a thing unless you commit to being on the peak. 

I didn't, dear readers, catch a thing. It felt just too risky, so I paddled back inside to the middle reef. There a reasonable left was working and I upped my previous wave count (two waves at La Santa, three at Famara, three at La Graciosa secret spot) to four. However, the neck did feel pretty dodgy and I think I need to leave surfing for another couple of weeks. It would just be so stupid to hurt myself by pushing things so, suitably stoked, I shall thank Dennis for the loan of his board but give it back to him later today, then work on my general fitness some more before getting back into UK surf. Pictured below - me, delighted to be back in the water (albeit out on the shoulder).

The one thing which is not great about La Santa is the sea urchins. I reckon this is the trickiest spot Harry and I have ever surfed, in terms of access. You just can't avoid being smashed on the rocks, dinging your board, scraping your fins - and standing on sea urchins. Sans reef boots, I picked up about ten spikes in each foot, and today can barely walk. I'm told there is a urinary remedy for this but am opting for vinegar for now. 

Today is our last day - ash cloud permitting. It's been a fantastic trip and I'd say to anyone who reads this blog that I you want a great place to stay, with some top people and quality waves, you won't go wrong with www.stayecochic.com. Better yet, on a personal note, as well as riding some waves again I'm stoked to see the friendship which has been forged between Harry and Josh. They're the same age, give or take a week, and I have a feeling they'll stay in touch and push each other in UK surf comps (Josh plans to come over and enter a few - like Harry, he's a stylish natural footer and it'll be interesting to see them compete against each other). I saw Harry make his first, really clean 1ft air at Famara, so his surfing has come on leaps and bounds after not really getting in the water much ever since I fell ill. All in all, great stuff - and I rather like Elliot's chair, crafted at Orzola beach, too.

Comments

[Heidi]

Hi Alex,

another great entry, true to how you all look, relaxed and effortlessly content. It was so great so see how much you appreciated the importance of seeing Cesar Manriques home, his work examples and his vision.

You have so much still to come when you return one day, Which will be sooner rather than later I hear! I too have just spoken with Jose Saramagos assistant and I hear July is a go ahead.. Well done! Harry will get his wish? A summer visit.

See you later for farewell dinner. It's been fun, and great to have new friends on board.

H x

[Neelu]

I noticed you said you accidently left your wallet on top of the car. Does your Lyme Disease cause you to have brainfog by any chance? Even if it doesn't- it's a good excuse:P

Neelu

[Graham]

Great news and delighted that you have had such a positive boost. Harry seems to be evolving his skill set rapidly and to think last winter you wondered if he would ever surf again (until the water warmed of course!)
There's some fabulous early 70's Cornish surf here. (From 40 minutes for the surf related stuff.)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00scqb5/Sea_Fever_The_Joy_of_the_Sea/

[Dave P]

Great to hear you're back in the water. Take it steady.

[Sand Sock Girl]

It's good to see you had a great time with your family. It seems that you guys enjoyed the trip. The photos were full of good memories. Thanks for the post!

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