VERSE- ISLAS BALEARES

Islas Baleares

A cala is sometimes a narrow cove
With outcrops of rock on the strand
There are darker patches above the weed
And then turquoise over the sand

You can anchor and tie a stern line to the rocks
If you`re lucky you`ll be there alone (Cala Myrta,Mallorca)
Take the dinghy ashore and stretch your legs
Have a plunge while you`re still on your own

But beware of the swell that works in from the east
You`ll point to it during the day
But when the wind drops in the calm of the night
You`ll roll and you won`t want to stay (Cala Macarella,Menorca)

And also beware of the tidal waves
Which occur when big ships tear past
If you`re tied up snugly,quite close to the rocks
You`re comfort is not going to last (Cala Figuera,Mallorca)

Other notable cala you might like to see
Are calas Covas and Turqueta (Menorca)
And cala Portels west of Palma
Not far on from Las Illetas

If you take the boat to the port of Andraitx (Mallorca)
You`ll know you are still alive
When the whole fishing fleet departs together
At just on quarter to five

At Cala Sahona the water`s pale blue (Formentara)
At Cala D`Horts you should eat
And a place for a latish breakfast on board?
Cala Llonga is hard to beat (Ibiza)

A cala is also a much larger bay
Maybe fishermen`s huts on the shore (Cala Point Roig,Ibiza)
Or the view of a long white crescent of sand
From your buoy at Espalmador

While you`re there go and cover yourself in black mud
In the mud baths in from the shore
Was I misunderstood or was she upset
To be likened to a Henry Moore?

On the subject of buoys, be sure to reserve one
And have the permission in writing
Or else you will find when you get to Cabrera
The staff there are not so inviting

As for towns, when you go to Port Soller
Take the old tram high up to the town
Try to catch Ciudadella`s fiesta St Juan
Walk Port Mahon of O`Brien renown

At Palma look out for Australians
At the Llotja tapas bar
Be there first at Santa Catarina mercat
(Best rosado value by far)

Walk the winding old lanes of Ibiza
While your boat heaves around in the port
You should dine in style at La Oliva
Then leave fast on the weather report

We`ve enjoyed our time with the Churchers
(Good seafarers never falter)
And then with Ramon and Angeles
Who send us off to Gibraltar.

July 2010