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Winter sun in La Gomera and the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge 2019/20

29/1/2020

7 Comments

 
On the 12th December 2019 we were in La Gomera in the Canary Islands to wave our friend and his son and two further team mates off on an epic row across the Atlantic to Antigua, billed as the world's toughest row, I thought they were mad!  But off they went, and they have just completed it!  Exhausted and looking pretty tired but they rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in all weathers, with no proper rest, a lot of technical problems but also having seen some wonderful sights like whales, dolphins, sharks and stunning skies.  It took them 45 days, 4 hours and 13 minutes.  Amazing achievement - you can read more here and make a donation to their chosen charities.

I have never been too keen on the Canary Islands but when my husband suggested we go and see Kev, Rhys, Frankie and Nic off, I couldn't resist a bit of winter sun.  We arrived on the Tuesday and departed Saturday.  The journey takes all day as you fly into Tenerife then have a few hours to wait for the ferry over the La Gomera, we had lunch on the seafront and a little walk but it's not the nicest of towns to wait in. 
winter sun in la gomera and talisker whiskey atlantic challenge
Shorts and t-shirts were what I should have packed, not summer dresses! My favourite shorts are from Boden.
winter sun in la gomera
The view from our balcony!

​We attended the family and friends briefing on the Wednesday which was very worthwhile and reassuring.  The race was due to start on the Thursday so we knew that was a morning of excitement to wave the 'Bucks Buoys' off and watch the other teams get ready and depart, the rest of the time we were just able to relax.

​We
stayed at the Parador de La Gomera which is a 4-star hotel on the cliff above the harbour, it commands amazing views and we had a deluxe double room with a wonderful balcony, perfect for enjoying the scenery with a cup of tea first thing in the morning.  It did mean we were slightly out of the town and needed to get a taxi, although it is walkable, and obviously easier going down than going back up, but a taxi was only a few euros.  It is the only real luxury hotel in the immediate area and I felt it was worth the extra cost.  The pool overlooks the sea and the harbour and although a bit chilly (for me) for swimming I was still able to sunbathe and relax by the pool. 

​I took two bikinis from Fantasie (kindly gifted to me), I love their swimwear as they do lots of mix n match styles, swimsuits and offer cup sizes.  I opted for bandeau style with tie-side bottoms - but they have so much choice for every shape and size.  And the tops stayed up!

The December temperatures were about 20-23 degrees, it was quite windy and I know they do get cooler days but we had a good week.  I struggled with my packing and predictably took too much, I was assuming I'd be wearing dresses in the evening with a scarf or cardigan but the town and vibe was much more casual and it did turn quite chilly in the evenings so I was better of in jeans and a jacket.  My dresses came back with me and got packed away again.
winter sun in la gomera
winter sun in la gomera
winter sun in la gomera
Bikini's from Fantasie - top is the multi-way Cote d Azur and below it is the multi-way Fiji.
talisker whiskey atlantic chaallenge
San Sebastian harbour, La Gomera, you can see the boats ready to depart (far right)

​I would absolutely go back again though, it was prettier than I expected, there isn't much going on, obviously there were a lot of people there to see the start of the race and wave their friends and family off but otherwise it would be very quiet in December.  I understand the island is popular with nature lovers and walkers and I can imagine off-season is perfect for that kind of exploring holiday.  For me though, having been unwell with a nasty cold and feeling very tired, I was happy to just relax by the pool.  
winter sun in la gomera
Late afternoon wine! Wearing all previous season.

​So now they are back safely on dry land and vowing never to go on the sea again!  We watched their live arrival on FaceBook yesterday.  But it did get me thinking that I'd consider winter sun again - not long haul - but La Gomera or possibly Turkey off season.  My husband doesn't do full summer heat so does really struggle in July and August, although I am quite happy with a book and a sun lounger.   You don't get the evenings 'off season', I really missed the early evening by the pool and it felt cold when going out to dinner, it wasn't possible to dine outside.  But for a week to just feel the sun it is so rejuvenating!

Now I'm dreaming of summer days again, this grey has gone on so long, and that is even with me getting sun in December!   That is one of the reasons I love skiing, for the blue skies and sun (if we're lucky).

Love from
Michelle xx
​
Disclaimer:  my two bikinis were gifted to me from Fantasie, however, I was under no obligation to write about them, the opinions are all my own.  May contain affiliate links.

​Other blogs you may have missed and find useful:

​Should I still wear a bikini if `I am over 50?
Two weeks in Kalkan in Turkey
Understanding your own unique body shape
talisker whiskey atlantic challenge
Exploring the Bucks Buoys boat - wearing a jumpsuit from the Mint Velvet summer sale
talisker whiskey atlantic challenge
Rhys and Kev in La Gomera
talisker whiskey atlantic challenge
Frankie, Rhys, Kev and Nic crossing the finishing line Photo Credit: Atlantic Campaigns / Ben Duffy


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7 Comments
Jane
29/1/2020 07:26:56 pm

How lovely to have some winter sun; I am so fed up with January. I have just re-read your Kalkan post & was wondering how warm it was there in June last year. Having previously been in July & found it too hot we are hoping mid/end of June will still be hot but more bearable; was that what you found? Your bikini photos look hopeful. x

Reply
Michelle Green
3/2/2020 09:41:20 am

Hi Jane, we definitely found the heat in June was more bearable than when we went in July/August. I've also been end of May and that was lovely but a bit too cool in the swimming pool - it needed a heated pool really. But June in Kalka was lovely - perfect for swimming in the pool, and perfect for sunbathing in a bikini. The sea was maybe a bit cooler and we had a couple of cloudier days and one storm but that can vary whenever you go. I love Kalkan! Michelle xx

Reply
mireille
30/1/2020 02:14:02 pm

What a wonderful accomplishment for your son!
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Reply
Gail link
31/1/2020 08:45:04 am

Amazing achievement by the four yachtsmen! I love a Fantasie bikini too, I have the Fiji one. The bandeau styles are great for staying up and not showing tan lines! I'm also dreaming of summer sun. Won't be long now. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.

Reply
Michelle Green
3/2/2020 09:42:17 am

Last summer was the first time I went bandeau, now they have more shape they don't flatten me as much!! Love Michelle x

Reply
Clare Harper
31/1/2020 03:25:43 pm

What an achievement, crossing the Atlantic - I admire their dedication.
I have been doing 'winter sun' for the last 9 years now, we go away around the end of Feb for roughly 10 nights - the vitamin D is much needed and its great to have something to look forward to after Christmas. Also it helps me keep on track with the healthy eating as like you, I prefer to wear a bikini on the beach. Then by the time we get back, theres only a week or two before the clocks go back and we're into spring (well lighter evenings anyway). The only down side to this cunning plan is that we use up a chunk of our annual leave a bit early on in the year, but the positives outweigh the negatives. So at last January is over and I'm on countdown now :)

Reply
Michelle Green
3/2/2020 09:43:44 am

Oh how lovely Clare, where do you go, or do you vary it each year? I think February makes so much sense. I do finding packing hard though when it is freezing cold here! Love Michelle xx

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    Michelle ...

    ​Welcome to Fifty & Fab – a lifestyle blog to inspire and empower women over 50. I’m passionate about sharing insights on health, menopause, fitness, beauty, and style, tailored just for you!

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