Winter Break in the Canary Islands

We successfully defrosted and rejuvenated after soaking up the sun in the Canary Islands last week. For those that may not know, these are Spanish islands just off the coast of Morocco on the African continent. Our selection for this trip was simple - how far south can we get with a reasonably priced direct flight from Copenhagen? Canary Islands it was!

We went to the island of Gran Canaria in the Playa Del Ingles area - it was really beautiful - the extremely clean beaches had such soft sand they really surpassed my expectations - and we could not have asked for better February weather. The island is not only beaches though - there are massive sand dunes as well that make you feel like you are in the Sahara Desert. The islands are volcanic and are also marked by steep mountains that contain many gorges, rock formations, and caves.

Reading up on the Canary Islands prior to the trip, I found it's known for excellent weather they call a perpetual spring - i.e. highs around upper 60s-70s - so, Ron and I did not really think we would be spending much time at the beach - for us Texans this is just not beach weather. However, once more we discovered how we have acclimated decently and definitely turned this into a beach vacation! When the sun was out (90% of the time, thankfully) it was perfect weather to sit in the warm sand and enjoy the beach - or be out on a catamaran on the water. We are not crazy (yet) though - the water is still just plain cold, even for the kids. I think Raegan went in a couple times. I have not yet figured out how Europeans find enjoyment from swimming in frigid water!

Some beach photos...

These were their sand beds, with sand pillows and all (with a new friend)

There were lots of sand sculptures done around the island - here's Homer Simpson (Ron's fav)

This was Puerto de Mogan - a village they call the Venice of the Canary Islands for its touristy canals

 Destroying their sand castle village

We love being out on the water so we took 2 different boat trips - one was on a glass bottom boat and the other a catamaran. We all had a great time! Wyatt loved looking at the fish and Raegan got up the courage to go on the banana boat ride.

Yes, they are putting on some sort of show together that entertained the deck. playing on the speakers is really loud party music.

 

 

Unfortunately both kids got sick on this trip - each one was very quick to get over it thankfully. But below, the one of Wyatt and I - this was his day to be sick (so sad looking...) - and I should have known that Raegan would be sick the next day - she is actually napping on the front of the catamaran in that photo the day prior to being ill. I cannot remember the last time she has had a nap before this.

We rented a car one day and drove around the island. We went up into the mountains and attempted a hike which we quit pretty quickly - no hand rails and very steep cliffs - with Ron holding Wyatt and me trying to make sure Raegan is safe - did not seem too smart! The drive was nice though (with the exception of Raegan getting ill!!) and we also stopped to go on a camel ride. As you can see below Wyatt is not a fan...although he did perk up a bit as the ride went on. If you ask if he liked our camel he will say 'Oh yes'. If you ask him if he wants to ride a camel again he will say 'No, I don't want to ride the camel, Raegan can ride the camel.' :-) Raegan of course loved the camel ride, but actually I think she was a bit bored by the end of it and wishing she was riding a horse instead.

 

 

Finally, we had some fun in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes...this was something Ron remembered loving from his childhood so it was on the must-do list. The kids absolutely loved it. Raegan wanted to compete for who could jump the furthest. And Wyatt with his little legs was a madman as he kept going back up so he could jump/slide back down. Believe me, it was a lot of work to get to the top...as an adult! Shockingly, guess who got to carry him out of the dunes because he was too tired to walk??