Despair, utter despair, that was the feeling in the Heliodoro stadium after four minutes, as CD Tenerife went 0-2 behind to Alcorcon. Redemption looked like an impossible dream against a team that had only conceded three goals in their first 10 league games but Tenerife slowly steadied the ship before unleashing a second half fight back to win the game 3-2.

Seats had hardly been filled when Alcorcon grabbed the quickest ever goal in the stadium after just 18 seconds. It was a comedy of errors as Alberto mistimed a sliding tackle on Sangall, and Dani Hernandez spilled the ball twice to present the visiting striker with a gift goal. The second goal also owed a lot to poor defending, Alberto made a hash of a tackle and the ball broke to Juan Munoz who tucked it just wide of diving Dani. Many fans feared a cricket score, to their credit Tenerife kept their composure with Suso taking the game to Alcorcon with a couple of lightning breaks.

Former home player Casadesus was back in town, this time in an opposition shirt, he was the pivotal link between their defence and attack, his pass to Nono was met with a wayward shot and a let off. The best home move of the first half came when Luis Perez robbed Nono, and fed the ball on to Suso via Jorge. The end product was lacking but it showed the home flame was still flickering. Casadesus was stretchered off five minutes from half time after he and Camille clashed going for the ball. That loss unsettled Alcorcon, and Tenerife nearly capitalised with an Alberto header that came back off the bar before the players took their break. Jose Luis Oltra must have had the paint peeling with his half time talk to the home players, they came out with a positive attitude that saw Milla go close with a clever corner.

The turning point was the introduction of forward Felip Malbasic for Tenerife. Even his odd glimpses of talent had deserted him this season but there was no faulting him from the second he ran onto the pitch. It was a gamble using him to replace Acosta but the Serbian played to his strengths, power, determination, and sheer persistence. Nano enjoyed having the big man make valuable space for him, the two combined perfectly after 57 minutes, Nano made the pass, and Malbasic crashed home his goal past a well beaten goalie. The chase was on. Tyronne (Tayron) made his comeback from seven months injured, replacing Luis Perez, a clear sign that Tenerife were going all out to catch Alcorcon. Camille was adding his sprints down the left, the Alcorcon goalie had to made a decisive take from a cross to Nano.

The home players were playing more as a unit and looking for each other. Malbasic held up the ball and played it ahead for Joao to chase but it ran on a bit too fast. Suso thought he had beaten the away defence, the goalie raced out to the rescue, the 9,016 crowd was buzzing with hope and anticipation. Even the ultra defensive midfielder Undabarrena managed to fire in a long, low shot to test the goalie. With 84 minutes gone, Luis Milla lined up to launch a free kick well outside the keepers area, he struck it with power and accuracy and it dipped over the defence and between the keepers outstretched hand and the post, a perfect equaliser. Nano was coaxing the crowd to turn the volume even higher and two minutes later they had good reason to celebrate.

Naranjo had done little since coming on for Joao, Malbasic burst through to the right of the away goal and sent in a looping shot just as Naranjo drifted in from the left to apply the touch it needed to steer the falling ball into the net. There was still work to do to keep their noses in front, Dani showed why the fans were still singing his name even after two below par games. A goal line save in the final minute of regular time, and a diving stop during an agonising five minutes of injury time sealed the win and lifted the spirits of fans and players alike. That moves Tenerife up to 16^th, the crowd added some late cries for the removal of President Concepcion, a recognition that long term internal problems linger at the club, but at least there is now something to build on and hope of climbing up the Segunda division table.

As if poor form and low confidence weren’t bad enough, CD Tenerife nearly sunk themselves with a couple of moments of individual stupidity at Real Zaragoza. A generous referee and a late face saver from Bryan Acosta saved a 1-1 draw but left the team in 19^th and trapped in the relegation zone. Coach Jose Luis Oltra tried another format for his 400^th match as a manager in the Second Division, and it did offer some hope. Nano survived a training ground ankle injury scare to pair up with Suso as central strikers, the five man defence had Luis Perez and Hector Hernandez ( in for sore throat sufferer Camille) to provide the width. Hector made early ground down the left past two defenders but his cross found empty space. Perez pumped a ball in from the right, an easy take for the home keeper. The home crowd had come to bury their under fire coach, Imanol Idiakez, rather than praise him, a wild shot from forward Pombo and a Delmas back pass from the half way line brought plenty of stick for the coach and players.

Suso was adjusting to his more central role, Acosta sent him a well weighted cross , he slipped the ball though the goalies legs and along the line but a defender spared his blushes and cleared the danger. That was about as good as it got for Tenerife in the first half, not enough players were creating space for decent shots. Zaragoza showed some urgency at the start of the second half, Pombo turned well to set up Lasure for a shot off the bar. The big forward set himself up for another attempt but Hector robbed him with an effective sliding tackle. There had been some niggling exchanges between the two sets of players in the first half but pushing and shoving as Zaragoza pressed Tenerife back brought a booking for Jorge’s agression that included a half hearted punch. The ref could have easily sent Jorge off but didn’t get a clear view of what went on. A crunching Munoz foul on Nano a few minutes later really lit the fuse. The home player had done his homework and clearly knew about Nano´s injury. After trying to hobble, Nano had to make way for sub Naranjo, while Munoz got a yellow card.

Suso was never going to be intimidated, he just played harder and better, he turned Lasure inside out before shooting wide. Joao came on later for Suso to try to exploit the left wing, his success was only limited. Munoz rode his luck again with a flying boot to stop a Naranjo run. The home crowd were stirred by their sides physical tactics and the players responded to the increased vocal backing. Pombo brought a smart save out of Dani Hernandez. Zaragoza sub Medina was lively, but should have connected with a shot fired across the Tenerife goal mouth.

With five minutes remaining It was shaping up for a goal less draw when Dani, under no real pressure, made a two handed push to the chest of Medina. It was sheer lunacy and a clear penalty that Delmas despatched swiftly. Tenerife brought on Malbasic for Hector to add a bit of late muscle up front but it was James who went close for Zaragoza. Six minutes into injury time, Joao was fouled, Luis Milla teed up the ball from the free kick, and Acosta leapt to head it into the goal. A great escape for Tenerife but the Zaragoza coach wasn’t as fortunate, he was sacked after the game.

Contented smiles radiated from CD Marino´s dressing room after a comfortable 4-0 home win over CD Union Puerto Rosario. It was a complete team performance but the emergence of players from the Tenerife clubs youth system is gathering pace. Jonathan Cabrera was the latest to make his mark with a debut senior goal.

The Fuerteventura visitors had two good breaks in the opening five minutes but were severely restricted after that. Antonio Samuel tested the visiting goalie, Paquito, from a corner, he was continuing his education on the left wing, and with Cabrera taking up the right flank, Marino had plenty of pace. Samuel was quick to react to a Marino free kick, his downward header was pounced on by Paquito. Union Puerto favoured the big boot up field, which left their forwards plenty to do, Cristian found himself if front of the Marino goal but struck out a foot and actually cleared the danger.

Connor was using his speed on the right to support the home attack, and wasn’t shy to have a pop at goal, the safe hands of Paquito covered his best effort. Marino were taking control of the game, Gaizka miscued one shot, and was robbed by central defender Teto as the goal beckoned. Chata was the most potent threat for the visitors, from a corner he struck the ball well but David turned it aside with ease. The home pressure was constant, when Union were struggling to cope with Samuel, Marino switched the play to the right and up popped Cabrera with a crisp goal past Paquito on the half hour.

Union Puerto tried to respond, a speedy break could have been the answer but Favarel was having none of it and his interception was well judged and effective. Union Puerto had to hang on for the remainder of the half as a rampant Marino lay siege to their goal. Samuel put a free kick over the bar, and Ammed fired wide when he could have laid the ball off to a team mate. The white shirted visitors were mightily pleased to hear the half time whistle. There was plenty more to come from Marino, Teto had to divert an Ammed shot for a corner that Samuel skied from the edge of the box. The only real threat to the home goal was when unmarked sub Lautaro aimed true but was thwarted by the outstretched hand of David.

The task got tougher for Union Puerto just after the hour when Chata picked up a second booking for a foul and was off. Prince had arrived from the subs bench and added his tricky runs to the Marino assault, Paquito did well to divert his early goal bound effort. The keeper was equally impressive when denying a rasping shot from Ammed a few minutes later. Brayan could have doubled the score, he jumped well before heading over under pressure from a challenge that looked like a foul. In the past, Marino have regretted not cashing in on their superiority, it wasn’t going to happen this time.

Prince carried on where he left off last home game, another mazy dribble unlocked the visitors defence and his finish gave the keeper no chance. The striker celebrated with the same enthusiasm he shows in his play, shirt off and sprinting out to the running track, his team mates had to catch him to mob him. The ref booked him for the shirt removal but at least looked apologetic for the compulsory punishment. Into the final 10 minutes and Ammed got his reward for another star display, his powerful drive left Paquito grasping at air. Jonathan Sesma had joined the party from the bench, Prince served him a tempting ball and Sesma placed it perfectly in the bottom corner of the net.

It was a very satisfying all round display from Marino that lifted them to 10^th place in group 12 of the Tercera Division. If they can pick up a few away points they should be able to push for a top four promotion play off place. There’s a nice mix to the squad and confidence is growing fast.

After three weeks of Virgen del Encarnacion celebrations, Adeje had one last flourish on the final Sunday as the romeria slowly edged its way up the Calle Grande. Tenerife has no shortage of fiestas but each regional variation is bursting with pride at their own particular slice of history and culture. Large carts trundled up the main avenue decked out with flowers, baskets and home produce, and pulled by powerful and majestic bullocks.

Arriving a little late due to football, I could have been forgiven for thinking I had missed the show. Council cleaners were already brushing the lower street and cleaning away all the debris but it was just an example of the efficient organisation, and they would not catch up to the moving tail of the procession until much later. Bars and restaurants in the street were spilling out onto pavement tables and chairs, and had been busy since mid morning. Local produce was getting plenty of attention today, wines, cheeses, breads, and meats cooked on small barbecues along the route.

It´s very much a family affair, children are encouraged to take an interest and to learn the traditional ways, they will be running future fiestas. Music and dancing were in full flow between the carts, and a huge stage awaited on the Plaza de España at the top of the street. Miss Sur had been duly elected the previous night and a succession of concerts had ensured late nights and tired feet. Calle Grande is a fine backdrop for the events of Adeje, the tight, steep street encourages mingling and friendship, the town hall is proud and imposing, and the church is rich with history. Adeje´s school of folklore ensures that there is a next generation of knowledgeable revellers, and they have all the moves.

The large statue of the Virgen held court in the doorway of the Iglesia de Santa Ursula church, and a smaller version stood just outside. Both were gathering points for family groups to pose after offering their homage. The main stage just below the church gets bigger every year and with the Barranco del Infierno gauging a deep path through the mountains behind it, the setting always inspires. Adeje is no museum piece, it has changed with the times and continues to do so. On my way down the hill on the more modern side of town, I could see the two new large underground parking areas taking shape, thousands of people flock to Adeje to bask in its charms, and the administrative hub of the municipality is there too.

The future was on the back burner for the revellers at the romeria, there was plenty to celebrate and the afternoon was a glorious, sunny one. Ancient and modern were destined to rub shoulders long into the night. If you want to take a peep at what goes on and what to explore in Adeje, keep an eye on their official website.

Visitors Lugo were in the pink after grinding out a 0-0 draw but CD Tenerife produced another shocking performance with chances squandered by their wayward strikers. The 10,074 crowds frustrations were rising faster than the shots that flew over the Lugo bar, and there were widespread chants for President Concepcion, and Director of Football, Serrano, to go after assembling a squad that has sleep walked into a relegation battle.

Coach Oltra is frantically trying to juggle his pack of players for a winning hand. Nano was back to lead the attack, his expensive strike partner Naranjo was consigned to the bench, and young Tanzanian striker Chilunda didn’t even make the squad after his 10 minute debut as sub the previous week. Paco Montañes got the nod for the starting eleven and was bright and breezy, straying inside from the left. Making space, Montañes laid the ball off to Luis Milla whose long shot was too high. Nano stumbled and could only manage a week strike after good work from Luis Perez.

When your down things don´t go for you, Tenerife should have been awarded a penalty after 14 minutes. Iriome rose through the youth ranks at Tenerife but was back with Lugo and cut down Camille when the home defender had made a good run into the penalty area. It looked a certain spot kick to everyone except the ref. Home heads started to drop and Lugo´s Dongou cut loose up front with a powerful header that Dani Hernandez took well. Tenerife suffered another cruel blow when the busy Montañes fell awkwardly after going for a header, and had to go off with an injury to a right leg muscle. Exactly a year ago Montañes had suffered an injury that kept him out for most of last season, this latest setback will side line him for up to four weeks.

On came Malbasic to fill the void, he flickers now and then but for a big built player, he doesn´t impose himself on the game and is frequently let down by his ball control and half hearted shots. The big Serbian couldn´t fault Suso for his hard won crosses from the right but his slow responses gave Juan Carlos an easy ride in goal. Sergio Gil came more into the game for Lugo, and combining with Dongou they forced Dani to tidy up at the post just prior to the break, and had Carlos Ruiz coming to the rescue for Tenerife just after the restart. Suso must have been getting pretty frustrated, everyone called for the ball when he flew down the wing, he found Malbasic who kicked it straight at a defender, it rebounded out and Camille popped it over the bar. At the other end it took a combination of Camille and Dani to keep Iriome at bay.

Tenerife were too slow and predictable, bringing on Joao Rodiguez for Carlos Ruiz on the hour helped, at least his pace on the left troubled the Lugo back four. The Colombian’s skills gave Malbasic two more golden opportunities which he couldn’t convert. It’s hard to believe that Tenerife have ever had such a collection of duds in front of goal, thankfully Lugo were not much sharper, Dongou and Gil showed they didn’t have their radar working. Acosta, just a couple of days back from Honduras duty, was the last home change as the negative Undabarrena went off. Naranjo is so poor he can’t even get on from the bench now.

Joao put a good ball in from a corner, it came to Nano who turned well in a tight spot and wasn’t far off the target. Luis Milla sent another free kick up and over goalie and post but even with the noon kick off, Tenerife wouldn’t have scored by midnight. The cries of “Concepcion Dimision” continued raining down from all around the stadium as the game fizzled out. The bad luck continued into the week with Nano straining an ankle at Wednesdays training session, making him doubtful for Sundays away game at Real Zaragoza. It’s hard to see how Tenerife can turn the season around, maybe B team hotshot Giovanni will get the call this weekend, otherwise the tea lady will be digging out her boots.

Strangled by the five man defensive system of coach Joe Luis Oltra, CD Tenerife were humbled 4-1 at Mallorca. The score flattered Mallorca a little as Tenerife matched their hosts for some of the second half but football is about scoring and defending, there were glaring errors in both departments for the visitors.

Any coach would struggle to squeeze some quality out of this poor Tenerife squad. Colombian winger Joao was still out injured, why do recoveries take so long for the blanquiazul? And striker Nano was ruled out of the trip after a family bereavement. From the kick off Gamez teased Hector, and after just four minutes Mallorca took a lead, exposing the Tenerife defence with a square ball that found Aridai unmarked to score. The only real Tenerife chance of the first half came from Naranjo who rose well to head on target before the goalie made a fine turn aside.

Abdon Prats was a waste of space during his spell with Tenerife but he was fired up to put one over his former team, Aridai set him up for a pop at goal, Jorge and Alberto managed to stop and clear it between them. The half hour was approaching when Gamez got the ball through to Lago Junior who doubled the lead with a header into the top corner of the Tenerife net. No strong holding midfielder and acres of space in midfield encouraged Mallorca to keep launching raids, just before the break, Aveldaño headed clear after Prats burst through. Oltra must have told a few home truths in the break, Tenerife came back out with a spring in their step. Hector made a good run and tested the goalie, Acosta managed a side shot at goal, and Suso forced a rescue dive from the keeper. Malbasic awoke and went close twice before the pressure paid off.

Luis Milla launched a corner into the box, home defender Salva Ruiz tried to clear but could only head into his own net. Technically that makes him Tenerife´s joint top goal scorer. It was a short lived moment of relief, Rodriguez roasted Hector and fed the ball via Aridai to Prats who gratefully popped it past Dani Hernandez. Montañes replaced Aveldaño and was soon in action playing a nice interchange with Malbasic before stumbling and only making a half contact with a shot. Tenerife had a bit more balance now, Milla linked with Acosta to set up Naranjo for a long range effort that the goalie stopped low at the post. With 16 minutes left and a faint hope of a comeback, forward Chilunda made his debut in place of Naranjo. The Tanzanian international couldn´t react quickly enough to exploit a Suso pass but hopefully a few games will sharpen him up.

The crushing blow came a few minutes later, Alberto made a half hearted tackle on Lopez who was able to score in the top corner past a static Dani. Luis Perez for Raul Camara was a pointless late change for Tenerife. It could have looked even bleaker as Mallorca´s Lopez skied an easy chance in injury time. The defeat dropped Tenerife back into 19th place, a relegation slot, and leaves a mountain of questions to be answered by club President Concepcion and player recruiting Sports Director, Serrano.

In 700 Tercera Division games CD Marino will have seen fewer stranger than their 2-1 home win over Union Sur Yaiza. Before kick off the club honoured squad members from the 1980-81 season that started that long residency, they must have been as bemused as the other fans by  a flag happy young linesman, and a whistle happy ref who sent off three visiting players.

Antonio Samuel unleashed a crisp early shot for Marino that warmed the Lanzarote goalie’s hands. Right back Connor continually got in behind the Yaiza defence, and on the other side of the pitch Javi Saavedra overlapped and saw his shot ricochet off the post. David was nearly caught cold when Victor produced the first attempt for the green shirted visitors, but it was back to one way traffic as Fayez fed Juanmi for another home effort. Ruyman was bracing himself for a busy afternoon in the Yaiza goal, Connor breached the rear guard again, this time setting up Gaizka, his neat flick was snuffed out by the goalie.

Ammed and Guti both went close, it was inevitable that a home goal would come, after 25 minutes Samuel made another telling run down the left, cut inside, and finished clinically to make it 1-0. Yaiza were stung and tried to respond, Kamara got into a strong position but headed over the Marino bar. Ammed and Samuel both had further chances before the half closed with a Rami header that David took one handed in the home goal. After Tito had his own effort easily dealt with by David to open the second half, Gaizka made way for Javi Gonzalez for the blues. The sub wasted little time in winning a free kick from a menacing run, Ammed fired it over the bar.

Prince Dadia came on for Fayez as Marino looked for the second goal to underline their superiority. It was Yaiza though who found the back of the net with a soft goal from Rami that evaded David. That gave Yaiza some encouragement, they stepped up the intensity of their play and the tackles became fiercer. That still didn´t prepare the fans for a mad five minutes, first a clash of players saw some pushing and shoving, the ref, prompted by his assistant, showed a direct red to Raul and a second yellow to Miguel. Once order was restored, Sesma was Marino´s last sub, in place of Connor, a positive, attacking move.

Javi Gonzalez beat the Yaiza defence and was in the penalty area when Victor hooked him over. The ref pointed to the spot and another direct red for the foul meant Victor joined his mates for an early shower. Sesma stepped up and side footed the penalty straight, the keeper, Ruyman, stood his ground and made a spectacular save. Marino had 10 minutes left to seal the victory and threw their overwhelming numbers at the depleted opposition. Juanmi blasted too high, Prince was on target but brought the best out of Ruyman.

It wasn´t fair to expect more drama but it came anyway in the second minute of injury time. Prince looked hungry and showed great pace to exploit an opening in the Yaiza defence, from outside the box he let loose a perfectly timed shot to leave the goalie stranded. Prince was mobbed by his team mates, there were a few more seconds to be added on though. As play restarted, the Marino bench urged the final whistle to go, and after agonising seconds it did.. It was quite a game to witness, Marino will just be thankful for the three points that boost them up to 11^th place.

No prizes for guessing who felt the most uncomfortable at the end of this reunion of former CD Tenerife coaches. Jose Luis Oltra was basking in the satisfaction of a 1-0 victory, back on the home bench ten years after his first spell as boss, Alvaro Cervera was nursing his wounds on the wrong end of that scoreline to continue the recent decline of his visiting Cadiz side.

It was no time for gloating though, Tenerife did just enough to get their first win of the season, and Nano got his first goal since returning in the summer. It wasn´t a thriller to watch, Oltra stuck to his five man defence with a few tweaks. Alberto became the stay at home centre back with Carlos Ruiz roaming in front, that worked better but at times players seemed unsure of their roles. Alberto put his previous weeks poor display behind him, a strong block on striker Mario Barko marked his card. Nano is gradually finding his fitness and some form, a quick break showed his alertness but fizzled out with no support on hand.

A patient build up just before the half hour took Tenerife close, Suso was back in the starting line up and running at the visitors defence, this time they ganged up to close him down. You can´t keep Suso chained for long, a couple of minutes later he was off down the right again, passed to Naranjo who helped the ball on to Nano who finished with a neat side foot for a 1-0 lead. Cadiz needed something from the game to stop their poor run, Matos thought he was through, Carlos Ruiz had other ideas and cleared with his head. Dani Hernandez was on top form, he easily repelled two decent shots on him. Jorge is learning to enjoy his little excursions to the sharp end, he produced another goal bound header only to see the keeper make a good save just before the break.

A home lead with a 10,075 crowd behind them should have made the Tenerife confidence flow, instead some of the old uncertainties reared their head in the second half. Naranjo was very poor again, Camille should have had a shot when holding the ball, instead he passed to Naranjo whose control let him down. Suso and Nano both forced corners that brought no reward. At the other end, defensive slowness gave Edu Ramos a chance, his poor strike was worthy of Naranjo. Nano was trying hard, he skipped past a defender and won another corner, again it was wasted, set pieces need a lot of work in the next training sessions. Tenerife were living dangerously, they should have pushed more for the second goal, Montañes came on for Naranjo but didn´t make much of an impression.

Undaberrana was a defensive replacement for Nano with 13 minutes to go, a signal to Cadiz that Tenerife were just looking to cling on. At least Nano got plenty of cheers as he left the pitch, the local boy will appreciate the fans are letting him back into their hearts. Suso tried his luck with a back header before making way for Malbasic. In injury time Luis Milla made light work of defender Alex Fernandez but Bryan Acosta couldn´t finish off the move. The win was a great relief and moved Tenerife up to 15^th, but now the hard work really starts.

Bikers filled the roadside cafe, chestnuts prepared to burst forth from their spikey jackets, and pine trees marched up into the hills above Vilaflor. It was the perfect start point for a Sunday afternoon circular walk from the top end of Spain´s highest village. Tenerife´s Titsa bus service only runs a direct service from Los Cristianos on weekends so I was keen to take advantage of a rare Sunday without football to cover.

My friend Cecilia, a keen runner, joined me as we took the steep road up to Las Castañas, the village below looked serene and quiet. The tarmac road past the Hotel Villalba and the football ground soon changed to a rough, upwardly mobile track, and the first choice soon arrived. Faced with a lack of clear signs and a hazy memory of my last journey this way, we went upward and I soon recognised a large white modern water pumping station. Being so close to Teide national park, the Vilaflor area has more plentiful water than lower regions so it has always been pumped to the less fortunate areas.

Fire has been a constant menace during the height of summer, there were many signs of a couple of wild fires earlier in the year. Nature is a quick healer, new growths were emerging from blackened bark and even some of the damaged trees had a strange beauty to them. A downward path of orange tinged earth showed how well some of the route has been managed, it led onto a stunning viewpoint overlooking a valley of pine trees. Some nifty footwork was needed for a steep twisting drop leading down to a reservoir, complete with a strange miss match of pipes and valves, and gurgling that sounded like a giant washing machine.

This was where it all got a little interesting. The path up and out at the bottom of Vilaflor was clearly marked but a nearby sign pointed the other way to Ifonche, and as we had plenty of time, it seemed like a good add on. It was a fairly wide natural road, well worn by motor vehicles, it undulated up, down, and out in a long loop seemingly in the general direction we needed. A series of ancient water channels, pumping stations, and an old weir, were bone dry, it was difficult to imagine what it would look like when a storm raged. High banks along the way showed massive bolders that had half rolled down and were precariously perched on inclines.

After a couple of hours the path tightened and started to wind upwards as thin wisps of cloud drifted across. It was time to turn tail and retrace our steps to the reservoir where a clear and known exit awaited. Our water and food supplies stood us in good stead and heading into familiar territory hastened our pace. Once back at our ill fated wrong turn, a little browsing showed a smaller path tucked behind a tree, that was the true Ifonche route even though the sign pointed to the other path.

There was still some steep terrain ahead and the lure of a fresh, cold drink. Arriving on the main road just below the Hermano Pedro junction, our 6 hour jaunt had become a near 20 km epic, and the 6 pm last bus to Los Cristianos had gone. Some forward planning had identified Arona as the nearest bus point for the south, a “cheap lift” that far, linked us to the Titsa and on to home soil. It wasn’t quite as planned but still very enjoyable and a vindication of allowing plenty of time, food, drink, and a positive attitude. Ifonche part two is pencilled in so I can square the circle soon.

Like a salty sea dog, my tail was wagging wildly, not only was I getting the Plenilunio promotions day, and the CD Tenerife v Cadiz game, the tell tale sign of tall masts told me there were also some interesting ships in Santa Cruz for me to check out.

Down at the old dockside, two majestic ships were moored toe to tail with the Holland flag fluttering proudly on each. The first, Morgenster was a particularly lucky find for me as I had not been able to fit in a press invite to see the ship a few days previously. There was just a few crew attending to maintenance needs and I was offered a brief tour, clambering up the gang plank, I was struck by the neat, sparkling condition of the deck, well it had been in port for two weeks of scrubbing. This was a ship with a mission called Clean To Antarctica which involved the active promotion of recycling plastic. From its Den Helder base, the ship was travelling on to Senegal, Cape Verde, and the Caribbean before the epic trip to the South Pole. In that frozen wasteland they would be trying out a special vehicle, Solar Voyager, made from recycled plastic. The regular 8 strong crew were being joined by 25 volunteers being sponsored by a Chinese company. It’s a very modern project for a ship built in 1919 as a fishing vessel and later rebuilt from just the original hull into the clipper design it now has, including a 30 metre high main mast.

The Europa, just behind it had a slightly different mission, sail training for a mainly young volunteer crew from Canada, Sweden, and the USA. There was not much between the ships age wise, Europa was built in 1911 but after dropping out of service had to wait until 1994 for a refit from the hull upwards. The main mast was a tad higher at 35 metres and the cheeky design on the bow of the ship was sure to create interest at each port they called at. The 56 metre long ship, based in Den Haag, was more about team building and character building for the paying crew who would be pitching in on all the on board tasks, including scaling the masts to set the sails.

Contrast is always a big feature of Santa Cruz port, over in the modern harbour, the cruise liner Celebrity Silhouette dominated the skyline. The 315 metre long palace, launched in 2011, has 2,886 passengers, you wouldn’t catch them climbing more than a couple of stairs, certainly not inching out along the yardarm. The latest cruise had brought them from Southampton, via Portugal, and the Azores. Up on street level overlooking the port, the port authority had a display of info on old ships and nautical equipment, including some heavy diving gear that looked like it had come out of a Jules Verne novel. I wonder what awaits my next call.