Belated Update
The Adventures of Allegria & Crew
Peter Lansdale
Thu 19 Sep 2019 17:59
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Apologies Dear Readers - if we still have any - the
wonders ot technology meant that we have had no sattelite signal for a few
days. This was most inconvenient as it meant no access to a daily weather
forecast which is usually handy. In the event however, it wasn't a great
problems as we didn't miss any dire warnings of impending high seas, gale force
winds or any other nasties. The lack of wind for most of the journey was
readily apparent! This actually gave rise to some hurried calculations as
to fuel consumption/mileage and whether we would need to factor in a stop to
fill up the tanks en route. Hope the calculations were right as the
decision was taken to soldier on.
So - quick report - the fog reported in last blog
eventually cleared and the ensuing pleasant weather meant we were accompanied by
dolphins...always a spirit lifting sight. Also we passed the 600 mile
mark. That night produced tumble drier conditions in terms of boat
movement for a while - not pleasant but we survived. Nicer next morning
and we managed to get sails up. We also gave the odd 'lift' along the way
to sparrow-sized birds...they didn't look anything like big or strong enough to
cross oceans. As if that was enough excitement Dear Readers, we caught a fish for tea! Still no idea what it was,
but thought maybe a yellow finned tuna - but it was white meat once cooked and
tasty.
Serious shipping lanes to be crossed meant us
dodging tankers and cargo ships, but was good news though as it showed headway
being made for our course to the Canaries
The following day was glorious and the sea state
and the fact that we were again motoring meant that on deck sunbathing was the
order of the day. We hit the halfway mark of 400 mile to our waypoint
(cross on the map to steer to!) so celebrated with kit kats - oh
well! More sunshine for last two days and mirror glass calm seas - which
the turtles we saw swimming past the boat and heading north were enjoying.
Possible sighting of a pilot whate too - either that or a very large solitary
dolphin.
As I write it is Day 36 out of Lymington - this of
course takes into account our two unplanned 'holidays' in Muros and Vigo and I
wouldn't have missed either. Tomorrow is Friday 20th and we hope to reach
the Island of Graciosa just off the north west tip of Lanzarote by
evening. The plan is to anchor up overnight and celebrate.
It should then be a 20 mile saunter around the top of Lanzarote to Arrecife
where we will go into the Marina and test of land legs for a day or 2.
Tired and frustrated crew, all night motoring does not make for restful nights
and of course there are the watches that come into play. Must away, Sue
has the Chef hat on this evening and spag bol is smelling delicious.
More reports to follow - satellite
willing!
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