Wednesday 4th November (Lini’s Journal)

Brindabella's Web Diary
Simon Williams
Sat 7 Nov 2009 11:12

 

   The rapidly approaching transatlantic crossing must be playing on my mind for my dreams are vivid and involve a mix of storms, accidents and a range of sea monsters scary enough for any Spielberg movie. It was not the most restful of nights! In an attempt to calm my inner self I played my Tai Chi DVD after breakfast and made notes so I could try and relearn it even when power is limited.

   Our next anchorage at Puertito de la Luz was only a couple of hours down the coast so there was plenty of time to make bread, vacuum, shower and charge all the toys. We left around midday and had a very pleasant sail with alas more unsuccessful fishing. (Well- There wasn’t really enough time!) The wind was gusty coming off the volcanoes all along the coast. Our anchorage sat before a spit complete with grand lighthouse on the end. The tiny village sat between beaches and a couple of yachts sat in the bright blue water. I saw the anchor come to a halt 10m below us and inspired by the results on the fishing boat near us last night we spent half the afternoon trying our luck. (Or was it our patience?) I willed the fish swimming by to grab my line with an onboard BBQ planned tonight, but no, nothing bit. (Well- around full moon is never a good time!) Si gave up his attempts first in favour of an afternoon snooze, (We don’t talk about his loss of THE lure on Monday!) followed by me shortly after: Sausages on the BBQ later then!

   An hour or so later I decided it was a silly idea to practice Tai Chi inside the boat at anchor. It was so rolly it was difficult enough to stand on two feet never mind perch on one with arms waving while reading instructions. Feeling decidedly dizzy I lay down and read my book for a while.

   There’s some serious list making going on as we near Las Palmas. Si added to the boat jobs list and I emptied out my file of notes which I haven’t really looked at since we left home. I had such good intentions to type up and organise the top tips for transatlantic crossings I’d picked up and read. The time has gone so quickly and here we are on our last leg before the ‘big one’.

   The wind picked up and it turned rather chilly as the sun went down. We abandoned plans for a BBQ and donned fleeces to dine on deck. Behind a volcano the moon rose with bright orange light giving the illusion it was erupting. With a 4am start tomorrow it was early to bed.