The Canaries
Mor Toad / Moy Toad
David and Jocelyn Fawcett
Fri 26 Sep 2014 10:11
David and I came back on watch at 8 am. this morning Friday 26th September
29:32.33N
13:15.8W
to see the welcome sight of several mountainous islands appearing in the distance - only 22nm to go. Warm but cloudy.
It's been a long 4 and half days and 4 nights since we left Portugal last Monday then around 550nm to run but we've made it in one and still with plenty of fuel. We've had some wonderful sailing (long overdue) and the past few gloriously sunny and warm days (nights also warm and very starry - no moon) have seen the cruising Shute ("snakey") up and yesterday for a record 11.5 hrs. (for us - last time David flew one for nearly as long as this was on a yacht in Scotland in the 70's)
We did however have drama about 4.00pm yesterday when with a bang down it came. Brad managed to man handle it out of the sea before it disappeared under the boat. It turned out a shackle had come undone! However all was sorted and it was back up again in no time.
What other things of great excitement.
Whales spotted in the distance blowing
Dolphins spotted leaving Portugal and apparently again this morning.
A shark (large dorsal fin) just swam past the stern.
A swim in the sea several days ago when the sea was glassy. Magical - we just stopped the boat and jumped in. Water 27.5.
34:24.0N
9:38.07W
The odd lone bird - sadly not identifiable (must put the bird book on board) trying to hitch a lift miles from nowhere.
Salads extraordinaire made by Joy for lunch and some pretty good evening meals made by one or other of us.
Amazing starlit nights - don't think I've ever seen such an amazing Milky Way. The odd shooting star.
Sunsets and sunrises never cease to amaze. 2 nights ago the sun went down brilliant red just like lava streaked with lines of black cloud - quite stunning.
We have seen 6 large ships in total over the period heading to various places in Northern Europe or The Mediterranean.
However we all agree night sailing is a necessity and ok for one night but seriously overrated beyond that. Maybe we getting too old for too many disturbed nights? Sent from my iPhone