Build up to AR

Karinya
Tim And Vicki Schofield, Captain Cal 7 and Jess 4
Sun 14 Nov 2010 18:29
Well, i have finally got around to writing our almost last blog.  We have spent a week now in Las Palmas preparing the boat and ourselves, with another week to go, we stilll have much to do.  the past week has been mainly party and party.  All very exhuasting, but we havent been to all of them.  Its a little like being at conference at work, with lectures during the day if you wish, and socialising at night.  We have had happy hours, family barbeque night, owners drinks, welcome party, and another  welcome party......tonight there is a barbeque, but we are having a night in.
I have spend most of my time trying to provision the boat for a potential 30 days at sea.  This is not an easy task let me tell you.  Trying to estimate how much you will eat, snacks, treats, fresh stuff -  that wont go off, drinks, milk.  We have a boat of 5 now, as christian our crew arrived yesterday too.
Tim has spent most of his time finding gas,  believe it or not, Las Palmas dont fill gas bottles with propane.  We have managed it now, but had to buy another gas bottle, which means more weight.
 
Before our arrival here,we spent some time with the french families that we met.  They left and now are on the south of Gran Canaria, before they cross the Atlantic.  We spend Halloween with them, for an hour.  Callum was rather disapointed as he was expecting us to go trick or treating around the marinas with other boats.  However, we didnt manage to get into a Marina, so it was an at anchor, daylight apple bobbing party.  they managed to get loads of sweeties anyway, so were happy.  We have had lots of fun with them, and Tim has even managed to Franglais a little.  The kids French is coming along so quickly, we are going to try to keep it up.
 
We are meeting lots of great people, of all nationalities, and our dock has a party feel about it all the time.  the kids are loving all the attention from the adults about, and we are all getting very excited about the crossing now. 
 
Today, we had the parade through the Marina, with flags from all the countries taking part.  Callum was the flag bearer for the UK, and felt very proud.
 
There are lots of photos so enjoy and we will try to post another blog before we go.
 
 
Welcome party provided by Las Palmas council
 
Also...from this....
 
to this......
 
I thought i was in Brighton
 
Tim wishes he was in Brighton
 
A Grown up night out
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kids beach party
 
 
Our family at the parade
 
 
                
The UK flag bearer....Callum
 
Fancy dress for the dingy race - Medusa
 
More carnival
 
Jessica on Christian (our Crew) shoulders
 
 
keep the flag held high
 
 
I do like to get dressed up1
 
the winning shot