We were much luckier with the day we chose to have a hire car on La Palma than on the two previous occasions. The day was clear and sunny, so after endless twisting and turning round many hairpin bends, when we finally arrived at the top, above the tree line, there were amazing (if a little hazy) views. It was particularly note worthy to visit the highest point on the island, where the famous observatory is sited, and see all the telescopes close to. There was a painter on one of them – not a job I would fancy, but he was whistling while he worked!

We visited the marina on the west coast of the island at Tazacorte by car. It looked much better developed than the pilot book had indicated and all the boats were lying nice and still. None of the rocking and rolling we were having in Santa Cruz. I thought we might move round there but it was too far and at least half the journey would be upwind, and Sunday was very windy. Today we had our first rain of this trip – but only in short showers fortunately, and we had done our washing yesterday. (It dried as quickly as I pegged it out although I was a bit scared that it would all blow away. Fortunately the pegs proved up to the task!) Sunday was also noteworthy for the brief stay of 2 cruise ships and something that appeared to be akin to a car boot sale in the car park next to the marina. Ted was very taken with the design of some wooden bowls that folded flat.

Santa Cruz is a pretty, town with interesting old bits. We had a good meal on Saturday night, with musical entertainment from an ex-pat, hippy Scot. (Went down well because he did some Dylan!) It is also noted for its attractive balconies, which are much flower bedecked. The naval museum is housed inside a big replica of Columbus's ship!

Today has been spent working and planning ahead. Tomorrow we depart for El Hierro and the rough wall of the fishing harbour. We are hoping to meet the Remedios crew, who are now on their way back to Florida, and entertain them to a farewell dinner – hopefully not a last supper!

Looking out over Santa Cruz de la Palma Harbour                 The highest point on La Palma, Roque de los Muchachos       Part of La Palma Observatory. The two shiny hemispheres

                                                                                         2423 m. (not a hard climb as the road to the observatory       are the latest high tech additions costing 4million Euro each.

                                                                                          takes you within 50m of the summit)                                   

Big paint job                                                                Wine terracing and windy roads in the valley leading                  Car boot sale bowls - unfortunately none of them showing                                                                                     down to Tazacorte. We drank local wine on                              how they collapsed to a flat pack!

                                                                                    Saturday night and it was good

Balconies with and without flowers                                        Cruise ships and Moorglade dressed, not quite overall,        The home of the naval museum!

                                                                                            with washing