Friday 26th October, at Marina San Miguel, Tenerife
Spellbinder
Fri 26 Oct 2007 21:34
The next morning we spent a little time convincing ourselves that it would provide a good jumping off point for the trip to the Cape Verdes.Then set off for the 28 mile crossing to San Sebastian, the capital of La Gomera. Again a fresh wind between the islands, which slowly backed from NW to NE, allowing us to sail all the way. Ashore for a drink and Tapas in the town square, a most pleasant spot with very few tourists in evidence. A very pleasant change after the endless massive resort developments that we have seen in the other islands.
Wednesday morning we spent wandering around San Sebastian, more relics of Columbus since this was his last port of call in 1492 en route to the Americas. Had a look at the market and supermarket, good potential source for stocking up for the longer times at sea. Bought a couple of tins of "meat" to sample before buying in bulk. Once we looked in the dictionary and found we had tripe and pig's snout, decided to change strategy. Spent the afternoon working on the catering plan, and other onboard jobs. Joined by Eric and Jane at 6pm,who reported much delight in their experience of walking in the island. Ashore for dinner before they headed back to their hotel.
The next day, Thursday, we hired a car to see the island for ourselves. Drove up to the Garajonay national park, where we took a walk in the clouds and saw the "rain forest", and went to the excellent park visitor centre to learn why the upper slopes of the island are so green. A facinating experience. On our return, via one of the intensely farmed terraced valleys and a very good ethnographic museum, decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the Parador hotel.Most enjoyable. All agreed La Gomera to be a charming place.
On Friday, after an early shopping trip, sailed back across to San Miguel,Tenerife. We will stay here for a few days to clean, store and prepare the boat, and allow Ros and Mike to settle in once they arrive on Sunday evening. Then it is off to the Cape Verde islands.
There are some photos waiting to be posted on the blog, once we can find a wi fi connection. Watch this space.