20/3/08  9:00 AM

We were off at 8:15 and although it rained most of the night it wasn’t actually pouring down as we retrieved the shore lines and the anchor.   The Barometer has remembered how to rise so maybe it will all get better.  The wind is only 18 knots against us.

10:30

The rain held off for a while and now and it’s bucketing down again. Vis is appalling.  What are we doing here?   What day is it?  Who is the president?  Sorry we’ve been watching “The Fast Show” too often.

 The wind has gone West so it’s not actually on the nose, for the moment.

14:00

The rain eased about midday and the wind went more North and increased sometimes slowing us down to nearly 5 knots.  There have been lots of seals and bird life to distract us on watch.  We saw one yacht which we were overtaking but he turned off to the SE before we caught him.

19:00

We are moored with two stern lines at Isla Rosa, between a group of wooded inlets.  The dolphin escort appeared on cue and this time when Nik zoomed around in the dinghy they all frolicked; it was very nice. As soon as we started to anchor and place the shore lines the heavy rain also appeared on cue.  Today’s run was 71 miles as there is no point in stopping early in this weather. We are within striking distance (42 miles) of Puerto Eden, a small fishing port. If we get there in time we can order a meal in the one restaurant.  They need some advance warning.   I have a weather forecast which claims that it is going to be clear for two days starting tomorrow.

Tonight’s pictures are of today’s grey world crossing the Canal Conception which in places is 10 to 15 miles wide. And one of Nik and the Dolphins. Had the wrong lens. Sorry.