The Pillars of Heracles

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Mon 14 Sep 2009 11:57
Noon Position: 36 02.6 N 005 53.3 W
Course: East Speed: 5 knots
Wind: South sou' west, fresh breeze .
Weather: Overcast, mild
Day's Run: 126 miles

As we rounded Cabo de Saint Maria yesterday afternoon, running under twin headsails before a light westerly, the wind shifted into the southwest and we found ourselves making for Rio Guadiana which marks the border between Portugal and Spain. At our current rate of progress we would get there just before sunset. I checked the tides, they looked good, towards the top of the flood. Should we go in for a rest? I contemplated this for a short while, often when things line up so well I take it an act of providence and take the hint, but I looked around the wind was fair, the sailing was good and I didn't really fancy a nigth at anchor twiddling my thumbs so I dropped the drifter, hoisted the mainsail (repairs mostly complete, though I think my batten repairs was not a success) and tightened up onto a broad reach towards the Straits of Gibraltar.

This morning as the sun rose to port lay Spain and Europe and to starboard lay Morocco and Africa and right ahead lay the Pillars of Heracles. As mentioned yesterday I hope to anchor off Isla de Terifa which is connected to the mainland of Spain by a short causeway. The anchorage is described in my guide as temporary, so I assume it is weather dependant, either that or there is some bureaucracy involved. I hope the former rather than the latter. We will be there in a bit over an hour so must go and prepare the anchor, attend to navigation and such like.

All is well.

Bob Cat:

What is it? I feel a strange primordial tug, an ancient long forgotten smell perhaps. Did I hear Africa mentioned, home of the king of felines? Great, great, great etc., etc. granddad. I hear they are pretty good sleepers, undoubtedly an inherited trait along with my other superb qualities . . . Zzzzzzzz.