The Trade winds have begun to reform quite nicely now and our neighboring boats are getting ready to leave on Saturday expecting good winds as far as modern technology can see.

 

Meanwhile we have settled nicely into our new berth and are really getting to know Tenerife from the glitz of their Las Vegas known as ‘Playa de las Americas’ to the quiet of the mountain walks around the Teide national park.

 

It seems to us that most of the new development is around the south eastern side of the island whilst the ‘best bits’ are over on the north western side. Still we have fantastic drives across and around the volcano. We even retrieved our walking boots from the depths of the basement in the boat and are starting some terrific walks around the island. I must say Tenerife has some of the very best coastal walks and drives I have ever seen.

 

It’s a good job we moved to a new berth the other day.
When we came back from a walk the day before yesterday we found that many of the boats had had extra lines attached to them. Hmmm? The marina staff clearly know something I’m thinking. Then, a few hours, later the rain started, the wind started – it built up and built up. Our instruments read over 40 knot wind and boats were swinging like crazy due to the swell that had worked it’s way into the harbour. Two of the boats held between posts had to be attended to by staff as they swung into each other. Whilst we did move, our mooring springs and the other 6 lines held us nice and snug.

We are now 48 hours later and it is STILL pouring with rain and howling!

This has all been a great excuse for Les to prepare some fantastic meals with the local produce we acquired before the start of the bad weather. Last night Les prepared a mini banquet (like the night before!). I generally help by getting in the way and burning things!
Fresh peeled prawns gently warmed in a garlic olive oil with heaps of brandy and crusty bread.

Beef and vegetables stewed with red wine on a bed of spinach.

Local cheeses and fruit.
Noir chocolate with orange with Limonchelo liqueur.

Espresso.

..aaaaahhhhh

In a weird way it is quite fun hearing the wind and rain swirling around you whilst feasting and being nice and warm and snug in the boat.

 

Our new improved super patented custom designed antenna gain Wi-Fi booster has really gone down well with our neighbours. Previously the signal from the marina office was not good at the best of times – but now – with the new improved super patented custom designed antenna gain Wi-Fi booster nearby boats can piggyback off of our network and receive crystal clear web pages for the weather and other sunny places! Aaaaaahhhh  Good internet is bliss.

I really should set up a business selling the new improved super patented custom designed antenna gain Wi-Fi booster to other cruisers.

 

There is little community forming around our berth now which is always super for us. we opened a few beers and bottles of wine the other evening. We get to learn so much from other cruisers.
For example, the next boat to us is a beautiful Island Packet sailboat (we looked quite seriously at these by the way). The boat looks brand new but it is 10 years old. The couple sailing the Island Packet have been around the world starting from the Annapolis area on the east coast of the US they are on their way back home after – 10 years! They are full of stories from their travels. They sailed through ‘pirate alley’ during the height of the risky period in 2010.
Then there is the chap who set off from Amsterdam for his would tour. He has now reached here traveling along the Atlantic coast (about 1500 miles) and it has only taken him 12 years! (I’m thinking his boat should be called Timeless!)

 

Now. It is currently 10.00am here.
Best start preparing dinner for tonight..

 

I wonder how long it will take before we go boat crazy?