Course 270  

 

 

 

Not much to say here today.  I lost the wind for a chunk of last night and was up at about 1am shaking out the reef that I had carefully put in before dark and then adjusting course and sails to get the best from the boat for 3 hours, but we only managed 3 to 3 1/2 kts and eventually that dropped to 2 kts and I did what I should have done in the first place as I have plenty of fuel - start the engine and go get some sleep.  2 hours later we had a good breeze and have been sailing ever since (although the wind is variable and I do have to keep making adjustments).

 

The island of Sao Miguel is 40 miles away and I have been keeping an eye out but no sign yet and we have had the usual mix of rain, overcast and beautiful sunshine - If I were a tomato plant then I'd be thriving.

 

Nature  

I'd written "Not a thing"which has been true all day but I took 10 minutes in the cockpit before sending the blog and have just been visited by a pair of sheerwaters and then a pod of about 10 dolphins.  And a single yellow flip-flop.  Civilisation beckons.

 

General.
No ships or anything else - I'm back in the desert which is surprising as I am so close to the islands now but I don't suppose there is much call to come this way unless you are off to the European coast.

 

I have now managed to eat a whole tuna ! There was no way I was going to leave any to waste but I am now quite keen for a variation in my diet.  That said, last night's tuna bake with cheddar, chopped onion and garlic, chillies and siracha sauce was a triumph.  With a side dish of a can of spicy 3 bean salad.  I'll be doing that again when I catch the next one.

Photo's of food, fish and seascapes (there's not much else out here ) will be added when I get some 4g which may be tonight when I close with the island or may have to wait till I'm in port with wifi.

 

Texts.

 

Mum - I see you have the same "terrible" social life.  The complete opposite of mine right now.

Tim - thanks for the weather and news.  I'll give you a call about routing for home when I've had a look.  Going to take a couple of days here first unless there is a pressing need to keep moving to catch a weather gate.  

Jetty - you home yet ?  Tim says you were nearly there as of yesterday.

Lizzie - good you are back up and out.  Enjoy the fair.

Em - Hope the animals were out for you ad Betsy even if it was cold and wet.  Probably best not to point out that I'm in shorts, hat and harness.  Hope Harvey tells you some tales whilst you do his washing ready for round 2.  Speak soon x