Rest

We opened our eyes anxious to see what the anchorage was like. However, to start with it was a damp morning and a bit grey. We all went for a swim. The water was beautifully clear and not cold. We could not see the bottom due to the depth. The Island itself was barren and we could see 3 of the extinct volcano cones and each had its own unique pattern of rock as if painted. There was little vegetation but just a few shrubs by the beach. The bay had a long sandy beach in an arc and looked inviting.

Bacon and eggs which we could cook on the flat for a change was a welcome start. The sun began to come up and the drab picture I have just painted began to take a different light. We decided to go for a swim and snorkel ashore. We set off in the dinghy and made it through the rocks to the beach on the right-hand side.

Unfortunately, 3 party catamarans arrived and started to despatch their occupants which was disappointing. Mankind can be so inconsiderate. However, we had a great swim and snorkel where there were quite a few fish on the rocks so clearly this was a clean and well stocked bay. We enjoyed the beach a bit and had to say goodbye to Peter who had to fly home. He set off with his bag through the sand dunes to the local town where he could get a ferry to Lanzarote. We were now down to 4 and Peter will be missed.

 We returned to peace and lunch on Stormbird and rested further. Our position meant we could not hear the noise of the music on the catamarans and we chilled, reading or resting. The catamarans departed and we decided to visit the other side of the beach which was quieter. We were glad we did as this side of the beach was sandier under foot and there were far more fish – snappers, black with turquoise blue strips and a variety of colours and in sizeable shoals. The sun was lovely and warm and we had a happy hour or two just enjoying being if you know what I mean.

We returned for sundowners on the aft deck and Mark cooked a delicious supper – a Cataplana (fish stew -the fish we bought in Madeira) washed down with a white Rioja whilst we listened to Katie Melua and Jack Johnston. We watched the sun go down and appreciated, despite its barrenness the beauty of this place and its remoteness (when the catamarans had gone). It had been a very relaxing and needed day after the trip from Madeira and I reflected that hopefully on my trip I will visit many special places like this.

Tomorrow we will move on to Lanzarote to change crews again and back to a marina and civilisation. Days like today are rare and should be savoured.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions – do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com