Return to Las Palmas

Unfortunately, the night had been quite rolly as the swell somehow found its way into the bay and some did not sleep well. Mark and I had a swim and snorkel toward the rocks and the swell was bigger today. It disturbed the sandy bottom and the water was not so clear. However, there were shoals of fish near the rocks which was interesting. It was great to get up and have a swim in the morning which gets you going.

Puerto Sardina del Norte was very quiet and there was no one around. The busy Sunday has turned into a very quiet morning. I guess they had all gone to work. After breakfast we ventured ashore for a walk and went through the town and up to the hill (which was quite a climb) where we were rewarded by a café being open. It was very good value – 5 coffees being 7 euros!  We bought some provisions in the supermarket and headed back to the boat for about midday. There were now only 2 people on the beach and we did see some divers.

 Once we had raised the dinghy, we set of to return to Las Palmas where Jules was flying home and David Marks (who sailed the Atlantic with Mark, Ben and I) was joining us. There was a lot more cloud this morning but once we got out past the headland the wind was Northwest. We therefore set sail and were soon sailing well on a close reach which helped with the swell. Jules did not really like the swell, but this was good flat sailing and sails help limit its effect. Mark decided to make a Spanish Omelette which we had with some tune empanada (a sort of Spanish pasty) which kept us going and was delicious.

The sun was out at sea whereas the Island was covered with cloud and it was beautiful with the sun on the blue sea with the odd white horse as a contrast.  Many read books or their own thoughts and within a few hours we were not far from Las Palmas. The wind died before arrived and we had to motor the last bit. The odd thing is that there is a premonitory Island at the end of Gran Canaria so you can see the docks and Las Palmas before the premonitory bit (i.e. from both sides but you have to go round this to get to the other side.

We were soon round and back at our berth on the fuel pontoon. We might as well get our name on the pontoon. We decided to go out for dinner for our last Jules’s last night so there was time for walks and showers first.

We had an enjoyable supper at a local restaurant and as the previous night had been so rolly an early night was had by all.

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