Having said our farewells to Gareth things were very flat. A remnder that it wil be a while before we are all together again as a family.
The forecast was for very little wind so we decide to make the trip across to La Gomera and to head or the west side of the island. The crossing turned out to be quite a memorable one. We spotted a pilot whal with her calf lying on the surface sunning themslves. A little later there was another pod of 4 or 5 it was hard to tell. The were slowly moving upstream, blowing and lolling around in the flat seas. Feeling ve ry humbled to get so close we took some pictures and motored on. After another hour or so we spotted about 10 – 12 all in a circle they were singing to each other. It was a beautiful sight and sound. We put the boat ino nuetral and just watched until they had slowly moved away on the current. Now that was whale watching.
As a result of the whale watching we ended up running out of daylight (the clocks have changed and it makes a difference to how far you can get in daylight hours now) As we didnt know the layout of the planned anchorage and knew there was an unmarked wreck at the head of the entrance we went forthe safe option. We dropped the hook in a deserted bay and spent the night there. The boat held well and hardly moved but little sleep was had due to the thundering swell on the shoreline. Even the earpugs couldn’t quieten it. So an early start saw us up anchor and head to Vale Gran Rey. The swell was huge as we headed east and to our dismay when we got to the anchorage we realised that if it wasn’t just plain untenable and it was going to be incredibly uncomfortable. Neither of us are quite ready for the practice run of Atlanti swell just yet!
So we turned and head to San Sebastian to the marina there.
John went below to make a coffee and noticed that the floorboard in the aft cabin was askew. A life jacket had inflated which meant there was water here there shoudn’t be! Knew it was too good to be true.
It was our old friend the water pump. Spewing water all over the place.
There followed a mad bailing session. Bucket after bucket – just as well we were heading to a marina. John had told me to keep a look out – just as well as there was a fishing boat at anchor- dead ahead. Close enough for the guy to be waving at us. Just as well we stuck to the 6 minute rule. Anyway we got dried out by which time we were at San Sebastian. Fortunately they had a berth. Better still we found a guy who could get the broken screws out of the water pump plate. Normal sevice is resumed thank goodness However having been badly let down by Jabsco(replcement pump not coming after 8 weeks waiting) an alternative wil have to be found in Las Palmas. Well it keeps us occupied.
We met some folks who were on holiday and were berthed next door. s conversations tend to go the talk was boats and trips. It was a ery pleasant evening.
The following day the swell was still big so we opted for dear old Fred (Olsen that is) to make the trip to Val Gran Rey. There in under an hour and didn’t feel one lumpy bit. Maybe this is the way we should be doing it. The place was a revelation. It is still full of hippies ekeing out a living from tourism. There is however very little sign of time shares and man made golf courses etc. It was just beautiful. Know why Donald and Ann love the place so much. The island is without doubt the most charming to date.
Today John took the 8.00a.m. ferry to Los Cristianos and then the bus to Santa Cruz to visit the chandlers. A man on a mission I am waiting with bated breath to see what he has managed to acquire. There is more work to do before we make the jump and we need to get it done pronto.
Met Michael, Kris and Lani again as we all head towards Las Palmas.
Have some visitors arriving on Wednesday so need to do some housekeeping! (what is that again?)
Just keep thinking how grateful I am to have missed the inspection at school – if any of you are reading this I am thinking about you all and wish you the very best with it.
Hopefully we will be in Las Palmas in time for our visitors.
