Arrived in Pasito Blanco - Gran Canaria yesterday at sunrise after a two day ride from Madeira. Started out Thursday morning sailing in 13 - 17 kts WSW breeze...a nice beam reach. For most of the day we blasted along at 7.5 to 8.5 kts on a course of 177 degrees towards Gran Canaria, 311 mile away. We left the "Islas Desertas" to our west. A day later the "Islas Selvagems" came into view about 15 miles to our west. Also a territory of Portugal (although much closer to the Canaries), these two islands have population of 6. Two wildlife wardens and 4 lighthouse keepers. Both land and surrounding sea are protected habitats for a variety of species (some endangered) both land and marine. After night fall on this first night the wind began to fade as predicted. By 2300 GMT on Thursday we were under power where we remained for the next 26 hours. The wind picked back up from the NE as we approached Gran Canaria, the last forty miles. All in all a very pleasant ride. Some really nice sailing with a less nice motorboat ride sandwiched in between.
Upon arrival we did some maintenance and housekeeping, cleared customs with the "Guarda Civil" and went to Las Palmas, the capitol of Gran Canaria (850,000 population). First impression: grand resort community after grand resort community separated by dry, dusty - brown desert like landscape all spread out from a large densely populated city...very interesting. More exploring ahead...will report later.
 |
| Another beautiful mid-ocean sunset |
 |
| Brad Curtis - having a tough day at the office |
No comments:
Post a Comment