Onward and windward

As we were travelling northwards through the Canaries (not the best of plans) and since the prevailing winds here are northeasterlies, we were waiting for either light winds or a change of wind direction to leave Fuertaventura. Eventually we got a forecast of force 3 forward of the beam so we decided to go. The light winds were forecast to stay for a few days so this fit in well with our plans to anchor.

Ok so we know from experience (our own and that of fellow sailors) that for some reason weather forecasts around here tend to err on the low side but off we went. And off we went into a force 5 on the nose complete with short steep seas. We motored for a while, then we tacked. Tacking got us 2 miles per hour made good. Motoring got us between 2.5 and 4 so we motored. This was not fun. At this rate we would be anchoring in the dark. I suggested that we alter plans and anchor outside the island's capital, Puerto del Rossario and Scruffbag immediately aqcuiesed, This was a  relief and by 6p.m. we were in a sheltered anchorage enjoying a well earned rest.

The next morning the short, steep seas had flattened and the wind dropped and we arrived at Isla de Lobos just before midday. After lunch Scruffbag had no sooner started to get the dinghy ready for a visit ashore than  Herman and Conney, who we had met in Gran Tarajal on their mega catamaran, came over in their dinghy and asked if we wanted to join them for a trip ashore. A no-brainer really so off we set, We enjoyed a walk together all round the island with Conney and Scruffbag competing for photographer of the year award.

By the time we got back to the jetty, the bar was closed but they did sell us all ice creams so all was not lost. Herman is a big ice cream fan and eats one most days.

A wet journey back to the boat followed and another night quietly at anchor before leaving for Lanzarote.