Shopping

I cannot get over the size of the shops here. This is Al Campo and it took fifteen minutes to walk from one side to the other. They sell everything from food to clothes to fridges, including a gluten free aisle which makes me happy. 

Green

The feel of cool, green, clean, grass between your toes for the first time in months! 

Arriving...!

After days of this view of the horizon out my cabin window, watching the waves wash past the ship...

And evenings of epic sunsets spied from the bow...

I looked out my office porthole one morning and suddenly there it was: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria! We'd arrived earlier than I expected.

It is one of the seven Canary Islands, off the coast of Western Sahara, where we are doing maintenance in shipyard. Also, because of its proximity to Europe, about half our crew are flying out of here, either going home or on vacation, so there is a lot of work to be done. Hence I would have taken more close up photo's of our arrival, but I was working on getting all the lists ready for our arrival in port and processing with Immigration.

I'm excited to explore this volcanic Spanish island, with cobbled streets and sidewalk cafes, a beachfront promenade and mountain roads.

Sailing...

We had quite the Sendoff by the Pilot and two tugs. Most of the port came to a standstill, with workers waving and the tugs blowing their horns nonstop.

Worship on the bow for our Sunday evening service. 

I just can't get over how blue the deep water is. 

What else to do with a free afternoon but swing your feet up in a hammock?

I love the freedom of the open ocean!

Leaving...

 

A while back I posted a photo of the dock in rainy season. Here is a photo in contrast after we're packed up and ready to sail...