It was great to finally have arrived in the Canaries where we could relax for a moment, enjoying the sunshine and friendly atmosphere. It was a weight off our shoulders after all the work and worry about the closing weather windows back in Gibraltar. Seem like a long time ago already as our tans were restocked. Still learning to relax into things and live in the moment without so much self-imposed stress. Chris had been cruising all over Grand Canaria having great adventures while he waited for us to be let through by the weather gods. Here are a selection of his cool photos to give you a taste of the place.
We quickly settled into the place with its nice atmosphere and many relaxed cruisers quickly became friends. Here the kids are playing during a large dinner party at the local hang out.
Las Palmas is a surprisingly large and commercial town. It was great to see a big local surf ski crew and I joined in for one of their sessions. Epic place for some downwind action! Not sure why they have not sorted out races downwind between the islands? Maybe a gap in the market? This is easily a place we could spend the northern winter.
The list of jobs to do before the crossing was pretty minor and really just fettling and provisioning, and washing of course…
Tour driver Chris happily showing us around a few of the places and supermarket runs.
One of the big hits was the science museum. Expecting to spend 1.5 hours tops there I had to tear the kids away 4 hours later as they were closing!
Yes, that is a real jet fighter! Awesome to have such an interactive place.
Green screen movies another bit hit
I know you Love animals but I am not sure the new chicks were supposed to be so interactive Amelia…
Just about to leave and we find the “rollercoaster.” Multi axis massive robot arm the kids loved and on the hard core setting made Cesare cry out Mummy!
After the unusually unsettled weather across the Atlantic from Nov to Mid Dec, both holding us back in Gibraltar and right across the trade wind belt the weather was settling down and shaping up nicely for a downwind crossing. Yay! We were keen to get going so the stop in the Canaries was only a six days. Wrapping things up with another great evening with the great SOL crew. Kids are busy entertaining themselves somewhere. Kids, we have kids…?
Tracked the kids down to watch the super moon rising over the commercial docks.
Kiwi ship November Zulu Two Two Six Seven headed for the Caribbean you are cleared for take off, have a great trip…
Topping off at the fuel dock on the way out on 15 Dec it was great to be surprised by three families as another farewell gathering. The cruising community is one of the things we love about this life.
And we are off! Atlantic crossing here we go, Caribbean here we come!
Sunset off the bottom the Grand Canaria as we head off into the Big Blue.
Chambers Family Adventure on S/V Drakkar 