The last couple of days reminded me of the last few days at work before you head off on holiday (I can remember that), a mad rush to complete tasks and tie up loose ends. Except I wont be able to 'buy the things I forgot when I get there', as 'getting there' is as much as three weeks away and in the interim we'll be bobbing around on the Atlantic trying to make progress toward St Lucia.
It's all been a bit frantic, lists have been written, added to, checked off, added to again and still there are things to do. I might have to be a bit philosophical on my normally psychotic need to complete every little detail, although I'm having head staggers even thinking of that! But, just like the days before holiday, it's amazing how much you can get done when there's a hard deadline coming up.
The weather forecasters predict very calm weather over the first few days of the crossing. We can therefore at least look forward to some relaxing times after all of this hectic onshore activity.
The local chandlery (definition of 'chandlery' = shop where boat items are bought, primarily at extraordinarily high prices) has done very well out of me today, even they said they thought my credit card might melt. They are however incredibly helpful with all us sailor folks, who invade their city, don't bother learning Spanish and expect them to provide all of the most obscure boat bits at the drop of a hat. It's all done with a smile and a helpful attitude, so I don't mind lining their pockets at least a wee bit.
It's been a great few weeks here in Las Palmas, including visits by nephews Gordon and Murray. My daughter Eilidh then dropped in for a few days and we celebrated her recent qualification success, a few 'dusty' mornings after those drinks! One of those mornings was post the Farewell Drinks party which we attended as the Saints of the Caribbean - Lucia, Vincent, Barts, Maarten and Kitts - although everyone wanted to know why we were angels!! I've never seen Eilidh look so embarrassed, out with us oldies sporting tinsel halos. : )
We've also explored bits of Gran Canaria off the beaten track, planted some trees, took views from the high mountains and had some great Canarian food. Lewis joined us yesterday to complete our Atlantic crew so he's brought an additional voice and bit of banter to freshen us all up.
Yesterday was tinged with some less good news from family and friends in UK who have had some serious health issues. They'll be foremost in our thoughts over the next few weeks and we look forward to hearing that they are well on the way to much better health by the time we get to St Lucia. That would be the very best news we could receive when we get there.
Cheers,
Derek