Guadelupe Island

Thursday, November 7^th

Arrived off the northern most point early in the morning having motored all night - no breeze. These islands are all volcanic and striking in their landscape and geology, very barren with no trees! Guadalupe rises straight up out of the water at this point. We motored down the leeward side of the coast to the southern most anchorage where there is a small settlement. Local fishermen came to greet us and trade lobsters for beers and candy!

A Canadian boat arrived and anchored some way off. We discovered they were on their way to Baja Peninsular.

Friday, November 8^th

Far less dew when we woke than has been the case recently! I think we are nearing the tropics! Dave is having trouble getting weatherfax due to the steep cliffs.

Projects today: make sea rails and install remaining lee cloths in preparation for the next long leg. I made the sea rails of mesh, Phifertex fabric with bolt rope at each end, and Dave installed aluminium tracks for them. They work really well and hold in all the "stuff" inevitably collected on the shelves and in the galley cubby holes.

Saturday, 9^th

All the systems are working well, have been making water. Finished the projects, raised anchor and got underway. We were seen off by large dolphins. Again it was a lovely day to leave, light air and we hoisted the spinnaker for the first time … OH RATS!!! The sheet went in the water and yes you guessed it, got caught round the prop! So Dave took his first unscheduled swim to cut it free. He said "you should see this, it is so clear and deep like floating in space"; I said "just get back on the boat please" !!!

We are on our way to Islas Revillagigedo.