Off to Tazacorte / La Palma

18. January 2015Dietmar Henke

Last night the already announced by the friendly harbormaster in San Sebastian Festival in San Sebastian was in honor of the “Saint Sebastian” instead of. A variety of folk groups, with their 12 String guitars, Drums and ukuleles have already put on all day through the town and, loudly canary songs to the top. The highlight of the festivities but should take place in the evening on the main stage at the marketplace. So it was also. As in a Munich beer garden locals sat at round tables in front of the stage and dined in company take-away food. Of course, there was also plenty of drinking and dancing. Fairground up!

However, I was happy, despite the general sentiment is not in a good mood because I knew, that once again some sailors with whom I had spent the last three days, would leave tomorrow too Cape Verde. Old memories were awake. Again celebrate farewell and left behind alone? Somehow I did not feel and even the already booked dives for next week, no longer appeared to me very attractive. So I made the decision, the next morning very early cast off the lines and the next island of La Palma by destination “Marina Tazacorte” break. The weather seemed loud forecast to be suitable for the crossing, although the port is still quite neat expressed the wind on the stern of the SUMMER. The dive school I wrote a mail and promised in February with Katja together to come back. Then then prepared in peace the ship for the 12 Hour long cruise ago. The music from the fairground held me until 02:30 awake. Also, I nervously as the wind did not want to be a little less.

In the morning at 5:45 I gave birth to the trash bags for waste containers and to my surprise hit a Marinero in service. I gave my admission card to the Marina at him and begged him, to help me when depositing. Now the die was cast and there was no turning back. I had said nothing to anyone about my plan and would therefore always be able to make up my mind yet different. Even against the wind at your back, I managed the ship store. Natürlich nicht ohne noch einmal mit dem Bug auf den Steg zu brummen 🙁 Okay, so hatte ich ein kleines Andenken im Gepäck und auch wieder etwas Arbeit in der nächsten Marina 🙂

The problem was not until I drove the SUMMER from the marina out to the outer harbor. It was so incredibly dark, I practically NOTHING could see. Back in the marina could therefore no longer. In the distance I could see the red beacon of the harbor entrance and headed practically blind to it,. It was not possible to obtain the fenders and lines or. secure because I could not leave the control. Anxious minutes later, Then we left the outer harbor and headed out to sea. It was really creepy, to drive only to the map on the plotter and to leave the protective outer harbor without any view. But my well-being fell even further than I realized, that the same conditions prevailed there as in the Directions. The waves were high and a strong wind from the north with a thickness of 20-30 Node, sent a water fountain after another throughout the ship. My concern was the mooring lines and fenders. Now and then I saw the Fender in the light of deck lighting tug on the Rehling and jump over the water. The SUMMER stamped violently and shoveled over the bow a lot of water on deck. But I did not dare even to climb onto the foredeck, cut off the ropes and bring back. In the worst case, a flushed overboard line would have to wrap around the screw when dragging. After an hour it was finally getting light. I stopped on, went before the wind, took the Fender clean and well rinsed linen back, before I then stowed in the locker. On the foredeck I collected yet the running board of a bow fitting, that a wave had just demolished. On the way back to the cockpit back then I felt better again. Jeez, the handrails of the Rehling slippery when they are cold and full of salt! But the next time I wear gloves! Re-learned what.

Against 8:30 we passed the northern tip of La Gomera and laid 300 Grad an. Finally I was able jib and mainsail set and switch off the hardworking machine. With brisk 6-7 Knots we now sailed directly to La Palma. Everything was good and it was time for the first coffee and a slice of bread. Schmeckt das gut nach so einem Start in den Tag 🙂

Against 16:10 had again ran the machine because of land cover south of La Palma, the wind had fallen asleep. With 6 Knots was then already 2 Hours later, the entrance to the Marina Tazacorte in sight. On VHF channel 9 was no one to achieve and so I looked for then my berth itself from. The docking maneuver worked perfect without assistance and to 18:30 was the Jockel (Machine) sent home in the evening. Happy and somewhat exhausted, there was still a beer for dinner, before I fell asleep peacefully in the salon on the bench. About 20:30 then put another yacht next to me at. I went out again, to see, who had come so late yet. Surprise, surprise! Es waren meine französischen Stegnachbarn von San Sebastian 🙂 Nach einem großen “Hello” told me the skipper, he had expired an hour after me and would have been surprised by conditions. He has seen me all the time on his AIS and I was just traced. But I could not see him, because its device only receives but does not send. Well, something! However, I was also a little proud, weil ich ihm eine gute Stunde Fahrtzeit abgenommen hatte 🙂 So fand der Tag doch noch ein versöhnliches Ende und ich endlich meinen wohlverdienten Schlaf.

Storchenbein “Ade”

14. January 2015Dietmar Henke

“A sailor of it is located more than 100m from his ship already a tramp!” is a common statement among sailors, to continue to indulge in idleness and do not move more than necessary to. I find from yes and even if I just do not feel like, To meet Katie's unfailing spirit of enterprise.

For a brief moment I felt like, as Peter and Manuela from the SY MELODY asked me, whether the mood for a guided hike through the mountainous forests of eucalyptus Gorajonay National Park of La Gomera would. A slight hesitation and then of course I(!) spontaneously said. Noting, that although long-term sailors, but hardly train their arms and their legs are hairy then stork legs juicy ham in a short time, beglückwünschte ich mich insgeheim für diese Entscheidung 🙂 Die Gefahr, I after 3 more weeks on the boat below the belt, not only as a stork would look but as a side effect perhaps could even get an appetite for frogs, was too large to be.

Hiking boots I had been 5 Months on and it was approaching the opportunity, this test then for the first time on fitness. Meeting point was 9.00 Clock at the taxi stand with your guide name Udo. Together we went to the meeting place, who was in good 1400m altitude in the middle of Botany. Since 7:30 I walked around with the unfamiliar for me in the boat footwear, the things a bit einzulaufen. Something was not there because of thick socks, to prevent blisters, just was not enough room in the shoe. Damn those things were tight but what are 4-5 Hours “go for a walk” in the forest?

At the top of the windy and foggy wisps of cloud-covered parking, came the next shower. It ruled here “cuddly” 7,5 ° C and I was glad, I exceptionally long pants and, to advise my wife, a jacket had taken. We were there too early and had to 30 Wait for the rest of the group minutes, but will then arrived on time. Life is ultimately no walk!

The welcome was warm and it gave me a lot of joy, Peter, To meet Manuela and their sailors Falk and Holger again. In a group of 15 The people were then also go soon. In the first steep ascent over 100 Meters to warm up, I could easily keep me in the middle of the migratory birds. Udo, who had studied geology in Germany and since 8 Performs years treks in the Canary Islands for all abilities professionally, explained to us during short stops the flora and fauna in a very entertaining form. It was fun to listen to him when he different from the many domestic and imported eucalyptus tree species, Ferns and mints reported. Of course, no one could remember the Latin names but so much has remained but hang. How e.g.. the story of the Canary snowball. This has beautiful white flowers, that look like a snowball. Mind you, I have not, but not because the plant looked like the name so beautiful to me, but because the slightly furry and on the back a little rough leaves are extremely popular among forestry workers. Why? Weil diese sich angeblich sehr gut als Ersatz für 3-lagige Papierrollen eignen falls die Jungs mal keine dabei haben sollten 🙂

Also our Udo was very quick-witted as someone from the group for a glass of brandy to warm asked. “Oh Alcohol Alcohol, that you are my enemy and I know it. But the Bible is written, Your enemies Thou shalt love” was his comment. Everyone laughed and the subject was off the table. No idea, warum ich mir immer nur solche Dinge merken kann 🙂

The first long, steep downhill stretch over many stones and steps, I then had the salad. The big toe came constantly to the cap in shoe and began slowly to hurt emulate. Blast it! It was only just 45 Minutes elapsed since the start of the tour. Great tips on how to cut off the cap and other good ideas I got on the way. I decided from then on simply, the “Migratory birds” To tell stories from the life while dragging, To ignore stinging and hammering in the foot, which did succeed remarkably well. Es waren ja genug Menschen zum Reden da 🙂

The final sprint over 200 Altitude gain was my personal Sternstunde. The pressure in the shoe was now on his heels and I could finally be on the gas and let off steam. Downright goose-stepping it went the way up and it was really nice, to feel the slight pull in the thighs and to put a good bit of the group. Udo said only, that I would have probably been run me right. Only I had a sense, finally to say the stork legs battle! “Ade Storchenbein, run hurts” lief die ganze Zeit als Endlosschleife in meinen Gedanken ab 🙂

Against 16:30 I was back on the boat and felt dazzling. A great day with nice people, interesting information and many new impressions. The number of Udo I have and if Katja is back, we go hiking again. Matching shoes I will soon enough find it anywhere.

Waschtag wider Want

13. January 2015Dietmar Henke

Just yesterday I had Katja finalized before the taxi, that it has driven to the airport. All alone on board it was now somehow boring and there is nothing better, than to bring a bit of momentum in the Bude? Exactly, I mean something about! Are best suited for Actions, which drive an adrenaline levels in the air. In my situation, it works best at the thought, alone to embark on a voyage with the SUMMER to another port to. It would indeed only the second Einhandtörn with the SUMMER be, which is why I felt some tingling in me at the thought. The weather window looked for a trip from low. I wanted to be in no case with too much wind traveling alone and possibly risking difficulties in the harbor maneuvers. The adoption round at the other sailors and the harbor master fell from relatively short and gentle against 09:15 I had the SUMMER controlled from the protected marina of San Miguel addition to the open sea.

All systems running properly and the lake received me with a gentle wave and very little wind. The weather forecast predicted, that until lunchtime virtually no wind would blow, and then later on moderate 2-3 Would establish Beaufort. I had planned to bridge the period until the doldrums with rolled out mainsail and slowly Revolving machine, so I promptly at 16:30 would arrive in San Sebastian on the island of La Gomera. There Katja and I only just last week had spent a very nice time. Since the island was so quite to my taste, I wanted to able to return to this beautiful time. As planned, I chugged with 5 Node and zero skew in calm seas meet my target port…….

Against 14:10 was suddenly everything changed . I lay on my back in the cockpit, enjoying the warm sunshine on the skin, as the wind rose markedly. The SUMMER placed slightly to the side under the rapidly increasing wind pressure in the sail. I quickly rolled nor the Genoa and was looking forward to finally allowed off the engine. Had I but all the time not more than 7 Knots of wind on the display, were it now 13 Node. Gorgeous, finally sailing! Was not gorgeous, that within 5 Minutes at a time 22 to 24 Nodes were on the display! The SUMMER made a grand appearance on the cheek (Page) and the seawater flooded before the deck because the canopy was much too big for these conditions. I was so surprised and so run over by the new situation, I had to pull myself once briefly. Genoa and mainsail reefed were quickly and then went off the post! The wind picked up 28 to 30 Node to, representing seven Beaufort and already is a neat announcement. With up to 7,5 SUMMER node plowed through the ever more constructive waves, although the mainsail was almost completely curled.

My real concern was actually more the fact, that we were already an hour later, just before San Sebastian and the wind would subside by no means. I fought with me, if I should risk it to proceed to the port under the conditions. First, I was traveling alone and secondly, the situation in the port would not be easy. Ultimately, I decided to take a chance but. Interestingly, I felt absolutely calm and resolute. Our SUMMER gave me once again very much trust and confidence. I was firmly convinced, that we should also come what would meet together.

The closer we got to the shore, the higher and steeper, above all, were the waves. The water splashed over the entire deck and not just once there was a decent shower with salty Atlantic water. At some point, but we were in the outer harbor, where even the AIDA moored. About channel 9 I signed us to the harbor master and asked for help when equipped. We were then. The Marinero waved at me web 2 and led me to our Box. The finger pier was clearly too short for our 12,60m and in addition the wind was still strong from behind the rear. But thanks to the help of Marineros and a few friendly sailors, was the SUMMER short time later safely moored at your place. Thanks again to all the love sailors colleagues! After a short break and a short “Hello” on our web neighbors, I put the shore power and desalinated the brave SUMMER thoroughly with fresh water. She'd also really deserves! The motto was once again “only then the horse the rider”. Sign followed quickly in the harbor office and changed the wet clothes. Everything was now well and the world in order. In the evening I was invited by Herbert from Switzerland, sweet with his Asma and two young children of 2,5 and 3,5 Years with her yacht MAYA on world tour, is spontaneously invited to dinner. It was delicious and I had a lot of fun, to spend the evening in the more lively company. In general, the reception was at the dock very warm and a great experience for me. So it was allowed to go quietly!

PS: It was only in the outer harbor of Marina I have noticed, dass auch noch Schleppangel mit 50m Leine ausgelegt war 🙂

Straw widower luck

12. January 2015Dietmar Henke

Today at 06:15 The alarm clock rang and for the first time in months Katja turned the light in the cabin a before the sun had risen. Spontaneously, I was wondering, I like getting up early at this ungodly time for so many years so well packaged. About 6:45 then sat my better half already in the taxi to the airport.

Now it was officially, that my time as Strohwitwer aboard SUMMER for the next 4 Weeks was actually begun. Back on board, I then dutifully filled the bread machine with water and a cake mix according to the strict instructions of my head and then relaxed watching the funny goings with an appropriate background noise from the blessing Bringer. The result was to be seen! The delicious loaf of bread, together with 3 subjected to even fried eggs an extensive quality control. Book great thing as a unit and I have thus paving the way for the local bakery. Lazy sock! 🙂

The time I have spent better for it in the yard area of the Marina, where the boat should be lifted from our dock neighbors Ernst and his wife out of the water today. As it turned out it was a quite exciting affair for the backstay had to be completely dissolved, so that 42 Fit foot yacht under the boat lift. The backstay tensioned so the mast back and prevents, that it can tilt forward. But everything went well and after 1,5 Hours the fish was cleaned as they say in Northern Germany. Meanwhile, Ernst sweated blood and water during the action and had properly Action, habe ich mich mit seiner Frau Mary nett am Ort des Geschehens unterhalten 🙂

Then there was the successful undertaking a beer for each of the parties. For the skipper, Skippers woman, the helper Patrick, the Marineros and for me in my role as a spectator. I've probably gotten a because I have kept the door, and no “wise counsel” gegeben habe 🙂

In the afternoon I sanded the frame of our Luks in the bow and repainted. Everything works cause the dust and some where it is better when the boss is not on board.

Tonight, Ernst and Patrick at my guest. Ernst had made the proposal, so that he could show a few of his films from his sailing adventures in South America us. He is even sailed around Cape Horn and I am looking forward to some new ideas for our own journey. After all, Ernst has been more than 60.000 Nautical miles (!) logged with his yacht and before 11 Went to sea for years. He told me, that he is already at least 20x went through the Panama Canal and he would never do that to his own yacht. He would repeatedly Brazil, Chile, Give preference to Patagonia and Argentina. As I said, I am looking forward to tonight! Let's see, Katja says what if I use your this route “warmly” ans Herz legen sollte 🙂

No longer alone

9. January 2015Katja Henke

Heute Morgen wachten wir auf und plötzlich war alles anders 🙂 Naja, maybe this is now something exaggerated, but with the tranquility it was over for the time. At the front of the harbor wall had a huge almost 300 Moored meter Crusaders. It was the Tui - "Mein Schiff 3" 2500 Passengers on board.

We we decided after breakfast quickly to look into the distance and to make our last trip to Playa de Santiago. The road through the mountains was now in glorious sunshine even more impressive and beautiful than on cloudy and rainy Wednesday.

Near Playa de Santiage has the only, larger resort and the island golf course. The place itself was but just as beautiful and tranquil, as we had hoped. In the harbor small fishing boats and a few small yachts at anchor or at the Mooring. Here, however, we did not want to come over with the SUMMER sure, because the threshold even got quite uncomfortable even at this beautiful and calm day in the harbor.

Along the beach and in the marketplace invited several restaurants and bars with their tables in the sun to linger. Since we could not resist, as so often, and ordered two refreshing Shandy.

After this short break we followed along the road and passed the airport. The terminal building looked new and somehow unused. Nowhere on the site we were able to discover an airplane. Here the mass tourism had not yet been introduced in any case 

Continue towards the island means the landscape changed and it was hilly and green. Not only goats were here on the way, After some time I even saw a donkey. The course should also be photographed. I carefully climbed through the Botany, to come to a suitable position photo. Quick donkey had discovered me. But he did not occur as expected the flight to, but he quickly turned around and moved screaming at me to. Dem war wohl langweilig 🙂 Gut, that he was tied for the guy I would probably not gotten rid of so easily

The nearest major town on our map turned out in reality to be so small, we decided, inserted here no stop and go right back to San Sebastian. Today we set out to, to eat in the small French restaurant, which had been placed us from the Department of JOY OF LIVE recommended;.

But first we wanted to give our rental car back. The garage of the lender was right in the old town, in the moment are quite a few sites. After we had traversed almost all kinds of roads, we finally stood before the entrance of the garage. Unfortunately, we arrived in the middle of the siesta, but the car we found the safe side from there. Who knows, how long we would go next time in the circle. Within walking distance of the car rental was certainly very easy to reach.

After a coffee and a stroll through the city then we gave the keys back and even took a short detour to the beach, before returning to the SUMMER. Meanwhile, peace was again has returned in the city and the last crusaders rushed to the harbor, so as not to miss their ship.

So in the evening we had the old town again for us. The French restaurant was even better than we had imagined it to be. Although the young man had only one card with a small selection but the dishes, it offers, are exclusive and very tasty. After we had shared four tapas, was just enough space for a small dessert and a delicious cappuccino (finally back with real cream).

Everywhere bananas

8. January 2015Katja Henke

As almost all the Canary Islands, La Gomera are everywhere, where it is possible, Cultivated bananas. Is beautiful, that the bananas do not grow here as in Tenerife behind films or networks, but the plantations are open everywhere on the terraces of the mountains.

Today we led our way north through the valley of Hermigua, probably the most abundant and productive valley on the island. But not only banana wine and other Ostsorten up here quite outstanding.

At the end of the valley on the edge of a small beach, we found right on the water, the remains of the old “Bootsdavits”. Here the bananas were at the beginning of the century loaded onto ships to England. With the construction of the port in San Sebastian davit was no longer needed. The metal structure was dismantled and sold, only the walls and pillars reminiscent of that era.

We went over Agulo Vallehermoso. Both villages are already one of the larger on the island, but are rather tiny and cozy in our eyes. Unfortunately the weather was uncomfortable only, the left turn our walks shorter and shorter with strong winds and gray clouds. In the car, it was back to warm and protected. Due to its location in the Atlantic prevails in the Canary Islands almost all year northeast wind, the often stormy fails in this season and many, has rainy clouds in luggage.

Nevertheless, we made a trip to the seaside, because in our card Parc Maritimo was drawn. What we had expected just below, I am also not entirely clear in retrospect. Aber hinter diesem Begriff verbirgt sich nichts weiter als ein gewöhnliches Schwimmbad 🙂 Wieder was gelernt.

As a last stop of our trip today we had planned Alojera, a village on the northwest side. At the deep black lava were really only a handful of small houses, but there was a small restaurant, where we enjoyed an early dinner. Besieged by numerous cats we were glad when we had succeeded, to eat the prawns without blackheads. Potatoes and mushrooms did not seem to inspire the band as. So they moved on to the next guests and tried their luck as.

On the way back we found, that we had to keep the fuel gauge of the car does not pay enough attention in the eye and "bone dry" the tank just before standing. Although the way to La Gomera are not so far, one should remember, that there is only one of the inhabitants adapted and thus limited number of stations. Good, dass diese sechs Stück auf unserer Karte auch eingezeichnet waren 🙂 So fuhren wir zurück nach Vallehermoso. The gas station we found immediately, Unfortunately, this was even just refueled. Well, still better than closed. So we waited patiently until the tank truck was finished and completed our own tank again brimming with gasoline on.

Relaxed we cruised back to San Sebastian and let the evening end comfortably in a video.

La Gomera - Welcome to Paradise

7. January 2015Katja Henke

Das hatten wir nicht erwartet 🙂 Nachdem wir uns nach der „weiten Seereise“ am nächsten Tag etwas akklimatisiert hatten, we went on a discovery tour.

La Gomera to El Hiero, the smallest of the Canary Islands. Almost circular, it has a diameter of 25 Kilometers and is only 24.000 Inhabited people. We are having our SUMMER in the port of San Sebastian, the island's capital. We were already noticed when we arrived, that no hotel facilities defaced the coast. In contrast to the large islands here the ratio of population-tourist is very pleasant. It fit namely a maximum of 6400 Visitors to the small island. The airport is tiny and most likely to travel by ferry, arriving several times a day in San Sebastian.

So we walked once on the waterfront and along the beach. In a beautiful park right on the water of the Torre del Conde is, a defensive tower 15. Century. Then we ended up in the old town with narrow streets and pretty Canarian houses. Many small businesses were also no shopping to be desired and Bars, Restaurants and cafés invited you to relax.

But first we took care of a car, as the buses on the island (it subvert whole seven bus routes) but were not as frequent travelers. Dear first we wanted to be independent. We once had back luck. In just under two hours our car was available. Finally, we could treat ourselves with a good conscience a coffee in the sun. But first we made a quick trip to the tourist office and received a free German guide. Now nothing could go wrong more.

Highly Dietmar regret there is no highway to La Gomera and the roads do not charge an excessive speeds. But you can always go sporty, as I discovered a little later. Since I was almost "carsick" after a short time in the rocking. Hoffentlich wird das nicht die nächsten drei Tage so weiter gehen 🙂

For our first trip we had "Valle Grand Ray" chose us in the west of the island. We were hoping, perhaps to meet you here on the SY MELODY, had there been a stopover on the way to La Palma yesterday.

Our route took us through the national park "Garajonay", located in the center of the island in 1000 to 1400 Meters of altitude is above sea level and around 4000 Has square meters. Up in the mountains the temperature dropped quickly to seven degrees and in the dense clouds raining. So we did not have to think twice when we saw a hitchhiker on the roadside, wanted in our direction further. With his pink shirt and Floor Length (!!!!) Dreadlocks he looked out from some adventurous, but turned out to be nice and peaceful contemporary from Lake Constance, had ended up before a long time on the island.

In Valle we made our lunch right on the harbor in a tiny fish restaurant. The tapas were excellent and the price once again "frightening" low. Here the water was wonderfully warm and the seven degrees of the mountains were quickly forgotten.

After dinner we went for a dinner walk under the high and dangerously steep rocks of the cliff along. On the warning signs was clearly read in all languages "passage banned because of falling rocks! Passieren nur auf eigene Gefahr“ Aber einen kleinen Dachschaden haben wir ja sowieso schon und blieben auch vor Schlimmeren bewahrt 🙂

At the end of the road we found a finca with a beautiful garden. Here, a group had settled on "Blumenkonder" from the '68 many years ago, and has been living the alternative life in their community and way of life. An der Eingangstür hing auf jeden Fall ein aktueller Wochenplan von Meditationen und Workshops aus 🙂 Da wollten wir nicht weiter stören 🙂

Further inland could be an exotic orchard with 160 visit different sorts of fruit and taste the different varieties of fruit. Sorry, but only on Tuesday and Friday, heute war aber Mittwoch 🙁 So haben wir aber einen schönen Grund, to come here once again.

A big fish on a leash

5. January 2015Katja Henke

The new year began just as well, as the old one had stopped. While we drank lazy after the strenuous holidays below deck coffee, we became aware of a couple on the web, made the images of our SUMMER. Very suspicious! Dietmar walked right out times, to go to the thing on the ground. A short time later we sat together on board with us and talked gorgeous. Peter and Manuela from the SY MELODY were only two of us lands away. They spend the winter always two months of your ETAP 37 in the Canary Islands. As an invitation to the New Year's coffee on the MELODY followed by a wine tasting at the SUMMER. Came as the friendly sailing colleague Falk aboard the MELODY, we found but actually every day a reason and an opportunity, to spend a little time together, while we were waiting for calmer weather.

So also was already firmly, that we would both leave on Monday with the aim of La Gomera the Port of San Miguel. Although we wanted to San Sebastian and Peter and Manu Valle, aber immerhin 🙂

The Way to San Sebastian on La Gomera with 30 A very pleasant nautical miles, almost short day trip. We slept a little longer and started nine clock on the way. Before the port was still the wave of recent stormy days and rocked us initially by duly. Somehow it gave the impression, that there would be no beautiful crossing:-( But after a short time we sailed miss our target with wind and wave from astern. The sun came out again her wonderful power and soon we were both sitting in shorts in the cockpit. This fully compensated us for the wet and uncomfortable Silvestertörn.

The SY MELODY was started something from us. After some time we had but can significantly reduced the projection. Now she was turned towards Valle, as we continue to track ran towards San Sebastian. So we decided, Peter, To give Manu and Falk via VHF radio one last greeting on the way. But apparently our paths should not separate, rather we were even a short time later connected more closely. Because of an engine problem, the MELODY requested tug assistance and hung soon after with a stable and long towline safely moored at our Heckklampe on the starboard side. The maneuver had worked smoothly and our SUMMER towed the yacht without much trouble. So we put the remaining twelve nautical miles to San Sebastian under engine 5,2 Node back speed. On the hook behind us we had the biggest fish, den Dietmar jemals an der Angel hatte 🙂

In the harbor entrance were like the MELODY but again the hook and she made the last meters from its own resources. But now cause research was announced. Already on the water and had Peter Falk tries out together, why hardly any cooling water came out of the exhaust manifold out. After the basic causes of the problem were excluded, had to dig a little deeper probably the gentlemen. After about an hour the problem was then solved. Before the heat exchanger of the engine NINE broken impeller blades had the water flow stopped almost completely. The maintenance of the machine Peter had always been commissioned and relies on a clean execution of work. It is not uncommon, that the rubber wings of an impeller cancel but not to remove them from the cooling circuit is an absolute disgrace. An impeller has a total of only 5 Wing and the presumption is very close, that the remains of at least 3 originate different impellers. Dietmar was seriously shocked glad about the lousy mechanic and Peter, to have preserved their machines from certain heat death. Falk had so situated right in his assumption, that the problem would be to find the heat exchanger.

The machine and thus the evening was saved and our reliable SUMMER had earned an invitation to dinner. About seven clock we headed to the capital, who joined directly to the Marina. Everything was still Christmas lights on the main square and a large open tent was set up, in which already had gathered quite a lot of children. In Spain it is tradition, that the Christmas gifts are brought only by the "Three Kings" on the night of January sixth. So why wait so many little newcomers impatiently for the parade with music, would end before this tent here. No 100 Meters we were already in the middle.

First came the musicians, followed by many life-size toy figures and finally the ambassadors from the East came. Beautiful costumes and authentic style riding on camels, attracted the kings past us.

Well as we could expect no further Christmas, we search for a nice restaurant and ordered for the entire troupe fish fed. The food was outstanding. Thanks again for the kind invitation to Peter and Manu. Wir helfen immer wieder gern 🙂 Leider wurde der lustige Abend durch einen DJ, who had built his system from a neighboring shop, ended earlier than we would have liked. Before dessert we left the restaurant on the run from the monotonous droning techno. But without something sweet the night should not end. In the marketplace learned the Canarian specialty "Barraquito" (Wikipedia: Specialty of the Canary Islands Tenerife, La Gomera La Palma und, served in a glass and consists of three layers: Evaporated milk, Espresso with a dash of liqueur or Tía María and a piece of lemon peel and frothed milk, which will be topped with cinnamon.) kennen und lieben 🙂

Plan B

2. January 2015Katja Henke

As seven in the morning the alarm clock rang, we were both highly motivated and just after eight, I was allowed to drive the deposition maneuvers with zero wind. It really was a long time ago, I had the last time you stood at the wheel when dropping our SUMMER. From the Baltic to Canary Islands I have been chiefly responsible for the lines. I felt a bit nervous with this unusual task, but everything worked without problems. We wanted to do this more often from now on, so that everyone can stand in for the other in case of emergency.

I headed out of the harbor and our SUMMER we could soon set sail, because the wind was. Initially, we were pleased about the onset breeze, but the wind was constantly in strength. There was also a short, high wave head-on. Soon the whole ceiling was wet from walking on water and the SUMMER stamped violently against the waves. With the course and speed we would probably verbringenL New Year's Eve on the Water! So that was not planned! When the gusts of up to 7 Beaufort became more violent, we picked the reefed sail anyway strong and attempted, to make motoring more miles to Santa Cruz good. But even with this strategy, we were fighting a losing battle. So we decided after nearly two hours Rodeo on the sea, to turn around and drive back to San Miguel. The way back was again a pleasure. From wind and wave, progress was swift, in the ship, there was quiet again and we enjoyed the ride.

After our tour we went back onto our traditional mooring. Now it was time for Plan B!!! Despite the gloomy forecasts for the many tourists get a car, we called for our car rental and were lucky. For two days they had a car-free. Although it was a 7 seater, had us much too large. But the price was right and that our problem was solved.

Less than half an hour later we had the paperwork done and the car was in the parking lot in front of the Marina. After our morning sailing trip we decided a decent, to approve English breakfast. We also wanted to use the minibus also an extensive drinks Shopping. We had now really a lot of space. After a brief stop at the vegetable market and a German Spelt Bakery, we went to the neighboring San Bas to the restaurant, which had our English car rental company recommended to us for our breakfast. The tip was really good and we actually got the best English breakfast of our trip so far. After that, we were able to get "safely" on the way to the supermarket. Eaten so tired, was the risk of unnecessary "starvation purchases" banned. Shopping on an empty stomach means but often, dass am Ende viel zu viele Leckereien im Einkaufswagen landen 🙂

At about eight we wanted to make our way to Santa Cruz. Unfortunately we exit was blocked by a small red car hire. Someone had parked so stupid, that with our broad SUV despite Dietmar`s driving skills, could not happen without scarring. Unser Ausflug nach Santa Cruz stand anscheinend unter keinem guten Stern 🙁

But somewhere there must be an owner of this car yes. The car was just before the bridge D of the marina. I quickly went in search and knocked on every yacht. After five minutes I had found a young man, who made a great hurry and with a bad conscience the way back free. So ... on to Santa Cruz.

When we arrived at nine clock in the island's capital, It was pretty quiet there as expected. We made our way to find a nice restaurant, to more comfortably for dinner. But we had not considered, that just as in Germany many restaurants are closed on New Year's Eve. The few, who had opened this evening, enjoyed brisk popularity. Eventually we found but a place in a small tapas bar. Unfortunately, in the exact second the chef decided, that from now on only the big New Year's Eve menu can be ordered. Since we were not able to find out, what it was doing and how much should cost the fun, we drank only a Shandy and moved on. In the Plaza Espania we had seen various stalls, also offering the delicious snacks. Apparently New Year's Eve should be completely different this year. Wir orderten zwei Ofenkartoffeln mit „Allem“ und nahmen unser Silvestermenü unkonventionell auf einer Parkbank ein 🙂

About eleven clock we were on our way to the festival grounds at the mall, on the Spanish television had built up a huge stage.

Everyone walked into the place of the, received a bag of utensils in Spain necessarily required for a New Year's Eve Party. The set consisted of cardboard cones, red Pappnase, an eye mask, dangerous vampire teeth, a plastic flower garland and a streamer. So taten wir es den Spanier gleich und warfen uns in Schale 🙂

Until shortly before noon we left to drive us to the amount before we opened ourselves to the harbor, to get a better look at the advertised fireworks. Unfortunately, we did not think of that, us after the Spanish tradition twelve grapes (For each month of the coming year a) bring, which are eaten with the bells of the cathedral of Madrid. Nevertheless, we came very much to the year 2015 an. After a short but very beautiful fireworks we were on our way back to the boat.