35) north of The Canaries

Somewhere north of The Canaries &

Rubicon Marina, Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Islas Canarias 28° 51.394 N 013° 48.831 W

We knew that today we were going to make port.  We had seen the lights of the island cities for hours and anticipated the dawn arrival.  We were going to arrive at the northernmost island yet transit to the southern shore.  Little did I know that this day would consist of the most exciting and diverse events to have occurred this entire trip.  In hindsight, we were lucky, prepared, unprepared, stubborn to the task of moving this boat along and rewarded with making some key correct decisions in a timely manner.  The further along this vessel goes with this core crew of three, the more the patterns and efficiencies of character emerge.  To each his own and this is an eclectic group that is proving everyday that it is working.       

Sunrise, prior to entering the marina.  The vistas and colors of the sky are breathtaking. 

The entrance to the harbor was very narrow and to top it off the lights were not on.  We were looking for the, uhm, light pattern that the rest of the world other than the U.S. uses, which is green on the right when returning to port.  For the record, the United States marine navigation lights are standardized with red on the right hand side when returning to port.  All of us sailors learn to say and think ‘red right return’.  So, we get to the Med and the Atlantic and it is reversed.  Keeps you on your toes.

 

This is the standard M.O. for making port; John at the helm in the cockpit; Alan and I acting as deck monkeys.  This is the look of several days at sea, an upset sleep pattern, lack of food…  but, damn I love it!