Yes, our anchorage is very unstable and there are often days when we can not land because the waves are too high and the wind is too strong. Since we are left with no other choice than to stay on the ship and enjoy our togetherness. We read a lot, but the work we are not as motivated as the permanent Schauckelei makes a very tired. Sometimes we feel like we're on the high seas.
Must be cleaned every now and then, because the whole ship is dusted with brown, fine sand!

But today we have for the first time completely flat water, juhuii!
Of course, from the dinghy and went dry for the first time to land. Second, we were able to schedule pick up our package. The spare parts kit for our wind generator has arrived. Unfortunately, the import charges 1.5x more expensive than the value of the spare part!

Well, hopefully works for you and installing it again gives us wants to get energy into the batteries. Then we will prepare it and wait for about 6-8 days sailing to Dakar, a good weather window.

... We have received the award for the north of the lagoon. This was not the case, even after repeated ask the police chief, who has always comforted us. So we took everything into attack themselves and sought the Colonel de la third Bat. Naval. This is the only one capable of driving on the lagoon authorization granted. Unfortunately we had no telephone or personal success, and our request was rejected without explanation.

M. Karim Bab al Bahar from the hotel, where we lay at anchor, tells us that about a month before arriving in Dakhla, should get in touch with him. He could then all cards and papers, which are required to send in advance to the appropriate official and obtain a permit to anchor in the northern lagoon. Without preliminary investigations it was almost impossible. Too bad for us, good for other sailors to know. So, who wants to start Dakhla reported to Karim.

Valerie and Karim, the owner of the hotel are really trying to help the sailors here. You have reached at:

www.bab-al-bahar.com

Email: valerie@bab-al-bahar.com

Phone 00212 528 93 14 40

Prior to her hotel, it has a small raft where we can land the dinghy. Because the ride is still wet from the waves, we'll sneak as quietly as possible through the hotel and can move us in the toilet. We can stash them in water and enjoy the beautiful terrace before returning to the wet way back to the Whisper. Incidentally, there is a fine menu of the day to 120 dirhams (15.00 CHF), a 3-course dinner à la cuisine française, prepared delicious.

Post by Elvira & Mark:

Today we have set the alarm and are already on at 7:30. Shortly after breakfast, and then there are the difficulties begin. On the way to the bridge captain Daniel invites us to see his Catamaran. We go in short, everything brand new, large, very beautiful, not so clean ... then it goes to the bridge, it is low tide, we climb up the stairs.
We have ordered all day 4WD with a driver and make him a nice, long trip. First, a stop for shopping. Now, with full power of the city on a beautiful secluded beach. The Spanish ship was wrecked in 1978 and now lies on the banks, already fallen quite apart. We take pictures, because we are on the Atlantic side, it is not hot, but windy.
Back on the main road, it goes into a lagoon, where it has a kite-surf hotel. All young people, a tent - and a bungalow complex. Many riders make their first attempts, or already acrobatic leaps out into the bay. We inquire about prices and ask for mooring in the bay. We drink and watch people, birds and crabs en masse in the wet sand out of the tide and wander.

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Saturday, 7 August 2010, at 24:00 Clock we weigh anchor and sail south with the aim of Dakhla. After covering the island of La Gomera, we come into the nozzle of the two islands and rush the first few miles with 7 - 8 knots speed southward under a beautiful starry sky. Elvira and Mark, our guests can sleep well despite strong ship movements in the bow.

From morning until noon, we enjoy the most beautiful Segln with about 15 knots of wind. Unfortunately, we accompanied this not too long, and then ceases altogether. We are engines in the hope that soon loud report uses a light northeast wind. The downturn in the length of which regrettably, we always try to move forward with sails, but most is the support of our Perkins announced. Too bad! We are under some pressure over time, we want to flood the shallow pass the entrance of Dakhla.

We take turns reading from the guards, and doze much. Rocking makes us all very tired. The second night is very humid and hazy, the stars sparkle no longer so clear and the sun is obscured with haze. Accompanied us for a school of dolphins.

The third night is very humid and at dawn we are eager to know when we see Africa. Shortly after sunrise brings Hans Peter from the Angel. Hardly out is so special about a fish. In 15 minutes he starts five mackerel of about 45cm in length. Hmmm, that gives a delicious meal!

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How time flies.

La Gomera is a tip, you could stay here a long time. But now we have done it, we got off and lying at anchor in Valle Gran Rey. Ah, how beautiful we can now go back with a plunge into the crystal clear water from the ship.

But first things first:

With the preparations for our journey, we are up to the arrival of our visit almost finished. We struggled at work with the frequent squalls of San Sebastian. The mast steps are now all assembled and ready for the mosquito net over the Kockpit, stashed the boat again.

Helene came to us for a week on ship. The common days flew by in a flash with lots of interesting conversations, trips (were very worthwhile, we try a lot of fruit, which we did not know) to a tropical fruit garden, island tour with a hike in the magical laurel forests, picnic and folklore concert, and of course swimming at the nearby beach.

It's always nice to have a loved one from his home on a visit to have, but when you fight then leave a bit with the homesickness! Read full post »