Hello Everyone,
Well, we are getting closer to Europe now. Yesterday we saw a few steam trails from aircraft above and our first bird in a long time. We are opposite the Canary Islands now, named for the large dogs the first Europeans who arrived saw there. The little birds by that name, take their name from the islands, where they were first found. The pilot book tells us that there are a lot of refugee boats coming across from the African coast. Most are intercepted by the Spanish coast guard, but those that get through are abandoned and left to float out to sea. There are also others that don't make it to the islands, with fatal consequences for the occupants. They are a hazard to yachtsmen as being wood, they can float, semi-submerged, for a long time. Of course they are unlit so they make a collision hazard. As they are all around the same length as us, this is a very sobering thought. Also, it has evoked a conversation as to what we would do if we came across one with people (most likely deceased) who had not made it to land. I guess we would have to hang around and try to contact the Spanish Guardia by HF radio to inform them - that in itself would not be an easy matter. Anyway, to a happier note, we are making good headway and are now 350nm from Madeira. We are starting to run low on fuel as the wind we were hoping for did not materialize so we have been unable to progress without motoring. The good news is that we should have enough to get there and if necessary, we can divert to the Canary Islands to get some, so we are not worried. Today is a wonderful day here - sunshine, cool breeze, some white caps but not too big a swell. It puts a smile on our faces!
Love you all Arti & Dimitri
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