Gran Canaria

Hi everyone,

We're spending about a week here in Gran Canaria.  After one night at anchor we moved into Pasito Blanco Marina.  Since then we've been busy working on boat jobs and touring.  Gran Canaria is the final destination of the OCC 70th Anniversary Macaronesia Cruise.

Touring Gran Canaria

We hired a car for two days with the crew of OCC sv Metzi.  On day 1 we teamed up with OCC sv Singara who also had a hire car, and with OCC Gran Canaria Port Officer Agustin as tour director.  We spent all day driving around the southern part of the island.  Very dry but very spectacular.  We walked to Roque Nublo, known as one of the highest natural crags in the world.  And we visited Tejeda, known as the prettiest village in Gran Canaria.

Lunch in Ayacata

Start of the walk to Roque Nublo

At Roque Nublo
(sv Caballito del Mar IX photo)

Tejeda village

Tejeda bakery

Cave church

Inside the cave church

On day 2 we toured alone with the sv Metzis.  We started in Las Palmas where we hit the chandlers and hardware stores.  We then drove through the north side of the island along some very minor, one-lane roads.  Very scenic, very steep, with occasional trucks coming the other way.  Entertaining!  Much greener than the south side.

We went for a walk in the Tilos de Moya forest.  We continued our drive up and over the mountains where the clouds were lapping over the crests.  A truly spectacular island.

Apart from the two touring days we've been busy with boat work.  Jobs done so far include:

• Filling fuel (tanks and jerries)
• Freshening the nip on all halyards
• Servicing the anchor windlass
• Replacing solar panel connectors with directly soldered connections
• Servicing winches
• Inspecting and cleaning all bilges
• Tidying the forepeak after the headliner removal

Not strictly boat work, but Christmas cakes and pudding have been baked.  I just get to stir the bowl!

Stirring

Today we attended OCC Port Officer Agustin's annual BBQ.  He and partner Sonia have been putting on this event at their home in Pasito Blanco for some years now.  It has become an iconic OCC event.  But more on that in our next post.

Trust all's well where you are!