and more Manrique – what an impact he had on Lanzarote.

The Jameos del Agua, a system of underwater caves has been cleverly sculpted by Manrique to provide restaurants, bars, an amphitheatre for concerts and a vulcano information centre.

It is also home to the unique blind white crab

At the very top of the island is another Manrique architectural masterpiece, the Mirador del Rio, a restaurant perched on the cliff top. sssss

It has fabulous views over the nearby island, La Graciosa and its small marina.

Manrique’s house where he spent his final years was our last ‘must see’ for us on the island. We finally found it – a wonderful calm location within a palm grove in the northern village of Haria.

Tine and Gordon, our Danish friends who will crew for us across the Atlantic arrived on Sea Cloud for a few last hectic days of preparation in the marina. After 3 weeks in Marina Lanzarote, we packed our purchase of Spanish wine into the bilge, along with our supplies of Greek, Albanian and Italian wine. Ian is terrified we will run out before the season ends!

 We sailed north in a pleasant southerly breeze to the small island La Graciosa. So good to be at anchor again, our 3rd night at anchor in 8 weeks!

La Graciosa town with its sandy roads is a pleasant, laid back spot.

Gordon and Tine, La Graciosa