After 5 days on the spectacular island of La Gomera, Sea Cloud and crew have just thrown off the lines for our 6-7 day sail to Mindelo, Cape Verde, about 800Nm from here. Good winds, then very light winds are predicted for the first few days, hopefully increasing in strength as we approach Mindelo.

We have just passed Sea Cloud II, the 3 masted cruise ship we have heard about for years. She has been alongside in La Gomera harbour for the past few days.

La Gomera is refreshingly non touristy. It is known for its hiking trails, there are certainly many of them. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to sample much this time, but a day of driving around the island was enough to make us want to come back again. The peaks at top of the island are almost constantly shrouded in cloud. The misty rain creates a wonderful mossy growth on the trees.

The jagged volcanic peaks and deep valleys between are truly spectacular.

Valle Gran Rei has a picturesque, although rather rolly looking harbour.

There is a Manrique designed restaurant with usual distinctive sculpture and garden. Unfortunately the restaurant was closed, such a shame not to be able to take advantage of this beautiful position.

San Sebastian, the site of the marina reminded us of a Greek village, with its colourful houses climbing the hillside.

You can follow our progress on:

http://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SeaCloud