Web report Day 8/9
We left Gijon under darkening skies and a strong headwind. Captain Barbara wants us to outrun the new lows coming across the Atlantic, getting round Cape Finisterre before they come. One member was seen being delivered back to the ship by the Port police after exploring the small farms and homesteads over the top of the cliff, she was not manacled.
Our 12.30 – 1600 hrs watch was wet and windy but the accompanying gannets shining white in the gloom, young and mature great black-backed gulls flying along with us, were magnificent in their flight and plumage. There were no ships in sight but then a low flashing white light appeared on our port bow and we wondered at such a frail fishing boat being out in such weather. On closer inspection it seemed to be two flashing white lights on buoys, not marked on the chart.
The rocky coastline and dark sky were very beautiful studies in tonal colours and shapes. As we motored past La Corunna, one of us remembered losing a yacht propeller out here, sailing back and being towed in the long entrance. The oldest lighthouse in the world is situated in La Corunna and built on ancient Roman remains.
We continued motoring under heavy skies and rain – rocking and rolling more gently now and our 20.00hr -2400hr watch, having turned the corner, was interesting as we were inside the shipping lane and had the land on our portside with many lighthouses which we identified.
During the night, the winds abated and we woke to blue skies and sunshine! Fire drill came and went. We had dolphins briefly and a whale blew just below the horizon off our port bow.
On watch again at midday, our Irish leprechaun is on the wheel and later she distributed sweeties! Our nephrologist has been photographed doing domestic duties. Meteorological observation have been taken and Celestial Navigation with the sextant instructed by the Captain.
We are still awaiting the northerly winds but the engines with the new shafts and propellers are very quiet. Blissful!
Jill, Aft Starboard