After driving into Funchal and then all the traffic jams to park we eventually found our way to the Market. Which was by far the most spectacular of all that we have shopped at during our time abroad. The shop above was on the second floor and you may have guessed sold ‘Madeiran’ wine! Of interest to the home producers were the peculiar fruits – hence the obscure pictures in Picasa. We then walked along the main road to find the TIC office, get a good map and ideas of what else to see. There had been a fire top the highest peak so that was out! We came away with enough ideas to keep us busy. On the way back we passed the ‘Beatles’ yacht which is now a floating restaurant, various sculpts and (to make us feel at home) hot chestnut sellers.
We began by driving along the coast stopping at various awesome viewpoints along the way. Next a tortuous trip to the Nuns' Valley and back via Monte where we just missed the Botanic Gardens by an hour -but did see the local tourist sport of Sledge riding down the mountain road. A brief stop at the supermarket yawn and by the time we got back we were weary travellers.
The following day we had good directions from the Joanna in the marina office which were only thwarted by road works in the first 5 miles, hey ho, - we persevered and headed across the island over the mountains (where we had our usual picnic lunch) and then headed Eastwards to pick up the road back to Funchal and home. Yes we had more spectacular views but as the day progressed the clouds came down and at the highest points managed to obscure the terrific views which we knew were lurking.
The Rest of the time in Madeira was spent aboard preparing for the short passage to the Canaries. Since the supermarket was a taxi ride away we decided that for a short trip we could manage with what we had on board. The weather forecast was for very light winds at first (so possibly motoring) then some good stuff but against us then bad blows against us. I’m told that the prevailing winds from Madeira to the Canaries are always in our favour (sic).
The first day was wonderful, I cooked a delicious chicken casserole with potatoes and beans in the pressure cooker, and there was enough leftover for lunch the next day. The second day was bumpy and uncomfortable, the third dreadful. Nasty winds of the range 25-30 knots but gusting 40. The wind generator screaming it’s head off as usual due to not having been tied down. Very little sail up at all but no need to motor! I was unable to be any help at all (what’s new) the auto –pilot working and in full control did all that was asked of it. Malcolm was on watch the whole time making sail adjustments and tweaking this and that. He did ask me to do a stint at watch keeping and by that time I was able to keep an eye on things while he had a brief rest. All I managed was to fill in the log on the hour and grin and bear it.
So as we arrived at Graciosa (remember Graciosa in the Azores ???) the wind had moderated and ‘Piano’ prepared for berthing. Mooring lines and fenders at the ready we motored in very carefully-but there was no space for us so out into the channel again and on for another 3 hours to arrive at Puerto Naos Harbour on Lanzerote. There were many other yachts with the same idea but we did manage to find a spot to drop the anchor. I made a steak pie and fresh bread to lift our spirits.
Next day and Jobs R. US. While Malcolm sorted out the loo (again) I had a blitz on the bathroom shower. I must say that Ghislaine would be proud of me– it looks as good as new! I made spaghetti Bolognese with a crisp green salad and the last of the Parmesan from Italy (thanks Maria) Pineapple tart with other fruits from the market on Madeira and Marscapone cream. The batteries were low by this time so the engine was started to recharge them, except nothing happened when I turned the key ( we both said “what now?”) count to ten and had another try– this time it started perfectly!!!! Phew With hot water we could now use the ‘new shower’ !
Day two at anchor. Today we sorted out the generator (again) First checked the seawater inlet and the tube was dry ! Next check the impeller and that water is now getting to the engine OK fire her up and bingo one generator fixed…… but a strong smell of diesel and yes there is a tiny squirt coming from a flexible tube so that will need replacing I haven’t seen any spare aboard so will look now.
