Selvagem to Lanzarote

A last peaceful evening at the anchorage of Selvagem Grande, surrounded by returning birds that had a lot to talk about.

We had a real good nights sleep in an otherwise not so cozy anchorage, but the wind didn't pick up until well into the morning. We had planed to wait until at least 12 noon before setting off to the south end of Lanzarote, as otherwise we might arrive still in the dark. In the end we left 20 minutes early and arrived an hour and a half too early. That was because the wind picked up way more than predicted and while we kept reefing an reefing there was no way we could slow Taniwani below 7.5 kts. While the predicted wind should have been around 15 kts, we had near 30 most of the way picking up to 50 in the acceleration zone near Lanzarote. Even at the southern end of the island, where we had thought we might get in calm conditions it was still blowing. So we meandered around in the area until we got a bit of light and then entered the marina.

Marina Rubicon is a huge development that had just opened with just a few pontoons in operation back in 2003, now it is a vast place with long distances to cover. While surrounded by tourist resorts, restaurants and shops, it still hasn't become a naturally accepted buzzing place and one isn't really inspired to stay longer than necessary or hang out in the not very populated restaurants. When we visited Marina Puerto Calero the next day by car, we found that place much more excepted, with busy restaurants having much more of a flair. One wonders what makes the difference, but it seems to be lots of details.

But marinas isn't what makes Lanzarote. The character of the island is volcano and Cesar Manriques. His art and his heritage, as well as the volcanic landscape are a delight for the eye.

We enjoyed these views for two days traveling across the island by rental car. Tomorrow morning we plan to leave early so that we can reach Las Palmas on Gran Canaria still at daylight. Seems there should be plenty of wind to do the 95 miles during daylight.

Photos:

Last evening with the birds at Selvagem Grande

Sculpture by Cesar Manriques

His house build into a lava field

Living room in a laval hole

Lagune in a volcanic crater

Montañas del Fuego