We sat in the clouds to cool down

Slipping out of Quinto do Lorde, Madeira we unrolled the headsail, engaged Carly the hydrovane and romped-off towards the Ilhas Desertas. The NE force 5/6 sent us scuttling bye, able only to enjoy the view from a safe distance-off. Frequent gusts to 35kts and a 4m swell had us surging down the waves at a respectable 6.5-7kts. The cork-screw motion made life uncomfortable. We had to miss the Selvagem Islands - a marine nature reserve for which we had permits, so we also missed the rare monk seals too. 277 miles and 47 hrs later, but now back in hot sunshine, we tied-up in the marina in Santa Cruz, on the island of La Palma in the Canaries.

Unlike the eastern islands, La Palma is green. The spectacular volcanoes rise to a staggering 2426m. The walks are awesome. Advertised for "expert walkers who do not suffer from vertigo", they deliver exactly what they say!! Sitting on the top, looking down on the clouds,tumbling on air currents, like the primordial gases that had erupted with the magma, we sat humbled as ravens and buzzards soared around us. We left only when the cool clouds enveloped us. Behind us, some 60 miles away, Tenerife silently poked its even higher cone towards the sky.

With mischievous humour, the people of La Palma enjoy a satirical poke at Napoleon. French pirates had repeatedly returned to rape and pillage. Then, after Boney himself, had had a pop at invading the island, only to repulsed, sent running, his tail firmly between his legs, did they celebrated, and they still do. Throughout the island there are representations, a statue, and even an annual festival where Bonaparte, depicted as comical little clown in a huge hat, is irreverently the centre of attention.

We leave tomorrow for the Island of Gran Canaria, and the World Music Festival, so maybe its time to wander the cobbled streets of the old town for one last beer or perhaps an icecream..