We chose South and think it was the right choice. We were more on our game this time and had a beautifully controlled sail south and when the acceleration zone tried its best to shake us we were ready for it.
Just after passing the Southern tip of La Palma the wind died dramatically and mist hung over the water. A little further on and there was a breeze against us as we had expected and we motored the rest of the way past miles and miles of Banana plantations.
We arrived on schedule at Tazacorte Marina and moored next door but one to our French friends.
The weather here is very different to the other side of the Island. Drier, sunnier and less wind, calmer sea. There is a beach close by and a mini market that has all the essentials. A short bus ride takes us to Tazacorte town and a couple of supermarkets that deliver. A little further there is Los Llanos, a large town with loads of shops.
We ordered a new autopilot belt from 'El Chopo' chandlery/fishing shop. The 2 brothers in there have lived in London and speak perfect English. Great.
On fitting the belt we realised why the old one, although still in good condition had snapped. A circlip that stops the steering wheel from going too far on the spindle had broken so the belt was getting twisted. Looking for the correct part - have put a jubilee clip on in the meantime. 1 inch dia. in a metric country problem again.
We accompanied Imelda and Phillipe on a couple of the fantastic walks/hikes here. Either our fitness is not what it used to be or the hikes were a lot further than advertised. A bit of both perhaps. After the first hike we could hard walk for a week - our calves were on fire.
The second walk we were nearly hit by a rockfall.
I got a bit scathed scrambling out of the way.
We did see some fantastic scenery and vistas.
We particularly liked the prehistoric landscapes and the frogs and dragonflys.
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