Full moon over Fortaleza

As the sun dipped over the horizon the moon peeped up behind us, both at
exactly the same time. A beautiful full moon was on the rise. Ahead of
us the lights of the big city of Fortaleza was flickering their secret
morse codes to each other, making navigating fairly difficult.
Fortunately our chartplotter was showing us the way and we could safely
enter into the Marina Park Hotel's marina. When we sailed passed Atholl
Dos Rocas the scientists there informed us that about ten yachts sailed
pass the last few days and I expected to see a few of them here. Going
into the marina it was clear as daylight that we won't be able to tie on
as there just was no space. Outside the marina there were also a number
of yachts anchored. So Steven didn't get his chance to practise this
complicated manouevre of tying on at Fortaleza. We turned the boat
around out of the marina and found a suitable spot to drop the anchor,
as close to shore as we could. A French guy, Luke, came around and
questioned our anchoring spot but soon was just fine and gave us a lift
ashore on his dingy.

We proceeded to a small restaurant on the northern flank of the hotel
and ordered four hamburgers and chips, four cokes and four beers. Soon
we were feeling well fed and enjoying being on land a bit. We then
proceeded to the pool and had four capharinhas. It was time to get back
to the boat and we got a few cokes, limes and some ice and swam our load
safely across. We had a drink or two on the boat and a relaxed albeit
serious discussion followed on all manner of subjects, including the
origan or source of Love. Soon afterwards we were soundly asleep, our
anchor light and the full moon watching over us.

This morning we were a bit groggy but soon were busy cleaning the boat
and putting the fenders and mooring lines away, just getting the boat
shipshape. We have got enough water to make it to St.Vincent, would have
liked to have had more though. We also stopped to just take a breather,
get a bigger picture of the weather ahead, check our mail and also skype
a bit. Eduan and Nick just swam ashore to go and do some shopping and
also get us some airtime for the internet. Once they get back Steven
will join them at the pool. I am quite content to stay on the boat.

Tomorrow morning we will leave at first light and should get to the
Caribbean within eight days. St. Lucia to collect an oil pump left there
for us, St.Vincent for some official business and to top up our water
tanks and then straight on to Panama.Interesting little nautical term
today is 'Shanty'. Work songs sung aboard ship which brightened up the
drudgery of hand hauling and also ensured the men all pulled their
weight together. There were different shanties for different work.
Halyard shanties were brisk for the quick but comparatively easy work of
hoisting sail. Capstan shanties sung when the anchor was to be hauled
aboard were generally slow and sentimental. The custom goes back to the
15th century and the word shanty probably takes its name from the French
'chanter', to sing.

Have yourself a wonderful Wednesday.

Captain Paul