Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
Wednesday, October 22, 2010

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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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Paddling to shore


An hour ago, Guppy and I came in Puerto de Mogán, a harbour squeezed in between mountains. Setteld in, the first thing I did was to write my report for my column and then check my e-mails. I was afraid my mailbox would be crammed full. I get many e-mails everyday but being at anchorage without internet I didn't have access to them. It think it is cool being able to receive e-mails while I am at sea. At anchorage my sailboat is rolling all night and all day long and I have to paddle to shore if I want to go for provisions. I have met with friendly Dutch neighbours who organize dolphin watching tours. I went over to watch the dolphins with then and we also went for a banana boat ride - the kind you can easily spot along coasts in the summer. The banana boat was towed by a jet ski which I got a chance to steer after the banana ride. It wasn't so easy to do but I managed to stay with it! I also passed my diving certificate and already did seven dives so now I can go dive everywhere in the world. But this is only the basic diving certificate. Time goes by really fast. In just a few days my mother and my sister will be over to visit me. I want to go around this beautiful island with them. Temperature usually is 27° C around here [80,6 °F], so I guess we will be swimming often. About four days after they leave I should be making preparations for my own departure... Piling up on food, refilling with diesel fuel, checking everything onboard and saying goodbyes to many people. It feels great to be here but as each day goes by I feel I want to be back at sea soon.

Adios, Laura