Chasing the wind

The sea is oily calm, for hours, before it starts to pockmark with the promise of a breeze. Everywhere we are it seems the wind is a little further off. We've raided Impulse's wardrobe to try every possible combination of light air sails, all of which have names that should feature in a Harry Potter book - the Reacher, the Screecher, the Monster. It is only a matter of minutes before each sail insists on embracing the mast and spreaders. We lower the engine and motor towards an elusive patch of wind. Finally a breeze! Ah but - it is coming from where we are going or rather want to go.
I say 'If the wind were a person it would be diagnosed as having a borderline personality disorder - constantly shifting, relentlessly unreliable, shockingly unstable'. But then everything changes because the wind sets in from the right quarter and we enjoy a fabulous sail straight in to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Just like a person, the wind can be shocking one minute and you hate it, then it acts nice again and all is immediately forgiven.
The rumour mill was wrong about Las Palmas.. it's not so bad! It's a big marina and busy with people doing stuff. We are outside at anchor just off the beach. As the day fades into darkness the sprawling capital is transformed. The orange glow of the urban lights gives it a softness which daytime cannot. Faceless windows become theatres of life as lights switch on in offices and homes. I'm glad I'm not in it that city, but to watch it from the comfort of our home, nudging at its anchor chain, bobbing about, its all quite charming.
It's funny, I feel our attitude has changed to this cruising lark. No longer compelled to sightsee we spend much more time on the boat and entertain ourselves with other cruisers rather than going ashore. One such cruiser is Vijay - I tell you what, he's a character with his super tippy dinghy and supermarket bag for a wallet.
Tomorrow promises no discernable wind so we will go in search of widgets, mostly.