Exactly one year ago, Guppy was launched, and I sailed the first meters with her. Now one year later, she is berthed in the Galápagos having many thousands of miles under her keel!! This had to be celebrated. Yesterday I have been very busy cleaning her. Now she is spick-and-span not just on the inside – well, yes, I am an expert at making mess… – but also both the hull and under the water level hull are clean again!! Especially the water level line was very dirty and there had been very much growth on the hull below it. Armed with diving goggles and a snorkel, I hung under the boat for two hours yesterday. Now she is well prepared for the biggest crossing that lays ahead, and that is getting ever closer and closer. I repaired all the things that had broken on the way over here, and I checked on everything else. The Diesel fuel tank is filled and I have plenty to eat – I just need to replenish with fresh water and then she is completely ready for the sea. Along with a good girlfriend, I am going to the Isla Isabella today, an island that is 40 nautical miles [74 kilometres; 46 land miles] away from here, where you can’t go to with your own boat without a special permit. Of course I do not have this permit, so we will go there by ferry. It seems that it is a very beautiful place, not too touristy, and the penguins are there, too!! I really have to see them. I will be back on Thursday, and then I will share all of my adventures with you!!

Laura