158638.fb2 The Spanish Helmet - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 54

The Spanish Helmet - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 54

CHAPTER 53

Monday, September 12, 1527

We have, it seems, been travelling the same coast we landed on all those years ago. This became apparent today when we encountered the erupting volcano again. We anchored in the harbour south of the island once more and located our sweet potato plants, which seem to be thriving in this climate.

So it is confirmed. This land is two large islands, not a continent as we had expected. Could it be that the third island, mentioned to us by the Waitaha, is the smaller island that we passed near at the bottom of the southern island?

I have accordingly named the two large islands on my map as Isla del Norte and Isla de Sur, as befits their placement in relation to each other. The small island at the base of Isla de Sur shall be known as Isla de Loaisa.

It would appear, therefore, that we have now mapped the extent of this land. We will continue around Isla del Norte along the route we previously took, and then return to Whareakeake via the straits. We have the time to explore a little more of the coastline as weather permits. I would very much like to communicate with some of the other tribes. There must be more friendly natives to be found here, and surely much history to learn.

Tuesday, September 27, 1527

We have come around the tip of Isla del Norte and again coasted along the long beaches. A short distance south of these, we have located the entrance to a harbour. There are villages to be seen on both of the coasts of the harbour and also near the entrance. Several canoes have come towards us and then darted off again just as quickly, but the behaviour of the occupants isn’t threatening. They are merely curious. We will enter the harbour and explore it fully, for it looks to be an inviting place.