At five the following morning, having reclined on a bedstead of stretched hide, with half a gale blowing on my feet, and cold enough for 50° N., we recommenced our journey to the lake of Managua.
I am informed it always blows fresh, and at times very hard, in this neighbourhood. Indeed the strong gales termed "Papagayos," from blowing out of the gulf of that name, commence about the line of Leon, and are first experienced off Cape Desolada, (about six miles to the eastward of Cardon,) and suddenly give way to calms after passing to the westward. This is doubtless the Atlantic "trade wind," increased by induction through the pass formed by the lake of Nicaragua, and our neighbouring mountains. It decreases about sunset, and attains its ordinary force about nine or ten in the morning.
After a pleasant and easy ride we reached the margin of the lake (at Piedra Gorda) about ten o'clock, (the distance four leagues,) where we found our boat and crew awaiting us. We remained on the beach to determine the latitude at noon, and obtain other data, as well as to watch for a more favourable moment for launching our boat.
About one, the sea having decreased considerably, we launched our bark, and freighted her, but it was soon evident that she could not carry us, nor could the crew make any progress; and, as it was impossible she could reach any place of safety before dark, I instantly gave up this expedition;
