At 2:00 am this morning, one of my crewmen spotted white sand cliffs in the distance.  Everyone quickly awoke with this amazing news!  We found a good place to dock and in the morning a group of us stepped out onto land.   I have raised the Spanish flag to claim this place for Spain.  We said a prayer of thanksgiving and I have named this place San Salvador in honor of our Savior.

The past few days have been very difficult.  The crew is frightened that we have not found land yet.  They are urging me to turn back.  From my calculations I believe that we have traveled over 2000 miles, but I am not letting the crew that we have traveled that many miles.  I am trusting God that he will care for us and that he is sending signs that land is near.

Today we set sail from the island of Gomera for our great adventure into the western waters.  I have 3 boats – the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria.  The winds have picked up, but so far we are still in sight of land.  Many of the sailors are afraid, but I keep reminding them of the rewards and riches that will be ours when we succeed on our journey!  I am so excited to finally be able to make this journey that I have long dreamed about!

Today I met with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.  I told them of my plan to sail across the Atlantic Ocean and have convinced them to support my expedition.  I have demanded one tenth of any treasure or goods that I bring back as payment for my deeds if I succeed.  The king and queen want to be more powerful than Portugal so they have agreed to my demands.  We have signed a contract.  I will begin gathering a brave crew and boats for my journey.

I have spent much of my life sailing around Africa and working as a map maker with my brother.  All of my studies and exploration have led me to believe that I can sail west across the ocean and find another way to Japan.  Everyone thinks I am crazy and that you will fall off the edge of the earth if you do this.  I need to convince someone rich to give me enough money for boats and a crew.  I believe there will be great wealth and fame for anyone who can prove that this journey is possible!