March 3, 1513

The weather is good, the ships are ready, and I will find the fountain of youth. After losing my title of Adelantado of Puerto Rico that I gained after sailing with Christopher Columbus I asked king Ferdinand for a grant to allow me to search for the island of Bimini near Cuba for the fountain of youth. He allowed me to set off on the voyage. Although, I had to acquire my own vessels. I obtained one of Columbus’s ships, the Santa Maria, and two other ships the Santiago, and my last ship the San Cristóbal. Two of which are large caravels and one is a Bergatin. Although there was rain the last night, the sea is still calm and perfect for sailing. Once I load my sixty-crew members onto my ships I will set off for the fountain of youth.