tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67890523487301549592024-02-21T19:22:15.781+01:00SINGLEHANDEDMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-91699966099651733202009-10-19T21:53:00.005+02:002011-04-05T11:30:59.199+02:00BEST WAY TO USE THIS BLOGTHE BEST WAY IS TO READ FROM THE BEGINNING ,,, AS I CANT FIND A WAY TO INVERT THE BLOG<br /><br />SO GO TO THE ARCHIVE IN THE LEFT COLUMN, AND CLICK ON FEBRUARY THE 15TH AND THE GRADUALLY SCROLL DOWN <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IF YOU HAVE A NERVOUS DISPOSITION</span> DO NOT READ APRIL THE 5TH BLOGMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-63548634491118193092009-07-19T21:20:00.090+02:002009-08-04T11:17:28.314+02:00LEAVING THE GUADIANA AND MOVING ONI had a nice peaceful night at anchor on the Spanish side, just south of a wreck of an old fishing boat, whose jagged edges looked rough and intimidating if you got too close, and in the morning it was time to head west and explore new ground. I had kept to my task of not going into a marina since I arrived, except for one occasion, and I think that was mentioned in my last posting, I was going to head for a little place called Tavira. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfjRHxfvHeAk_ylLWuzi5yMPmegPc0upMzBXwJn3qDkho2mUoDjBdyvpRctKi5OlftEvbXRbDi9JcvAPB2NMOXp04BxVGOS7tQYhnVKlmwJy1XRVn5AuamGlHleF4psWuGvYXBcnlgU/s1600-h/P1000230.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfjRHxfvHeAk_ylLWuzi5yMPmegPc0upMzBXwJn3qDkho2mUoDjBdyvpRctKi5OlftEvbXRbDi9JcvAPB2NMOXp04BxVGOS7tQYhnVKlmwJy1XRVn5AuamGlHleF4psWuGvYXBcnlgU/s320/P1000230.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363881820333998722" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrrtuGUlQbNzMKIZ4s4cjDoE29JHzjrdyuDdfKwPh0NMeqsvMy7JfEbCpcubaK1ZGFVaevZBFnozv5r5r_aq8iKOsmRh2DK2Z0QLLcZEHAd-jmJsabSUs_OB-UVQzkYCXQnhrP9pp6BE/s1600-h/P1000348.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrrtuGUlQbNzMKIZ4s4cjDoE29JHzjrdyuDdfKwPh0NMeqsvMy7JfEbCpcubaK1ZGFVaevZBFnozv5r5r_aq8iKOsmRh2DK2Z0QLLcZEHAd-jmJsabSUs_OB-UVQzkYCXQnhrP9pp6BE/s320/P1000348.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363872192071685074" /></a><br /><br /><br />I left about three hours before low water, with the aim of going into Tavira on a rising tide. The distance I suppose was about 15 miles. My plan worked, and when I went in through the breakwaters, there was plenty of the salty liquid, even though it looked a little bit disturbed. I slowly motored around to the left, keeping my eye on the sounder and slowly motored past all the boats until I was the last one. I dropped the hook in about ten feet of water and settled down to a pleasant evening, and of course the big decision . . . . what was for dinner? Boiled potatoes and cold corned beef came to mind, and with a can of peas thrown in, I was eating happily in the cockpit by 7 pm.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ48VLolr2RCEm7mX6IIwyg1GRvCYL6Pgui4XKpmjofdvgHOQGjhmTjKoeJ9hyBohgL4gvNacmSA9FHe4Y1AvYzY_oA1Qgz21X40UrdHYz0cuXFly_dCeMU8H7LaRaN4tkQ3CbtCYloE/s1600-h/P1000206.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ48VLolr2RCEm7mX6IIwyg1GRvCYL6Pgui4XKpmjofdvgHOQGjhmTjKoeJ9hyBohgL4gvNacmSA9FHe4Y1AvYzY_oA1Qgz21X40UrdHYz0cuXFly_dCeMU8H7LaRaN4tkQ3CbtCYloE/s320/P1000206.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363880526134482050" /></a><br /><br />Still on Spanish time, something I never changed during my spell in Portugese waters, I was up early the following morning, and decided to try and get an internet connection to call Jackie. But, it was too far, so the only option was to row ashore and get the bus into town and find the library where there is free access to wi-fi. It was a fair row and I was glad I had the tide with me. I pulled the dinghy up the hard, and met a man named George who had a little boat with some nice blue smudges down one side. He told me a story of woe and gave me a lift into town where he showed me where the supermarket was, and a few other things. I gave him a card and he promised to look at my blog. Nice guy, shame I was not staying longer, because he could be a real asset. George, if you are reading this, please email me.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84s1g0TbcXJRN5a6LOA1foGpAaEMhy5epKUFzmgvJ5LKM8gjM_7NpDZadI56203p9TLdmVzh8sYNLFM4oddaWddOVEncMkcfHfzS7mVY4HQb4ZxaGONvb0ZypTK1QhrEJHtqA1LxdncE/s1600-h/P1000193.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84s1g0TbcXJRN5a6LOA1foGpAaEMhy5epKUFzmgvJ5LKM8gjM_7NpDZadI56203p9TLdmVzh8sYNLFM4oddaWddOVEncMkcfHfzS7mVY4HQb4ZxaGONvb0ZypTK1QhrEJHtqA1LxdncE/s320/P1000193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363876330176911586" /></a><br />ON THE BIG BUS<br /><br /><br />I found the library, and continued with some blog and called up Jackie on skype. I checked the blog and was surprised that there had been no comments. I also checked my e-mails, and was really heartened to receive an e-mail from a very famous yachting journelist, telling me what he was up to, and giving me a little advice. Fantastic, I thought, so people are reading it and enjoying it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZDI11OwDyOzpd4stS8p_M9BrLd7Yk9a8KL5oE2NzZID_fQXqIc4CWJsany_MCiIIBlvpdzRgQiWE8j2M4VbYM3uVXmnz6yc4tHVt_514MMDQKDYlRicpC_PAXjJTAqA-DaKjpXW_3-o/s1600-h/P1000196.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZDI11OwDyOzpd4stS8p_M9BrLd7Yk9a8KL5oE2NzZID_fQXqIc4CWJsany_MCiIIBlvpdzRgQiWE8j2M4VbYM3uVXmnz6yc4tHVt_514MMDQKDYlRicpC_PAXjJTAqA-DaKjpXW_3-o/s320/P1000196.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363878513513800194" /></a><br />THE LIBRARY IN TAVIRA<br /><br /><br />I did not stay too long in Tavira, but had some great walks. By chance, I met and was chatting with an architects' assistant, and apparently, there are big plans to spoil this place in the next couple of years with money making ideas, like marinas and so forth. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3AT0XH1AqR3F2AX8SjYrMh8TuyXmSdDGqg048_eJSIqhLhVd7ld_6DyWakBYT_Z4D-u4gnZk7mbzkXOrbvyt7SnYsjEXSMptHEqJKyurqorm9_Q6Vis5EPzEobx1jHKEXFSCEaGTtDQ/s1600-h/P1000198.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3AT0XH1AqR3F2AX8SjYrMh8TuyXmSdDGqg048_eJSIqhLhVd7ld_6DyWakBYT_Z4D-u4gnZk7mbzkXOrbvyt7SnYsjEXSMptHEqJKyurqorm9_Q6Vis5EPzEobx1jHKEXFSCEaGTtDQ/s320/P1000198.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363880028205819330" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ8TDEjpyBzHkIE9pAezSAboKjYeljQLIOIordXSJmUKEpDNo3tZVE0tAIs4mI12glKTs7bJvL0ZmSrY2JV_x7qj8_AqyGs6hVRpehZVXR1ChpHi5LzY6we3QHtbgP0D8W0HzoD2ceX0/s1600-h/P1000208.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ8TDEjpyBzHkIE9pAezSAboKjYeljQLIOIordXSJmUKEpDNo3tZVE0tAIs4mI12glKTs7bJvL0ZmSrY2JV_x7qj8_AqyGs6hVRpehZVXR1ChpHi5LzY6we3QHtbgP0D8W0HzoD2ceX0/s320/P1000208.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363880958926655586" /></a><br /><br />VERY VERY NICE<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMYmz41qip5mDUSJxyMnSB9aEyEzf9uW1GzWkXxGB0xBSEo64y1QL6yi7Hd88DUXGvazye6uS8gtIFNLgqWXTFbFpZ0V2ALwws6PnMQZNPOSK8t-H65nGfhVTeTIc9AceeBBuSlZnNrU/s1600-h/P1000210.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMYmz41qip5mDUSJxyMnSB9aEyEzf9uW1GzWkXxGB0xBSEo64y1QL6yi7Hd88DUXGvazye6uS8gtIFNLgqWXTFbFpZ0V2ALwws6PnMQZNPOSK8t-H65nGfhVTeTIc9AceeBBuSlZnNrU/s320/P1000210.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363882558324425442" /></a><br /><br /><br />I spent a couple of nights in Tavira, but I was hankering after a good old sail, even a bit on the wind (not too much), so I decided to strike out and sail west to a little town called Portimao. I left early, and by 11.00 am the wind was about 15 knots coming from the west, so to make progress, it was a couple of hours on one tack, and then a couple hours on the other. When the sun went down, I still had three hours to go, and suddenly without so much as a warning, a very strong breeze came off the land mass, and heeled me over a tad. It was time for my coat as it turned a bit chilly. The breeze was just on the beam, and suddenly we were flying along at 6 knots. We entered the breakwaters at Portimao a little after midnight and found a peacful spot to drop the hook.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7msku2VeISp6e5701qlhMbceR82D85E3U8v0n5IAchbwJq-3hBQbfBOrJ7EhMG_KgiHCJ2GC6duBaiNojPyyLjw6bwUbPf6SWFeteEfHCEaiZ9YYcUX-3sHPYoOXipzkCSHy3sFtnY/s1600-h/P1000234.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7msku2VeISp6e5701qlhMbceR82D85E3U8v0n5IAchbwJq-3hBQbfBOrJ7EhMG_KgiHCJ2GC6duBaiNojPyyLjw6bwUbPf6SWFeteEfHCEaiZ9YYcUX-3sHPYoOXipzkCSHy3sFtnY/s320/P1000234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363884787740682626" /></a><br /><br /><br />Before I go on, let me tell you of two exciting events that happened to me during the sail from port to port. Firstly, I was trolling a couple of lures, and as usual nothing was happening, until a sudden screeching of the ratchet on the reel told me that things they were a changing. I looked back, and there was a heaving mass, but wait, not only have I caught a big fish, but a seagull had attacked the fish and would not let go! I started to reel in as quick as I could, and kept glancing back at my quarry. No more than seconds had passed by, when I took a good long look and stopped reeling, no fish, but the seagull was trapped in the line! He was nowhere near the lure, and must have got his wing caught in the line. "OH MY GOODNESS!" I realised that I had to save the bird, but in doing so, the bird (as big as an eagle!) was going to peck me to death, just for saving it`s life. I pulled it aboard and it didn't have a go at me, so I unravelled the line from it`s wing and took a couple of pictures for my mates, you know, the ones that say I can't catch anything, just show 'em "LOOK WHAT I CAUGHT!". I then picked him up and put him back in the sea. He fluttered his wings, said "many thanks" and off he flew. I did not get pecked once, but I bet if I had had a hamburger in my hand, I would have lost it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97snZEB06I0xGKcImUC8JoiuqyGOfM12wPvYu8LtEXJ4gd539s_RSswFrG23Bn6TpGgs9Hpw3bt3lpX5PxOJ545uVbjrlN2n9LGVbH4XLVLY7KZZJvlWMs_JbhYxOnbOaR_eD6NASGdA/s1600-h/P1000235.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97snZEB06I0xGKcImUC8JoiuqyGOfM12wPvYu8LtEXJ4gd539s_RSswFrG23Bn6TpGgs9Hpw3bt3lpX5PxOJ545uVbjrlN2n9LGVbH4XLVLY7KZZJvlWMs_JbhYxOnbOaR_eD6NASGdA/s320/P1000235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363888224104671970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR-sZMIuJc8rAsfQepZGgY5JEXPX4ooVSoof-rPdhJkHkmIyaSm_qDJ0n8VCBvrVLWphSTra2EM-v_LnrDuHHDvqbEWcDl21w0evGjcMdbZHZDZ96YqAAzLCHibp2x5hRblHyZGi9kN4/s1600-h/P1000236.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR-sZMIuJc8rAsfQepZGgY5JEXPX4ooVSoof-rPdhJkHkmIyaSm_qDJ0n8VCBvrVLWphSTra2EM-v_LnrDuHHDvqbEWcDl21w0evGjcMdbZHZDZ96YqAAzLCHibp2x5hRblHyZGi9kN4/s320/P1000236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363888486747918802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYLRkx0uz2lgcz-0viMUcAWqfTRQiy45CLy_k9XPrRn1rb43PwbOUvjvWVdI_02w0L7_aJDMchVlz_nebG05LtPWJH6LrhNYJ3HEIJRkOBZLRxxaKJvxC1jj8T5dhY_vL7P4rQWCCZes/s1600-h/P1000237.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYLRkx0uz2lgcz-0viMUcAWqfTRQiy45CLy_k9XPrRn1rb43PwbOUvjvWVdI_02w0L7_aJDMchVlz_nebG05LtPWJH6LrhNYJ3HEIJRkOBZLRxxaKJvxC1jj8T5dhY_vL7P4rQWCCZes/s320/P1000237.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363888729207655298" /></a><br /><br />The next thing was, I had decided to keep the two lines out with the lures on, and ended up tacking into about 15 knots of breeze, so my progress to Portimao was not as quick as it should have been, but there was no rush, and my e.t.a. was about 1.00 am the next morning. As the sun was going down, it got difficult to see in front of the boat, (a bit like driving a car into a low sun), and especially on port tack. We were averaging about 4 knots when suddenly, I saw a lobster pot rubbing down my starboard side. My first thought was would it foul the propeller? But as I watched it go astern, it was obvious we had got away with it. Then it struck me that both my lures were going to get snagged around the pot because of our leeway. I didn't have to wait long, and you can't suddenly stop 5 tons of wooden yacht. Both lines went taut, and the pot started following me. One of the lines started screeching out until I tightened it right up, and then, within about 30 seconds, first one, then the other line snapped at the business end. When I reeled them in, there was nothing on the ends. I had lost about £20 worth of lures! I'd had enough fishing for the day and put the kit away. Yeah, a cup of tea would console me.<br /><br />The sun went down, and although I was in Portugal, I had left my watch on Spanish time and it was gone 10.00pm but still light. About an hour later, the wind started to mess about a little, and eventually came in with a bang from the land side. Suddenly, we were rocking along at six knots with twenty knots of wind on our starboard quarter. The wind was behind and pushing us. This was going to help us get to Portimao a little quicker, and we entered the breakwaters, turned right and found a nice little spot in ten feet of water. I made a quick cuppa and got into my cosy bunk for a well earned sleep.<br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5qda-8NwLPFAQuhifk4w5s5npnb9hNGam1o3TboDjinBK7Rute8M5h5IR8KLJlkyRRcSASG26KpwsDeTSr3vG2B2Tt9cCCMwgIpUJONlyjKyRRVGoGcIRr_J5588PnzK3K1MmQ2EZEo/s1600-h/P1000240.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5qda-8NwLPFAQuhifk4w5s5npnb9hNGam1o3TboDjinBK7Rute8M5h5IR8KLJlkyRRcSASG26KpwsDeTSr3vG2B2Tt9cCCMwgIpUJONlyjKyRRVGoGcIRr_J5588PnzK3K1MmQ2EZEo/s320/P1000240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365251153463332866" /></a><br /><br /><br />I woke up at about 8 am, as a very large ferry was coming into Portimao. No harm to me but interesting. It looked like it was coming from Madeira, but who knows. The decks were lined with people, and not one of them was being seasick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-S2aXAgrWrqqrysbbOyJRa1Jp58WCT7rnm3vfzcHQmxVlizPt2zxyYNSqL9lIaRn40v8IAYxy6m4PDEsSGABQJjs6UDLde5Ari46Jm-0fYbspgMsnzdQ8CvKqDb-Rptr3wARHk9sQjQ/s1600-h/P1000247.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-S2aXAgrWrqqrysbbOyJRa1Jp58WCT7rnm3vfzcHQmxVlizPt2zxyYNSqL9lIaRn40v8IAYxy6m4PDEsSGABQJjs6UDLde5Ari46Jm-0fYbspgMsnzdQ8CvKqDb-Rptr3wARHk9sQjQ/s320/P1000247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365252134361004002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Oa4WVlp1GEOxJtvf5eknF9c2H_-2Gc4p1o327R0j54rTiK5ZfQGrXxDwZ_Y1TTYTV34kNbjUJHhYlbUveeyFQWgH2S-0anlFHpL_yns3PC_ExsxyI-MkvIM-q9iJWgNlWWIEhUO25A/s1600-h/P1000249.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1Oa4WVlp1GEOxJtvf5eknF9c2H_-2Gc4p1o327R0j54rTiK5ZfQGrXxDwZ_Y1TTYTV34kNbjUJHhYlbUveeyFQWgH2S-0anlFHpL_yns3PC_ExsxyI-MkvIM-q9iJWgNlWWIEhUO25A/s320/P1000249.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365252466563740994" /></a><br /><br />There were also quite a few fishing boats coming back from a night at sea, heading to land their catch and get the best possible price. It made the anchorage a little uncomfortable with the continuous wakes from these boats.<br /><br />I folded and put away the sails, got myself some weetabix and a banana, and got the dinghy pumped up ready for a trip ashore. I needed a few bits and bobs, and it would be nice to get a couple of bags of ice for my coolbox. The row ashore was quite long, and when I got there, it was a mass of holiday makers heading for the beaches with their sun tan lotions, lunch and parasols. It was a nightmare, you could even smell the oil on the bodies. It was just like they had been oiled up and were now heading on their own accord to the barbecue. I made my way to what I thought was the town centre, but just kept passing ready oiled bodies, and the type of shops associated with seaside resorts. I needed some money from the cash point but the first two I tried were not working, after a bit of asking, a lady told me where a decent mini market was located with a cash machine nearby. It was about midday and so hot, the sweat was starting to roll, and I had formed an opinion on this place. . . . I didn't like it, and wanted OUT. I found the cash point and also the little mini market which was quite well stocked. I got the bits I needed, bearing in mind it was a fair old walk back to the dinghy in 90 degrees of heat, and asked for a couple of bags of ice for my coolbag. She didn't have that kind of ice, but in the bottom of her freezer she had some large freezer bags with solid ice in. I got two, paid up, and started my weary walk back to the dinghy. When I got there, I had a quick look round to see if I could fill up my 2 gallon water container, but no luck, water is like gold, and I had to get the ice back on the boat, and into the coolbox proper. I must say I was fed up with the place, and apparently the town is two miles from where I was anchored, so without an outboard, it is a bit of a slap, especially if you don't sort the tides out right, and end up rowing against the flow.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4UVY8lhsSt3-SovKD2DwcDPj55T_WR4wfnT5WBYAuk8DaNSZtFcSUw7Fgl7OZ2YZaXwo-pTuoqb471XMGtPOrdwcPPvdpB_yyrLcl3KjinP-TvparPqA9FqQHYNGv2rHbjB8GnudWt8/s1600-h/P1000251.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4UVY8lhsSt3-SovKD2DwcDPj55T_WR4wfnT5WBYAuk8DaNSZtFcSUw7Fgl7OZ2YZaXwo-pTuoqb471XMGtPOrdwcPPvdpB_yyrLcl3KjinP-TvparPqA9FqQHYNGv2rHbjB8GnudWt8/s320/P1000251.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365257732785784242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQURJQZpsckJ3GAMFPhaPasVKJzYMyuV5X9-iPOXEmolwKa9mTQ0SBdCY-6EaKNysg3-yLAl5ZY8M3AqEgluFQtswCURAfoUHGkNT0-__14mR5K2-Uikd7FUi76zmDW-Ww9o_VjsodcQ/s1600-h/P1000250.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQURJQZpsckJ3GAMFPhaPasVKJzYMyuV5X9-iPOXEmolwKa9mTQ0SBdCY-6EaKNysg3-yLAl5ZY8M3AqEgluFQtswCURAfoUHGkNT0-__14mR5K2-Uikd7FUi76zmDW-Ww9o_VjsodcQ/s320/P1000250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365258174869298354" /></a><br /><br />I decided to just chill out and have a washing day instead, and clear out first thing in the morning to go to Faro.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMpXdWMypzRl4dvYMlNOYnFLwPEYo32g8FVhz0cU_h3FEbZpcSRoqAqFpArKOhT4TZrqEM1Gn7CirHHribEa4N8JWnGbbXbdEsoZYxg6HKG_W205UjlTk80VtI5wDw-V_9ieUO7r9D-Q/s1600-h/P1000255.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMpXdWMypzRl4dvYMlNOYnFLwPEYo32g8FVhz0cU_h3FEbZpcSRoqAqFpArKOhT4TZrqEM1Gn7CirHHribEa4N8JWnGbbXbdEsoZYxg6HKG_W205UjlTk80VtI5wDw-V_9ieUO7r9D-Q/s320/P1000255.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365258858739996242" /></a><br />HAND WASHING IN SALT WATER AND RINSE IN FRESH <br /><br /><br /><br />The next day I was up bright and early and ready to go, but just before I went, I had a little look further up to the head of the river, to see what was what. It only took an hour, there and back, and it is where all the fishing boats are and there is an interesting old boatyard with a few yachts moored alongside other old boats. It would have been interesting to explore further, but I had made my mind up to leave, and that was that. <br /><br />I just knew with the westerly winds, I was going to have a cracking sail back down the coast, and so it was to be for most part a three sail reach, getting to the entrance to Faro two hours into the flood at about 4.30 pm. It was my first time here, and I decided to go to a nice anchorage that had been recommended to me. called Culatra. I went in through the narrow buoyed channel, and then missing the extended sand spit that juts out, hung a right, and a couple of miles further on, just dropped the hook in 15 feet of sand, a perfect day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytl5LxXEm7C7kQ8tm580Dm_tNwtutK52a15MRCgt2Vvjm_pUpKvnxPGKQNQfh_hPANym4uGTm0zKJVztOrC8PazyZ62slruXQvyh2POXjBh_UJ0xUWbwUQ19RK8vfI4b70WEZjZgTwWU/s1600-h/P1000268.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytl5LxXEm7C7kQ8tm580Dm_tNwtutK52a15MRCgt2Vvjm_pUpKvnxPGKQNQfh_hPANym4uGTm0zKJVztOrC8PazyZ62slruXQvyh2POXjBh_UJ0xUWbwUQ19RK8vfI4b70WEZjZgTwWU/s320/P1000268.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365262083744307090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsLFVF9tWtQHAWa7To2G9k1BCDKycOtVeuGS5AVz-Kb9ZwuH3V6nGjm6FkXc8_-S41SLpw4djYGBqIFRMeHeH22QJfonD3xcGOgYBvpp7_bT4E34CtQqwMbBGerjlvX0xLquIzNp7hgc/s1600-h/P1000270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsLFVF9tWtQHAWa7To2G9k1BCDKycOtVeuGS5AVz-Kb9ZwuH3V6nGjm6FkXc8_-S41SLpw4djYGBqIFRMeHeH22QJfonD3xcGOgYBvpp7_bT4E34CtQqwMbBGerjlvX0xLquIzNp7hgc/s320/P1000270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365262334953404754" /></a><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrT-XwgrSWLCUUoNg-tygN3WN0_YpBwbdoFTW7YZzW3hkEAjhkBIzseBBDn0WU-eswjUOtN6AJ6wSvPD6TzbA7XZybhcBmtl73gNojiczsrEM8aJES2mVokj6q3twR2U4imM2-qlq4o0/s1600-h/P1000267.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrT-XwgrSWLCUUoNg-tygN3WN0_YpBwbdoFTW7YZzW3hkEAjhkBIzseBBDn0WU-eswjUOtN6AJ6wSvPD6TzbA7XZybhcBmtl73gNojiczsrEM8aJES2mVokj6q3twR2U4imM2-qlq4o0/s320/P1000267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365262708875229106" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EMvHfNzVIkMgnROnUP3Jrd7IqQgS8xr2R5mS23wMBVI7RvMoFI7F7M8GNsNIFfcpszMghDdZTRqSKdekgFdKCJEqOn0IMBXDuokHoTkaicEXTun55CKn6yrc1y1_nHH8lhva0KWqliU/s1600-h/P1000275.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EMvHfNzVIkMgnROnUP3Jrd7IqQgS8xr2R5mS23wMBVI7RvMoFI7F7M8GNsNIFfcpszMghDdZTRqSKdekgFdKCJEqOn0IMBXDuokHoTkaicEXTun55CKn6yrc1y1_nHH8lhva0KWqliU/s320/P1000275.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365263093970142050" /></a><br /><br />I liked the look of this place and it was hot, but a nice fresh westerly was blowing through keeping things cool.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2wNtkY9TJ3RenVor6znjYfAJnREjlQTwE9dSSbOmnv1PJpO6OeffJFnE49LZmh28veRNS1PftKK2nmNnMj3-UPCnq0WsKWmAQ4eeF1XlDCPdu1wuSbc42sjSE8sVbbYHzoC-68CNDok/s1600-h/P1000272.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2wNtkY9TJ3RenVor6znjYfAJnREjlQTwE9dSSbOmnv1PJpO6OeffJFnE49LZmh28veRNS1PftKK2nmNnMj3-UPCnq0WsKWmAQ4eeF1XlDCPdu1wuSbc42sjSE8sVbbYHzoC-68CNDok/s320/P1000272.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365264851128457602" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I stayed here for a couple of weeks, doing different things. I motored up the canals to Olhao, a super little town with a fantastic market every day. There is room for half a dozen boats to anchor, and you can fill your cool box with ice for one euro. All I am going to say is that I enjoyed the whole experience. I had been on the boat for quite a while, met some fantastic people, people like Humph and Maggie, who have a Wylo II that they built themselves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn2_EeNW3use-VHb_mxSIckisfeaSedAr9Cw5CEcTL_eJgsGihRsm30bN3E7WhC-6gULliMjh-116Z1o75Il8JIG1P-x9RP0AKkgq6saiqbQOrgZVsEWOslKBjeWKAmTj2VYGmxrPjxo/s1600-h/P1000387.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn2_EeNW3use-VHb_mxSIckisfeaSedAr9Cw5CEcTL_eJgsGihRsm30bN3E7WhC-6gULliMjh-116Z1o75Il8JIG1P-x9RP0AKkgq6saiqbQOrgZVsEWOslKBjeWKAmTj2VYGmxrPjxo/s320/P1000387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365268543587493330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQHc21LdJ3mlimYo-IiV3U1ilNYJFHh4guThp7stPQD4QyzX8Vq7E8RgultR6wpbpHovsJdr4js1E2__LWv2qcWEI1CdY7Y_2lieLx53AiZEOwkd20RulDzpJKogUAB5lN1pTbIvTEeU/s1600-h/P1000388.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQHc21LdJ3mlimYo-IiV3U1ilNYJFHh4guThp7stPQD4QyzX8Vq7E8RgultR6wpbpHovsJdr4js1E2__LWv2qcWEI1CdY7Y_2lieLx53AiZEOwkd20RulDzpJKogUAB5lN1pTbIvTEeU/s320/P1000388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365269647465707298" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />HUMPH AND MAGGIE'S WYLO II<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUtxeoKuGnp5YwPBZhJONqxxo0iDtKHiRp5ylgAsyY8INcKwnpXD_nLbMx0cqHxkLV3IExbn2AXxSWVLIVs0qEpV9AtyNuZEcgPq2XhSt3i8ASSV11k8xiggoSnxR0o7ce3NUNDsdSNE/s1600-h/P1000394.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUtxeoKuGnp5YwPBZhJONqxxo0iDtKHiRp5ylgAsyY8INcKwnpXD_nLbMx0cqHxkLV3IExbn2AXxSWVLIVs0qEpV9AtyNuZEcgPq2XhSt3i8ASSV11k8xiggoSnxR0o7ce3NUNDsdSNE/s320/P1000394.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365272676078224658" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx21PvFExAtVMQ-wsPHBt9DJIqCwlO5g6EySy-zSvzpTndg7mYzUGFGroAEdEmwiICaxSAU_of6FAcm376sRm_SRDdEqw4q_2dfxIqmLNLmJPmiZ5Tbiv8Umza-372dM4FcIDvvWeALc/s1600-h/P1000392.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx21PvFExAtVMQ-wsPHBt9DJIqCwlO5g6EySy-zSvzpTndg7mYzUGFGroAEdEmwiICaxSAU_of6FAcm376sRm_SRDdEqw4q_2dfxIqmLNLmJPmiZ5Tbiv8Umza-372dM4FcIDvvWeALc/s320/P1000392.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365273410876546674" /></a><br /><br /><br />I HAVE NOW MADE A DECISION.<br /><br />This will be the last of the blog, and for personal reasons I am thinking of selling SIMO. Don't be shocked, it has been a long thought out thing, so don't be asking why or wherefore. I am going to close the blog by showing you lots of pictures of what I see as a wonderful place.<br /><br />I am now back home in France, and Simo is resting peacefully somewhere along the Algarve, after having yet another coat of varnish to her coachworks. She has been a wonderful boat to me, and I am sure for the previous owners as well. She has looked after me when times were grim, and in many, many other ways, and when she goes to a new owner, it will be like losing a long term friend. I have had fantastic memories of sailing her, and she is in the finest condition for her 46 years. If by any chance she is still with me come May or June next year, 2010, I may sail her to Madeira and back, as I had planned this year, and I will take one crew member with me, who, I dont know yet.<br /><br />For all you people out there who have been reading the blog, I do hope you have enjoyed it, and especially all you people who have left comments and e-mailed me, thank you very much. This is Micky Boy signing off, so enjoy the pictures.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZEvZq7GmZ88BZOWAxCkBm5Vl9afhLOjIQc1L3S-4IVyKUVw4Yxz-ZWt0xxSU7i8ZnuahLbulhjIgRsRrrOIs71spAwnRcW9zkh4MhLtvUDtLaBwxgWwyLBUtfIgrDIUHlm2LBMqFDp8/s1600-h/P1000395.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZEvZq7GmZ88BZOWAxCkBm5Vl9afhLOjIQc1L3S-4IVyKUVw4Yxz-ZWt0xxSU7i8ZnuahLbulhjIgRsRrrOIs71spAwnRcW9zkh4MhLtvUDtLaBwxgWwyLBUtfIgrDIUHlm2LBMqFDp8/s200/P1000395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365277584513281250" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasyAPdpVPcbr83xHVgFVVoxio9LgucuTgZsIYpTGgMJwcGeg28hvGj-pFPIxeOy_7iezdT3OPvWF4kybEPFcjbm4WPA50dbicDVfooGTXvHwe6Ja2F5Rl6VjMwS2KxfqzAYQbTYUvGKA/s1600-h/P1000402.JPG"><img style="float:right; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uILnB-P5FBgrbVWJgG1Gb2v5zwAU-8vEg4KaQ0f3WINNlyAOeYx01oIq7FquQ-W31vY3oJHVdQK9gckdmqm69mTdbk5IaRiC36tcLFrXmYvnjqc2n0hNK30R2ALEJcxoRmC5PPYJ8-w/s400/P1000379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365294256364817474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98n996X1Npugbjy5GeEmC880GDsX_SAcNiTtxPA9CEfjwDV6gKekh5jqyjE8JI_NAYahZVLQX2ZM4nCGCRFEfonstuN3_PoB7zvCRM4R1XAf8Gmv4YzVmYrfqpQNwwEG72rpxZ9otluA/s1600-h/P1000384.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98n996X1Npugbjy5GeEmC880GDsX_SAcNiTtxPA9CEfjwDV6gKekh5jqyjE8JI_NAYahZVLQX2ZM4nCGCRFEfonstuN3_PoB7zvCRM4R1XAf8Gmv4YzVmYrfqpQNwwEG72rpxZ9otluA/s400/P1000384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365295927447112978" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCu7Guh-AGS-p6Ob10nUSs1-g3wXtmJCn5-026NZ2yoYBwc8mJ4jH_141wY91hDSKnKoYdwCDbzmKU0AtThLOrvd1-CcrnWOmsQpgrERMm-k7qIG3gpVaNwiujzUfTUXj2E6zBmDsq5E/s1600-h/P1000374.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCu7Guh-AGS-p6Ob10nUSs1-g3wXtmJCn5-026NZ2yoYBwc8mJ4jH_141wY91hDSKnKoYdwCDbzmKU0AtThLOrvd1-CcrnWOmsQpgrERMm-k7qIG3gpVaNwiujzUfTUXj2E6zBmDsq5E/s400/P1000374.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365294656524700770" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOBXiq6-SkESRf0kgFbrMlN20LDegahBq3huD9w_ycu6H-heuYT206umUIZlUdYorj2-vqeR0-N6CNO_QDc3Gd5CxSGMZBLDPAjtN2IE7-riH2bTr6VipW_w7NcO7_-ZyhpvOjErfJAw/s1600-h/P1000385.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOBXiq6-SkESRf0kgFbrMlN20LDegahBq3huD9w_ycu6H-heuYT206umUIZlUdYorj2-vqeR0-N6CNO_QDc3Gd5CxSGMZBLDPAjtN2IE7-riH2bTr6VipW_w7NcO7_-ZyhpvOjErfJAw/s400/P1000385.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365294824346053106" /></a><br /><br />AND WHATEVER,, JUST KEEP SMILING EVEN THOUGH DEEP INSIDE YOU ARE A GRUMPY OLD GIT<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM6J7otLrcd_rbVsUrGFHZXkXpwnRiHhv0ezbP98XDbEWrI5vHjXCjXodpxXPUptNWWlLikaqpkEFwjkbU0mVwikZQ-dWfqfpYPrsTjZektoHUv7KEgbRnjMdeMHqi8BpiSKC92VFf6I/s1600-h/P6241192.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM6J7otLrcd_rbVsUrGFHZXkXpwnRiHhv0ezbP98XDbEWrI5vHjXCjXodpxXPUptNWWlLikaqpkEFwjkbU0mVwikZQ-dWfqfpYPrsTjZektoHUv7KEgbRnjMdeMHqi8BpiSKC92VFf6I/s400/P6241192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365297455684110402" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wh_9_mBTivG8WAdZvq87ffRwhwsZsCX1iQ2sVAT0EcHpeva0hhOfwhslUcv3xO00Fox0tWPsh0x-6pL3zggDlm3Qi3s335uH0brW0DBfv4toyR1T2kQBSS1ZeKWCgMiYnKCNfpmSg0w/s1600-h/P6241207.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Wh_9_mBTivG8WAdZvq87ffRwhwsZsCX1iQ2sVAT0EcHpeva0hhOfwhslUcv3xO00Fox0tWPsh0x-6pL3zggDlm3Qi3s335uH0brW0DBfv4toyR1T2kQBSS1ZeKWCgMiYnKCNfpmSg0w/s400/P6241207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365297631212437650" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihp4FI1k-9FvhCtxYu36rRy2Tr2yQUsFKVzoz6hoo8Hs8NGwHpkYfioJmpID-gO-Z3EuxyElPwGL9Tq3uwRkQ3uf99FFyuDo09fxTJrmOHSoZpN7PNnll_ZlLTrXV0yk4LfgMO4g_NVo/s1600-h/P6241220.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihp4FI1k-9FvhCtxYu36rRy2Tr2yQUsFKVzoz6hoo8Hs8NGwHpkYfioJmpID-gO-Z3EuxyElPwGL9Tq3uwRkQ3uf99FFyuDo09fxTJrmOHSoZpN7PNnll_ZlLTrXV0yk4LfgMO4g_NVo/s400/P6241220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365297783356746018" /></a>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-12702380947057801742009-07-10T11:14:00.024+02:002009-07-18T19:12:45.372+02:00AYAMONTE AND THE GUADIANA RIVERThursday 2nd July, and I was anchored off a sand spit, just inside the breakwaters that are the entrance to the Guadiana, about a mile downstream of Ayamonte. It was a lovely day and I had arrived here the previous evening at about 5.30 pm from El Rompido. The tide was strong, in fact, it was coming up to full moon and spring tides, and there was a twenty knot south westerly blowing that was keeping me nice and cool. I got the dingy pumped up and launched because I wanted to explore the dunes. I had seen people walking, some with dogs, and although I could see no houses or habitation, it must be linked somehow. Was I interested ? I don’t think so. I rowed ashore and walked a bit. There were lots of shells and lots of small live crabs darting here and there just at the waters edge. I walked around bare foot, and there were the remains of where people have had a barbi. It felt like my own desert island, and I had a good look around but still saw no sign of life, so rowed back to Simo, put the kettle on and worked out my next move. I decided to stay there another night, it was free and I loved it. The next day I needed to get some diesel, as I was running on fresh air and top up with water, then I was set to go up the river. It was about 25 kilometres to get up to San Luca de Guadiana, on the Spanish side and on the Portuguese side, the village is called Alcoutim, So I had a lazy day by the sand spit. In the evening, some guys came and fished off the beach, but I didn’t see them catch anything, and then in the morning, I upped the hook and motored to Ayamonte. I found myself a free finger berth, as I could not find the fuel dock and parked. Just after I got settled, a Swedish yacht came in and went on the pontoon next to me, there were four guys and they all seemed pretty friendly. They very soon got into their running gear and were intending to go off for a run. Just before they went, I asked one of the guys, Thomas, if he knew how to operate a multimeter, he said he did, and asked "What’s the problem?". I told him my autopilot was giving me trouble and he said he would take a look when they had finished the run.<br /><br />I decide to go up to the office to enquire where the fuel dock was, and was politely told they didn’t have fuel, and if I wanted some, I had to go back across the river to Vila Real De San Antonio. I made a quick decision that I would stay the night and go over in the morning, but just to be sure, would take a couple of 5 litre cans to the local garage and then I would be certain. The price for one night was just under 14 euros, but water and electric were extra. There were three girls in the office, and when the first one asked me how long my boat was, I told her 7.6 meters. She then went on to serve somebody else, and a tall, self assured girl came over to deal with me. Maybe they don’t smile in Ayamonte. She took my registration document and then proceeded to tell me my boat was not 6 metres at all, but 7.6! I started to explain that I had never said it was 6 metres, but she hushed me a few times as if to say I was lying! Out of all three girls, not one told me where the showers were, not one told me I needed a card for the gate, and not one produced a map of the town until I physically asked for it. All they wanted to do, was get rid of the customers who pay their wages so they could get back to their personal chit chat again. I had reason to return to the office later, with a query, and the girl I think, asked the manager to deal with me. I must say he couldn’t have been more helpful. Gripe over.<br /><br />Back on the boat, the lads had come back from their run, and out came the multi metre. Nicholas spent a good hour sorting out my problem, he is one of those patient men who won’t settle until every stone has been turned to sort out the problem. Lo and behold, I now have a working auto pilot for those motoring days or nights. The lads were off to Greece, and I wished them fair sailing and then took my two cans to the nearest garage and said "fill 'em up". Was I thinking of something else when he said "GASOLINA?". I will never know. The trudge back to the boat was hot and sweaty, and I got the funnel out and unscrewed the filler cap. Then, an amazing thing happened. As I started to pour it in, it all blew back in my face and all over the cockpit seats. I stopped straightaway as I could smell it was petrol, and not GASOIL! I should think that less than a cupful went in, and I realised that SIMO had, once again, saved my skin by ejecting the gasolina. <br /><br />I met up with Bernardo, his wife and the Vancouver 27, and I told them i was going up river the next day but he seemed uncommitted. Anyway, the next morning it was an early start, about 11am, with a quick trip over to Portugal to get filled up with GASOIL, and a couple of bags of ice, and then I was on my way up river. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhSmBIVslOKo5c5B9_jPIIWAaPHcDY7R83ovXhOsbnpAQhGRGvRyV0eSdB7wuZG3s8aojLUmQfNAR0ObJLCPxCjbpdgCYgk2TRnO7E-6W4LA4UMFcTyLKMP6Vs8NOk1_1BIpn1hlcql4/s1600-h/P1000075.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhSmBIVslOKo5c5B9_jPIIWAaPHcDY7R83ovXhOsbnpAQhGRGvRyV0eSdB7wuZG3s8aojLUmQfNAR0ObJLCPxCjbpdgCYgk2TRnO7E-6W4LA4UMFcTyLKMP6Vs8NOk1_1BIpn1hlcql4/s200/P1000075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356771889221060994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7XqmOSdeT2ncv0ovMXlFR7xxT7JAGO_qfQbn-7V7rjNc3MN3in6If8Ourqzooi0WI796fFOqhgiAyOZsRGD0mY-z6McB9aPidA9Aqt9bU8DHsiLnU5f1kiOSZpRck0tQxyaIMJSr3Bc/s1600-h/P1000079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7XqmOSdeT2ncv0ovMXlFR7xxT7JAGO_qfQbn-7V7rjNc3MN3in6If8Ourqzooi0WI796fFOqhgiAyOZsRGD0mY-z6McB9aPidA9Aqt9bU8DHsiLnU5f1kiOSZpRck0tQxyaIMJSr3Bc/s200/P1000079.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356772363625096754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlkqDcfgWE7AGXNFv-9euss8PrG8UsaJvpR6knBnTzn4BzvhT_g3ZALRcpWhUgKrVL_cbEBh0-FFayQAKv4pp3uhkLUL8dWr3m0iv0hAAPxzNKbv_tzFsaeR1dP6cObE_Rem1hUzWcSg/s1600-h/P1000078.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlkqDcfgWE7AGXNFv-9euss8PrG8UsaJvpR6knBnTzn4BzvhT_g3ZALRcpWhUgKrVL_cbEBh0-FFayQAKv4pp3uhkLUL8dWr3m0iv0hAAPxzNKbv_tzFsaeR1dP6cObE_Rem1hUzWcSg/s200/P1000078.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356772082016620834" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_dHU9HntSoCKAvAq9DRqS2TbX6snddHzHzeUO6Bg0M5UyUiBeQSL9W6KVJPxDaQlbiSKBTszmdBau7L8bizowwL81932GwVor_U3c94bbfntyfHt-4JiZenNS6Ii96KilWvKZaQWt24/s1600-h/P1000080.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_dHU9HntSoCKAvAq9DRqS2TbX6snddHzHzeUO6Bg0M5UyUiBeQSL9W6KVJPxDaQlbiSKBTszmdBau7L8bizowwL81932GwVor_U3c94bbfntyfHt-4JiZenNS6Ii96KilWvKZaQWt24/s400/P1000080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356772661442551634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD_WisvdQHKB5SXdT2YiGAsKFyrNs3UHVV0VxjE1F_tJQuX0o-iDQznuPVS2qqPEwigUavGjWT3nKD95FzAOxZUpktcqlsfNa-JqRM-HFDvGQHTLAPHGxnQp0IAuiOVodNFndeP3OHyg/s1600-h/P1000082.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD_WisvdQHKB5SXdT2YiGAsKFyrNs3UHVV0VxjE1F_tJQuX0o-iDQznuPVS2qqPEwigUavGjWT3nKD95FzAOxZUpktcqlsfNa-JqRM-HFDvGQHTLAPHGxnQp0IAuiOVodNFndeP3OHyg/s320/P1000082.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356772888437366018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKcUO487LwfmY69Ew4XD4cLDh6_0q7v8q1wIScIeZEXgDBNLgnDtvbpKdOMZmEDxpnex0G7dxVPuSpTeC9uMZPZn6JHmSXNtAaY7NCF0CNy73mMqCz5IGqkSkkVJJe7ArJa4zTPoZgtQ/s1600-h/P1000087.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKcUO487LwfmY69Ew4XD4cLDh6_0q7v8q1wIScIeZEXgDBNLgnDtvbpKdOMZmEDxpnex0G7dxVPuSpTeC9uMZPZn6JHmSXNtAaY7NCF0CNy73mMqCz5IGqkSkkVJJe7ArJa4zTPoZgtQ/s400/P1000087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356773085153317314" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7goyrV-DR8Htp0jGRxCVlw7rcwjiCj4ETt9UkGbYsKst4yAVVV-lmuWnn-Nsxz12V8sytqm6cQSjkGglP1vy8PVjA8x24TNKQ67jwZqWkTbzcA9oVIgrB3s0J4zjWcbox48gY4A2LhHQ/s1600-h/P1000091.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7goyrV-DR8Htp0jGRxCVlw7rcwjiCj4ETt9UkGbYsKst4yAVVV-lmuWnn-Nsxz12V8sytqm6cQSjkGglP1vy8PVjA8x24TNKQ67jwZqWkTbzcA9oVIgrB3s0J4zjWcbox48gY4A2LhHQ/s200/P1000091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356773344325876866" /></a><br /><br />It was quite a windy day, and as the wind was coming from the north, we had a wind over tide situation that made it rather choppy at the begining. The river is beautiful, and there are a number of properties on the banks to die for. Little old fincas and suchlike, and a lot had their own moorings and makeshift jetties. Finally, after about three and half hours, we made our destination and just as the tide was turning, dropped the anchor. There seemed to be a bit of debris around in the water, old bamboo shoots and stuff like that. There were all sorts of boats anchored and some on the purposebuilt docks on both sides of the river.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIedZjmnaRH9d5knW2rs67Mfi4yGnoXCwft5L8t4FzmFVkUh30bygSCxK15cLLMc2e_KupfgYZoJj6HW8GmDbmJ-8wVlTKM3DhM98LFVD0Ps9Ik3hQmWNkv1QZRQsMQzOO2s9J_ErJ6s/s1600-h/P1000102.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIedZjmnaRH9d5knW2rs67Mfi4yGnoXCwft5L8t4FzmFVkUh30bygSCxK15cLLMc2e_KupfgYZoJj6HW8GmDbmJ-8wVlTKM3DhM98LFVD0Ps9Ik3hQmWNkv1QZRQsMQzOO2s9J_ErJ6s/s320/P1000102.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356775551261450882" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZijyLdIRRZLhbiplQoQhNRQp-_J1o82H2VEBgwweEfjID_GuWqA8JRiyN6-5jIYFwK_nUGvXpksM4aU80n09rMt6wGjP03AS6wN1iNMlXfv4UfC0MiAHEwF3YaCte2u2s87QXQWYgGrs/s1600-h/P1000106.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZijyLdIRRZLhbiplQoQhNRQp-_J1o82H2VEBgwweEfjID_GuWqA8JRiyN6-5jIYFwK_nUGvXpksM4aU80n09rMt6wGjP03AS6wN1iNMlXfv4UfC0MiAHEwF3YaCte2u2s87QXQWYgGrs/s320/P1000106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356775736273476754" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbxvUn3xLfneacY0C3M2843FMBmh0Km2pZqF9cer6WxHSja-M0Zr2_IHIxJI6wt4GZOtS-kRoGBnj2VRfCttTDBzR_c8ItPKymIp2PvYXNHQ3cO6m4bt1MdxHt7rhbeez0a9yWqqu6PM/s1600-h/P1000121.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbxvUn3xLfneacY0C3M2843FMBmh0Km2pZqF9cer6WxHSja-M0Zr2_IHIxJI6wt4GZOtS-kRoGBnj2VRfCttTDBzR_c8ItPKymIp2PvYXNHQ3cO6m4bt1MdxHt7rhbeez0a9yWqqu6PM/s400/P1000121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356775997436898690" /></a><br /><br /><br />I chilled out for the rest of the afternoon and at about 6 pm I got some visitors. Three little ducks came by. I was eating crisps at the time, and they shared, but I soon went below and found some bread for them. It was stale, but I eat it, so I am sure they didn't mind. After that, they came back every night, and they must have told a mate of theirs, because he came too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15CJmfJwc8BIxB1-5LNWzy2_mYsJMIkwAevk4KLe0sXJ8i2tOuEz_N0_LbeIsO49MVuazgue3BS3A6xgAG8SknLJ2aowvjH5JsmBk54nFRDKoQYoseq6suSDna-EMlFMbpeeyJaUfTck/s1600-h/P1000108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15CJmfJwc8BIxB1-5LNWzy2_mYsJMIkwAevk4KLe0sXJ8i2tOuEz_N0_LbeIsO49MVuazgue3BS3A6xgAG8SknLJ2aowvjH5JsmBk54nFRDKoQYoseq6suSDna-EMlFMbpeeyJaUfTck/s320/P1000108.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356776989605152338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SUh-dxSovGCQczqNnHE7nyb-N1A1yYO6-iOkKFpYmQGDdQ9K0hyphenhyphenMsJQ45lHS9sS-6vNLMU8Bhzjm4BRqPR2cC5Vhz_KsJ-sLb0g7H3ZQLVD6LKSVBMzwKOdi6UgrvQfVBSmDpfF09II/s1600-h/P1000118.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SUh-dxSovGCQczqNnHE7nyb-N1A1yYO6-iOkKFpYmQGDdQ9K0hyphenhyphenMsJQ45lHS9sS-6vNLMU8Bhzjm4BRqPR2cC5Vhz_KsJ-sLb0g7H3ZQLVD6LKSVBMzwKOdi6UgrvQfVBSmDpfF09II/s400/P1000118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356777205589391058" /></a><br /><br />I had a special treat for myself, and I did not share it with the ducks, or anybody else for that matter.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpA_MVS8BxzCWqmnaadsWmGejpxVQaSvaV8V6mthtduI4ZMAo3vCgZIjwN1N62BVMg8DAA044gzpTWdl__UQxvmZL2m-CHQRerVtr1jzozu-mR5zxZRxX_IjgrQx9N_Tm8DqOQYD6SYw/s1600-h/P1000116.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpA_MVS8BxzCWqmnaadsWmGejpxVQaSvaV8V6mthtduI4ZMAo3vCgZIjwN1N62BVMg8DAA044gzpTWdl__UQxvmZL2m-CHQRerVtr1jzozu-mR5zxZRxX_IjgrQx9N_Tm8DqOQYD6SYw/s320/P1000116.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356777711582309650" /></a><br /><br />Later that evening I got another visitor. He rowed over to me from his boat and came aboard. The time was about 9 pm, and it was still light. His name was Robert and after some wine from the 5 litre box and a few cups of tea, he stayed until close on 3.00 am. Robert had been, and still is, an adventurer. He has a little finca down river a tad, and comes up with his boat now and again to get the free wi-fi from the local library on the Portugues side. The next day I put up my big reapeatit aerial, and enjoyed skyping Jackie, all for free. Robert ans I talked about all sorts but something was beginning to gel in my head, here was a place that I could stay for free and not have to pay exorbitant marina fees. He also suggested that for a few euros, somebody could look after the boat while I was away. Yeeeeesssssss.<br />I went ashore the next day, and started to explore, and what I saw, I liked more and more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFtWEOJAUleeUsp9OBZsyd6FPAjV0zaAcHuqgdZ0KBwjYjkHBSylFcoP8uFLqpMWkxQS8jsDynd6YV3klJ2wzFGk0i0ZJpWa63RvSYpqenSduqO7mdQrrg6mxBKQMLZkP2AmAeipLFyo/s1600-h/P1000127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFtWEOJAUleeUsp9OBZsyd6FPAjV0zaAcHuqgdZ0KBwjYjkHBSylFcoP8uFLqpMWkxQS8jsDynd6YV3klJ2wzFGk0i0ZJpWa63RvSYpqenSduqO7mdQrrg6mxBKQMLZkP2AmAeipLFyo/s400/P1000127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356780907860946482" /></a><br /><br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0wH6rqERDl_K6yJUe9HVq0oTDJelbHEBuSdAH93-jN2q5sACrw_W3edNRxM2CPja2KrpByujxrPkgT71jgknhe_UNrc5fEU2V_YUQdoLMY3L-Xt1GIYsTTO65MlMVUhKVYJ9tUjFuxM/s1600-h/P1000124.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0wH6rqERDl_K6yJUe9HVq0oTDJelbHEBuSdAH93-jN2q5sACrw_W3edNRxM2CPja2KrpByujxrPkgT71jgknhe_UNrc5fEU2V_YUQdoLMY3L-Xt1GIYsTTO65MlMVUhKVYJ9tUjFuxM/s400/P1000124.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356780600423264370" /></a><br /><br />After a couple of days, I went with Robert, walking along a cactus filled track to a friend of his called Robin, who he assured me would keep his eye on my boat while i went back to France for a couple of weeks. When we got there, Robin and his wife and two kids had gone off on holiday in their little open boat. They had left the house open, with all the pets and the chickens running around. Robert said that another friend would be putting the chickens away and the pets to bed every night until they came back in about two weeks time, so I would have to wait to sort out the details, but it would be no problem.<br /><br />The next day, Robert had to fly back to the UK to do a bit of work, and I said that I would give him a lift down the river to Vila Real, so that he could then take a bus to Faro airport. I was to meet him downriver a little bit, at his friends, Christian and Polly's place. He would look out for me on the river bank, and tell me where to anchor. All went well, and I rowed ashore to the little jetty, to be greeted by the family, and Robert, who was cooking for everybody. Christian and Polly and their two kids were checking out one of their veggie patches, which was over near the sheep compound. My first reaction was what a fantastic couple, and what a fantastic place. Not much in the way of water and electricity and certainly no telly, but what a lifestyle.<br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kU_0H9Hb0VyTsH58ibCuRS1asLo9Z97IywGcEWbSQBVmZLHoUkRGYCvc3ikGNqOaUBjNAbysmoQhxGeyh5-Qnj0SgjI_ZMDzx7L7QJ6l9au5olWQsjRaBqyumou0s9AFRM6i-vqeCy8/s1600-h/P1000129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kU_0H9Hb0VyTsH58ibCuRS1asLo9Z97IywGcEWbSQBVmZLHoUkRGYCvc3ikGNqOaUBjNAbysmoQhxGeyh5-Qnj0SgjI_ZMDzx7L7QJ6l9au5olWQsjRaBqyumou0s9AFRM6i-vqeCy8/s400/P1000129.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356788654941993618" /></a><br /><br />They had just, that evening, come back from a little sailing holiday, and their yacht lay peacfully on the mooring, just off the jetty. The meal was great, and we had a drop of wine, then it was off to bed and to sleep soundly. I was warned about any snoring from Christian, and he also told me to take some tomatoes from the garden for our trip the following day. At least my boat was downwind, so he would not hear the snoring. In the morning, no complaints, Robert jumped aboard, and off we went downriver, whilst he proceeded to cook a great fried brekkie, albeit no bacon.<br /><br />We arrived at Vila Real, I dropped him off and then went over to the Spanish side to anchor for the night. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9RZcSpq6Otfhe3QN2aOA8G0zo4JYkCN26_T-YOlhw_srfANL5BC6gg1bompyKb4gY8l_dHs1GV_W2NX5-K4BysW3ns76QK2DgEkcLbTB8o7mwZPPNnQoeIeBe_3FFuG16FndUURbeWA/s1600-h/P1000137.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9RZcSpq6Otfhe3QN2aOA8G0zo4JYkCN26_T-YOlhw_srfANL5BC6gg1bompyKb4gY8l_dHs1GV_W2NX5-K4BysW3ns76QK2DgEkcLbTB8o7mwZPPNnQoeIeBe_3FFuG16FndUURbeWA/s320/P1000137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356789076886736658" /></a><br /><br />Listen, I've gotta go now, my next stop is Tavira. Look it up on Google Earth. By what I have been told, it is like the Walton Backwaters.<br /><br />Have fun,<br />back soon,<br /><br />Mickey BoyMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-3355124389977905352009-06-17T13:18:00.027+02:002009-07-10T23:14:17.970+02:00END OF JUNE AND EARLY JULYI had been home in France for nearly four weeks, and it was time to turn my attention to returning to Cadiz and get sailing again. I have had a fabulous time and caught up with lots of people including cousins and their sons and daughters, who came to stay in a house not too far from where we live in France. I have been fishing with a pro, my mate Les, and eaten too much, and probably not drunk enough. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqMuo01FREebrF0LkO7H_KMcBGhGJ2_8kQf0DmMzNnuy5ArgVB8N424MQCvPLLhdXzR-vPPF9i4hxShLTl2JH7OaElqfOZFyZxpIczdVnLimUcg35rFOzdfhFixB66nUcuJdVEcTRSw0/s1600-h/P1010700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqMuo01FREebrF0LkO7H_KMcBGhGJ2_8kQf0DmMzNnuy5ArgVB8N424MQCvPLLhdXzR-vPPF9i4hxShLTl2JH7OaElqfOZFyZxpIczdVnLimUcg35rFOzdfhFixB66nUcuJdVEcTRSw0/s400/P1010700.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348262604177381394" /></a><br /><br />We caught some fish, but I have been sworn to secrecy about how big they were, I did manage to get one home in the car, and just to give you a clue, the cat ate it in 18 seconds flat, but we had a fantastic day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu8qa023mAUhA9LqeUAwkhSQty8tDOjnecR8SOiQogyx_uo37YncXtp4wc_LyUgQIfuGSEs3j14heB4U9-h1x7xy-BXiXi8DSXNLdcDE7mOXNlGE9ZCIuREfm6_KxL44m_u7wXwzOCkA/s1600-h/P1010695.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu8qa023mAUhA9LqeUAwkhSQty8tDOjnecR8SOiQogyx_uo37YncXtp4wc_LyUgQIfuGSEs3j14heB4U9-h1x7xy-BXiXi8DSXNLdcDE7mOXNlGE9ZCIuREfm6_KxL44m_u7wXwzOCkA/s400/P1010695.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348263938042228850" /></a><br /><br />Well I got the train booked no hiccups this time, and I had e-mailed ahead to let Bernardo know when I was arriving as he had my boat keys.<br /><br />While at home, I had re-made my canvas bucket, which was donkey's years old, and the metal ring at the top was going rusty. I thought wouldn't it be good to get one made in stainless steel, so off I went to the local fabricators in Carcassonne. We picked our bit of rod in 8mm and agreed the job. <span style="font-weight:bold;"> This was a big factory, </span> and when I asked when it would be ready, he said 8am Monday morning. I asked how much, but he did not have a clue. No problem, it wouldn't be much. On the due date, I returned to the big factory, and a different man came to see what I wanted. I told him and he said, "ahhhhhh, we cannot do this for two weeks because the man who does this work is not here!!!!!" We thanked him, took our piece of steel (the pattern), and left. "I SAY THAT'S LIFE", and that is just what it's like, here, and in Spain, I will say no more or I could be in big trouble. FRUSTRATING!!! AHHHHH!! THAT'S THE WORD!<br /><br /><br />The old boy in this boat went out in the morning, got caught out with a lot of wind then came back with tail between legs, and sails they were a flappin'. He went straight to his pontoon with 20 knots of wind, parked it, and then sorted it. Don't know if he did any damage though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOD0gs5C7MxbqcqTz_p5jZvUjDlXe3BTIBAmcYfergzOPZKilPnvYVNPvPhpAFv6F-IfSb2dJXDeDhkmWhed_qxMq0BaOOKf_8oBTli98c0qjGiN4t1lSFefJQABoZYf8XxCw6pMOXBE/s1600-h/P1010696.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOD0gs5C7MxbqcqTz_p5jZvUjDlXe3BTIBAmcYfergzOPZKilPnvYVNPvPhpAFv6F-IfSb2dJXDeDhkmWhed_qxMq0BaOOKf_8oBTli98c0qjGiN4t1lSFefJQABoZYf8XxCw6pMOXBE/s400/P1010696.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348274045432090242" /></a><br /><br />Time to go back to the boat so....<br /><br />I had got Jackie to help me get the train booked online ('cos she is good at that sort of thing!), but for some reason or other, she could not get me a tourist sleeper, only what they call a grand butaco, or something like that. Anyway, it was the same price, 53 euros from Barcelona to Puerto Santa Maria, which is just outside Cadiz. As it happens, the seat is a large chair that reclines and does all sorts, even plays music, but none that I recognized. It is also not very comfortable. I suppose the reason they do it, is to cram more people in during the holiday season because the train was packed. The journey from Carcassonne to Barcelona went without hitch, and my night train left at 10 pm and arrived without incident at 10 am the next morning, which was the Tuesday. I got a cab from the station and in the already sweltering heat, started to get the covers off and settle in. Simo was just as I had left her, and had not taken in a drop of water, which also told me that it had not rained since I left a month ago. I made a shopping list and walked to the supermercado, which was about two miles away. <br /><br />IS THIS ME AND MY TROLLEY<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvN51ExznuLlbJwl8pImIOaJMbplHE1u_MyH52bRihwBKE3OcgZV1-GwsY-RNi9kZup7ntb6wl6cQJKnodfWdQBP1wBavUKjrrKAc63p6TryXFZCzymJOJZYXEM8TvrsJzPZr_rhNh6w/s1600-h/P1000011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvN51ExznuLlbJwl8pImIOaJMbplHE1u_MyH52bRihwBKE3OcgZV1-GwsY-RNi9kZup7ntb6wl6cQJKnodfWdQBP1wBavUKjrrKAc63p6TryXFZCzymJOJZYXEM8TvrsJzPZr_rhNh6w/s200/P1000011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354663692622708722" /></a><br /><br /><br />I took my orange trolley and got loads of food, enough that it filled my trolley and more. This should last me a month, I thought, especially now I was going to have a real good crack at fishing. I got the lady at the bread counter to call me a cab, and then back on board got everything in place. I had even got two bags of ice to keep the drinks cool. Next job was to get a new gaz bottle, recharge my Spanish mobile and top up my Vodaphone dongle that would allow me to browse the weather and Skype out now and again. The temperature by 4pm must have been way over 30 degrees, but down in the cabin it remained nice and cool, thanks to the wind chute over the forward hatch. At about 5pm, I decided to head off and get the jobs done so I would be ready to depart first thing in the morning. Bernado came down to see me and said (I think) that he was heading off towards the Rio Guardiana in the morning. Great, I thought, we can sail in company. When I woke in the morning, Bernardo was long gone. <br /><br />I eventually set off at about 11 am, after first getting another couple of bags of ice for the coolbox. I had decided to go to Mazzagon, and anchor in the mouth of the huge river that goes up to the town of Huelva. The wind started off light from the north west, and I had to motor sail for a couple of hours, but then it filled in, and backed a shade, to give me a fantastic three sail fetch, virtually all the way. The total distance was about 48 miles.<br /><br />SPANKING ALONG AT OVER 5 KNOTS. DONT YOU JUST LOVE IT!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhyphenhyphen6I0m2AlVO8ofDs1ZdN85f_oy3kKIOs0McFNgN7GYek5h9OBurcDYvAN80Wf3e0Ee25kvaetaH-rAoxWmemp4OQCGhrutvlVAiCzEShsbEhML7wKgeHgg8AtjWL_A6lkV_dQ45MXqc/s1600-h/P1000015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhyphenhyphen6I0m2AlVO8ofDs1ZdN85f_oy3kKIOs0McFNgN7GYek5h9OBurcDYvAN80Wf3e0Ee25kvaetaH-rAoxWmemp4OQCGhrutvlVAiCzEShsbEhML7wKgeHgg8AtjWL_A6lkV_dQ45MXqc/s400/P1000015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354666525322541090" /></a><br />SUN SETTING ON MY APPROACH TO MAZAGON <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8Kj3iC4M06s-v6F7e6wMMQQoGMvamDpHbZHQd7FG8lytEc8XQookpoEL-p8F_XYGNJ-l4VR-l3STN-9LSMcewroRvL1awM6weKhIIymlGG4KhpFGxYXfuiqAmNMoNZsjSe1tRheLA08/s1600-h/P1000028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8Kj3iC4M06s-v6F7e6wMMQQoGMvamDpHbZHQd7FG8lytEc8XQookpoEL-p8F_XYGNJ-l4VR-l3STN-9LSMcewroRvL1awM6weKhIIymlGG4KhpFGxYXfuiqAmNMoNZsjSe1tRheLA08/s400/P1000028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354672608329804082" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After the last hour or so with the engine, I arrived a shade after 10 pm, and anchored out of the fairway in about 20 feet of water. After a quick cuppa and a snacky sandwich, I was in my bunk and fast asleep. I woke up a few times in the night as the wash from some big ships rocked me about a bit, but finally, at 9am on the Thursday I was up, had my weetabix, and was ready to go. I had looked at the pilot book, and what was suggested as one of the prettiest anchorages on this coast, was El Rompido. It was only about twelve miles away, and the pilot also mentioned a very old boatyard run by a man called Wolfgang Michalsky, who it says, can have any kind of work put in hand. It conjured up in my mind a genius of a man, to whom nothing would be too much trouble. A chance perhaps, to get my electric raymarine autopilot repaired, which had seemingly packed up since I was last on board. <br /><br />I left the river mouth, and headed for my destination. I had been also warned by the pilot book, that the entrance was tricky, and that you had to negotiate a sand bar that regularly shifts, and at low water, has less than a meter. It was all marked by buoys, so no problem, I would go in at about high water.<br /><br />When I arrived, the leading red buoy was nowhere like where it showed on the chart plotter, with, I hasten to add, this years charts, and also the place was mobbed by fishing boats, large and small. Out with the binoculars, and after closing the shore and watching the soundings, I eventually saw the leading mark. To be honest, it was so far from where I thought it would be, I distrusted it. Nonetheless, I closed at slow speed, and then I saw two more buoys, a green and a red. At that moment, I also saw a big 40 foot power boat going at full tilt around in an arc where the channel must lay. I headed for the first marker, probably about 50 yards away, and looked unbelievingly as this power boat headed straight at me. It passed not twenty yards away, still going at full tilt, the driver on the flying bridge not even looking at me as I shouted expletives and waited a few seconds for the waves to hit me. The first one, O.K., but the second came clean over Simo, and we were all a bit wet. Unfortunately, this was a sign of things to come, but more of that later.<br /><br />My first obstacle was this sand bar. I passed the first big buoy, a red one and headed for the next two, a red and a green, fairly close together. I had already spotted the next pair, as my echo sounder went down to 6 feet. "My goodness, this can't be right. It’s high water. I held my nerve and continued on. I was glad the sun was behind me, and as I got closer to the beach, I could see where the tide line was for the deep water, and gradually the buoys opened u,p and it all became clear which way to go. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTMH_uAss81QDjHrdjv9ody5U37rhzK1amAL2ApCbZ8BdIVcRkvVj7WI-ae4fprve24Xg1NuohEKQAzXosYKMv9oKS8Td5L1BqGH9LJpXpfoOd4LeZLixgAL6QvJtu2_02kvFafg36Xc/s1600-h/P1000034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTMH_uAss81QDjHrdjv9ody5U37rhzK1amAL2ApCbZ8BdIVcRkvVj7WI-ae4fprve24Xg1NuohEKQAzXosYKMv9oKS8Td5L1BqGH9LJpXpfoOd4LeZLixgAL6QvJtu2_02kvFafg36Xc/s400/P1000034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355614006847538114" /></a><br /><br />I continued up the river, or cut, and looked for a suitable place to anchor. Funnily enough, there seemed to be a good spot, just out from the fuel dock, so I let go the hook in about 20 feet of water.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1NzdV2kCi-J211aGe7GuBsH5-NXbjqECMEyz8y4O5IfqUK6AiB8D_pljDSjS6uI4gX9gs8Gcs0olUjFrgZ0iKC_ZDumffM7FTWcVz3_AbhoRlsisyucJVYyeyHxyW76p-9Focc9Htpg/s1600-h/P1000045.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1NzdV2kCi-J211aGe7GuBsH5-NXbjqECMEyz8y4O5IfqUK6AiB8D_pljDSjS6uI4gX9gs8Gcs0olUjFrgZ0iKC_ZDumffM7FTWcVz3_AbhoRlsisyucJVYyeyHxyW76p-9Focc9Htpg/s320/P1000045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355614948400456210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxsm0IdzWM5x8ATzrcrG7wWQhBVx2S_7KEuOKg9hWsd7Qv7qkJbD8u63XAyRfzpJC2StwAyCRNLKCJiDgUWGh_aUOOWSw9SWDFZoXmRKDDhyphenhyphenm3Wcw-gUbA2vEGXtyh5oF5YeErlCjM4s/s1600-h/P1000043.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxsm0IdzWM5x8ATzrcrG7wWQhBVx2S_7KEuOKg9hWsd7Qv7qkJbD8u63XAyRfzpJC2StwAyCRNLKCJiDgUWGh_aUOOWSw9SWDFZoXmRKDDhyphenhyphenm3Wcw-gUbA2vEGXtyh5oF5YeErlCjM4s/s320/P1000043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355614826485053298" /></a><br /><br />I decided to pump up the dinghy, and venture ashore, firstly, to see if I could get the autopilot working, and secondly to replenish my coolbox with ice to chill down the drinks. I had no luck with the autopilot, but did get some ice and bananas from a little back street shop, so I was well contented. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi6-XFWaqBIc7UVADZkJro3wKV1Kplz6fryz8rUrMMPFEv0vgEsOuQA32JOiCCV54xQ4Rnmq8CphRUo3q4WnT29QGg6DNbQn5cDf7aJC8jtncjuOEsoYQHW3EtwLwx8ff-AsoCXiMTZk/s1600-h/P1000057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi6-XFWaqBIc7UVADZkJro3wKV1Kplz6fryz8rUrMMPFEv0vgEsOuQA32JOiCCV54xQ4Rnmq8CphRUo3q4WnT29QGg6DNbQn5cDf7aJC8jtncjuOEsoYQHW3EtwLwx8ff-AsoCXiMTZk/s400/P1000057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355616352859596322" /></a><br /> <br /><br />The sunset was fantastic, and the the next morning, after some weetabix and a couple of mugs of tea, I soon realised that all the motor boats that fill up with fuel, leave the dock at maximum speed, and don't really care about how much wash they give you. Getting increasingly uncomfortable and frustrated by the this, I decided to leave on the lunchtime high tide, and head up towards AYAMONTE, which is at the border between Spain and Portugal.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUHmSd2n_zmisECd0u6pY-GQ3-5TMIYjRNnyjIj2AXdBTH_FzNHEO23e7f-TgUwLo0Cxc_losCPIRlOIfqQdbKrMK1dr0DWG0Uv_CD8eSY3UyY_Wm-u_vyXKJ7_1YwOr1h38SxZyimAo/s1600-h/P1000065.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUHmSd2n_zmisECd0u6pY-GQ3-5TMIYjRNnyjIj2AXdBTH_FzNHEO23e7f-TgUwLo0Cxc_losCPIRlOIfqQdbKrMK1dr0DWG0Uv_CD8eSY3UyY_Wm-u_vyXKJ7_1YwOr1h38SxZyimAo/s400/P1000065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355626304660316130" /></a><br /><br />I motor sailed the 15 odd miles in a freshening breeze, and by the time I got to the fairway buoy, it was a fresh force 6, and really nice to bear away on to a broad reach. Once inside, I found a nice little spot to drop the hook, close to a sand bar, and it looked like my own desert island. I prepped dinner, and poured myself a can of the old John Smiths SMOOOOOOOOTH, and my day was done. Next time, we shall explore the wonderful river. <br /><br />Until next time, <br /><br />BE GOOD.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnF8dVhw1I5EhF7Av27PXwu4lf7ou7-ytImKcGtJJjz5-eAw46vJ08a4ZhhwR0SC5SLbfxR-47awglALrs-pYsEvI3CyaWSBrf6frcHP4fX-qhgcWQWHSZl4FES45r7vahcRVEhkk5Ak/s1600-h/P1000003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnF8dVhw1I5EhF7Av27PXwu4lf7ou7-ytImKcGtJJjz5-eAw46vJ08a4ZhhwR0SC5SLbfxR-47awglALrs-pYsEvI3CyaWSBrf6frcHP4fX-qhgcWQWHSZl4FES45r7vahcRVEhkk5Ak/s320/P1000003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355627795113436994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsIApKuF8anvK5msHhju5qhyWasDIZc5Lyq4fXvM6lZyG22g3_OpNHcw-R2Tq9ynPBB8TgfMmbECPUypjwe0hnYrU0PMv6otxhHrsQcz4nKROVOcMJNTWjuudmmMGMpUoy2QpNDDz6O8/s1600-h/P1000004.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsIApKuF8anvK5msHhju5qhyWasDIZc5Lyq4fXvM6lZyG22g3_OpNHcw-R2Tq9ynPBB8TgfMmbECPUypjwe0hnYrU0PMv6otxhHrsQcz4nKROVOcMJNTWjuudmmMGMpUoy2QpNDDz6O8/s320/P1000004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355628015260470194" /></a>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-66656430998115223862009-06-12T16:04:00.043+02:002009-06-20T12:06:00.306+02:00GIBRALTAR TO CADIZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-b9TZkL-mCwcUZKNTM07IsgMAXrxt90tBb5UbwdR_YofCMDFmLKDZpFYZ-mjPX0AaYSN7JdhTUAbSAggEflP3yUpdsIkbzGyZo6tOcTAeY0JeCNEds7BgkmjK3vNNXqJTYqYQZ7FPvE/s1600-h/P1010681.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-b9TZkL-mCwcUZKNTM07IsgMAXrxt90tBb5UbwdR_YofCMDFmLKDZpFYZ-mjPX0AaYSN7JdhTUAbSAggEflP3yUpdsIkbzGyZo6tOcTAeY0JeCNEds7BgkmjK3vNNXqJTYqYQZ7FPvE/s200/P1010681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348254109128805922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLyaI_87UDzqMhdWG9sQGFDKycLzF7dPU0YsRpCqbV4YormHbwzbByYmnjw0XKc00hjSiwIlOamGwnRTtFIoZcFqXR7TfORNqLMYrHe790cweDz1M_7h8GMxjzyXNtoXJrGyJVJEsLlU/s1600-h/P1010665.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; 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cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1y5nKkz4l3ia3fgOOIfs0LlEaClbSSjninHKuZ5McQJzPYcvydnvt-SciqVCcr9LP5qcBJ1ZD1gZBH0f-jdpLb3xf7Hh6hqM6duWAGO_B-6m4N7QHhrQTdjW3xBKAdEqJIvBoei8UGbA/s200/P1010485.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348248484570772994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypRU9zMoLnzoK65O0qctUmmiSLuMY9Q45fIZu3CZOARnrUPJcgKhWDfhgtAgrxnBli0DVmNsHc80u0KmUGtLngBXdskMmX8_t_SHqdV_zJEpaj1XnSbVAva-pe9eoiGu1iymButfbGEA/s1600-h/P1010483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypRU9zMoLnzoK65O0qctUmmiSLuMY9Q45fIZu3CZOARnrUPJcgKhWDfhgtAgrxnBli0DVmNsHc80u0KmUGtLngBXdskMmX8_t_SHqdV_zJEpaj1XnSbVAva-pe9eoiGu1iymButfbGEA/s200/P1010483.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348242219719420514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsbPnFLtSFbGO-tB10-8Yjpc0n3bye_eEuhZem3do8lIC9x-bSPrW5vSzqftJeVcXmFiIyYZ1rZ4GMHQo_Tr5gZbaZMhhbTEUL7p6qO_QelJcbKpl1Y5z2cJSIx551VIk51Tiw9JdDTs/s1600-h/P1010482.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsbPnFLtSFbGO-tB10-8Yjpc0n3bye_eEuhZem3do8lIC9x-bSPrW5vSzqftJeVcXmFiIyYZ1rZ4GMHQo_Tr5gZbaZMhhbTEUL7p6qO_QelJcbKpl1Y5z2cJSIx551VIk51Tiw9JdDTs/s200/P1010482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348241884322266994" /></a><br />I had been in the anchorage at La Linear for a few days, and not actually checked in to Gibraltar. It had been great in the anchorage, always a nice breeze, and I'd just generally chilled out. I had started to look at the weather forecast for the next few days as I wanted to go through the straights and get up to Cadiz, and then sort out what I was going to do. The fact of the matter was, that I was way behind my schedule and my original plan was to spend at least a bit of the summer with Jackie at our house in France, and we had spoken about June being the Month.<br /><br />As you all know, the object of this trip was to go to Madeira, but with the weather I have had, and one or two of the experiences, well it has dampened my enthusiasm for the whole thing, and probably, if I'm truthful I don't think it is going to happen. So SORRY, in big letters, if it has disappointed anybody, and if you don't want to receive the blog anymore, just let me know. But, for all the people who want to still follow my adventures, I will still be going places but not entirely sure where.<br /><br />Anyway, back to the plot of getting from Gib to Cadiz. While I had been in the anchorage, the wind had been blowing from the west, and I wanted to go that way. The thing is, with the straights, the wind either blows from the east or the west for 95% of the time. The weather was looking to change by Tuesday night, and was then going to build up to very strong for a few days. I thought the best thing would be to leave first thing Tuesday morning, when the wind had eased away, ready for the new breeze to start on Tuesday evening. The window of opportunity was not that great because, according to the weather forecast, it would be from nothing to force 8 in the space of twelve hours. "and Micky boy ain't so keen on them force eights" I've got a mate who loves them, but he is older now has a massive beard and lives up in Suffolk somewhere.<br /><br />I got it all sorted, and at 7am was hauling up the anchor. There was hardly a breath of wind, and I knew it would take me at least an hour to motor sail across Gibraltar Bay to Punta Carnero, where I would turn right a bit, and head down to Tarifa, "the windsurfing capital of Europe, cos it's always windy". A few cups of tea later, we were rounding the point, a little bit of misty fog stuff was rolling around but nothing to worry about, a bit of swell, but hardly any any wind. This suited me fine, the only problem was, I didn't really know the upshot of high water and the tidal streams and flows. What I was lacking was the info, and it is all in a little book called THE STRAITS HANDBOOK by a guy called Colin and another called Peter. Never mind, I will just bash on, and keep close inshore and I will surely miss the worst current if it is against me. In my planning, I had thought about averaging about 4.5 knots, and the total distance was about 85 miles. O.K., an average at 4.5 knots makes it just short of 19 hours, so in 11 hours, I should be abeam of Cabo Trafalgar, 45 miles away at about 6pm and still daylight. To say the trip was uneventful would be a true appraisal, going down the stretch to Tarifa, for the most part we were motoring, and were covering the ground at six to seven knots. When we got to Tarifa the sea was like glass, absolutely not a breath of wind. Now let me tell you, Tarifa has a very high suicide rate, and it is all because of the wind. It is always blowing force six or seven from the East or the West, and to have it calm, is almost unheard of. <br /><br />I went round Tarifa, and started heading north west towards Trafalgar, feeling quite pleased with myself, and started to get some lunch on the go, Whilst I was down below, I threw the GPS a quick glance, and was horrified to see we were only cracking on at 2.7 knots, what a difference, but at least I knew that at some stage the breeze was going to fill in from the east, or south east, and would be behind me. The weather was fantastic and I really did not mind the engine being on. I read a little and watched the world go past. It really was fantastic. A couple of hours later, I checked the GPS again, and we were still only making 2.7, maybe 2.8 over the ground, but our true speed was just a tad under five knots. I decided to head out a little, not really knowing what I was doing, but it made no difference. I decided to look out for some kind of buoy, or marker so that I could see for myself the amount of stream against me. By now, it was late in the afternoon and I was starting to think about how long it would be before we got to Cadiz, and would the strong breeze catch up with me before I got to shelter. I eventually came to some pot markers, and whilst being careful, went as close as I dared, to look at the flow on them, and to be honest, it looked like a four to five knot ebb on the Medway. In true terms, it was at least two and a half knots against me, and I had had it for the last six hours or so. I reasoned the it should start to ease off, but in reality, I was not holding my breath. It seemed to take forever to get round Cabo Trafalgar, and because of the shallows, I also had to go out further. As I came abeam, the sea got a lot lumpier. I was still under engine, as there was still no wind, and now the bows were starting to dig in, pick up huge amounts of green water and throw it along the side decks, and at times my autopilot was under water. It was frustrating because our speed would fall to under a knot, and take a bit of time to get going before the same fate fell again. I think I learned a few new swear words as I tried to get some dinner ready and prepare for darkness. All around this area there are shallows, fish keeps, tunny nets, and other hazards. The large swell was coming from the west, and was getting worse instead of better, it did not make sense. I decided to go out a lot further to get into some deeper water, and I have to say that just as the sun was setting, it did seem to calm down. The sunset was great, but our progress was still slow with at least two knots against me. Earlier, just before it got dark, a lot of big fishing boats came past and all waved heartily at me, most were towing a little dinghy that I believe they use for fishing as well. I watched them all go off into the distance and over the horizon. By midnight, I could see the lights of Cadiz and realized that I should be in by 3 am. I knew a nice little anchorage, right outside Puerto Sherry, and decided to drop the hook till the morning. The whole trip had been done under engine, and it was no strain at all. I was a little tired, but now had to be alert to follow the channel round and into the anchorage as there are one or two isolated dangers like great big rocks! I was relieved to get the trip finished and crawl into my nice little bunk. The time was 3.30am on Wednesday 27th May.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPBvU2TcJl4uPv_AU9IiSauxKAORuiBzk373xzyqds8lOrWC45j4u10n2awE-jw2Nr8o52cah1S2R5ZoVQUpj3zBb2wxSzyxCTeZalRNmjcchRcMywg0wDBCoCLEhyphenhyphenRuRLxQkAoDplvY/s1600-h/P1010501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUPBvU2TcJl4uPv_AU9IiSauxKAORuiBzk373xzyqds8lOrWC45j4u10n2awE-jw2Nr8o52cah1S2R5ZoVQUpj3zBb2wxSzyxCTeZalRNmjcchRcMywg0wDBCoCLEhyphenhyphenRuRLxQkAoDplvY/s320/P1010501.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348249275157350194" /></a><br /><br />I awoke around 10 am, and was quite surprised that there was a lot of wind about. After putting on the kettle, I decided to go up top and take a look. It was quite windy, but I was about 100 yards from the breakwater, the direction where the wind was coming from, so I was nice and protected from the waves. I had my tea and then some shredded wheat, and then got my windo meter out to see what it was blowing cos it felt quite strong. It was an average of 22 knots with a couple of gusts at 27 knots. I decided to furl the main properly, and put the cover on it, and thought that I would wait for the wind to drop and then go into the marina. It didn't drop for three days, just got stronger and stronger until I felt it necessary to get my 40lb LUKE Fisherman's anchor out of the bilge, and rig it as a standby, just in case. Each piece of the anchor(it has three bits) weighs a lot, and they are a struggle to get on deck without messing up the varnish. Then I have 20 metres of chain and another 60 metres of rope warp to add on. The chain is the worst, as you have to very carefully drag it round the deck, without touching the varnish. I just touched a couple of places, but not too serious, and got the whole thing rigged and ready to throw, should the main anchor fail for any reason. I also got out, what is called an ANGEL. This is a very heavy weight that you can attach to the chain of the anchor, then let more chain out, and the angel will help to keep the chain on the seabed and stop it jerking the anchor out in strong winds or waves. I attached this to the main anchor and also a short length of 12 mm rope, so that the chain would not keep grouching on the bob stay. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9DgKahPNVoTcN1t7nY0oxzIb8l6xgmw_UVU-puxlGDrLrp1_SjqL78XuyPT207iQ5sMXaiGLmtc5oMpF4dhVQIVB5akY2H5XxOIUFJ2PGh8rBhdJ4Y2dJX_NESdEiEFDfauYNngEsDM/s1600-h/P1010615.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9DgKahPNVoTcN1t7nY0oxzIb8l6xgmw_UVU-puxlGDrLrp1_SjqL78XuyPT207iQ5sMXaiGLmtc5oMpF4dhVQIVB5akY2H5XxOIUFJ2PGh8rBhdJ4Y2dJX_NESdEiEFDfauYNngEsDM/s320/P1010615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348253058998171970" /></a><br /><br />I folded up and bagged the staysail, and set to washing all the salt off the varnished bits, and wiping them dry. Salt and sun combine to give your varnish a short life, so whenever I finish a trip, I always wash off with a hose, or by hand to keep it looking good. Over the next two or three days I had some real wind, and even though I was only one hundred yards from the breakwater, I was getting a lot of salt spay on the boat, and she was shearing from one side to the other like a half ton plastic fiberglass yacht. Simo weighs 5 tons plus me, of course, and I have never seen her shearing like that before. I think the Fisherman's anchor has been with Simo since the outset in 1961, because in the 60's down Portugal and Spain, there weren't many marinas, and the guys who owned the yachts had to anchor off most of the time, so something like a 40lb Luke, was a great insurance policy.<br /><br />While anchored, I found lots of little jobs to do. It was far too windy to even think about pumping up the Avon and going ashore, and so I just did the jobs, read a lot, and slept. You can normally see the wind drop off a bit in the evenings, but it didn't, in fact on the Thursday night, it got stronger.<br /><br />On Saturday morning the sun came up as normal, but there had been a definite change in the wind. It was only blowing 20 knots, and as soon as I had had some brekkie and a mug of tea, it was noticeble that the wind was dying away. Time to make my move into the marina. I got the ropes and fenders out and sorted, put the engine on, and went forward to get the anchor up, it came out pretty easy, and I just left it on the bow roller. I had had word from Jackie that my old friend Bernardo had seen me at anchor, and would come down to the dock as soon as I came in. I moored alongside the waiting pontoon and took my documents to the harbour master's round tower. I had by now decided that I was going to go back to France and spend some time with Jackie, and that would be for the whole of June. The office staff were nice and very friendly, and I asked if they had a berth for the whole of June for a 7.86 metre yacht. "No problem" was the reply, "how do you want to pay?" I said "credit card please." The response was "O.K., that will be 456 EUROS please."!!! I was stunned, we had stayed there before, and it had been reasonably priced. I paid up and went back to the boat and prepared to move to the dock I had been allocated. <br /><br />Once tied up, it was not long before my old friend, Bernardo turned up, and we exchanged greetings. At this point, you have to know, that Bernardo does not speak English, and I don't speak a word of Spanish! The last time we met up, I had Jackie with me and she spoke some "good enough to get by spanish", so it was all sign language and phrase books, but we got on well. Bernardo has a Vancouver 27, and it is in impeccable condition. The thing is, he loves my Vertue. So much so, that he is getting a professional chippy to redo his interior, very similar to my Vertue.<br /><br />Bernardo helped a lot by running me up to town, etc. etc., and although it was Saturday, I decided to take the ferry to Cadiz, to book my train ticket home to France. The cost from Cadiz to Barcelona overnight in a nice cozy bed was 53 euros, and then another 36 euros to get me to France. I had wanted to go on the Monday but it was fully booked, so I got a ticket for the Tuesday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1x3-qB8E1wtyaBS0XYYbqKkR_V2elP8dEfQF3B-yL6WxCh79enNA2FJkpA8mfo8EAAnxosLGYyovw5AGMgMhIavO4zb5pmeCtPwKpioNUelmtYAWHUQGEYDDRn7UuYgf7MWVOmL9KkM/s1600-h/P1010614.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1x3-qB8E1wtyaBS0XYYbqKkR_V2elP8dEfQF3B-yL6WxCh79enNA2FJkpA8mfo8EAAnxosLGYyovw5AGMgMhIavO4zb5pmeCtPwKpioNUelmtYAWHUQGEYDDRn7UuYgf7MWVOmL9KkM/s200/P1010614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348252799636999106" /></a><br /><br />I wiled away the three days quite easily, and had my first encounters with the mozzy army(mosquitos), so had to put up all the defences each night. Luckily, I remained uneaten. I cleaned the boat from head to stern on Monday, and late in the afternoon on Tuesday, got the covers on, doubled up the lines and prepared to leave Simo for a MONTH, and enjoy some time in France. I had made myself the customary BLT sandwiches and a big bottle of orange squash, and got the taxi to the station for the 1930 Barcelona "tren hotel".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-b9TZkL-mCwcUZKNTM07IsgMAXrxt90tBb5UbwdR_YofCMDFmLKDZpFYZ-mjPX0AaYSN7JdhTUAbSAggEflP3yUpdsIkbzGyZo6tOcTAeY0JeCNEds7BgkmjK3vNNXqJTYqYQZ7FPvE/s1600-h/P1010681.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-b9TZkL-mCwcUZKNTM07IsgMAXrxt90tBb5UbwdR_YofCMDFmLKDZpFYZ-mjPX0AaYSN7JdhTUAbSAggEflP3yUpdsIkbzGyZo6tOcTAeY0JeCNEds7BgkmjK3vNNXqJTYqYQZ7FPvE/s200/P1010681.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348254109128805922" /></a><br /><br />I AM NOW HOME FOR MOST OF JUNE, AND INTEND TO GO BACK TO THE BOAT ON THE 29TH JUNE.<br /><br />Don't know what I will do yet, or where i will go, but one thing is for sure, I am determined to crack the fishing malarky with my teasers and exciters, and show Deano just what I am made of.Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-91010557839800407822009-05-31T10:22:00.032+02:002009-06-12T16:04:14.874+02:00GETTING BACK TO IT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETjCPAGNyyVTs7N4yB2rgfIFu7HnPvpQozPMOn_crm3J_3KXa_IUXqmXnIqmg17a8TYDTuXDkuxXANjHJZ5nm5UtzxN_XFqS9vjc_NWnevlsRBNdvDUiMHFFZ-JG-RUD_u3kauZPctC4/s1600-h/P1010478.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETjCPAGNyyVTs7N4yB2rgfIFu7HnPvpQozPMOn_crm3J_3KXa_IUXqmXnIqmg17a8TYDTuXDkuxXANjHJZ5nm5UtzxN_XFqS9vjc_NWnevlsRBNdvDUiMHFFZ-JG-RUD_u3kauZPctC4/s200/P1010478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341909833160782818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyj7T2Nl2YwdrzQaQTqSUEgiqs5lWni4m2FRsvsmd9u0DJAWyKhmGO5phi8mjw79dT1DXJZeM0J4I7yZh1c_bEKUGOyje4HCqOL05EgyWvNnJAZnqL0AUGCPouTNZDDmO6dwyZma97H4/s1600-h/P1010476.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyj7T2Nl2YwdrzQaQTqSUEgiqs5lWni4m2FRsvsmd9u0DJAWyKhmGO5phi8mjw79dT1DXJZeM0J4I7yZh1c_bEKUGOyje4HCqOL05EgyWvNnJAZnqL0AUGCPouTNZDDmO6dwyZma97H4/s200/P1010476.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341909660723978290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tzKaUi6R48hLaxfbIDEOo55OOiGHmw1ka4n9JYI83lEdnmIIdn7DJdOar2ky9Bt8_BuRXXQ2VjUXk99dd6q2mSots3sR3bF7yKC7idmNsD4ULdVnQlrEETkmQfA3aNTyY9zc651IFNA/s1600-h/P1010475.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-nSSfKdCzkI0i38rtJGkJQ4pBSRk-ijzqb5IyTbMxf0FDSeViICAzzRKYHh-4vxwFqNKAnwGp8a4uiLL9cs8U2HCoi2bc2NxoVUNs_OL0IqO04eXZ6dBbVncwyxhJOeDyLtxeiZto_o/s400/P1010402.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341905662269454290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteTmcEd06dV6X4Hnj0NoDoVW4mgg2UOZbmWqn2Jtzj30lKMdQU0MTGERTj3cC6YsQ1O-FqHgdD86PskPqDfSSThFv1XwwxmSwdgdRChx1GWW9PY7BS0mS_JbCPAyjSV-og8iXzq7lyqQ/s1600-h/P1010399.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteTmcEd06dV6X4Hnj0NoDoVW4mgg2UOZbmWqn2Jtzj30lKMdQU0MTGERTj3cC6YsQ1O-FqHgdD86PskPqDfSSThFv1XwwxmSwdgdRChx1GWW9PY7BS0mS_JbCPAyjSV-og8iXzq7lyqQ/s400/P1010399.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341905472608724162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-XG46NEKqYFsyAZeYLRhwWQBmXMWCXsormuAMe_64nAhB6N-8bkOTfAO00PsL3Tm6pBoS2glCTNiLwdTLM7Dmdkq9aX5pJKH3S_H-J-HxGTcnTzfitnDwiw-XwcnBVMa0PYtAqu65dY/s1600-h/P1010398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-XG46NEKqYFsyAZeYLRhwWQBmXMWCXsormuAMe_64nAhB6N-8bkOTfAO00PsL3Tm6pBoS2glCTNiLwdTLM7Dmdkq9aX5pJKH3S_H-J-HxGTcnTzfitnDwiw-XwcnBVMa0PYtAqu65dY/s400/P1010398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341905330146183538" /></a><br />GETTING BACK TO IT<br />Well Ive had a good break, about 10 days, and am firing on all cylinders. It was great being back home with Jac, but after a week she said I was edgy, or feisty, or something like that, I thought I was ok, but there you go. Whatever I was, I tried to improve, not really sure she noticed, and when it came time to get the train back, I think she was pleased to see the back of me. O.K. 'nuff said.<br /><br />We had booked the night train from Barca to Malaga on line (computer dumbo) and it all went as smoothly as you can expect when your dealing with a Spanish website (nightmare, we had to phone the help line as it would not let us print the ticket, and I have to say they spoke better English than me, and in no time at all, we had our ticket. Then off we went to the station in Carcassonne to get a ticket down to Barcelona. All went well so I had my tickets, and was raring to go.<br /><br />Jackie dropped me at the station at about 3pm and I waited for the first train which would take me to Narbonne, where I would have ten minutes to get the connection for the train that would take me to Barcelona. First sign of trouble was the train didn’t arrive when it should have. (Panic a bit!) Ten minutes later a sign went up saying a delay of fifteen minutes. (Panic a lot!!) The train finally arrived and I dashed to get on. (As if it will make the train go quicker, and get me to Narbonne on time!) No chance, you're in France! <br /><br />We arrived in Narbonne 20 minutes late, and the officials are mobbed by about a hundred people who all wanna go to Spain. In French I think he said "Not a hope in Hell", and the next train to Port Bou (the border) was in half an hour. You could get a train at 1830 to Barcelona, and our next question was "What time will it arrive?" "Oh, it normally takes about two and a half hours." he said. That was a relief because my night train to Malaga went at 2145 and I didn’t want to miss that. (Panic over!)<br /><br />I had one of Jackie’s special BLT baguettes, and read a little. and we arrived in Port Bou at just after 6 pm. The formalities were dealt with, "Paasports please!" then crossed over to where the Barcelona train would arrive. 1830 came and went. Maybe I was the only one with panic in his eyes, as all the rest were only going to Barcelona, and not headed for a connecting train. The panel showed a train at 1850, so where on earth was the 1830 we were promised? ... ... "Don’t ask!" <br /><br />Finally, we were on the train and on our way. One official said it would arrive at 2100, still time for me to catch the connection at 2145, and then someone else said it wouldn’t arrive until 2145! Relax, Relax!<br /><br />The train pulled into Barcelona Sants at 2140, and passengers wished me luck as I sprinted down the platform in desperation to get to my connection. Trying to find the departing train's platform deserved NVQ status, but I found it, and the train was still there!. . . . . . I tore through the barrier, only to get hauled back by security. In that second, I saw out of the corner of my eye, the train start to move away, and the security man showing me some notice which said that you must be there at least two minutes before departure! <span style="font-weight:bold;">"@*!&$^!*"</span> If the train had not been late in the first place I would have made it easily. O.K., I'll now cut it short, cos I know you're all bored to tears. I went to the information desk, and they told me I could get another night train to Cordoba. "That will be another 31 euros please, and be quick because it leaves in five minutes!" I got the train, had a good kip and arrived in Cordoba at 0730. I went to "information" to try and get a train for Malaga. Yes, one was leaving in ten minutes from platform two, oh, "Another 15 euros please!" I finally arrived in Malaga at about the same time I would have if I caught the original train. A short train ride to Fuengirola, and I was home and dry. <br /><br />I caught up with my mates, and sorted some stuff out, and also managed to sort out the ownership of the Karma bar, seems it is a family affair, reminds me of the godfather, but none the less, the John Smiths is fantastic chilled. I got hold of Jane and Peter, you remember, the guy with the piano. He wanted to experience a bit of sailing, and I agreed to have him on board for the short 25 mile trip to Sotogrande, as long as he left the piano behind and brought lunch along instead. He agreed and we had a deal. Jane was supposed to come as well, but cried off because of some canal trouble. I said we were going by sea, but she said the canal was in her tooth and it had to be drilled! We set off at about 11am, and the wind was on the nose about 15 knots, so we motor-sailed for a couple of hours, and then were able to have a fab three sail fetch right past Marbella, where Jane was trying to wear out a credit card or two! It cut up a bit rough for the final two hours to Sotogrande, but by then I was used to it, and Peter kept saying it was marvellous. I think he would have said the same if we had had to hove too in a force 8, no knowledge is great. Peter is a pianist in Joy’s Bar in Puerto Banus, pretty famous I am told. (Joy’s not Peter.) I asked where he learned to play, and he said casually that he went on a three month course, and that was that. <br /><br />I’ve gotta say, it was one of the best day’s sailing I had had on the whole trip so far. When we got tied up we went off to meet Jane in a bar, and had some nibbles and coffee, and then they shot off to feed the doggies at home. Me, well, I had tied up to a lovely old wooden Holmen, built by Rossiters of Woodbridge in the fifties, so she was a tad older than Simo. Colin and his missus offered me some curry and a glass of red, which I gratefully received, and had a good old gander to Colin. In the end he showed me below decks, and I must say it had a wonderful stateroom, and if Jackie had seen it she would have liked it. The boat was 38 feet long, and a fine specimen. I liked it a lot and I hope that when I return to the Med, later in the year, we will catch up for more wine and chat. I will keep in touch, trust me.<br /><br />Early next morning, I showered, and did the other things one does when when the facilities avail, and got ready to cast off for Gibraltar. The distance rock probably about 25 miles away. It was calm when I left, and what breeze there was, was on the starboard bow, so I left the engine on half revs and we punched along at just under five knots. Ahhhhh, the air smelled good, and for the first time for a while, I would be heading out of the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic. Was the weather settled now or did I have more shocks to come? I hoped it wass settled, it certainly felt like it.<br /><br />As I closed the rock, it soon became gusty, and a bit choppy. I suppose I was about two miles off, and the highest wind was 22 knots, so I kept full main, and very soon I rounded the rock, where to my surprise, heard the most awful wailing kind of noise. I was right on the end of Europa Point and there was a wreck being worked on by the biggest barge I had ever seen, with massive cranes and engineering works. It was surrounded by a string of IALA buoys, but the wailing seemed to catch my attention, it was coming from the land! I had a goose through the binoculars and saw another large wreck at the foot of Europa Point, and as I raised the glasses further I caught sight of what I thought was a . . . no, it couldn't be . . but yes, it is . . . a minaret, and it was attached to a mosque! I listened, and I listened, and even though I was a good mile away, the wailing was coming from the mosque! It reminded me of a funny story a few years back, when my daughter Nicki and her hubby Cristophe lived in Dubai. They lived fairly near a mosque, and the wailing, if that’s the correct word, would come out at regular times of the day. Sometimes Luca, (their son), would get a little out of hand, and we used to call the mosque "Winky’s House". If he was being bad at the time the wailing started, Nicki would say to Luca, "Listen! That is WINKY calling for all the bad little boys, you wanna go now?" He soon behaved himself. They live in France now, and Winky doesn’t have a house near where they live anymore.<br /><br />Any way, sorry I digress, I got around Europa Point, and then had a nice beam wind, so I got all sails drawing, and an hour later, we were off the end of the runway and just beyond was my destination, La Linea. I got the sails down and stowed, and made my way into the anchorage. It reminded me of Shepherds Marina, all those years ago in the 80’s, when all the liveaboards used to congregate to swap yarns, and gear, and allsorts, but it looked as if La Linea was a well kept secret, because there were only half a dozen boats in there. I picked my spot, dropped the hook, and put the kettle on. It had taken me longer than I thought, and it was now early evening. I just chilled, got some food ready, and had a relatively early night, deciding to get the dinghy pumped up in the morning and have a run ashore.<br /><br />I slept well, and was awake bright and early, and after a couple of cups of tea was ready to tackle the Avon dingy. I normally spread it out on the foredeck and pump her with the foot pump. I reckon the dinghy is circa 1960, and also the pump! The floor boards were shot a bit, so I had new ones made over the winter and painted them all white myself, they looked fantastic! The problem was, I never got to use them, as three of them got lost overboard in the stormy night in chapter one, so I only had one left, and I use that for where my feet go. The dinghy, despite its age, is in great shape. It did have a load of that rubberoid paint underneath, but again, over the last winter, I stripped it all off and cleaned the whole lot up with some acetone. It made it look like new, and it does not leak air at all. A tad of water comes in the bottom, but I know where, and I just need to get my finger out and put a patch on it. <br /><br />Before I left Fuengirola, I had a chat with Dean, the fisherman, and he told me to pop to a shop and get some lures and a teaser, and I would catch "loadsa" fish, so I did, and I didn’t, but the thing is with fishing, you have to put the line out in the first place and I didn’t, although I did have good intentions. He also told me a good place to get lures and fishing stuff was in La Linea, so here I was, going on a mission to find the shop. I was worried about leaving the dinghy unattended and there were lots of old boys fishing on the dick head, so I asked them, with sign language, if they wouldn’t mind watching it for me, while I went shopping. I got to the centre of La Linea but didn’t have a proper address, just the road, Calle Jardinere, so I asked a policeman, well three actually, and they all started arguing about where the shop was. One said it was not in that street but somewhere else. Anyway, out came their map book, and then it was straight on, third left and second right, and then look for it. I found the shop and proceeded to spend fifty euros on gear. The prices were just a little more than half of the price in Fuengirola. I got some bread and got back to the dinghy as quickly as possible, and had a horrible feeling that it would be long gone . . . but no, it was there, and the fishermen wanted to see what I had brought before helping me to launch it, and row back to the boat.<br /><br />I spent the next three hours rigging up rigs and setting up my teasers. I got one from a shop, and one was home made out of two small water bottles, that when filled with a little water would do the trick, Dean said so. Now, I hear you ask, what is a teaser? Well, in Spanish they don’t call it a teaser, they call it an exciter! Any clearer? For the uneducated, I will explain. If you just hang a lure out the back of the boat, it could be nine months before you catch anything, in fact, the chance of Jackie getting pregnant is greater! So what you do, is, you hang something of the back of the boat, just in front of your lures that makes a bit of a splash and noise, and it attracts fish from far and wide to see what the commotion is . . . well, that's what Dean said.<br /><br />The next day I thought I would have a look at Gibraltar, and went as a pedestrian. I had popped into the small but very friendly yacht club in La Linea, and they said I could leave the dinghy there for 5 euros per day, and it is very secure. I explained that I would only be a couple of hours, and he just waved his hand as if to say don't worry. I just wanted to get some bacca for a friend, and see what had changed over the years. The last time we were there, was two years ago, and we stayed in Marina Bay. It was horrendous, and we also got charged £7.00 and had to pump the dinghy up to get ashore. Sorry, but we found the staff arrogant and unfriendly, probably because we didn't have the look and feel of people with a few bob to spend. Anyway, we vowed never to go back, hence the anchorage in La Linea. The walk across was about 20 minutes, and it was hot, but my tilly hat kept the heat from my head. I had a brisk walk through and enquired how much the Golden Virginia was, and was told 11.50 euros for a pack of five, 50 grams pouches. " OK " I said, "How much can I take over the border to Spain?" (i.e. the boat.) Only one pack of 5, she said. I was sure she was winding me up, but no, that's what is is, so I took a chance on two, had a bit more of a walk, and then decided to get back to the boat, do some dinner and prepare for an early start the next day ... <br /><br />Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-23337573937290188082009-05-17T14:48:00.005+02:002009-05-18T23:40:45.703+02:00"HAVING A BREAK"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeuk79jJX27cHcH5tTKtBAeJCUAFQWDQww0TlwkaXAsO0AZR_Wu900ylT51zgz-m4ugxP2Bw9VC6TQ2knU-dxAX-YaVsuI9m7D9Uso4avSewrcBKT_DZz_5EDxwgwzat3bzxQSbmwpMI/s1600-h/P6241192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeuk79jJX27cHcH5tTKtBAeJCUAFQWDQww0TlwkaXAsO0AZR_Wu900ylT51zgz-m4ugxP2Bw9VC6TQ2knU-dxAX-YaVsuI9m7D9Uso4avSewrcBKT_DZz_5EDxwgwzat3bzxQSbmwpMI/s400/P6241192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336785972851487778" /></a><br /><br />After a few days in Fuengerola, and catching up on some much needed work, and other stuff, I decided it was time for a break. I had had a pretty hard time for most of the trip so far, and really needed to get the batteries (MINE) recharged. The weather seemed to finally have changed, and I was now basking in some fab sunshine. So it was that I started to look for a way to get back home to France for a week or so. Gerry's missus said I should try the overnight train, and so I went off to the station at Malaga to see what could be done. After queueing for about half an hour, I finally got to the enquiries desk, and despite the guy not speaking English and me using signs, we decided that the night train to Barcelona would be the way to go, and then from Barcelona, it would be just a short three hour hop up to my home near Carcassonne. Job done! Well, no, not quite. After taking another deli style ticket I then waited two hours to get to book my fare. Frustrating, yeh, yeh, but remember this, before you leave the comfort of U.K. service, a journey lasting one and a half hours in the U.K. is around £90. In Spain, it cost me 116 euros for the night train with a bed, and the complete journey lasted 13 hours. Also remember, that in Spain they say "Manana", but in Portugal, there is no such hurry, so you just have to be prepared to chill for a while. I got my ticket and it was for Thursday the 7th May arriving in France the day after, so yes, I am at home as I write, but return to Simo this Thursday the 21st May. My plan then is to get down to Gibraltar, and then wait for a favourable wind to get through the straits to Cadiz or even Portugal. The problem is, that I am under strict orders to be home for most of June, as we have lots of visitors coming. I do have to think of S.W.M.B.O. (SHE WHO MUST BE OBEYED), who to be fair, has not whinged or moaned once about my being away for longish periods. So this time, I will only be on the boat for about ten days, and then I will have to find somewhere inexpensive to leave Simo for the month of June. You never know, I might just go to Morocco. As I write this, I am having a few problems with the boat insurance, not for the first time I might add, but this is not really the time ot place, so I will tell you all in another blog in the future. After the big fall I had on the first day out, I have given the whole trip a lot of thought, and it may well be that Madeira is not going to happen. I have had quite a few people telling me not to go, and I think eerrrrrrr. Why? Why? Why? It's not because I am scared, but I am thinking, what on earth do I have to prove? So after Portugal, do not be a bit surprised, or p----d off if I don't do it, and head straight back to the Balearics. I will try to do a video when i get back on the boat, a day in the life sort of thing!!!! The next bit of blo, are going to Portugal on their hols, so it would be nice to catch up, but not sure if I will make it right over to that side of Portugal. <br /><br />Have fun! <br /><br />P.S. I just wanted to say also, that you may remember my saying about the two dolphins that came to see me out of Motril harbour. Well, a lovely lady called Jennie Snell reads my blog, and she and her late husband, John, owned Simo before I did, and she wrote and told me that Simo was named after a dolphin and that they had had a lot of nice experiences with dolphins. Below is a paragraph of what she told me:- <br /><br />"Simo was named after a dolphin - hence the carving of the dolphin on the bulkhead. The story goes that a young boy developed a relationship with a dolphin and he named him Simo. I read about it in the 'Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals' by William F. Perrin."<br /><br />When I get back to Simo, I shall take a photo of the dolphin carved on the bulkhead that Jennie talks about, and hopefully will be able put it in the next blog.Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-1863923357508115552009-05-10T10:29:00.046+02:002009-05-17T14:47:37.740+02:00GARRUCHA TO FUENGIROLA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtRRDSPCnHXCG5h0MrWBfIOl0Bked4qPrOYjz-EWsrKJ9qZJBF1z2g0lbGw6-hZ41zvGsHtK9q_xffNQKKRVGS-B-tBnMggk63hw5JwEHzwoEfceDAmVqwbwDYc7uppnuE_eGL9RfGiI/s1600-h/P1010313.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtRRDSPCnHXCG5h0MrWBfIOl0Bked4qPrOYjz-EWsrKJ9qZJBF1z2g0lbGw6-hZ41zvGsHtK9q_xffNQKKRVGS-B-tBnMggk63hw5JwEHzwoEfceDAmVqwbwDYc7uppnuE_eGL9RfGiI/s200/P1010313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336772507610997058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1u6MdilAhJma4-XZ00l1aQduWRrnv1zU_PXu0rTDbcJ8OdQmrLSQmIG0T-JeVeNsaqHhF1k2HJWvgrb22sBp-voy2XUhKPEyTYqdhtjUT4tvlW5XPLviFvFs0nOIbeqfDw1sw53BB9Q/s1600-h/P1010310.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1u6MdilAhJma4-XZ00l1aQduWRrnv1zU_PXu0rTDbcJ8OdQmrLSQmIG0T-JeVeNsaqHhF1k2HJWvgrb22sBp-voy2XUhKPEyTYqdhtjUT4tvlW5XPLviFvFs0nOIbeqfDw1sw53BB9Q/s200/P1010310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336772401997693170" />hey</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOBkGoKlbUpewoAmToOOky3hx8rmj_5OKmTfNT82LyhwbL19yTEbOeQol84wHuAwv8zLmMEBOAy6sb9Zxfr3hu9euItaXYPt-KfwaS1jo5l0ci0x_R9Nbx6Caij_H66v7SUDBIZWY7o/s1600-h/P6241207.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhOBkGoKlbUpewoAmToOOky3hx8rmj_5OKmTfNT82LyhwbL19yTEbOeQol84wHuAwv8zLmMEBOAy6sb9Zxfr3hu9euItaXYPt-KfwaS1jo5l0ci0x_R9Nbx6Caij_H66v7SUDBIZWY7o/s200/P6241207.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334628900000229906" /> is that Bev</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I842tx2fxQlJJoFZ1GYUVual4svahzI8ehyphenhyphenY52DHoLr8yfKdt3ZvMH9Qlg5TTbIQKHq0HIKVqnEH868sni6SzACE5XhkCTG6d85rWiCP5h5i-xXezEz43cy76kaiEVjKNuGAFz_fSYE/s1600-h/P1010355.JPG"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4x5FfuoL5zYi7Gxlz3FDq9Rs9yzI-wZWeccWLW4LixW8r3hRud77DVLr8PsFgS7Hn9ojdaT8annPzU6FoHDPVu_3qsb822LxuivkRHrelBIhYDdWEQ1pQIuzlQsFxotFlbs_KJ2BWzU/s200/P1010340.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334624415075767410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQNymI_ZXm296FUROmClmrSfaOmb1Prk8BmtejFqGmw9F6f6WjCFgkXoZ_xVGDLsGpRONjhBoytS0NMAjfUPjxouMEvDD0lhggRPS1N3ANQwQSL-nxMgRonDD6LWUDUBgyhukog0Pemk/s1600-h/P1010338.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQNymI_ZXm296FUROmClmrSfaOmb1Prk8BmtejFqGmw9F6f6WjCFgkXoZ_xVGDLsGpRONjhBoytS0NMAjfUPjxouMEvDD0lhggRPS1N3ANQwQSL-nxMgRonDD6LWUDUBgyhukog0Pemk/s200/P1010338.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334624172131488482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdPsnI85yxKVK0lTpM6T4VFgLk6UiMqI7i0pOz0po35cEQzqTIrFelEcrItXc_-zbFdoC7_QCiSBIibh6ClwUDhJ65j_EDknZ5LybjDVN-J9F0jfXp7ELozpGFM27FWSKAsLMnfLE0dU/s1600-h/P1010337.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdPsnI85yxKVK0lTpM6T4VFgLk6UiMqI7i0pOz0po35cEQzqTIrFelEcrItXc_-zbFdoC7_QCiSBIibh6ClwUDhJ65j_EDknZ5LybjDVN-J9F0jfXp7ELozpGFM27FWSKAsLMnfLE0dU/s200/P1010337.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334623984646111426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFWHzdlt0FzOvMPNFnQmlW7UKN0n-Po65AQAqGHfprOy7LBE4nGFu1bTvl3LDPP-ZrtyfUTzXiMcICDp-YzQIkMZ6XrVdke8iHOJlD4o6K0e_7n-8s8XmSDh4TnHUj07U8F_7M7SNDY0/s1600-h/P1010335.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFWHzdlt0FzOvMPNFnQmlW7UKN0n-Po65AQAqGHfprOy7LBE4nGFu1bTvl3LDPP-ZrtyfUTzXiMcICDp-YzQIkMZ6XrVdke8iHOJlD4o6K0e_7n-8s8XmSDh4TnHUj07U8F_7M7SNDY0/s200/P1010335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334623700527551058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIYYecIuRGonkM6knlHE6DuVFLC2imu7sWZlTrMBijrjZQYLkh-jNs8eXnbjfg8WwQgkUiTvLRCf4wPUt2R8r06Ff0axVul7oatVhdnlpuc3TaDb76TBRfnElxoscESaQ47Oy6aMGziU/s1600-h/P1010331.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIYYecIuRGonkM6knlHE6DuVFLC2imu7sWZlTrMBijrjZQYLkh-jNs8eXnbjfg8WwQgkUiTvLRCf4wPUt2R8r06Ff0axVul7oatVhdnlpuc3TaDb76TBRfnElxoscESaQ47Oy6aMGziU/s320/P1010331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334623017614883506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-klz2k-6xmZSjlOeH8IUEmIj0JDSmGX1A1uu8LeqMD5YmZmhxhhTqD3p2cRf9ng1kQoEBR7dAZ6R0Ig1k-Xx49BJzWTSqSBy6yemK6voEGj57q3A5n4ln_4AaCjdq5L8UJ63oJ-Uaa-w/s1600-h/P1010308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-klz2k-6xmZSjlOeH8IUEmIj0JDSmGX1A1uu8LeqMD5YmZmhxhhTqD3p2cRf9ng1kQoEBR7dAZ6R0Ig1k-Xx49BJzWTSqSBy6yemK6voEGj57q3A5n4ln_4AaCjdq5L8UJ63oJ-Uaa-w/s320/P1010308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334622547348099122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xKCiB0Uy4443Q9qPBupfRBPpY4KZjxqECMBiEndoEthmKWkUhwie1VPjg50RRm-a9nLVLeQLPFOgB5Nnj_ETt2dTr2UlboxphF_jdXip80JzuS0qBc5ukD1PuPij0RBVGTHwtUb_Ls0/s1600-h/P1010297.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xKCiB0Uy4443Q9qPBupfRBPpY4KZjxqECMBiEndoEthmKWkUhwie1VPjg50RRm-a9nLVLeQLPFOgB5Nnj_ETt2dTr2UlboxphF_jdXip80JzuS0qBc5ukD1PuPij0RBVGTHwtUb_Ls0/s320/P1010297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334622101947807170" /></a><br /><br />Well, at least I was allowed to stay, and also David and Bev were waiting at the gate to see me. Basically they are friends of Jackie, and live in Lincoln, but have a house in MOJACAR, on the edge of Garrucha, so once tied up, we went and had a beer or two and arranged for them to pick me up later for some food and wine at their place. So it was back to the boat and tidy up, and with the southerly wind rising, I had to find a way of keeping the boat off the makeshift fuel jetty with the hard rubber tyres. I eventually got the big springs out, and rigged a lot of lines, paying particular attention to springing the stern away from the jetty. It seemed to work O.K., but the swell was worrying me, so I put down the protective sheets as well. They are just old sails, cut and hung over the side to prevent fender rub, it was actually 3 layers of sails, so quite good protection. I did a bit on the blog and in no time, it was time for Dave and Bev to pick me up. Funny thing was, I was supposed to catch up with these guys back in 2006, but because of a bit of bad weather, we missed out Garrucha and went straight to Cartagena. I think Dave was hoping for a bit of a sail, and I had originally planned to be here the week before, but just ran out of time, so now, there was no time for a bit of a sail. Never mind, maybe next time. We had a great evening, and I took our box of wine off the boat for them to try, after being told it was "undrinkable" back in Torreivieja by Carol. I had some too and Bev gave it the thumbs up, so the box is back on the boat ready for the next tasting session. By the time they dropped me back at the boat, the wind had died down, and I had a peaceful night. <br /><br />The next day was nice and sunny, and the capitan came round and told me the wind would be back that afternoon and would I like to move to the other side of the jetty? YES! YES!, I said, and he helped me move without even starting the engine. I had a couple of boiled eggs and toast for breakfast and thought about my next move and when i should leave. If the weather was settled I could get down to Fuengirola in one hit. It's about 180 miles but not a lot of bolt holes. I checked the weather a few times, and it all looked pretty good if I left that night. The wind was going round to the north and then in the early hours of Friday, it was going to be easterly for a couple of days, sounded perfect. I spent the afternoon doing a few jobs and catching up with the blog in a local cafe that had wi-fi. Dave and Bev then arrived and we went for something to eat. I asked them to take me to a supermarket to get a few things and I was back on the boat by 7 pm. <br /><br />That old nervy feeling came back, there seemed to be quite a bit of wind, and it was already out of the north. I delayed, and checked the weather again, still no change, so that was that, I was going, and would try to get out just before dusk. I got everything stowed and secure, made a flask of tea and slipped my lines. Whilst still in the harbour, I stowed the ropes and fenders and got the main up. The wind had dropped in the last half hour, and as I motored out, it all felt pretty good. Cuppa in hand, and not really enough wind to sail, I just chugged away south. There was quite a large sea running, which was making it just a tad uncomfortable, and I popped below to take a STUGERON, better safe than sorry is my motto. I dunno, it must have been just after midnight when I went round Cabo de Gata and started heading west. The seas were a lot worse, and because there was hardly any wind, I was not tired, and so it was a doddle going across the bay of Almeria, apart from the waves, and they were taking a hell of a long time to die down. I closed the coast on the other side long after daylight and had some coffee and breakfast. The beta just chugged on. I called Jackie on the mobile to tell her of my progress and for some strange reason, could not get the weather on the laptop with the vodaphone dongle, so I asked her to take a look at "Wind Guru", and let me know the forecast. After a few minutes, she got back to me and told me in no uncertain terms to get in somewhere, as tonight was going to be very strong winds from the east "It's all purple" she said "you must get in somewhere!" It put me a little on edge I suppose, but the wind was not due to come until 10 pm thatnight, so I had options, not many, but options. I suppose the one that stuok out a mile was a place called Motril. If I kept on at the present pace, I should get there for about 8pm, so I put in a couple of waypoints, and if I remember rightly, I had about 50 miles to go so must keep my average up to 5 knots. There was an adverse current going easterly that I could do nothing about, so I just had to keep plugging away.<br /><br />I had a nice lunch, and it was a nice day with the sun out, so I just relaxed. I had enough diesel to get me there, so all in all, no worries. By mid afternoon the breeze started to fill in, and within an hour, I had enough to do 5 knots with the engine on very low revs, by five pm, the engine was off and the jib poled out. (Yes I know, people pay thousands for this!) by 6.30 pm, Motril was an hour away and with some white water now showing, harness on and get the jib off the pole. As the wind was dead aft I had to sheet the jib in, to stop it collapsing then filling with a bang. The seas started to build quickly, and I just had one more headland to get round, and I was home. Once off the headland, with the wind increasing and following me round, I knew I needed to get some main off and started the engine, just in case I needed to round up to get it down. For some reason, I just felt I was so close to the harbour entrance that I delayed it all just a little too long, and it seemed that in every minute the wind was increasing. (Anxious? You bet!) I disconnected the wind vane and put the autohelm on. Turning into these waves with the wind was not going to be nice, so I thought I would be able to drag the main down with brute force. Didn't work, and I also lost the halyard! Back to the cockpit, and the important thing now, was not to miss the entrance, which believe me, was hard to spot. Again, the plotter was fantastic, and guided me in. The wind and waves were now giving me a battering, but i had a plan. Once inside, I could go to starboard where there was a big area protected by a breakwater, so I could go in deep and round up to get the main down. Forgot to tell you, I had the jib off a while back, before it got tasty. So with main down, and some ties on it, I could chill a bit and find somewhere to tie up. I now had plenty of time to get the ropes and fenders sorted, and then move further down into the harbour, to be greeted by a man from the guardia, beckoning me to the humungous wall where big ships park. I went alongside and he didn't have a clue when i threw him my lines. Instead of putting them round a bollard, he thought he could just hold them!!! Crazy man!! We eventually got it sorted and I found out what he was good at. He mugged me for 15 euros and pissed off! No water, no electric and no way to get ashore, but what was nice was, he did it all with a smile. Welcome to Motril! I remembered three years ago being there, and it is the back end of . . . . . . . .! Be nice micky boy!<br /><br />I used my dongle to check the weather, and whilst the pressure cooker was doing it's stuff, tidied up the boat. The weather looked fantastic for the next day, but I didn't make any rash decisions. All I wanted to do was eat and get in my nice warm bunk, since I didn't sleep the night before. <br /><br />I slept like a baby, woke about 8 am, made a cuppa and had a look outside. The wind was gone, the sun was up! Hey man, this was a day for living, and to celebrate I had four boiled eggs and toast. I got the laptop out, attached the dongle and brought up the forecast. There were strong winds down Gibraltar way, but it looked fine for here and where I was headed. I cleaned up and made ready for departure, and finally got under way at 0930 on Saturday the 2nd. It was the day before I briefly planned to go to the Moto GP in JEREZ. I knew it wasn't going to happen, but never mind. Then, something remarkable happened, I had got full main up and was about 100 yards from the pier heads when I saw two dolphins. (Do you believe in fairy tales?) Well believe or not, these two came straight at me, and then with one each side, they turned round and seemed to be leading me out of the harbour. I shot below to get the camera, but every time I tried to get a piccy they dived. Once outside they seemed to disappear, and I turned once more to the west, and motored on toward Fuengirola about 60 miles away. I have had a couple of run ins with dolphins on other occasions and both have been remarkable, but that another story. <br /><br />The sail down to Fuengirola was largely uneventful, almost the same as the day before, with some strong winds at the end, but not half as bad as Motril. I got in just after dark, and moored on the fuel jetty till the morning. In the middle of the night, the guardia came in with their big motor boat and a few crew. There was a swell coming into the harbour, so it must have been getting a bit rough out there. Again slept like a baby, and when I awoke, there was a lot of movement. The waves were breaking over the breakwater, and we had gale force winds from the south east for a couple of days, so I got in just in time! Now all I wanted to do, was chill, chill, chill for a while, and maybe take a break from it all. I had arranged to meet up with some friends, Jane and Peter and also Peter and Val the golf fanatics from MIJAS, and not forgetting my very good friends at the Karma bar in the harbour who I met a couple of years ago whilst passing through.<br /><br />It was time to chill out for a while as the trip so far had not been easy. I had some jobs to do, and some damage to repair, and I needed to give the old girl a coat of varnish. This is less than a days' work, and it is the prep that takes the time. I always leave one handrail as it was when we brought Simo, and that always serves to remind me what she would look like should I get lazy! When the job was done, she looked fantastic. I cleaned the toilet seat that was going a bit yellow and generally, in between pints of John Smith's at the Karma Bar, got a fair bit of work done. <br /><br />I decided to have a break and get the night train back to France. Ten days should recharge the batteries, and when I return, I can concentrate on getting out of the straits and into Portugal, then make some decisions. The week in Fuengirola was hot, not really what I had been used to, but of course, it's now May and we should expect it to be warmer. I had a great time, shopping, eating, etc. etc. Jane found me a new pole for the boat hook because I lost the original in the storm a few weeks ago. Funny, that now seems a world away, but gotta be honest, I don't fancy it again.<br /><br />I decided to get myself an old persons' railcard and get the night train back to France for 116 euros, and am now back at home. The trip so far has been fab, and I will probably get the train back to Fuengirola on the 21st May, so I hope you are enjoying it so far. Don't forget to take a look at my "JUST GIVING" link, and if you can afford it, give a few bob, you know it makes sense. Even though we feel at times that life is tough, there is always someone who is much worse off than you are. <br /><br />When I get back I will try to get the video act together so you can see a day in the life. Hey, be good you guys!<br /><br />micky boy <br /><br /></span>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-73095265084301418032009-04-30T13:02:00.033+02:002009-05-10T22:30:08.525+02:00ALICANTE TO GARRUCHA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz5t60ESpQezoOoPBitfeYfTEz-KfXs__sYgRPmHBWh_yow9_LHRb532HLEJhmPjHcf5aYPgVEj97iY92xMOQiS9sCJap5tkwtBKxDR7sffq-CR2UMjTV9xPRM85d75MdxghPDzBoGms/s1600-h/CARTEGENA.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz5t60ESpQezoOoPBitfeYfTEz-KfXs__sYgRPmHBWh_yow9_LHRb532HLEJhmPjHcf5aYPgVEj97iY92xMOQiS9sCJap5tkwtBKxDR7sffq-CR2UMjTV9xPRM85d75MdxghPDzBoGms/s200/CARTEGENA.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334160298189047650" border="0" />what a welcome</a> <br /><blockquote></blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr2K5mlCmCosw9pAgDsZwKe8ObcI9QM4CFIqAv3jYf7Wh6Swj1YJPhJH8MjItz8zMtv7ggoWu0pxzCoC7nQea2PXAJfJrCKavu1VwP6FtU5y12aJyN4fwxXX20HziilEcQB1jVhAWUw/s1600-h/P1010296.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHr2K5mlCmCosw9pAgDsZwKe8ObcI9QM4CFIqAv3jYf7Wh6Swj1YJPhJH8MjItz8zMtv7ggoWu0pxzCoC7nQea2PXAJfJrCKavu1VwP6FtU5y12aJyN4fwxXX20HziilEcQB1jVhAWUw/s200/P1010296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334110667463795074" border="0" /></a>a perfect anchorage hornillo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0h8HsQhodedNW9FX8KCae-r4SDgveGdtZj3MkdctwI4kuhd3BjkWkomtDz2sqd3DkCYZBrE-KpxAupkeCXsYUnFCYv2Y6c1r9yymonfzPvA-7TSn491i1V90-5Z_yrZgwZx0dlb-Rg/s1600-h/P1010252.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0h8HsQhodedNW9FX8KCae-r4SDgveGdtZj3MkdctwI4kuhd3BjkWkomtDz2sqd3DkCYZBrE-KpxAupkeCXsYUnFCYv2Y6c1r9yymonfzPvA-7TSn491i1V90-5Z_yrZgwZx0dlb-Rg/s200/P1010252.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334108181931484034" border="0" />wow a statue for the people</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEXFcfus1lRA7ERCYJwGxI7WFaD7u8rZ1oaV-w4gOA-ZvinkygUzWm2uaFsxBUD30pnTM89ULPVVsgQ7PQn_SN_j5w4EbC9Wa4axDZowkYSoobBwh6sOuXKmoZqLt9WjYSuazjcuoYZw/s1600-h/P1010267.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEXFcfus1lRA7ERCYJwGxI7WFaD7u8rZ1oaV-w4gOA-ZvinkygUzWm2uaFsxBUD30pnTM89ULPVVsgQ7PQn_SN_j5w4EbC9Wa4axDZowkYSoobBwh6sOuXKmoZqLt9WjYSuazjcuoYZw/s200/P1010267.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334100976974420514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl-ZsliuE2fCowA4qIp7X3wpYAeifIua7H12qt-95dfBPrxgF0ROmcBdCrJ3eq-AvrvOf1JxJGL-rR0qtxSnf9edsyZBGnRr0QbsE-1opYIoWiD6rji6OX4uzLmmDog9T0VYFsDrDDDk/s1600-h/P1010204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl-ZsliuE2fCowA4qIp7X3wpYAeifIua7H12qt-95dfBPrxgF0ROmcBdCrJ3eq-AvrvOf1JxJGL-rR0qtxSnf9edsyZBGnRr0QbsE-1opYIoWiD6rji6OX4uzLmmDog9T0VYFsDrDDDk/s200/P1010204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334094690026338178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUnXzKsd39kknMQe4PbjangQHxv7-t9iMiCGqbi8hBTgQemoaiR1JpOc1ZL0RvFQJOPTgfBptx4XD4zSZ_5kHuafdz7df9pT7oU52ABtg8sdFq1yxw_pxNjJ6kM_Zm0EHFY0z7JBz4-M/s1600-h/P1010170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUnXzKsd39kknMQe4PbjangQHxv7-t9iMiCGqbi8hBTgQemoaiR1JpOc1ZL0RvFQJOPTgfBptx4XD4zSZ_5kHuafdz7df9pT7oU52ABtg8sdFq1yxw_pxNjJ6kM_Zm0EHFY0z7JBz4-M/s200/P1010170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334086847114203250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSF4CmAQcflMN_zcjDQQgEuBSTC74Icv_hDxh_SnroE5f2B2_QD4ESmc7x9BtEmrLJ90MMFGbmoA2Duc5lVYrpQ-EQplCkO5EO8bSe4ZnLVPh-odIg0MzUoBNUButEG4CZbvhAwZMLMs/s1600-h/P1010232.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwSF4CmAQcflMN_zcjDQQgEuBSTC74Icv_hDxh_SnroE5f2B2_QD4ESmc7x9BtEmrLJ90MMFGbmoA2Duc5lVYrpQ-EQplCkO5EO8bSe4ZnLVPh-odIg0MzUoBNUButEG4CZbvhAwZMLMs/s200/P1010232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330465355655271986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzTM7WBcWDrIBSdwxCUxYxkqiz7-CY762CaD_w6TeFizFRDrwh32V2on2msbrabaU8oqKdeVRwM5Hf0DXPbUAXNDOkwAWsYIvQuQDb_H1R09w_Ll_SO2Ecjoa9Z-X-7K4NSg4Q3MBCzk/s1600-h/P1010208.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzTM7WBcWDrIBSdwxCUxYxkqiz7-CY762CaD_w6TeFizFRDrwh32V2on2msbrabaU8oqKdeVRwM5Hf0DXPbUAXNDOkwAWsYIvQuQDb_H1R09w_Ll_SO2Ecjoa9Z-X-7K4NSg4Q3MBCzk/s200/P1010208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330464624395628514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zeg3fbTqnMXOJuCjKU_svyfcz_dFGTl_cNd4XFI70FMVfnlZdQI4rxvV6PJdd2gxDVolI1NA_nOlAogpI-VFvjMmAmjs3zJWIWGo6fyXddtJrV1-JvmJGI8RUnE6WcUojB0hDY90Ad8/s1600-h/P1010196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Zeg3fbTqnMXOJuCjKU_svyfcz_dFGTl_cNd4XFI70FMVfnlZdQI4rxvV6PJdd2gxDVolI1NA_nOlAogpI-VFvjMmAmjs3zJWIWGo6fyXddtJrV1-JvmJGI8RUnE6WcUojB0hDY90Ad8/s200/P1010196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330463983220570642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp3QfZGytbyrA8-PKsb2A9uQGvtXJ0XruG3SZvxA4jLqo7R0C7x1fw6jivsZNl7ih93acA-kFTYfSTs5XUViEU9OrdQQT9ANKnm1MmsPCIL_v28Sdi2TdZNtYqOobqKJ3mdeJ_6WdYow/s1600-h/P1010176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp3QfZGytbyrA8-PKsb2A9uQGvtXJ0XruG3SZvxA4jLqo7R0C7x1fw6jivsZNl7ih93acA-kFTYfSTs5XUViEU9OrdQQT9ANKnm1MmsPCIL_v28Sdi2TdZNtYqOobqKJ3mdeJ_6WdYow/s200/P1010176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330459108637410834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jBkag9yyPe0MAMCXykWokMkaJMesLCZz0r94B-L0OsVbdpe6ObJqjcJs2cRIZb_hH0HmmflCeFyzGcJGlzWc7LII8U-KuVNGYhF8ThhLai7eD4MVNRQs9TGxvPeSH3_ZNFf3yOWofFQ/s1600-h/P1010167.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jBkag9yyPe0MAMCXykWokMkaJMesLCZz0r94B-L0OsVbdpe6ObJqjcJs2cRIZb_hH0HmmflCeFyzGcJGlzWc7LII8U-KuVNGYhF8ThhLai7eD4MVNRQs9TGxvPeSH3_ZNFf3yOWofFQ/s200/P1010167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330458250715526562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z8BWlp92BQLBJx7ypou8eEWHiXLPksXiotT4Lejssa5DA1-ZztFREfGOjZVS_cFln3pYOrgMFr9DPeGyfaLnnNaHA8aJS8vgjj5Iu-LBqhY35iYfYSlyH0RBwJSs4zT6ZVPVyYHIJVw/s1600-h/P1010166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Z8BWlp92BQLBJx7ypou8eEWHiXLPksXiotT4Lejssa5DA1-ZztFREfGOjZVS_cFln3pYOrgMFr9DPeGyfaLnnNaHA8aJS8vgjj5Iu-LBqhY35iYfYSlyH0RBwJSs4zT6ZVPVyYHIJVw/s200/P1010166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330457618701780338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58gBpZtmWCsxZdpbk0xAjAX_ygq0AYBGK1S5pFnt4H53Oqg0i4IVVGEYgWlcjK0-uzrV6RnTKh4ldE7K-83I8Ph__zT_BiEzMm7T4x1juMiyw2K63WGvCYtguF1PzvdqPSex22NZwrdk/s1600-h/P1010204.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58gBpZtmWCsxZdpbk0xAjAX_ygq0AYBGK1S5pFnt4H53Oqg0i4IVVGEYgWlcjK0-uzrV6RnTKh4ldE7K-83I8Ph__zT_BiEzMm7T4x1juMiyw2K63WGvCYtguF1PzvdqPSex22NZwrdk/s200/P1010204.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330456908434957938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well I couldn't get away from Alicante quick enough, and at 9am I was on my way, the weather was ok and it looked like a brisk motor sail to get down to Torrievieja where I was to be joined by a young lad called Thomas for a week. Thomas works in a boatyard back in the UK at South Ferriby, and wants the chance to get to learn to sail a bit. Luckily, he missed the first few days, where he may have been put off for life. Anyway the trip down was uneventful and i arrived and got checked in to the marina where the staff were a bit more friendly, I also caught up with some old friends Didier and Carol, and we enjoyed a beer or two whilst discussing the best way to collect Thomas from the airport at Alicante for not too many Euros! The job fell to Bob but he stuck to his fee despite me pleading poverty. Thomas duly arrived the next day and I settled him in showed him his bunk and mentioned once or twice the importance of being tidy on such a small boat. He only had a small rucksack so there wasn't much stuff to be untidy, and for the duration of the trip he was as good as gold. I do remember one night we had steak and potatoes and my pot of English mustard has not been seen since. THOMAS!!!!!!!! WHERE IS IT?<br /><br />Anyway after Thomas had settled in we decided the next day to just go out and have a practice leaning curve sail just around the bay and than we would come back and anchor for the night pump up the dingy and row ashore for a couple of jars of the amber nectar, or in Thomas's case the magners cider, with ice, all went great it was force 3/4 and a nice gentile start. Next day we decided to go down the coast and into the Mar Menor a great big inland lagoon that generally has about 5 metres of water, we had a good sail in a force 4, only trouble was it was right on the nose and we had to tack all the way down to the entrance at a place called Thomas Maestri , you have to go under a bridge and it only opens every two hours, you guessed it we missed it by a few minutes and ended up anchoring in the approach till 6pm when the bridge duly opened for us and we motered through and as soon as we were in the lagoon we hoisted the main and motor sailed the 5 miles or so to the other side where we planned to anchor for the night, the wind had piped up a bit and was probably a force 5 by now on the beam the sun was low and in our eyes and this combination did not help when Thomas shouted that he had seen a couple of lobster pots, i glinted through the sun and steered hard to starboard , (oh by the way we had the engine on as well)and suddenly I felt something in our prop and imediatltly put the engine into neutral,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, to late whatever it was we were caught and it was firmly round us, I quickly got the main down and in no time at all we had drifted fifty yards and could see a large floated net being towed along in our wake, It was now starting to get dark and I didn't fancy being stuck there when some hairy arsed Spanish fisherman came along to retrieve his nets,Admirably Thomas said he would go over and cut it free I didn't argue , but told him where the wet suit goggles and flippers were, in no time at all we had him over board with a big knife and he proceeded to cut it away , whilst i scanned the middle distance for fishermen , it seemed like an hour and finally Thomas said he had sorted it , seemed he swallowed the mouth piece of the snorkel because when he came up it was missing , i helped him of with the suit and fired up the Beta and we were on out way arriving at our destination about 9 pm we anchored and the wind died down and we had a peasant evening , In the morning, we had run clean out of water and again the young volunteer went rowing ashore to find a place to fill out plastic container , job done and we were on our way again to exit the bridge and we gave a big wide berth to the place where the nets attacked us , we saw fishermen working the area , but luckily ,,,, .<br /><br />The day dawned wonderful with the sun soon up and not a breath of wind we passed through the bridge ok except for a German guy on a catamaran acting like Michael Shumacher when we tried to overtake , but just like Damon we got past him , but with the fiercest look on his face he got past and was never seen again .<br />We decided to troll some fishing gear and we had a rod each with a selection of lures , no don't worry nothing exciting and no tale to tell, we caught nothing and it was so hot i decided to dig out the garden parasol and give the cockpit some shelter. We rounded the cape and headed almost due west to Cartagena our next destination, a beautiful old naval town that I had visited a couple of years ago with Jackie , we motor'd probably until the last couple of hours when a fresh easterly piped up and we sailed along pretty quick and fairly close in to, we passed load's fish farms and were tempted to go close and dip our rods , ( only joking) eventually we turned the corner and passed a massive cable laying rig, almost the size of a small village before heading for the marina where we tied up without event packed the sails away and went exploring.We had a nice pasta mix for dinner that night, a couple of pints and then bed.Thomas was going to be flying home on Tuesday and so we decided to stay in Cartagena because it would be easier to get transport to the airport , the weather forecast was not to good anyway , so on Saturday we just chilled out and decided we would just go for a sail into the bay on Sunday morning , Sunday dawned and the seemed to be quite a bit of wind and it looked like the local racing fleet was getting itself prepared for the weekly race round the cans , We went out through the breakwater just before the racer cruisers and although we had full main and number one stay sail we needed it to get through the huge swell on the outside , we had a fantastic sail almost around the same course as the racing fleet and whilst we could not live with them upwind , once we had put the flying head sail up we were more than a match with everything drawing and surfing down some big swells all very exciting stuff , we loved every minute of it ..<br /><br /><br />That night we went out exploring and walked along the edge of the naval barracks , we passed a massive house that said capitanary , and we assumed it must be for the admiral , and just above our heads in the bushes were armed combat troops guarding the perimeter ,one was a gal and i asked her if she spoke english ,,,, she ignored me , Well all to soon Thomas's time was up and we got him on a bus to the airport.<br />I am pretty sure he enjoyed himself , he has promised to learn Spanish and come back in two years time to do something that ,,, well it escapes my mind, but by jove there are some pretty senoritas out there that might just be eighteen in a couple of years time , good luck my boy .<br /><br />I had decided to leave on the Tuesday and once again had set my goal for a place called Garrucha some 45 miles away but with two or three get outs there was still a big swell running and I started out with full mail and number 1 stay sail I had left at about 10 am and it was a beat , the wind coming from the south, I am not that keen on a beat , but the sun was shining and we were doing 4/5 knots even in the swell as the morning progressed it looked as though the wind was backing and enabling me to lay my course , and by 2pm we were getting a bit over pressed and so i decided to put a few rolls in the main , eventually I put in half a dozen and this takes it almost down to the first reef , we were now back to comfort again and continued thru till late afternoon when the wind died considerably and it was shake out the rolls and within an hour i had to put the engine on the give us some power to get through the swells , Garrucha was out , it would be dark but the time I got there, but I found a great little place that looked completely sheltered from most conditions, it was called Hornillo. I arrived about 8 pm and felt my way in and went into the sheltered corner and dropped the hook in 6/7 metres tidied up and got some food on the go. In the bay there was an old iron work structure about 80 foot high and it was obvious that ships used to come alongside and the train cart would come along the structure and dump there loads from up high into the ships holds , as it got dark it became quite Erie looking at this rusty old structure that was now used by people for fishing.<br />I got a great nights sleep and the next morning up with the anchor and motor sail the 18 odd miles to Gurrucha where luckily i didn't call on the radio for a place ,,, else he would have told me NO ROOM HERE I rounded the heads and there was a massive ship docked and i eventually moored up to the fuel dock and waited for the reception committee, eventually all the paperwork was sorted and I got to meet the real capitenair , and he said you can stay on the fuel dock for a couple of nights,<br />A DECISION I ALMOST CAME TO REGRET , SO WATCH THIS SPACEMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-50259883686856767332009-04-27T17:01:00.023+02:002009-05-01T11:40:45.514+02:00BENICARLO TO ALICANTEAfter a very pleasant stay in Benicarlo, we got a good forecast to enable us to put some miles down and get south. The plan was to get down to Torrevieja in one hit, about 150 miles I think, so we could do it in 36 hours. Again with confidence still on the dull side, I opted to go round the coast, like about ten miles off, just in case !!!!!!!! You know what I mean. <br /><br />We started off really well, and had the kind of sailing that one loves, wind just aft of the beam about 15 knots, and hardly any waves, fantastic! I had left at about 8am, and guessed I would be off Valencia just as it would be getting dark. About lunch time I decided to do a really nice salad, you know, the works, with the fresh bread I had got first thing this morning. It was a mixture of tinned sardines and chorizo, not the best mix, but with lettuce tomatoes, cucumber, onions and peppers, and a dash of Jackie's home made dressing it was going to be top dollar, and so it was. I had just finished and was just sitting there minding my own business, (I am quite conscientious, and safety is always part of the single handers' itinery. so my lifejacket and harness are with me 24/7 ish!)when, with a pop and a whoosh the whole lot in the corner of the cockpit goes off automatically, and self inflates! I've got to say it was a shock, and when I plucked up the courage to pick it up and inspect it, I realised that if I had been in it, it would probably have strangled me, or at the very least made it difficult to move about. It was rock hard, and of course I had to deflate it and contemplate my next move. Quick, take a picture of it, and when I get the chance, email Len and Amanda to see if they have got any charge kits for them. It was one of those expensive Halberg Rassey types that they had very kindly given to me, along with loads of other stuff. Muchas gracias! <br /><br />Anyway we wiled our way down the coast, the wind went a little on the light side, and to maintain a decent speed, I fired up Beta and we cruised along at 5 knots without a care in the world. I decided to get the evening meal prepared a.s.a.p. so there would be no messing about when darkness fell. A few squally looking clouds were building over the land, but we were ten miles off and the sky was a wonderful blue, long may it remain, I suppose the wind strength was about ten knots true and still behind us, so if I smoked, it would be going vertical, almost. (I don’t, packed up three years ago and hate all smokers now, well, perhaps not all.)<br /><br />Just past Valencia, it looked like a big storm was breaking out. I was a good ten miles off and thinking "Lets get out more, we don’t want any of that.", so we went another ten degrees to starboard, even on that course, we would not clear Cabo de Nao, the next big turning point, which is on the edge of a little town called Javea, full of ex pats, (I should know because my ex mother in law used to live there.), but very pretty all the same and it is also the closest jumping off point to get to the island of Ibiza, approximately 60 miles away. <br /><br />I was expecting to arrive at the big cabo at dawn, around 7 am, so I had another nine hours before the rounding, and then head just south of west instead of south east, which I was doing then. (You bored yet?) During the night, we were motor sailing with a few knots of wind behind, and averaging about 5 knots. There was a lot of lightning around but it was too far off for me to hear the thunder, and it all looked pretty clear to seaward. I started getting some snatches of sleep using my usual programme, and was feeling quite refreshed as midnight passed.<br /><br />In the early hours it was still pitch black, but the lightning seemed much more intense, still no thunder, and I was within a couple of hours of rounding Cabo Nao. I detected a slight increase in wind probably north westerly this time, as I was headed south east, but soon to be turning sharp right and heading in a south west by west direction. During the next couple of hours, the rain came and the wind increased markedly. It was still pitch black with only the lighthouse flashing to keep me company as I donned full oilies for what I feared, was going to be another hard slog, Things started to get wet, very wet. I had reefed down expectantly, and had the small jib on, so felt quite snug. As I rounded the Cabo, the wind very kindly seemed to follow me round, so it was always on the starboard quarter. I thought about my options now it was getting a bit nasty. I had Moraira, just a few miles and I could get in there no problem. The wind seemed steady, and although wet from driving rain and spray, we weren’t too uncomfortable. Moraira came and went. My next option was Calpe, which once round Penan de Elfach, would be easy to enter, but still the wind seemed steady, about 25 knots true. Because I was close in to the land, i.e. less than a mile, there were no big waves to piss me off. The rain had eased a bit, and visibility was not too bad. I ruled out Torrevieja, which was my original plan, because it would have meant going out to sea in those unpleasant waves. My next option, as I slid past Calpe, was Alicante, about 20 miles down the road. It was a tough decision, but onwards we went, and Alicante was to be the final stop for this leg. <br /><br />Still keeping close to the land, we were cracking along at 6 knots over the ground, and although I was in full oilies, and a bit damp, things were all OK. I grabbed some cornflakes with lots of sugar to give me a boost and get me through the next three hours. The wind had eased a lot and with about an hour to go, about six miles, I had shook out the reef, and we were still doing 5 knots. I had taken my jacket off and was sort of dozing in the cockpit, WHEN, with a whoosh, the boat heeled hard over, and started to round up to starboard. I sprung into action, and immediately sussed that the wind had come in from a totally different direction, and with such force that I had to immediately get on deck and drop the main completely. I guessed we had about 30 knots from the south east, and although it was still behind me, it brought with it a driving rain that obliterated all the land, even though I was only half a mile off. Ahead about a mile, was a point that jutted out into the sea, and I had to be very careful, because now I couldn’t see it. Thank goodness for the chart plotter. I swiftly went below and enlarged the chart area so I could see our course and the jutting out bit, then going into the cockpit and altering course till I knew we would miss it. It did not take long for a bit of a sea to build, and we were ploughing along at 5 knots, with just the small jib up. It seemed an age before the rain eased enough for the main wall at the port of Alicante to come into view. I started to get the ropes and fenders ready, and as soon as I was round the main breakwater, things calmed down enough for me to get myself sorted out, and once again, wonder what the hell I was doing this for. I must be mad, especially when I could be watching Rugby League and Moto GP on the box in the comfort of my own home, with a nice cold beer, what is wrong with me??????? <br /><br />My arrival in Alicante did not stop the rain, and crowds did not come out to greet me. In fact, it was the most miserable entrance I think I have ever made. I sat on the waiting dock for three hours, while the Spanish have there little sleep, and then, after being summoned to the office with my documents, I was greeted by a lady, who for some reason or other looked down on yachties, or perhaps the world in general, and after mugging me for 22 euros (yes that’s 22 quid), she couldn’t even be bothered to tell me where the showers were. She also gave me a berth right over the other side of the marina, where since I was there in the mid eighties, they have built a fab nightclub. Yes you guessed it, not much sleep. I had formed an opinion on Alicante, and nobody was going to change my mind, I was leaving tomorrow and that was that. <br /> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR2PQRcZ7WsLP7f6P3BS6Ch0iMI6bNDZ0DbynqRnPJhkUpWe_Ru8zpO_7dy2mGx4mpVfi6K07m-c_jjArALqws4Dc650zFvEt4V90qye3ylnGTRND0jl5wVkBUmMfyqKJI_a51QZqJS4/s1600-h/P1010146.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaR2PQRcZ7WsLP7f6P3BS6Ch0iMI6bNDZ0DbynqRnPJhkUpWe_Ru8zpO_7dy2mGx4mpVfi6K07m-c_jjArALqws4Dc650zFvEt4V90qye3ylnGTRND0jl5wVkBUmMfyqKJI_a51QZqJS4/s200/P1010146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329450260086513010" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOXUB1iggOMwQAQk6NjbHaFtR47j7MjJXdph7spmiakBUvxoU1ZsCZUbT7Skv_o4V1lX7EYwGOJlfjw0tv1EWlo-khdRsEsMqdBH1YsSr-eZ6WKoemljiIVmsc0f1biEXNNuqwGTvxYw/s1600-h/P1010160.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0Prs8uG375UaR_ad946J1Ib7JyA5w8sZ44DMR1hWqd3D4bLVTY9K3rlodVTfuDg2AwG2P-NMQnpPuH8w83rzE5J5rt2WPm9nZEA9rC6HO_YvyMzxXNK-l4m79z1IhyphenhyphenhVSrjXi00Y7bo/s200/P1010132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329387575879426370" /></a>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-64950142696603708502009-04-21T16:36:00.018+02:002009-04-25T10:20:49.968+02:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFEV-dbVBhTmslKBlIg-_RYMg-2b2v_RiEMUfPnOR0OmV7FkY3SQXW2NTUzwR9oDO3r0T8xYf0K9DwHaxj4hVfoUhwG0tNnp2GPoD8xNLgxoBIcLpk6JdqOumRht0sz67xmMtJFcp6P4/s1600-h/P1010092.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFEV-dbVBhTmslKBlIg-_RYMg-2b2v_RiEMUfPnOR0OmV7FkY3SQXW2NTUzwR9oDO3r0T8xYf0K9DwHaxj4hVfoUhwG0tNnp2GPoD8xNLgxoBIcLpk6JdqOumRht0sz67xmMtJFcp6P4/s200/P1010092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327575035441224482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5oubJ5-zTC6_YzagVqbJNQ0etYXsPfTXmOsRniO94s3YnbEUnQZ4G15oChyphenhyphenlHd5DqhhbltqcZkXzK_Bsi5qe6EL4MahpzPomRedzDB0gwCVirHoAhb6VQUnqs-r58s3aM859iR1SotU/s1600-h/P1010071.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qoWHWQZvItcUT1ZJ8J3aH99NdTqkRzA4laPNH7wvSYxo5VDXsXKQkvBSTUA1z5vQUCnhGOEmyYVEbET7nyDI9RSWIGjo4bj0FUrD18zqK6kWunnWImmSHhwiWL9E0RDGt0O-ip48qTg/s200/P1010049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327155639379282066" /></a><br /><br /><br />TARRAGONA TO BENICARLO<br /><br />What a lovely place. Tarragona is a small compact town with lots happening, radio stations that play English music 24/7 and the staff in the marina are just so helpful, whatever you want to know, just ask and Helena the receptionist will do her best to sort it for you. I've only got one criticism, and that is, it is a bit "moovey aboutee" in a southerly, with a lot of movement so you need those metal springy things. <br /><br />As usual, it was soon time to move on, and once again I checked the weather several times before deciding to leave. It all looked perfect for at least a couple of days, so my plan was to go south and around the Ebro delta, which sticks out quite a way, and then sort of follow the coast. That way, should anything that I did not fancy show up, I could within a short space of time, be in shelter in a nice marina, because down this stretch of coast, they are two a penny. With a north west wind of about 15 knots, I left the marina and sailed past the oil pipeline buoy, which is massive, and has half a mile of trailing, floating pipe attached. I think it is for tankers to tie up and take on or discharge oil. I remember when we were sailing off Lexoies, near Porto, we encountered one, and it scared us to death, bearing in mind it was thick fog and we just wanted to get in. Anyway, I digress, sun was up and I was just thinking about ringing Jackie, and telling her how many thousands of pounds people pay, for sailing like this, when I decided to have some weetabix, and a nice cuppa out of the flask. The Ebro delta was about 20 odd miles away, and I had put in a waypoint about 5 miles to the east, to be well clear, and then I could get back in close again.<br /><br />After a couple of hours, the wind died, and I had to put the iron horse on. It kicked us along at 5 knots, so not a lot to complain about. There was not a cloud in the sky, and as I past my first waypoint, a slight breeze filled in from the south east. As I chewed on an apple, it occurred to me, that if this fed in a bit strong, I would have the Ebro as a lee shore. I let the thought get away, after all, the forecast was never more that 15 knots, and according to "wind guru" it could come from anywhere. <br /><br />I decided that tonight was going to be curry night. I had bought a tasty looking bit of meat, not sure if it was lamb or beef, but it didn’t matter about being tende, because once it had been in the pressure cooker for 15 minutes, it would melt in the mouth. I fried an onion (all done in the pressure cooker)and then a bit of garlic, diced the meat into medium pieces, and threw them in. I got it all nicely browned and then the coup de grace, a special mixture of herbs and spices that Jackie had blended together and put in one big jar for me. All I had to do, was add a couple or three spoonfuls, give it a good stir and Bob's.......(well, Bob used to get us cheap fags, but that’s another story!)I put in a tin of tomatoes and a tin of mushrooms, then gave it all a good old stir till it started to rock, and then I remember Jackie saying something about some coconut milk, and she had got me a couple of packets. Where had I put it? I had a look out, as we were heeling a bit, and the wind seemed to be up a couple of knots, then I went back to hunting for the......ahh, there it is! I cut the top of with the scissors, and poured in the lot, another good stir and then a couple of cupfuls of water, to give it the required amount of fluid, brought to the boil with the lid firmly in place and when the steam started blowing, I popped on the weight, and let it blast away for 15 minutes, reducing the heat as necessary. <br /><br />Time to come up and have a good look around. The wind was freshening and still from the south east, this was going to piss me off I could tell. There was a whole line of fishing boats heading to where I had just come from, all further out to sea than me. I was in 180 feet of water so no worries. A few wispy clouds began to appear, and I suppose the wind was about 12 knots true. Some waves had formed during the next couple of hours, and the wind had increased to probably 18 knots, but the seas had increased alarmingly, well no, not alarmingly, but they were getting big and steep. I guessed that this was because, only a couple of miles to the east, the sea goes deep, I mean really deep, from 60 metres where I was, to 300 hundred metres in the space of less than half a mile, and I guessed that the fishing boats were all on that line. <br /><br />The pressure cooker was taken of the stove, and put on the floor for safekeeping and I decided to put four or five rolls in the main. I already had the small jib on. It seemed to be taking ages to get past the Ebro delta, and I had also noticed that the wind was veering more in to the south, forcing me further inshore at a time when I did not really want to go inshore. A couple of big waves made my mind up to tack, and go out to beyond the step line where the water gets deep. By now, I have my oilies on, as a few waves become playful. I DON’T WANNA PLAY! It is still in my mind what happened last week, off the Pyrenees. I got myself out further, probably about a mile beyond the line, and tacked back. The wind had veered by then and to maintain a decent heading, I kept the engine on, and we moved along pretty good at 5 knots with the waves not quite so big.<br /><br />By about 5pm, I was getting a little fed up. The wind was up to above 20 knots, and it was kicking up a wet sea that came aboard with every opportunity. I realized that it would be getting dark by about 7.30pm, and my plan of an overnight sail were evaporating fast. I just was not ready for another bashing, and started looking at my options. There were a few along that coast, south of San Carlos de la Rapita, but not many had a safe entrance, especially with a south east wind. It was blowing hard onshore, and eventually, I had made a decision, and it was to be a little place called Benicarlo. At the present rate, with the engine running, I could just lay it on port tack, and it was about 14 miles away, so it would be just about dark by the time I got there. I had also decided, that if it looked dodgy getting in, I would give Jackie a quick call, and tack back out to sea, into the safer deeper water. (Not an option that filled me with happiness,but there you go!) Over the next couple of hours, the wind increased, but stayed in the same direction. I could see a big squall gathering on my starboard side, and it seemed to be sucking the wind in too. There was more thunder and lightening, and I have got to say, it all caused me to bring into question what was I doing out there and what on earth was the point of it all. I got on the phone to Jackie, and told her what the score was. I told her it was the end of the trip and I was coming home and that I had had enough!! HAD I HAD ENOUGH? As I was on the phone, it felt as if the boat had luffed, and come to a standstill. Remember, I was below trying to keep the phone dry, (trust me, I have had a lot of phones on boats!), I hurriedly told Jackie the score and not to worry, put the phone back in it’s plastic box, and came up to see what was going on. All of a sudden, the boat heeled alarmingly to port, and the wind totally changed direction by 180 degrees, and came at me at 20 knots plus. I quickly released the main, and off we bowled into the still large seas that had been built up by the south easterly. Suddenly the sea was very confused, but the blessing in disguise, was that I could now lay Benicarlo on a broad reach, and also the entrance would not be a lee shore (what was that about roses?). I let out a massive sigh of relief, despite us taking very big seas right over the boat. I gave her a few pumps to clear the water then picked my moment to open the hatch, and went below to take a close look at the entrance on the plotter, closing the hatch behind me. <br /><br />In the space of half an hour, it all died down until the wind went completely, and we ended up rounding the breakwater in a glassy sea. It was dark, but calm as I called the marinero on the VHF to get a berth for a couple of nights. His name was Pedro, and he didn’t speak a word of English, but made up for it by bounding round the marina to the side I was about to berth to. And so a peaceful night. I got the pressure cooker back on the stove, did some rice and had a fantastic curry before falling asleep on yet another wet bunk!<br /><br />Benicarlo, I must say, what a lovely little town. The marina staff were very friendly and Pedro could not do enough for me. Sign language works wonders, and it seems you can get by any problems. That day, I found an internet café, got myself a new gaz bottle and dried out everything on deck. I had decided to stay for two nights and just relax. The weather funnily enough, was fantastic and warm. I went down to the fish market and watched the fishing boats come in and land their catch, and watched with interest as it was all brought, and loaded into lots of little vans and a couple of lorries. There were a couple of women on the dock all wrapped up and sitting on chairs mending nets ready for the next foray into the ocean. I really took a liking to Benicarlo, and it will be a place that I should like to return to sometime, but all too soon, it is time to move on.<br /><br />I had spent a lot of time in the internet cafés, poring over the weather, and for the next couple of days, it was going to be a northerly maximum 16 knots. Just what the doctor ordered. I went to the local supermercado, stocked up with food and soft drinks, and was determined to get in a decent leg of 36 hours and get some miles down. I left Benicarlo with a superb north westerly breeze, keeping close to the shore, maybe a couple of miles off. I remember thinking once more, this is what people pay thousands of pounds for. With full main, jib and flyer, and travelling along with no heel at about 5 knots, has somebody finally smiled on me and given me a break? I HOPE SO!Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-76158987947444143212009-04-15T17:18:00.021+02:002009-04-18T13:20:30.176+02:00BADALONA TO TARRAGONA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DdKQ6Dn-H1g4e_Dw6Q3mewINV0Gr35jqUcUCAImjm7xODELNFPolp0kSSkz9WXEM91Y0KCzUn9E-zEryyUlmalNU-BswAUOUy8T4uujQbSBAt5Krx-6Nwfw63PcnLiUGXfgaCx2xV-4/s1600-h/WOW.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DdKQ6Dn-H1g4e_Dw6Q3mewINV0Gr35jqUcUCAImjm7xODELNFPolp0kSSkz9WXEM91Y0KCzUn9E-zEryyUlmalNU-BswAUOUy8T4uujQbSBAt5Krx-6Nwfw63PcnLiUGXfgaCx2xV-4/s200/WOW.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324942731579465906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_H1yypMhaUxKA7fuvolHppirrkpe798jIrEOfgHX5cbuL5FtdsF_V79m29rz0huMvt-zlFCDJjxX7Fe6xfTE8jG6LBKewYcO-YM5Rd-J8rg90pG5YO1oBMjCWhr2NRsI47jOItCm4zns/s1600-h/P1010037.JPG"><img style="float:left; 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margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKB_vRxSeQIPtLtJS2WjjQaLALjPAEH5hzoMaCchrrUwY5PhqhGXpfAs_iTeOIC0KocjLtfGHarcjrk1uWKeMsjdQuejlqa4rhSvRGsryIj5EPi0h0U7-CbIkGosXqItK45ej3N0Ym90/s400/P1010044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324940929509278130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivYX15N0AyOtc2xh6dO7U01ZqczYmBP-VEjZClfo92z_Un5b3McpT9Oja1ELyMOK7zJ0pxSOHEmtudVsRItqaZA-Lk4cdLrXJ0o_m6azkT_onBIK376VoITRtlHeRbq4KV6bY-sce0yo/s1600-h/THE+HASLER+MILDRED+,+BENT+A+BIT.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivYX15N0AyOtc2xh6dO7U01ZqczYmBP-VEjZClfo92z_Un5b3McpT9Oja1ELyMOK7zJ0pxSOHEmtudVsRItqaZA-Lk4cdLrXJ0o_m6azkT_onBIK376VoITRtlHeRbq4KV6bY-sce0yo/s400/THE+HASLER+MILDRED+,+BENT+A+BIT.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324940428633729042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCZ7lWYfqmhFJ1fOGSUfz12JRXKLqlw8_IDxNuWL5I6zzi01dYH2ObbaLLPQBp-O6X4fFhtQ8eOIhIcX-ihMVqByhm_XdzKgxrRvvl6kIYA8h5Naxkf81jb0qMyEnYUhbwBi7s8l0B5s/s1600-h/P1010027.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCZ7lWYfqmhFJ1fOGSUfz12JRXKLqlw8_IDxNuWL5I6zzi01dYH2ObbaLLPQBp-O6X4fFhtQ8eOIhIcX-ihMVqByhm_XdzKgxrRvvl6kIYA8h5Naxkf81jb0qMyEnYUhbwBi7s8l0B5s/s400/P1010027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324939653185452242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZROo3TXgQb2ftZTJ2iwP9qSJ1kIyEiT1CtxCTEJI8rRsYn5sq7q2SUcc0AoZ8foe27N1h7NWXxj-UC1w6hJnLSSdIVpKVv693SNLMko67yPWJPgr2uaESrG2B-jAfn0evPVjnXdMETpE/s1600-h/P1010021.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZROo3TXgQb2ftZTJ2iwP9qSJ1kIyEiT1CtxCTEJI8rRsYn5sq7q2SUcc0AoZ8foe27N1h7NWXxj-UC1w6hJnLSSdIVpKVv693SNLMko67yPWJPgr2uaESrG2B-jAfn0evPVjnXdMETpE/s400/P1010021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324938841268714930" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well I had been in Badalona long enough, and I could’ve just put off leaving forever, but it was time to get back on the horse and put my fears to bed,(so to speak,) so I decided to leave on Monday,13th April. The wind forecast was, for up to 15 knots max, (mind you, I have heard that before!)and I guess Tarragona is a good day’s sail at about 50 odd miles.<br /><br />I togged up early, before dawn in fact. The previous evening I had made sure all was done for a quick getaway. As I nosed out of the marina, I had the mainsail up in no time, and put away the ropes and fenders. The awning was still wet because it had been raining all the previous day in Badalona, so I just rolled it and put it in the cabin, but not in its cover. The breeze was from the land, I would say just north of west, and my plan was to stick with the coast all the way down, one, to keep the waves small, and two, if at any time I got fed up or it picked up dirty, there are a multitude of marinas en route, almost one every 5 miles.<br /><br />The dawn was breaking as I sailed past Barcelona, and it went through my mind all the people getting up and getting ready to go to work, if they weren’t already on their way. I was about a mile off as I slid past, but decided to head out to the fairway buoy to avoid the multitude of ferries and ships coming in and out of this very busy Spanish port. I went through the anchorage and passed very close to a Turkish ship with a load of dagos hanging over the side waving. I had full main, small jib and flying jib up, with the wind aft of the beam, we were doing six knots, and as I passed, I was sure I could smell a kebab. Shortly after, I hardened up to follow the coast south west and keep to my plan (CLOSE INSHORE). As I came round the point more onto the wind, it seemed to freshen a little, and I got out my windo meter, just to see what it was reading. I had already taken in the flyer, and was surprised to see it reading 23 knots, so with our speed of about 5 knots, it was already 18 knots true. Thoughts began to go through my mind as to where do these guys get there forecasts from? I quickly dispelled my anxious feeling into a cup of tea. I generally make a flask full when I start a trip, and today was no exception. By the time the tea was finished, swiftly followed by another, we were beating up the coast hard on the wind with the lee rail under. I just knew this wasn’t going to last so I thought to be prudent, I would put half a dozen rolls in the main, dead easy to do, just clip on, go to the mast, let off some halyard and roll her up. It went great, and we were still knocking on at 5 knots. Over the next couple of hours we were back to full main with the flying jib set, wind at last, what was forecast. It was also forecast to back this evening, so I was hoping to make Tarragona before that happened. (When I say "back" it means that the wind goes anti-clockwise as it shifts.) Well, the wind was up and down all blooming day, so at times I had the iron horse on. Her name is Beta, and unusually for a horse she is red, but when she gets revved up she develops 20 more horses, she is fab. It's funny, but I only thought about it later during the day, all the key, rev counter and electrics for the engine are in the cockpit, and during the bad storm night, the whole bloody lot was under water for maybe ten minutes until the cockpit drained! I think I will give it all a big WD40 spray RIGHT NOW!<br /><br />Another annoying thing has happened. The wind vane, Mildred,keeps disconnecting herself and deciding she doesn’t want to play. In fact, she got me downright annoyed when she did it, and Simo then decided to head back to Barcelona without telling me! What’s that all about then? Anyway, I had a good close look, and decided that maybe in the storm something got strained, but I retired Mildred and put on Vince, the electric autopilot, he works better when the engine is on anyway, and I will have a good look at Mildred when we get settled in Tarragona.<br /><br />Well we’ve done well, it's 3pm and we have about three more hours to go before we'll be safely docked, and I can get some dinner on the go. The wind has by now, backed a little and we are not as free as we were to maintain our course, and not have to reef or roll so near to our destination. I had been keeping an eye on a Latino sail down to leeward, and ahead of me, he seemed to be struggling with the conditions, I mean, even I had full oilies on, and was getting a lot of spay on the boat. As I got closer, he tacked, so he would cross our path and I thought "gawd, I hope you are not in trouble and want a tow". It was the last thing I wanted, anyway he sailed behind me, about 50 yards. I could see that he was much bigger than me, and I don't want to appear rude, but his boat was more tub like in appearance. There were three on board, that I could see, but none of them waved frantically, and I didn’t see a barrel with burning tar on deck, so assumed they were O.K., and on I went. <br /><br />We finally arrived at 6pm, in a capful of wind, and was grateful to get the sails down, fenders and lines out, and tie up somewhere snug and cosy, call the missus get food and bed. In just that order!<br /> <br />GoodnightMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-47289695670674591942009-04-10T09:31:00.015+02:002009-04-18T13:21:31.211+02:00KNOCK DOWN SOUTH OF CABO CREUS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqoWSsxcbjdUXWqClLFd2DaOhI31Gsceu-6HeYxnFuQPLgLLkOZ4xID1PmM4VS6zohl8W7Y_P4TPCnqXWGw7DkmoJwUJClfO4wIty-MJUZteeJI7CbVzVkeXZkpUZ2Fad7CGfo5TiBKs/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqoWSsxcbjdUXWqClLFd2DaOhI31Gsceu-6HeYxnFuQPLgLLkOZ4xID1PmM4VS6zohl8W7Y_P4TPCnqXWGw7DkmoJwUJClfO4wIty-MJUZteeJI7CbVzVkeXZkpUZ2Fad7CGfo5TiBKs/s400/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323446676730563266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ds5tcrcauFQVL1z5Y0z8rkKfg-PjWAT6RLO74gEhSjdmPBr-h6nnoznXQNLnw5Ec2N1_bQfo1zllgtPEMEr0n89U1Keo1V7R6iII0qr9hzE36qAx1GeBAM2mErznB8EJWciH4MGXf9g/s1600-h/P1010014.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ds5tcrcauFQVL1z5Y0z8rkKfg-PjWAT6RLO74gEhSjdmPBr-h6nnoznXQNLnw5Ec2N1_bQfo1zllgtPEMEr0n89U1Keo1V7R6iII0qr9hzE36qAx1GeBAM2mErznB8EJWciH4MGXf9g/s400/P1010014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323445856564990514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlDEQ3rbSWyvAjnct5Nm9iF2CwUlp5um9aoK0KNMxqzJ0UbIwCcWHWfMNHrkH1jtygJEJssUuNX1g35_qhL1IpPIwB3CJcnmJhfUmvsLcit8xbbdP15_nytbyd7__eJeGKJe9Vd7bm_Q/s1600-h/P1010006.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlDEQ3rbSWyvAjnct5Nm9iF2CwUlp5um9aoK0KNMxqzJ0UbIwCcWHWfMNHrkH1jtygJEJssUuNX1g35_qhL1IpPIwB3CJcnmJhfUmvsLcit8xbbdP15_nytbyd7__eJeGKJe9Vd7bm_Q/s400/P1010006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323445007837766066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXRKOBkCcTJ7canJA3ZvJWmXARK8NJ4ClRoaEmF8IK_s2hgSjC-5-UsPLVmvv9rXKbtufTFTkIfXqJsrJK49DWI5YP3kUMGN0Eo88Uj95yw0r3dJaqDOfWYFje5C45PIR1NG9eO8la_s/s1600-h/P1010012.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXRKOBkCcTJ7canJA3ZvJWmXARK8NJ4ClRoaEmF8IK_s2hgSjC-5-UsPLVmvv9rXKbtufTFTkIfXqJsrJK49DWI5YP3kUMGN0Eo88Uj95yw0r3dJaqDOfWYFje5C45PIR1NG9eO8la_s/s400/P1010012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323444061721354290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoED7uB30W9iB30B_UCJncZ6IydnKf1-diQkR9Y7L9oudjRwd8hbLMJqpE_Yl_FUJjqvDTpgCO28HD7rgetJmWM9h6kDKnpig2JSkQu7_mpYsZNejTxne1QeIVSK6bzCDW1G6IILcqzw/s1600-h/P1000996.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoED7uB30W9iB30B_UCJncZ6IydnKf1-diQkR9Y7L9oudjRwd8hbLMJqpE_Yl_FUJjqvDTpgCO28HD7rgetJmWM9h6kDKnpig2JSkQu7_mpYsZNejTxne1QeIVSK6bzCDW1G6IILcqzw/s400/P1000996.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323441855545128370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewTwNtB33cprZzlXWm4iEtJZbhyphenhyphen5vjh64sHiVr14ze1cyzc_4qK1rFRK91lwZifE5AtmtiozqshRL6SXoOIHjJBvwrAs4Tpjhv7A8PM643CPUhxuEBCl7Th4-SFLAkSy2X3uubc37UEY/s1600-h/P1000999.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewTwNtB33cprZzlXWm4iEtJZbhyphenhyphen5vjh64sHiVr14ze1cyzc_4qK1rFRK91lwZifE5AtmtiozqshRL6SXoOIHjJBvwrAs4Tpjhv7A8PM643CPUhxuEBCl7Th4-SFLAkSy2X3uubc37UEY/s400/P1000999.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323440928229752882" /></a><br />Well, my last post was when I was hove to, about 20 miles south of Cabo Creus and catching little cat naps etc. The wind was fairly screeching in the rigging, and Simo was heeled at such an angle that the leeward gunwale was under water. I had no clue to the wind strength, but felt safe and comfortable in my little cabin. My alarm had just gone off and I lay a few moments (I can't tell you how peaceful it all seemed below, and in a way, I am dreading going up for another look out with driving rain and wind that stings the face, pitch black Ahhhhh! I was just getting out of my bunk when i heard a noise. Instinctively I thought it was a ship nearby as I struggled to stand up to have a look out of the cabin window, I was just getting to the window when there was an almighty bang and the window and side of the boat came to meet me with such massive force. It hit me full in the face, and threw me on my back. In a heartbeat, everything that was on the port side, ended up on the starboard side with the most sickening crash I think I have ever heard. When I had recovered from the shock, I thought I had been hit by a ship, the bang was that loud. I struggled to get up from the bunk, and realized that all the floorboards were up, and all over the place, and there was a load of water swishing around my ankles. I had to get out into the cockpit, to see the ship that had just hit me, I opened the cabin doors and was shocked to see the cockpit full of water and stuff from the lockers floating around in it. "F*****g hell we are sinking", was my first reaction. I had a good look round, but there was no ship in sight, the screeching of the wind and driving rain told me that the wind must probably be a lot more than 40 knots, more like over 50 knots, but I had no clue. I retreated into the cabin to get my oilies and life jacket on, it has a harness attached. I could not believe the floor boards were up, and there was so much water in the boat. My priority was to get out into the cockpit, hook on and get the boat steering dead downwind,(I did not want to get hit again broadside on!) and to get pumping. There was still a lot of stuff floating around in the cockpit from when the lockers had flown open and stuff came out. The drains are quite small, so it was going to take some time to clear. I was concerned that we had sprung a plank or something for so much water to be in the boat. Christ, don't let it all end here, I've only just started! I felt a little alone in the cockpit with the hatch and doors closed and to be honest, I was concerned that another wave would come crashing down. The cockpit cleared after a few minutes, and I kept on pumping by hand until my arm would take no more, all the time keeping Simo headed dead downwind. I then swapped hands and realised it was much harder for me to steer with my left hand in these conditions and keep pumping with my right.<br /><br />The time of the event was as near as dammit 5 am on Wednesday 8th April. We didn't seem so badly off running with the wind, although we were doing 6 knots generally, and much much faster as we surfed down some huge waves. Even though it was dark, you get a feeling that the waves are quite big, and every now and then you hear the roar of a wave breaking behind you, and you stop pumping and hang on really tight, just in case it should come aboard. I do believe, that if I had been in the cockpit when the wave hit, I would not be here writing this. I realised after I had heard the wave breaking behind me, that that was the noise I had heard in the cabin seconds before I was hit.<br /><br />After what seemed like an hour, in reality it was probably nothing like it, I felt the pump start to suck air, what a relief, at least I knew I was winning and if we were leaking I could keep up with it, yes, it was sucking air, thank goodness, my arms were killing me. I was also cold and totally soaked though, and was a bit pissed off that I had spent a fortune on some Musto high trousers. Although i had had them for three or four years, i had only worn them a dozen times, and the only benefit they gave me was to stop the wind biting through me, they certainly didn't keep out the water.<br /><br />I had decided to hand steer until daybreak, probably around 7.30, and then I could get a good look at things, and plan my next move, although I was committed to get to my destination, BADALONA. The coast at this point starts to go south west, and as the wind was coming from the north, I thought it might afford some shelter if I stood in to the coast a bit. I wasn't sure what was more menacing, the waves, or the wind, I guessed the waves, especially after the hit I'd had. Even though I was running with it, I did kind of slant in the direction of the land, and could see the lights of what I thought were Estartit and beyond. Funny, it was looking clearer ahead, and there were some breaks in the cloud where the remains of the moon was shining through. It would not be long now, and gradually the dawn came. It was enough for me to see the state of the sea and all things generally. Simo seemed to be in control of the situation, and I thought it time to put Mildred (the wind vane) into action, to give me a break. I attached the lines, put the vane into gear and just waited for a moment or two, to see if she could cope, but of course she could, and it seemed, a lot better than I had done. The wind had abated quite a bit, but according to my windo meter, it was still a touch over thirty knots true, and I thought it was a walk in the park compared to what I had been through earlier.<br />I went below to survey the scene, total devastation, the floor boards were all up, and straightaway, I could see the bilges were full of water. Again, I got on the pump, and pumped until it sucked air. It became obvious that the limber holes were blocked. I tried to clear them and hardly succeeded before they blocked again. There is a lesson here!! I had put two jars of chick peas in the bilge, with six plastic cartons of milk, my bilges even for a wooden boat, have never seen water like this, EVER, and what had happened was that the labels had got wet and come off, and were now clogging the small limber holes that allow the water to run down to the pump sucker. NEVER PUT STUFF WITH LABELS ON, IN THE BILGE, EVER, EVER, NO! NO! NO!<br /> <br />I replaced the floor boards, and started to check around. The bunk boards had become dislodged, and every pan and dish that was around the galley area, was now either in the chart table, YES IN, or on top. A china dish had left it's place at waist height on the port side, and ended up smashed at head height on the starboard side, with the remaining pieces lying in the shelf that is a type of handhold. In the chart table also was the remains of a tomato and cheese sandwich that had disintegrated into a load of soggy pieces. Everything was soaked in and around the chart table. All the charts were soaked, books soaked!! Hh my gawd, but it looked like the plotter was still working OK.<br /><br />My face was sore, and I ached all over, but thought the worst was over, I put the kettle on for some coffee, and decided to go forward to get the vanity mirror to check my face. What I saw up in the bow shocked me. I have two tool boxes that sit in a box, and the vanity mirror is attached to the lid of the toolbox cupboard. The toolboxes were on the floor, and the mirror with it, with a chip put off the corner. <br />(Does this count as seven years bad luck, or have I come up smelling like a rose again?) For these boxes to come out, meant that we had gone over in the crash beyond the mast being in the water. To get the tool boxes out normally, is a struggle, so the power of what happened was gradually dawning on me, although I hadn't realised it, we had been rolled way beyond 90 degrees. The kettle was whistling, and I went to make some tea, I still didn't feel like anything to eat. I checked the wind, and it was still over thirty knots true, and the little storm jib was rushing us on our way at 6 knots. It seemed like nothing was straining, she was taking it all in her stride.<br /><br />I made my tea with difficulty, ending up with only half a cup, and slid the hatch open for another look round. The sea was still pretty big, and I noticed that we had two stanchions stoved in on the leeward side, and all the dodgers on that side had been stripped off their lashings, and were flapping free in the breeze. The<br />dinghy still in its bag, was over the lifelines on the side of the boat. I had noticed it earlier, but was not going to be tempted on deck just yet to haul it inboard. It was not quite dragging in the water, so could sit there for a while. I also noticed that my boat hook had gone, and also three of the dinghy floorboards. I was cheesed off about that, because I had just spent 80 odd euros having new ones made, but what the hell, we had survived, and apart from a few aches and pains, would arrive later that day in Badalona. I thought, why not try out the trisail, so i got it out of its bag and rigged it, and it set perfectly. The funny bit was, I had never before given the trisail a thought, and prior to my departure from Gruissan, had decided to see if it all went up ok. Now we were tramping along the Spanish coast at 6 and 7 knots, and comfortable as the serpentine on a hot summers day. I even found the stomach for a sandwich, my favorite cheese and tomato.<br /><br />It blew all the way to Badalona, and I arrived at 4 pm that Wednesday afternoon. My thoughts turned to the Vendee Globe singlehanders, who go round the world, my goodness they are brave. I am now chilling in Badalona, and although I do want to continue, it will be a little more leisurely, and if you want to stay with me, I am sure we will have some fun along the way. If I have not bored you, and you have got to the end of this story, please bear in mind some people who are less fortunate in life, like the people who have cancer, and you will see on my site, I have a Just Giving page for Cancer Research. If you can afford it, donate a few bob, you know it makes sense. I don't have any targets, and just thought it would be nice to try and raise a few bob whilst enjoying myself,hope you feel the same.<br /><br />Mickey BoyMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-67689520746721604012009-04-09T18:33:00.005+02:002010-08-03T18:00:49.603+02:00FIRST DAY OF THE TRIP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNHJJdp26b91H68H832l-hGY7khw5r8tIUjlDQ5jkhveqHUFIgsCTNrbFsIKlIGB-eNAmpp_23CV8Re4TjXEoGdH1p5YsLb6J_tgEMYMfB8yYuZXKacu49nQ0JEWqT14-X7dTaCJeUvU/s1600-h/P1010009.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNHJJdp26b91H68H832l-hGY7khw5r8tIUjlDQ5jkhveqHUFIgsCTNrbFsIKlIGB-eNAmpp_23CV8Re4TjXEoGdH1p5YsLb6J_tgEMYMfB8yYuZXKacu49nQ0JEWqT14-X7dTaCJeUvU/s400/P1010009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323076335075009090" /></a><br />Well I suppose it better be at the beginning, like leaving the house at 0730 on Tuesday 7th April, driving down with Jackie in the car, not much to say, feeling a bit nervy cos I have not been sailing since last October. Still, Simo is in fine fettle, and the first few miles it will all come flooding back. I am glad to be leaving, all the waiting doesn’t do you any good. I’m going to miss Jackie and the cats and the house, but a man’s got to do, what a man’s got to do, so here we are on the day of reckoning. I had always decided that Tuesday the seventh would be the day, and so it was to be, even though I had checked the forecast through wind guru and passage weather and both forecast fairly strong winds, up to 30 knots in fact, but it was from the north, and so it would all be behind me. Laurie and Jean came down to see me off and they had a bottle of champers that we duly consumed with a bit of orange juice. I only had just over one glass and was busy getting all the fenders in and the hundred other jobs that need to done prior to a bit of a journey. I had decided to make Badalona my first stop, which is just north of Barcelona, and about 140 miles, so with the wind expected, I was hoping for a quick passage and anticipated being in Badalona by teatime on Wednesday at the latest .<br />Time to say bye and poor old Jackie’s eyes are full of it. She’s worried, and has been ever since I came up with this hair brain idea of “one last challenge before I get too old”. Still, cast off the lines, and I am on my way. The wind has already picked up as I motor out into the entrance channel and start to get the main up, thinking prudently, I decide to put a slab in “ reef” . I do have roller reefing but very often it works better to just slab down . I motor out through the entrance and turn sharp right, the breeze is from the north west as I head almost due south towards my first waypoint, about 5 miles to the east of Cabo Creus at the Eastern end of the Pyrenees .<br />I set the wind vane up, affectionately called Mildred, and clipping on my harness, go forward to hoist the small jib. It’s tiny, and acts as a storm jib in harsh conditions. Well with the wind aft of the beam , we are whipping along, and a bit of flying jib gets our speed up to six knots, time for a cup of tea.<br />We pass all the landmarks, but are moving further out to sea as the direct course to Creus is the best. It starts to rain early on, and it is full cloud cover, just like the UK, except appreciably warmer, about 16C. As the hours go by, the wind gradually increases, so I take in the flying jib and have another cup of tea. The wind increasing is not a worry because that is what was forecast, and I know that in the hours of darkness, it will be at its strongest, 30 knots. It will be almost dark by 8 pm and I will make a decision on another reef in the main by then, so everything is snug. These little Vertues with two reefs and a small jib will take a lot of wind, and I have a great deal of faith in her. The wind is still rising, and by 7.00 pm it was up to 27 knots true. We were pounding along, and a bit of a sea had built up, probably a metre. The rain was still coming down in fits and starts and it seemed as if when the rain came, the wind got stronger. I decided to slow a little, and also to make sure of having a comfortable night, made the decision to take the main off completely and lash it down tight into the boom crutch. We were still doing six knots, with just the baby jib up, I could see cap creus clearly on my starboard bow, but all the energy used in getting the main down had made me feel slightly queasy, and with no further hesitation heaved three big stomach fulls over the side. I felt a bit better, but was p----d off because I had taken a stugeron before I left, and I hate being sick.<br />Very soon, I was abeam of the great Cabo Creus and it was dark. Funny, when it’s dark, the waves seem bigger and the wind seems stronger. I got my windo meter out, and it was now up to 30 knots true. Ok, it seemed stronge , but hey, I had not been sailing for six months. Simo was steady in her track under just the storm jib, and Mildred was not having any handling problems. <br />I had got a nice piece of breast of chicken for dinner, and I was going to do it in the pressure cooker with some boiled potatoes and peas , but do you know what, eating was the last thing on my mind. I had had a sandwich earlier, but that went over the side earlier in the evening, so I just had a few little cat naps 25 minutes at a time in my bunk. I didn’t bother to get undressed, so my wet oilskins, made my bunk a little damp.<br />I had had my doubts on the new A.I.S. working earlier, but suddenly I found out how it works, and it is fantastic. An alarm goes off when a ship comes within 10 miles of you, but only if it is on a dangerous bearing and is likely to come close, so my thanks must go to the Master at wiring and probably many other things too, my old Mate LES who installed the whole lot for me. A fishing trip will be planned and it may be sooner than you think. . . .READ ON, so that put my mind at rest. It was past midnight, and we were about 15 to 20 miles south east of the big Cabo Creus, the sea was now starting to heap up and become a little playful. I had had a couple of swipes as wave , not big ones you understand, came over the transom, and whether I was down below kipping, or in the cockpit, the cabin doors were firmly closed. The rain was heavier now, but I knew before I set off it was to be like this, at least until morning. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like getting the camera out to do anything with, as I still didn’t feel fantastic. All I really wanted to do, was go to sleep, so with that in mind, I decided to hove to, a nautical term for stopping the boat at sea so all is relaxed, and it really is. You can be in a force seven or eight in Simo, and she will lay hove to happy as a you no what. The angle of heel was not too bad, and I set the alarm for my first 25 minute stint in my nice warm bunk. The next hour or two were spent sleeping, getting up to have a look out, the A.I.S. came up with a couple of targets that I checked on, FANTASTIC, and I have to say, the wind every time I looked out seemed to be getting stronger, in fact, almost on my last lookout, I took a reading and it was 39 knots true. We were just making headway out to sea at about 2 knots. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT WAS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST SHOCK OF MY LIFE, I will tell you about it in my next update.Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-55073967555434452782009-04-04T15:05:00.011+02:002009-04-07T13:20:20.444+02:00TIME TO GO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTjQYhWk468kLqUA7pctH3APSN1L0Stn6bg7PND6CpvRDZmvgWtYg8UlWxjPIGIeWrH3RiGlwWtB8oXbJp2I5Ie93xuuLrpRbFShp6HLvMMXTBg9oVbe5GkIsjaXNo2jsr3K87u-BQBc/s1600-h/IMG_0608.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTjQYhWk468kLqUA7pctH3APSN1L0Stn6bg7PND6CpvRDZmvgWtYg8UlWxjPIGIeWrH3RiGlwWtB8oXbJp2I5Ie93xuuLrpRbFShp6HLvMMXTBg9oVbe5GkIsjaXNo2jsr3K87u-BQBc/s400/IMG_0608.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321907752301827794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78qe6J8zsQ-xRxJrBZ9lrOgjCkDE5kcE5hNcXSys63lNFf-OQ6DyOYNvwobVfGhgL3KeNuJ5yqFsr55bmRexo0qvHwfQAIsB6WcMS8ytc3i6c1xd4fseg_OxOTwP3eARcoOwfD3YQZJw/s1600-h/P1000980.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78qe6J8zsQ-xRxJrBZ9lrOgjCkDE5kcE5hNcXSys63lNFf-OQ6DyOYNvwobVfGhgL3KeNuJ5yqFsr55bmRexo0qvHwfQAIsB6WcMS8ytc3i6c1xd4fseg_OxOTwP3eARcoOwfD3YQZJw/s200/P1000980.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320863983781378690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsKFjymXCVEDXdo5gQ1yWyrjZcz1QUMyWsgZio6rU_KJ09sMihjozYh8U__lhNu-vknHjxMeoRQdeNeKKOW_7nYn73CMI__XeAs-j1y0Vfj87DVdDCcmJf7C0DV9LEqNVvXtDhBbUAVo/s1600-h/P1000979.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsKFjymXCVEDXdo5gQ1yWyrjZcz1QUMyWsgZio6rU_KJ09sMihjozYh8U__lhNu-vknHjxMeoRQdeNeKKOW_7nYn73CMI__XeAs-j1y0Vfj87DVdDCcmJf7C0DV9LEqNVvXtDhBbUAVo/s200/P1000979.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320863590380350354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbWGLNch_SDM93tu0xf7XunVq3Pd2TX1ToahAIRJO1aAdTcszpT56IQWCrPZ6_wwwZW1yAJ0lnCnF0azqHwogR0pIMFI_47AR7F2mIEGuYutQtoP86HTztaFAi2rYHXpI9_HoUP8uSv4/s1600-h/P1000977.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbWGLNch_SDM93tu0xf7XunVq3Pd2TX1ToahAIRJO1aAdTcszpT56IQWCrPZ6_wwwZW1yAJ0lnCnF0azqHwogR0pIMFI_47AR7F2mIEGuYutQtoP86HTztaFAi2rYHXpI9_HoUP8uSv4/s200/P1000977.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320863017476414994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPm5T2AODOOAfqOG62cekyGDdLRRxq06AzwRoxO931JUHacQwZH9yWCr-zX8ZlCqMM0uJp1s8TP7X8J26M8vKecNh6ZK4jcsWJGdnapbRgZ3bWqB6y6kMPWTvjdDDqerKOEfJmfDcCAI/s1600-h/P1000972.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPm5T2AODOOAfqOG62cekyGDdLRRxq06AzwRoxO931JUHacQwZH9yWCr-zX8ZlCqMM0uJp1s8TP7X8J26M8vKecNh6ZK4jcsWJGdnapbRgZ3bWqB6y6kMPWTvjdDDqerKOEfJmfDcCAI/s200/P1000972.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320862365410111474" /></a><br />Well we are just about ready to go, most of the food is on board and also the clothes and gear i am going to need for the next few weeks , the weather looks good and it looks like the wind is behind me for the the first couple of days , I am looking to get down to a place called Badalona which is just north of Barcalona its about a hundred miles so should be there for wednesday night , get a bit of rest then on to errrrr,,,, well I will head south anyway, SOME PICS OF THE IMPORTANT BITS like pg tips and the chart of madiera , yes I know its 1939 but i will try and get a newer one any way the rocks have not moved much ,and a picture of me waving goodbye, I have had a hair cut thanks to my friend Jean shorter than normal but its fine , so here we go , think of me tonight , bye byeMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-40616691358248421222009-03-29T18:24:00.008+02:002009-03-29T19:11:43.645+02:00LESS THAN A WEEK TO GO 29/3/09<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyaYR1wDj63Sv-laZpH0ycvMImhE5XX43z4diXl6gRUGQsnaW5EfgTZ75xpAirnS7AN8UbhRwbb8OD5SGhS6DVTtAFcctIPSArjDfNoJHY-Fec9eg0rUZny-BmalLpNU71mfkdkSYDJE/s1600-h/dorado2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyaYR1wDj63Sv-laZpH0ycvMImhE5XX43z4diXl6gRUGQsnaW5EfgTZ75xpAirnS7AN8UbhRwbb8OD5SGhS6DVTtAFcctIPSArjDfNoJHY-Fec9eg0rUZny-BmalLpNU71mfkdkSYDJE/s200/dorado2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318651878623653378" /></a><br />Well it has all come round so quick , and there seem to be a hundred things that i need to do. Jackie has almost finished the new sun awning that I will use when at anchor to keep the rays at bay ,Ive changed the oil and filters and got most of the kit back on board , the place needs a major clean up with hoover and dusters so will tackle that in the next day or so . With regard to the food i will just get enough stuff for the first few days as food is a lot cheaper in Spain and so is diesel , I am not sure where my first stop will be , it really depends on the weather , i would like to get straight down to Badalona which is just north of Barcelona, but lets not get to excited just yet, If you click on this link it will show you a map of where i am , and also of my progress<br /><a href="http://www.bluemapia.com/placemarkDetails.php?id=761">CLICK HERE FOR MAP</a><br /><br />i hope anyway , not quite got the hang of all the techno stuff yet and my 63 year old brain is creaking if it doesn't work just type it in and you will eventually get it , then click on the blue place marks,I am hoping to have a day out fishing with my mate Les the tractor boy on Simo ,, before i go so will post some pictures of the enormous fish we catch , picture shown is one we caught last year ( we wish ) I am getting excited and nervous at the same time, and really cant wait to cast my lines and be on my way <br />MORE SOONMicky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-4262238863590849232009-03-23T12:03:00.003+01:002009-03-23T12:23:41.664+01:00LAUNCH DAY VIDEO<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyskp1V8o2LBVEO8z7TIpHRUc4jYf1aQJOlUfsS1pPiNkhBaN-MavAjb5nYWATvZHYLFjTdhvmEHN4ZKuSnng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-44254537415869393492009-03-23T07:52:00.013+01:002009-03-23T12:53:29.018+01:00LAUNCH DAY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX9j3hZLApBUs94acKZQy3aiqhbZtRdYEsHBRg_03UsTF6Pxzi65Xpgrt3eAfBYlDDLHBc1iwU1On-_NuDpaPEpivI9PzEV90Vm4tb9PUfRYZwKzJagXfhntPCNTIT1FRgLPpvTa7eX4/s1600-h/P1000912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX9j3hZLApBUs94acKZQy3aiqhbZtRdYEsHBRg_03UsTF6Pxzi65Xpgrt3eAfBYlDDLHBc1iwU1On-_NuDpaPEpivI9PzEV90Vm4tb9PUfRYZwKzJagXfhntPCNTIT1FRgLPpvTa7eX4/s200/P1000912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316335023180205618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx-eDQbtRMOrT0yOD56dw15skop1bo4R3-uHWEZw4sDFgb6jyJFW7TjnhuNVDm_U7MT0N3k4NJIQVyjjTpSq7reiVLVGT_uhOVXJRfV0AzS17NkyubRwoV3r6avG3xvGf_CJ896Yy1C8/s1600-h/P1000910.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx-eDQbtRMOrT0yOD56dw15skop1bo4R3-uHWEZw4sDFgb6jyJFW7TjnhuNVDm_U7MT0N3k4NJIQVyjjTpSq7reiVLVGT_uhOVXJRfV0AzS17NkyubRwoV3r6avG3xvGf_CJ896Yy1C8/s200/P1000910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316334355263452002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Launch day , 19th March 2009 , It is a glorious day with very little wind , we are in Zone Technic in Gruissan and after quite a bit of work though the winter months we are going back in the water , when replacing the anode I noticed that the block of wood inside the hull had gone a little soft and so we got a local chappie called Frank to help out and take out the old and replace with new ,, i would have done it myself , but am not agile enough to crawl into a hole and do the job ( see photo below ), all the main planks were solid , so we got all new bolts and completley renewed the anode side of things , All the coach roof has had a fresh coat of varnish and we have installed a new solar panel that will just keep the batteries topped up , we don't have a fridge and are very megre with our electric output ,, Last year i replaced all the bulbs in Simo with L.E.D,S, and the difference is we dont have to worry on a night sail anymore , the solar panel only puts in about 1 amp but will sut our cause ,The day of the launch we also re stepped the mast it looked fantastic , as i had given it three coasts of Deks ol Jay oil, and the next day was spent doing all the things necessary, like changing the engine oil and filters rewiring the electrics where the mast comes through and a hundred other tasks that seem to go on forever . Anyway she is now ready for the trip ,,, but am I ? , must say it has come round quickly and with a couple of weeks to go the butterflies are beginning to settle in ,, still, I am sure it will be alright on the actual day of departure I am at the moment trying to work out how i can let you see where i am and my progress on Google Earth , and then you can see where i am as well as read the blog , , any way all for now , ive posted a short vid of the launch and a few pictures , <object id="BLOG_video-FAILED" class="BLOG_video_class" contentid="FAILED" width="320" height="266"></object>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-43911343377456992132009-03-18T19:52:00.006+01:002009-03-18T20:35:22.674+01:00THE ITINERARY<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Publisher.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Publisher 10"><link rel="File-List" 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color2="white [7]"> <o:left ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:top ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:right ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:bottom ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:column ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> </v:stroke> <v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"> <v:textbox inset="2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt"> <o:colormenu ext="edit" fillcolor="blue [1]" strokecolor="black [0]" shadowcolor="#ccc [4]"> </o:shapedefaults><o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><span style="line-height: 100%; text-decoration: underline;font-size:12;" >This is the rough plan for the trip to the Atlantic, I WOULD LIKE CREW SOMETIMES , so see the bottom of the page
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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:black; mso-font-kerning:14.0pt; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; 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font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US">2009 ITINERARY - <span style=""> </span>PART ONE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART GRUISSAN <span style=""> </span>TUES 7TH APRIL,<span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE PORT BOU <span style=""> </span>TUES 7TH APRIL<span style=""> </span>MILES <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>48<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART PORT BOU <span style=""> </span>WED 8TH APRIL,<span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE BADALONA<span style=""> </span>FRI 10TH APRIL<span style=""> </span>MILES <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>103<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 51, 204);" lang="EN-US">REST DAY<span style=""> </span>SAT 11TH APRIL, <span style=""> </span>RECHARGE DONGLE ETC <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART BADALONA<span style=""> </span>SUN 12TH NOON<span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE CARTAGENA<span style=""> </span>TUES 14TH APRIL<span style=""> </span>MILES<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>338<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 51, 204);" lang="EN-US">REST DAY<span style=""> </span>TUES/ WED 14/15TH APRIL<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART CARTAGENA<span style=""> </span>THUR 16TH APRIL NOON. </span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE FUENGIROLA SAT 18TH APRIL<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>MILES<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>226</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 51, 204);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(102, 51, 204);" lang="EN-US">REST UNTIL <span style=""> </span>WED 23RD APRIL, SEE JACKIE, JANE AND PETER P,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART FUENGEROLA <span style=""> </span>THUR 24TH EARLY,<span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE GIB<span style=""> </span>FRI 24TH APRIL <span style=""> </span>MILES<span style=""> </span>54</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(112, 48, 160);" lang="EN-US">REST DAYS AND LOOK FOR EAST WINDS</span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt;" lang="EN-US">DEPART GIB<span style=""> </span>LATEST TUES 28TH APRIL<span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">ARRIVE LAGOS <span style=""> </span>THURS NIGHT 30TH APRIL<span style=""> </span>MILES<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>204<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US">LOOK FOR DECENT WEATHER AND DEPART LAGOS BY 5TH MAY, AND SHOULD ARRIVE PORTO SANTO / MADEIRA IN THE ATLANTIC ABOUT 5 DAYS LATER. ONCE WE HAVE GOT THERE WE WILL THEN DECIDE WHEN TO COME BACK,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">I WILL BE LOOKING FOR CREW TO DO SHORT OR LONG LEGS, CREW CAPABILITIES NEED TO BE AS FOLLOWS:-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">MAKES A GOOD CUP OF TEA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">DOES NOT MIND 3 HOUR WATCHES <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">HAS TO BE GOOD AT PRETENDING THE BOAT IS A FORTY-FOOTER, AND REMEMBER THE BOAT IS AT ITS BEST IN A FORCE 6 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">CAN KNOCK UP THE ODD CURRY <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">SMILE A LOT <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">
<br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">MALE OR FEMALE, DUTIES WILL BE THE SAME <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">ANY CREW VOLUNTERING WILL ONLY HAVE TO PAY FOR FOOD AND BOOZE ASHORE, AND THEIR OWN TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE BOAT.<span style=""> </span>THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF SPAIN’S BEST BRANDY ( VETERANO )</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style=""> </span></span></b><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">AND PROBABLY A FEW BEERS ,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);" lang="EN-US">BRING YOUR OWN BOOKS TO READ<span style=""> </span></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 100%; text-decoration: underline;font-size:12;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">ANY QUESTIONS EMAIL ME ,, AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO REPEL UNWANTED BOARDERS</span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 100%; text-decoration: underline;font-size:12;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 100%;font-size:14;" >v113simo@yahoo.co.uk</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">lAUNCH DAY LOOMS SO THE NEXT UPDATE WILL BE ALL ABOUT THAT ,
<br /><span style="line-height: 100%;font-size:14;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style=""><o:p></o:p></span></p> Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-54916579489772662842009-03-08T13:31:00.004+01:002009-03-09T21:28:07.289+01:00A SHORT VIDEO TO WET YOUR DOODOO<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyA89I-xUi4fD9mKMkVrNC1lS5PRZpcZorfOm3udgEwXgecwGm1QK4O9lWllTrwzr_k9oFTkyQOIk9xsqOIPA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Well it's Sunday and tomorow Jackie goes back to the Uk for a few days , Yesterday she came down to the boat and helped me get the old anode and all the bolts removed , I had noticed a bit of soft wood on the block that takes the anode bolts , all around the planking it was solid , I had put Wd 40 on the bolts for two days previous and still they would not budge , i found a hacksaw with anew blade and there resolve crumbled in a couple of minutes , A friend of mine Yan who is a shipwright will look at the problem next week and repair or replace as necessary , i will carry on with all the other jobs next week , which includes fitting a new soar panel and top coating the hull and i need to give all the coach works another coat of varnish , ill let you know how i get on , but for now enjoy my first try out of doing a video from my pinnacle edit system ,, the first 20seconds seems to be in fast forward ,, sorry but it will enable me to give you some short vids of the trip ,,,,Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-85546052135718596592009-03-01T12:03:00.005+01:002009-03-04T23:21:35.155+01:00THE PROP ANODE AND ME<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10t7476VyFKKN0xlg0tLzTwAlCbcZsEmquiG5jQh37Tcopr3gitmi-stqMthFDGyGHfs4X55VyUbuVAFxNc7u0a7CfdERX9G7R-8Ps4ImwFKZEh2Jl-v3HDWxgMN_-fTdSbEnuFnaQjY/s1600-h/P1000876.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10t7476VyFKKN0xlg0tLzTwAlCbcZsEmquiG5jQh37Tcopr3gitmi-stqMthFDGyGHfs4X55VyUbuVAFxNc7u0a7CfdERX9G7R-8Ps4ImwFKZEh2Jl-v3HDWxgMN_-fTdSbEnuFnaQjY/s320/P1000876.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308175678844210706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZUw5MiCjspUK9ooP1gq4u3x8IvDk2zqEyj4Xgp7pBMCy6M3ENIYGoI1639Ibo61Un5qcf4sXka6iJQ_9HO98p3cVezPXW3xttDequcmcRQVa3YrwaUqfEwopv7H7BAhRyu3OKQtml8o/s1600-h/P1000871.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZUw5MiCjspUK9ooP1gq4u3x8IvDk2zqEyj4Xgp7pBMCy6M3ENIYGoI1639Ibo61Un5qcf4sXka6iJQ_9HO98p3cVezPXW3xttDequcmcRQVa3YrwaUqfEwopv7H7BAhRyu3OKQtml8o/s320/P1000871.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308175674642060898" border="0" /></a><br />Well would you believe it , just as i was about to leave the boat yard on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Friday</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maryvonne</span> who owns <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nautiland</span> ( its pronounced , <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">naughtyland</span> ) but trust me its not naughty , anyway she asked me if i would like to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Simo</span> lifted out right now , i should explain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">that</span> the original plan was for the 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> march ,, but i needed to get her out asap because there is so much to do ,, so i <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">agreed</span> and we got the crane man and out she came followed but a good pressure wash , she was not to bad and no sign of barnacle bill at all ,Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-67083641627704100062009-03-01T11:48:00.002+01:002009-03-01T12:19:00.323+01:00new arial and deks ole for the mast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5vuPd5O41117wCvXZJ6lb52SealbTX_BJvo6VCGBAFkgFboZJs3dbT4FAeM4ni_TpM_3Orzi0dOjbjx-X0_Gxu7cxJB1P-sMhe_SXw7fC_SAtxgD5-w9KJDDZ0dudC-28wv2hjQQKIQ/s1600-h/P1000869.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5vuPd5O41117wCvXZJ6lb52SealbTX_BJvo6VCGBAFkgFboZJs3dbT4FAeM4ni_TpM_3Orzi0dOjbjx-X0_Gxu7cxJB1P-sMhe_SXw7fC_SAtxgD5-w9KJDDZ0dudC-28wv2hjQQKIQ/s200/P1000869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308172953512284994" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO22agxktdysWcZEtRwx79YDLa_33gJ5e1OMqc1rBRuBkq6yqIKXeMhas0xM5cXz_TfE_Q353etdMczfM54svxs5QpZRdCIGAPKX-8QK1ghchc1x44zbCXax0PbIbj5S6aPIIPBtl-noo/s1600-h/P1000868.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO22agxktdysWcZEtRwx79YDLa_33gJ5e1OMqc1rBRuBkq6yqIKXeMhas0xM5cXz_TfE_Q353etdMczfM54svxs5QpZRdCIGAPKX-8QK1ghchc1x44zbCXax0PbIbj5S6aPIIPBtl-noo/s200/P1000868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308172950641021266" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoPKb-qBwRggeJJaTLByXLBLVUrQHBbbfYvjC54HV-OMgytKCC0qZctQf0o7Zv0mYA8Nr7IuVkT8pKNONIcffZl81HbR54qkCQh8WT0ZgCHdA9eyzK86H-5B2qrvKd_ambufNIAGo7lQ/s1600-h/P1000865.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoPKb-qBwRggeJJaTLByXLBLVUrQHBbbfYvjC54HV-OMgytKCC0qZctQf0o7Zv0mYA8Nr7IuVkT8pKNONIcffZl81HbR54qkCQh8WT0ZgCHdA9eyzK86H-5B2qrvKd_ambufNIAGo7lQ/s200/P1000865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308172946702429682" border="0"></a><br />We managed to get the boat yard to take out the mast just over a week ago , and the prime object was to put the new vhf arial up the top of the mast , this then will lead to a splitter and feeds the new A.I.S also the fm radio and of course the VHS , dont ask me how it works cos ive not a clue any way , I just hope it all works when we get the mast back up . Over the last four years i have always used deksoljay oil on the mast , so a quick rub down and a couple of coats made it look stunning again , i gave the spreaders a couple of extra coats , and with a bit of luck it should last a couple of years or more , i think its wise to have the mast down every couple of years or at least go up in the chair to check all is ok .<br />Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-89879397229584785062009-03-01T11:35:00.003+01:002009-03-01T12:19:00.327+01:00THE VETERANO BRANDY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LjQCBoVQ5UNWHQNh7kccjQ_oqXZ_2Qmzeeo9YdeZLqY-6TdAbZ2Bq_rMz399CSSIf31RpNlTyVCfvbnZYBy0IirfoeMsf-Ag4gKOODzjUzzRj9mLKxaUNisVC_ohPyQVUiuaEZPHnIA/s1600-h/P1000862.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LjQCBoVQ5UNWHQNh7kccjQ_oqXZ_2Qmzeeo9YdeZLqY-6TdAbZ2Bq_rMz399CSSIf31RpNlTyVCfvbnZYBy0IirfoeMsf-Ag4gKOODzjUzzRj9mLKxaUNisVC_ohPyQVUiuaEZPHnIA/s200/P1000862.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308168343084489362" border="0"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfWOuhnXef0bJAW63JGMCNb11Dirv6br298DW743JM84DtX9QLvkwTV4H01DGVyxxxCOxccmSUNc5kggRVld2oxZtcrIkkEzZAdeWLtqiyrmZlTBbxdeONJAMzXPCZVoM2sNckG-cXaQ/s1600-h/P1000864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfWOuhnXef0bJAW63JGMCNb11Dirv6br298DW743JM84DtX9QLvkwTV4H01DGVyxxxCOxccmSUNc5kggRVld2oxZtcrIkkEzZAdeWLtqiyrmZlTBbxdeONJAMzXPCZVoM2sNckG-cXaQ/s200/P1000864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308168331319793426" border="0"></a><br />Well things are moving on a pace and over the last week we have done a few jobs in getting Simo ready , one of the first things was that i noticed that the bottles oVeterano brandy would not fit in the locker , so i got the jig saw out and made the holes a little bigger and hey presto we now have room for 4 bottles ,<br />Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-88420446758088543452009-02-24T15:17:00.002+01:002009-02-24T15:26:06.394+01:00ELECTRICS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcL2qU41sq6S2LfF8gvVWRky6eRjC3iwkisxiR3DPEgd5VqtO7czDEcpkJtLhjLoomdYn3bRgvMi-Kf3PBMFxLK6XbXHPoHgA8JaFzCcIwpk8nnKJvXMM6XQo-9YMxqefDxxafG91344/s1600-h/P1000860.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcL2qU41sq6S2LfF8gvVWRky6eRjC3iwkisxiR3DPEgd5VqtO7czDEcpkJtLhjLoomdYn3bRgvMi-Kf3PBMFxLK6XbXHPoHgA8JaFzCcIwpk8nnKJvXMM6XQo-9YMxqefDxxafG91344/s320/P1000860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306369839085536546" border="0" /></a><br />Time to start instaling the new plotter and A.I.S. reciever and my old mate Les who originally was a tractor boy came down to the dock to lend a hand , problem was when he got it all sorted it would not power up , any way half hour later we realised that if you put in a fuse it all seems to work a lot better ,Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789052348730154959.post-83172725808458854322009-02-15T12:13:00.003+01:002009-02-15T12:40:42.414+01:00PLANNING FOR 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM_chMDbviedY0KalmmVYXM6OOjewRAEeMSaS8QnFBcdk52V-JObdwPMfa_1jrm5CrCskYkZ6u29zbvQjcFmoZ2vnozv3TJjdGIMHoJXpYNXrdUh9pEYlqhj3zHeOKD5MduiVUQQH56I/s1600-h/P6241191.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM_chMDbviedY0KalmmVYXM6OOjewRAEeMSaS8QnFBcdk52V-JObdwPMfa_1jrm5CrCskYkZ6u29zbvQjcFmoZ2vnozv3TJjdGIMHoJXpYNXrdUh9pEYlqhj3zHeOKD5MduiVUQQH56I/s320/P6241191.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302987031292641026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This year we would like to do a bit of a trip , you know sort of challenge ourselves , the boat is fantastic , but what of the crew , will he do it singlehanded ? , yes i want to , but any crew to help would be great , . At the moment we are based in Gruissan in the south of France , , and yes we did sail her down from Hull to falmouth and then accross the big bay to Spain and Portugal and then into the Med and ultimatley up to France , last year i did a bit of singlehanding around the balierics , loverley it was to . So onto the plan for this year , I fancy sailing down the costa brava etc and costa del sol and back out into the atlantic , a bit the the algarve would be nice , and then a trip to Madeira , its only a few hundred miles , yes that sounds great , leave about april time then come back later in the year ,,,,, thats it then , settled , first of all I need to do a bit of work on Simo . I went to the boat show , and spent a few bob , i got a chart plotter , a.i.s and met up with a few old mates , anyway now i have to get the goodies installed in the boat and am hoping my old mate from Nevian , nr Narbonne will give me a hand , with the wiring and all that nmea nonsense , . Ive got a place on the wall at the Zone Technich in Gruissan and next week plan to take the mast out , for revarnishing and of course to run the new cable for the antenna up the mast i plan to take a few pics of everything i do for the trip and on the trip , also take some video , I am planning on one of the head gear camera's so i can film at any time ,,, the reason is when it gets rough ,, and trust me it does sometimes ,, the last thing you think about is getting the video camera out , and really thats what everybody wants to see , crazy really but it's fact , and the truth is you are crapping yourself and wondering if you or the boat are going to be able to handle it all , so if your with me , here goes, lets enjoy the trip .......</span>Micky boyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289962575405727193noreply@blogger.com0