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| The crew-of-two looking like a pair of visiting sailors |
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| A study in concentration... |
Little Bobbie D on galley duties - sharp knife if one hand and a gin & tonic within easy reach.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Sunday 8th July continuted
Little Bobbie D on galley duties - sharp knife if one hand and a gin & tonic within easy reach.
Sunday 8th July 2012
The Kipper and the crew-of-two arrived in La Coruna late evening on Wednesday 4th July. At 22:20 hrs I received the following from The Kipper:
'Just a quick message to say just arriving at La Coruna. Been a long hard slog, will tell all in the morning'.
This was followed by the promised update at 13:16 hrs on Thursday 5th,
'Slept all morning, now out for breakfast. Took 2 days to do 180 miles! First day no wind then fluky wind generally from the direction we were gong in. 30 more miles west then it's south all the way. Moored up in the marina, our neighbours are the cruise ship Azura; blocks out the daylight! Town is full of Mancunians and like Manchester, it's raining.'
The Scribe did remind him that it shouldn't be south ALL the way unless they have some kind of hankering to see lots of penguins.
By 19:39 hrs that evening the following decision had been made:
'Staying another day, weather is crap (technical sailing expression) again. Hope to get down the Portugese coast in 2 hits weather dependant of course. Probably stop in Porto, Port needs to be replenished apparently'.
And now for the pictoral report from La Coruna,
More to follow...
'Just a quick message to say just arriving at La Coruna. Been a long hard slog, will tell all in the morning'.
This was followed by the promised update at 13:16 hrs on Thursday 5th,
'Slept all morning, now out for breakfast. Took 2 days to do 180 miles! First day no wind then fluky wind generally from the direction we were gong in. 30 more miles west then it's south all the way. Moored up in the marina, our neighbours are the cruise ship Azura; blocks out the daylight! Town is full of Mancunians and like Manchester, it's raining.'
The Scribe did remind him that it shouldn't be south ALL the way unless they have some kind of hankering to see lots of penguins.
By 19:39 hrs that evening the following decision had been made:
'Staying another day, weather is crap (technical sailing expression) again. Hope to get down the Portugese coast in 2 hits weather dependant of course. Probably stop in Porto, Port needs to be replenished apparently'.
And now for the pictoral report from La Coruna,
.JPG) |
| Nice view |
.JPG) |
| Big statue! |
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| Statue with palm tree growing out of the top of her head |
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| This years entrants in the sexy legs competition |
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Tuesday 3rd July '12
When last we met, The Kipper and the crew-of-two had made it to a little place called Gijon on the Spanish coast and they were sleeping following their glorious sail across from Benodet.
I waited eagerly for tales from Gijon but it seems that the place is shrouded in mystery and will remain so until another group of intrepid adventure seekers moor up on their pontoons.
The next update was received this morning at 10:33 hrs following my demands to know where they were and what they were up to:
The Kipper wrote:
'Have tried to send a load of photos to you but they won't go, will try when ashore. We are now motoring along the north coast towards La Coruna, no wind but want to make up some time. Sun is shining, its warm, all wearing shorts, spray hood down! We're getting there.'
Since then I have recieved the promised pictures and I felt it only fair to share them with my small but loyal band of followers.
This is The Kipper changing the courtesy flag: note the blue seas, blue skies, white fluffy clouds, full mainsail...am I jealous...HELL YES!!
I have made a note to speak to the crew-of-two because I distinctly remember giving them strict instructions about letting The Kipper wander up to the foredeck on his own. I see no signs of a harness or anyone standing by to ensure that he doesn't trip and fall off or worse still, try to carry out any chores on the foredeck. Kippers have a tendency to get lost or be found wandering around aimlessly with a glazed expression in their eyes if they are allowed forward of the mast. It'll all end in tears...
I love this picture!
Bobbie D on the helm doing 7 or 8 knots the little show-off. He does look like he is enjoying himself. I love the hat and the look; sort of boy scout meets boat jumble!
I think this picture was taken on Saturday; the weather looks glorious, the sailing looks pretty good and yet...full oilskins are called for. Must still be a touch chilly.
That's better, order and calm have been restored to the Universe: The Kipper is back where he belongs, starboard side aft on the helm.
Still full oilskins and Musto snug...
Definitely chilly...
The Crew-Of-Two...
Doesn't look like there is much breeze out there...
Now. I can't be held accountable for the following pictures, The Kipper sent them so it's all his fault...
I waited eagerly for tales from Gijon but it seems that the place is shrouded in mystery and will remain so until another group of intrepid adventure seekers moor up on their pontoons.
The next update was received this morning at 10:33 hrs following my demands to know where they were and what they were up to:
The Kipper wrote:
'Have tried to send a load of photos to you but they won't go, will try when ashore. We are now motoring along the north coast towards La Coruna, no wind but want to make up some time. Sun is shining, its warm, all wearing shorts, spray hood down! We're getting there.'
Since then I have recieved the promised pictures and I felt it only fair to share them with my small but loyal band of followers.
This is The Kipper changing the courtesy flag: note the blue seas, blue skies, white fluffy clouds, full mainsail...am I jealous...HELL YES!!
I have made a note to speak to the crew-of-two because I distinctly remember giving them strict instructions about letting The Kipper wander up to the foredeck on his own. I see no signs of a harness or anyone standing by to ensure that he doesn't trip and fall off or worse still, try to carry out any chores on the foredeck. Kippers have a tendency to get lost or be found wandering around aimlessly with a glazed expression in their eyes if they are allowed forward of the mast. It'll all end in tears...
Bobbie D on the helm doing 7 or 8 knots the little show-off. He does look like he is enjoying himself. I love the hat and the look; sort of boy scout meets boat jumble!
I think this picture was taken on Saturday; the weather looks glorious, the sailing looks pretty good and yet...full oilskins are called for. Must still be a touch chilly.
Still full oilskins and Musto snug...
Definitely chilly...
The Crew-Of-Two...
Doesn't look like there is much breeze out there...
Now. I can't be held accountable for the following pictures, The Kipper sent them so it's all his fault...
I give you...the on-watch port side look out...
To be fair, he is sitting in the most comfortable seat in the house when on a starboard tack so it's no wonder the poor wee thing drifted off there for a second. And lest we forget, he is probably still recovering from that near fatal attack of man-flu.
Have you guessed who it is yet? I couldn't make up my mind if it was The Kipper or Steve.
I'm just gonna leave that there and you can decide for yourselves.
Bless him! Clearly The Kipper has been working the crew-of-two to near exhaustion; I just hope someone thought to check for a pulse...
Monday, 2 July 2012
Monday 2nd July 12
The Kipper and the crew-of-two finally left Benodet as planned on Saturday morning.
The Scribe received the following text at 07:34 hrs
'The weather at last has relented and given us an opportunity to cross to Spain, left about 30 minutes ago and will be out of contact till Thursday probably earlier but will text on arrival.'
At 06:18 hrs today (Monday) The Scribe received the following:
'Morning, we are just arriving in Gijon, Spain after a very quick crossing of Biscay, wasn't expected to get here until tonight. 150 and 140 miles a day sailing. When I let you know we were leaving I got the days confused, I thought it was Monday not Saturday! We've had some brilliant fast sailing and had dolphins (AFD) playing around us on the way over. Was tempted at 0300 hrs this morning to turn right for Corunna but wind died off so decided on Gijon. When we've sorted everything, a shower and sleep is called for.'
Gijon is on the North coast of Spain and is decsribed as being in the Asturias region. It is described by a gentleman named Danial Clifford (www.travelingingspain.com) as being a mid-sized city of some 270,000 residents. The town is reported to have been around for 3000 years and began as a fishing village. It is now an important busy port on the Atlantic coast. It appears to be a popular tourist spot with quaint cobblestone streets and an historic fishing village named Cimadevilla is worth a visit. It also boasts a sculpture named the Eligio del Horizonte (Praise of the Horizon) placed in 1990 at Cerro de Santa Catalina. Not exactly Michael Angelo's David but to each their own.
LATITUDE: 43º 34' 00'' N
LONGITUDE: 05º 42' 00'' W
Taken from (www.alquiler-directo.com)
The marina of Gijón, along with its numerous facilities, includes an historical building (rehabilitated "rula", or market of the old port of fishermen) in which the most important and essential services are centralized , such as Customs, Capitana and customer service, which means a greater comfort and effectiveness for the traveller. Integrated right in the center of the city, nearby you can find all the services that a large city can offer.
I eagerly await the next update from The Kipper and the crew-of-two once they have caught up on their beauty sleep; I wonder if they are know that Spain won some sort of Association Football competition on Sunday - if not I don't think it will be long before they find out.
The Scribe received the following text at 07:34 hrs
'The weather at last has relented and given us an opportunity to cross to Spain, left about 30 minutes ago and will be out of contact till Thursday probably earlier but will text on arrival.'
At 06:18 hrs today (Monday) The Scribe received the following:
'Morning, we are just arriving in Gijon, Spain after a very quick crossing of Biscay, wasn't expected to get here until tonight. 150 and 140 miles a day sailing. When I let you know we were leaving I got the days confused, I thought it was Monday not Saturday! We've had some brilliant fast sailing and had dolphins (AFD) playing around us on the way over. Was tempted at 0300 hrs this morning to turn right for Corunna but wind died off so decided on Gijon. When we've sorted everything, a shower and sleep is called for.'
Gijon is on the North coast of Spain and is decsribed as being in the Asturias region. It is described by a gentleman named Danial Clifford (www.travelingingspain.com) as being a mid-sized city of some 270,000 residents. The town is reported to have been around for 3000 years and began as a fishing village. It is now an important busy port on the Atlantic coast. It appears to be a popular tourist spot with quaint cobblestone streets and an historic fishing village named Cimadevilla is worth a visit. It also boasts a sculpture named the Eligio del Horizonte (Praise of the Horizon) placed in 1990 at Cerro de Santa Catalina. Not exactly Michael Angelo's David but to each their own.
LATITUDE: 43º 34' 00'' N
LONGITUDE: 05º 42' 00'' W
PORT OF GIJÓN
The marina of Gijón, along with its numerous facilities, includes an historical building (rehabilitated "rula", or market of the old port of fishermen) in which the most important and essential services are centralized , such as Customs, Capitana and customer service, which means a greater comfort and effectiveness for the traveller. Integrated right in the center of the city, nearby you can find all the services that a large city can offer.
I eagerly await the next update from The Kipper and the crew-of-two once they have caught up on their beauty sleep; I wonder if they are know that Spain won some sort of Association Football competition on Sunday - if not I don't think it will be long before they find out.
Friday, 29 June 2012
The weather at sea...
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| Valid 0000 UTC Saturday 30th June |
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| Valid 1200 UTC Saturday 30th June |
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| Valid 0000 UTC Sunday 1st July |
Friday 29th June '12
The Kipper and the crew-of-two are still in Benodet but they are hoping to leave around 9 am tomorrow morning. Or at least that was the plan when I spoke to The Kipper at about 13:30 hrs this afternoon. At that point, the weather was looking promising with a window opening up for them that could have seen them across Biscay. The Kipper was hopeful that they could begin by sailing best course to windward until the wind veered allowing them to hopefully make course. However, whole hours have gone by since then and I have a slight fear that the weather might not stick to the plan. The Kipper is watching the forecase carefully and remains hopeful that they will leave.
In the mean time, it seems they have been enjoying the hospitality that Benodet has to offer; last night they ate ashore at a very nice restaurant in St Marine which is on the opposite side of the river. They all had the fish soup to start, then for their main course, Steve had the fish...Bobbie D had...the fish and The Kipper had...chicken! Given the amount of time they are about to spend out on the water I'd have thought they would have gone for the beef or goat or horse even the vegetarian option, anything but the fish. They report that the weather was so nice yesterday the shorts came out and the oilskins were packed away. I do so like an optimist.
I'm afraid there is some rather sad news to report.
The Kipper sent a text update at 21:29 last evening:
'Been on a trek to the supermarket, top up on a few essentials, brandy, gin and scotch. We didn't do very well, only came back with food and scotch! Sun shone here most of the day so we all caught up with some sleep in the cockpit. Been out for dinner in a nice restaurant. Bobbie D has my cold and is suffering, not sure he will survive the man flu!'
Little Bobbie D has caught The Kipper's cold and according to reports, he has taken a turn for the worst and a serious case of 'man-flu' has set in. Now as we all know (girls) this can prove fatal in the male of the species and so last night was a worry. The reports were grim: not expected to make it through the night, etc., etc. The Scribe naturally passed on her concerns and sadness about a life tragically cut short at such a young age and enquired if they had enough cannon balls on board just in case it should come to a swift burial at sea. Advised that they feed him some scotch which would hopefully sort him out. All that was left to do was get the Rosary beads out and pray.
At 22:53 hrs The Kipper reported;
'Medicinal scotch applied. No cannon balls but have stone boulders as substitues if he doesn't make it, more scotch for Steve and I.'
By 13:30 hrs this afternoon Bobbie D was reported to be making good progress although they feared he wasn't out of the woods yet. In true Kipper fashion, the sick one was sent ashore to go in search of a new gas bottle. He is alleged to have gone ashore with said gas bottle only to find that the shop had run out. He returned to the harbour, took the water taxi across to the other side (just in case you're wondering, that's the other side of the harbour...not THE other side... you know, the place where the big G is supposed to live!) and once ashore, he located a supply of gas and then proudly returned to th water front only to find that the harbour taxi driver had gone for his lunch. One grumpy hour later, the poor wee thing returned to Petra, no doubt exhausted from his exertions. Steve gave him a hug and he got a well done from The Kipper and that made everything alright again...apparently.
They moved Petra into the marina in Benodet today so that they could charge the batteries, top up the water tanks and generally prepare to leave tomorrow. They will be eating aboard Petra and kebabs are on the menu tonight.
At 20:11 hrs, this was the sad picture sent from the saloon, clearly, Little Bobbie D was fighting the man-flu but what a relief it was to have Steve on hand to help him through. Note the big orange bear on the shelf behind them who appears to be grinning from ear-to-ear. Not quite sure why Bobbie D has a blue towel on his head and clearly, the wine will be medicinal.
By 20:15 hrs, he was making an excellent recovery and was stuffing himself with kebabs and red wine! The Kipper reported that they were going to eat al fresco but heavy rain put an end to that idea. They are eating a hearty meal before setting off tomorrow and are watching the weather forecase carefully as things are changing.
In the mean time, it seems they have been enjoying the hospitality that Benodet has to offer; last night they ate ashore at a very nice restaurant in St Marine which is on the opposite side of the river. They all had the fish soup to start, then for their main course, Steve had the fish...Bobbie D had...the fish and The Kipper had...chicken! Given the amount of time they are about to spend out on the water I'd have thought they would have gone for the beef or goat or horse even the vegetarian option, anything but the fish. They report that the weather was so nice yesterday the shorts came out and the oilskins were packed away. I do so like an optimist.
I'm afraid there is some rather sad news to report.
The Kipper sent a text update at 21:29 last evening:
'Been on a trek to the supermarket, top up on a few essentials, brandy, gin and scotch. We didn't do very well, only came back with food and scotch! Sun shone here most of the day so we all caught up with some sleep in the cockpit. Been out for dinner in a nice restaurant. Bobbie D has my cold and is suffering, not sure he will survive the man flu!'
Little Bobbie D has caught The Kipper's cold and according to reports, he has taken a turn for the worst and a serious case of 'man-flu' has set in. Now as we all know (girls) this can prove fatal in the male of the species and so last night was a worry. The reports were grim: not expected to make it through the night, etc., etc. The Scribe naturally passed on her concerns and sadness about a life tragically cut short at such a young age and enquired if they had enough cannon balls on board just in case it should come to a swift burial at sea. Advised that they feed him some scotch which would hopefully sort him out. All that was left to do was get the Rosary beads out and pray.
At 22:53 hrs The Kipper reported;
'Medicinal scotch applied. No cannon balls but have stone boulders as substitues if he doesn't make it, more scotch for Steve and I.'
By 13:30 hrs this afternoon Bobbie D was reported to be making good progress although they feared he wasn't out of the woods yet. In true Kipper fashion, the sick one was sent ashore to go in search of a new gas bottle. He is alleged to have gone ashore with said gas bottle only to find that the shop had run out. He returned to the harbour, took the water taxi across to the other side (just in case you're wondering, that's the other side of the harbour...not THE other side... you know, the place where the big G is supposed to live!) and once ashore, he located a supply of gas and then proudly returned to th water front only to find that the harbour taxi driver had gone for his lunch. One grumpy hour later, the poor wee thing returned to Petra, no doubt exhausted from his exertions. Steve gave him a hug and he got a well done from The Kipper and that made everything alright again...apparently.
They moved Petra into the marina in Benodet today so that they could charge the batteries, top up the water tanks and generally prepare to leave tomorrow. They will be eating aboard Petra and kebabs are on the menu tonight.
At 20:11 hrs, this was the sad picture sent from the saloon, clearly, Little Bobbie D was fighting the man-flu but what a relief it was to have Steve on hand to help him through. Note the big orange bear on the shelf behind them who appears to be grinning from ear-to-ear. Not quite sure why Bobbie D has a blue towel on his head and clearly, the wine will be medicinal. 
By 20:15 hrs, he was making an excellent recovery and was stuffing himself with kebabs and red wine! The Kipper reported that they were going to eat al fresco but heavy rain put an end to that idea. They are eating a hearty meal before setting off tomorrow and are watching the weather forecase carefully as things are changing.
So, all-in-all, everything is looking good for tomorrow. I can put my Rosary beads away, Julie can put the life insurance policy away and Steve can take off his nurses outfit. The Kipper can off-load all those boulders and all being well, they will set sail on the morning tide for the warmer waters of the south.
Yey...
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
The weather at sea...
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| Thursday 28th June - 1200 hrs |
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| Thursday 28th June - 0300 hrs |
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| Thursday 28th June - 2100 hrs |
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| Friday 29th June - 0600 hrs |
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