Little tasks accomplished speedily can make a huge difference to life aboard. Recently Simon found and affixed a vintage ( ie the only one the chandler could find) hook to our cabin wall…now two straw hats no longer float annoyingly around the saloon. He also sawed, sanded and varnished a piece of…
Huddled under our leaky spray-hood on a spit spotting cloudy day, I am surveying a line of fishing boats, one owner deftly darning his nets using expansive arm manoeuvres and a large curved needle. The music singing from his tinny radio, set deep within the dog house, is delightfully old…
The bay is slowly filling with a delightful selection of boats, ranging from 8 modest metres to the occasional 20 of sleek, polish and shine. Many drop their anchors for a single night but several, like us, loiter, spending our days experimenting with local ingredients on tiny stoves, pottering ashore…
The first around-the-island walk of the season is always special and each one tops the last. Yesterday we set off along the quay and were quickly greeted by a Serbian ‘Summer-live aboard’ couple and their large wet dog who enthusiastically wound himself around Kezzie, her lead, me, them and the…
This was our Last Sunday before leaving for the 45 mile trundle round to the boatyard and a lightly clouded sky assured a not too hot walk before lunch. Following some well recalled landmarks we took a steep upwards route, left at frangipane corner, right at the old community bread…
Some smiley-snippets to remember were during the 4 nights we recently spent at anchor in an island bay. Throughout the day both modest and grand motor boats deposit their guests in these warm waters, via jet-skis, bathing platforms and rubber tubes. Yachts arrive for lunch stops and day trippers are…
The weather has been odd this summer. A regular cycle offering a period of calm followed by a few rather windy days. Not the usual summer meltemi pattern which used to be a predictable northerly blow each day. Consequently (because I am not a windy-wind sailor) our routes and destinations…
Whilst benefitting from a recent whistle-stop visit to family and friends at home, I tucked a few ‘firsts’ into my belt: a zip wire ride at Hordle rec, a taster few bumps and bends on the local bmx track ( not so wisely accomplished on my upright Pashley road bike)…
It’s strange the way a ‘post’ creeps up on me…taps me on the shoulder and dances across the page of another writer’s show. So, whilst we are sheltering in a secluded bay, held securely over an oyster strewn sea bed by out trusty anchor and some fancy yellow rock lines…I…
Well, here we go…a confession. Perhaps this blog has been rather too positive to date. To be honest we have tried to gloss over any problems and highlight the abundance of good experiences we enjoy…because that makes better reading and infinitely better memories. BUT….it is not all easy-peasy sunshine and…