...still long way to go.
Blue and Red!
Blue and Red!
Monday, 27 January 2014
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Some questions by Cheerkizmo and my attempt to answer them, transcripted by Cheerko(R)o himselves and me
Lucky New Year! (2014 is hiding 2 times 7, so double lucky:)
Thanks for posting all the updates and adding your very own point of view to it.
"Rado sa stalo!..."
[From previous conversation, up to Cape Verde:]
me: Winds?...
you: usually 15 to 20 knots, direction south or sout-sout-west.
me: Motoring?...
you: only when you reefing (taking down the sails partially due to strong winds) or need to top up batteries, using solar but 7 people consume a lot.
me: Met some other boats?
you: perhaps 1 only first night - cargo one, only a little light of it. Otherwise about half a dozen on the radar in circle of 40 n.miles...
me: First port to arrive on the other side?
you: probably Martinique..
me: How did you manage food supply?
you: I'll come back to this later in length. We consider mainly calories/energetic efficiency (energy needed for processing)
me: Do you plan Christmas decoration?
you: not yet, but will do tomorrow..
me: Do you need visa?
you: no
[Present questions, few miles from Martinique:]
Well done!!! The locator on the baydreamer.se shows you nearly there.
- How did you mange waste, such as solid waste and waste water?
Waste I bore in my mind but in such wasteful times it seems impossible to get anywhere near my satisfaction. So when buying supplies one thinks of minimising the amount of packaging as well as using decomposable materials. But it all also depends on the conditions these supplies are kept under and so even if it would be ideal to have a 25kg sack of rice (which btw were well overpriced in those "Asian" shops I found), if it starts rotting the waste would become greater. I'd love to have everything packed in recyclables/compostables and I tried but I must say that I was not very successful. It takes lots of planning and a good knowledge of a local retail. Also I had a certain budget to play with.
And so the staff we assumed should not be harmful for the Ocean we dumped over board, the rest we dragged to the next destination, It was not so much I think.
Waste water goes directly into the ocean, the most of boats function that way. I suggested to captain to use eco-friendly and I can say that he listened and purchased somewhat friendlier cleaning liquids. Respect to our captain Dani for all his openness, many others would only laugh at me!
- How many times did you manage to have shower during the crossing?
I showered twice throughout the main part, and almost everyday or even twice a day we swam behind the boat holding on the rope, great fun even after seeing some sharks around the boat. Adds up to the experience!
- How did you deal with human waste (shit)?
Stored it in case it came to the worst, running out of food scenario...
- Was there any moment when you were almost stand still and you could jump in and swim?
No doldrums, but swimming behind the boat doing 7 knots is much greater fun.
- Have you seen some dolphins, whales, sharks?
We have seen sharks and many dolphins, maybe some whales too but we cannot be sure.
- Did you see any rubbish floating in the sea?
Not except that which we threw in.
- What was first impression from people in Martinique?
Very friendly and helpful, relaxed and funky. I'm impressed.
- Do you have to pay for mooring in port?
We were on an anchor and that is free, one can pay for a buoy I think 13e a day and have access to marina facilities or a proper dock for 40e (very hard to get a place, many boats down here in La Marin)
- Have you been sea sick?
I have been sick very little, took no pharmaceutic medicines, ate lots of ginger and garlic which I eat a lot anyway... One gets used to it normally very quickly.
- What is your next plan as for destination after South America, and will you carry on sailing?
Next plan to stay here, find a job. South America, probably Venezuela first. Sailing of course is now within me and I will sail every time there is an opportunity to use such a way of transportation. Maybe I'll get my own boat one day.
I've been seeing Oli yesterday. We've got floods here and so I was glad to wear Meindl boots while cycling as the road was mostly under water and so it looked like cycling in a lake. Very adventurous, especially getting to the other side over the flooded meadow.. yet Sunseeker seem to be safe where it is with it's crew including 4 dogs.
Looking forward hear from you soon!
Cheers!ko
Monday, 13 January 2014
Atlantic crossing
Gran Canaria/ Las Palmas - São Vicente/ Mindelo(Cape Verde) - Martinique/La Marin
Approximately 800NM (nautical miles) first stage, 2050NM second stage straight line
First stage, departure 13.12.2013, after rough first night with wind anywhere between 25-40 knots and big swells we experienced steady seas, wind speed average of 20 knots, all the way to Mindelo (arrival on afternoon 19.12.). It took us 6 and a half days. Few days spent on São Vicente and last on an anchor near a little village on Santo Antão.
Second stage, departure 24.12.2013, smooth ride all the way more or less stable seas, our average speed around 5.5-6 knots. It took as about 15 days to reach Le Marin (arrival on afternoon 8.1.2014).
Cape Verde; interesting mixture of cultures, long time under the influence of Portuguese. Very nice people once outside the city, though a party in Mindelo proved vibrant(lost my camera(yes, I was just about to start posting some pictures too)) and a local sugar cane spirit called grog provided funky blur and a difficulties to memorise the previous night details. Lots of laugh and dance with charming Caboverdans, accompanied by grog right into a trance!
The islands we visited aren't very green though the locals grow their crops in rather smart way, permaculture style little fields up in a hilly terrain, I saw mainly pulses, squash, tomato, potato and of course sugar cane in places where there is more water available. I suppose the local climate allows more than one season a year. Generally water is very precious but on San Antao we were told that it is plentiful and people manage to collect enough. Tasty local dishes including my favourite Sopa de Peixe(a fish soup) of which I have got a recipe written by chef herself, translation/transcription/test still pending.
Crossing was generally very pleasant, great crew, stable weather(I must say I wished for a storm to have a proper experience; not so much for doldrums which we missed anyway). All crew very dedicated and organised, happy and willing.
Main activities consisted of but where not limited to:
- watch keeping with occasional sails adjusting, watch was required 24 hours a day though sometimes, as an autopilot was on most of the time, it was just keeping an eye on the wind speed and direction. Sails need adjusting when some of these(and more) aspects change or when the course needs mending. Our keen captain Dani showed us how to reef, jib, tack(I don't really know if this is how to spell the words), we trained the "man over board" procedure and successfully retained a lost piece of equipment in under 10 minutes - good fun as it only was a polystyrene body board...
- cooking - very important to maintain the healthy diet and I must say we did very well. Every day we had from 1 up to 3 cooked meals, sometimes I actually wanted to eat raw(and I got my wishes come true in form ocean's gift - fish - which we ate raw in italian, japanese and other ways; very tasty). I happened to be a main cook preparing the dishes with an extra passion and love of course. Veggie stews, potato dishes, risotto, soups, pastas of all sorts(Davo the Italian showed off his precious cooking skills), bread, humous and some sweet cakes and biscuits including my flapjacks. Very bright moments when we got blessed by a fish tricked be our fishing lure. Mahi mahi dominated our dinning repertoar baked, grilled, souped, or simply eaten fresh. It often felt like a cullinary sailing cruise... The Michellin standards met.
- keeping the boat clean, tidy and fixing everything as soon as possible is a good standard. It is important not to procrastinate, make sure everything is cleared right away after the meals, trying not to leave anything loose at any time. Through out the whole crossing we managed to fix most of the things that broke, to Martinique we arrived with only very minor repairs required.
- lazing out, reading books, dancing, fishing, swimming behind the boat(only with harness, a big hook attached to swimming suit and a couple of curious sharks behind;), watching the wonders of the Ocean, Big Blue, colours of nowhere else, mesmerising sets and rises of the Mighty Star, moon blinded flying fish, spectacular spectacles performed by dolphins demonstrating their acrobatics causing us uncontrollable happiness and our dog an urge of nature(poo)...
It is where I meet and experience the power of the ocean I realise I need to respect it even more. The feel of wind, being swept by surfs larger than the boat itself I encounter its immense force...
Great experience and I feel I grow ready for more.
So here I come, Caribbean, perhaps still not quite realising that I made it. My momentary plan is to try to find a work to make some cash before I head further down south. But all open to any sort of madness while chasing my destiny;)
On arrival, the first thing I really felt like doing was making sure there is a rock worth a while and there seem to be enough all around the island. I spent a couple of days in a jungle contemplating with them beauty blocks of rock. My source of nutrition soon became a plentiful forest berries such as mandarins and cocos which I smashed(rather than the hard shell on top of my neck) on the stones; what a flavours.
People here are super nice friendly bunch who love to laugh and talk really loud. They often try to help even if not asked and they often like to take out their loud drums and dance-march the streets celebrating whatever there is to be celebrated.
I'm not in a hurry, here will do me good for a time being.
bonne journée!
Approximately 800NM (nautical miles) first stage, 2050NM second stage straight line
First stage, departure 13.12.2013, after rough first night with wind anywhere between 25-40 knots and big swells we experienced steady seas, wind speed average of 20 knots, all the way to Mindelo (arrival on afternoon 19.12.). It took us 6 and a half days. Few days spent on São Vicente and last on an anchor near a little village on Santo Antão.
Second stage, departure 24.12.2013, smooth ride all the way more or less stable seas, our average speed around 5.5-6 knots. It took as about 15 days to reach Le Marin (arrival on afternoon 8.1.2014).
Cape Verde; interesting mixture of cultures, long time under the influence of Portuguese. Very nice people once outside the city, though a party in Mindelo proved vibrant(lost my camera(yes, I was just about to start posting some pictures too)) and a local sugar cane spirit called grog provided funky blur and a difficulties to memorise the previous night details. Lots of laugh and dance with charming Caboverdans, accompanied by grog right into a trance!
The islands we visited aren't very green though the locals grow their crops in rather smart way, permaculture style little fields up in a hilly terrain, I saw mainly pulses, squash, tomato, potato and of course sugar cane in places where there is more water available. I suppose the local climate allows more than one season a year. Generally water is very precious but on San Antao we were told that it is plentiful and people manage to collect enough. Tasty local dishes including my favourite Sopa de Peixe(a fish soup) of which I have got a recipe written by chef herself, translation/transcription/test still pending.
Crossing was generally very pleasant, great crew, stable weather(I must say I wished for a storm to have a proper experience; not so much for doldrums which we missed anyway). All crew very dedicated and organised, happy and willing.
Main activities consisted of but where not limited to:
- watch keeping with occasional sails adjusting, watch was required 24 hours a day though sometimes, as an autopilot was on most of the time, it was just keeping an eye on the wind speed and direction. Sails need adjusting when some of these(and more) aspects change or when the course needs mending. Our keen captain Dani showed us how to reef, jib, tack(I don't really know if this is how to spell the words), we trained the "man over board" procedure and successfully retained a lost piece of equipment in under 10 minutes - good fun as it only was a polystyrene body board...
- cooking - very important to maintain the healthy diet and I must say we did very well. Every day we had from 1 up to 3 cooked meals, sometimes I actually wanted to eat raw(and I got my wishes come true in form ocean's gift - fish - which we ate raw in italian, japanese and other ways; very tasty). I happened to be a main cook preparing the dishes with an extra passion and love of course. Veggie stews, potato dishes, risotto, soups, pastas of all sorts(Davo the Italian showed off his precious cooking skills), bread, humous and some sweet cakes and biscuits including my flapjacks. Very bright moments when we got blessed by a fish tricked be our fishing lure. Mahi mahi dominated our dinning repertoar baked, grilled, souped, or simply eaten fresh. It often felt like a cullinary sailing cruise... The Michellin standards met.
- keeping the boat clean, tidy and fixing everything as soon as possible is a good standard. It is important not to procrastinate, make sure everything is cleared right away after the meals, trying not to leave anything loose at any time. Through out the whole crossing we managed to fix most of the things that broke, to Martinique we arrived with only very minor repairs required.
- lazing out, reading books, dancing, fishing, swimming behind the boat(only with harness, a big hook attached to swimming suit and a couple of curious sharks behind;), watching the wonders of the Ocean, Big Blue, colours of nowhere else, mesmerising sets and rises of the Mighty Star, moon blinded flying fish, spectacular spectacles performed by dolphins demonstrating their acrobatics causing us uncontrollable happiness and our dog an urge of nature(poo)...
It is where I meet and experience the power of the ocean I realise I need to respect it even more. The feel of wind, being swept by surfs larger than the boat itself I encounter its immense force...
Great experience and I feel I grow ready for more.
So here I come, Caribbean, perhaps still not quite realising that I made it. My momentary plan is to try to find a work to make some cash before I head further down south. But all open to any sort of madness while chasing my destiny;)
On arrival, the first thing I really felt like doing was making sure there is a rock worth a while and there seem to be enough all around the island. I spent a couple of days in a jungle contemplating with them beauty blocks of rock. My source of nutrition soon became a plentiful forest berries such as mandarins and cocos which I smashed(rather than the hard shell on top of my neck) on the stones; what a flavours.
People here are super nice friendly bunch who love to laugh and talk really loud. They often try to help even if not asked and they often like to take out their loud drums and dance-march the streets celebrating whatever there is to be celebrated.
I'm not in a hurry, here will do me good for a time being.
bonne journée!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Atlantico
From top left: Anna, Dani, Eddie, Lisa and Max
Bottom/center our beloved dog Vera and a couple of spare legs! We are now in Mindelo/Cape Verde after over 6 days of sailling from Las Palmas and now I have to go and prepare some food for the guys...
Also you can follow us on
http://www.baydreamer.se
Friday, 29 November 2013
Gran Canaria
Getting up early I made my way back to the airport and took a bus to the
city centre of Las Palmas. The priorities were to find a CSer who'd host me
and to find a marina/port. Few minutes wandering about I met this
lovely prostitute who, with a big smile, showed me the nearest "ciber
cafe". Being unlucky in Portugal and Spain when looking for a place to
stay paid off here as I found a host almost immediatelly. Her name's
Anna, semi Spanish, semi Swedish girl who has moved to Las Palmas to
look for a boat. And she had already found hers. She was leaving
with the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) on 24.11.. She provided very good start for me and became a helpful advisor. I improved my
advert, but that I knew that was not so important. The main aim is
to go around the marina, try to sneak inside a pontoon and talk to
people. And that requires a large dose of patience and an everlasting and authentic smile. Though I must say that the majority of people are
kind and at least try to give another tip on how to succeed. In Las
Palmas' marina there is also a bar called Sailors Bar and it's
frequently packed with sailors and boathitchhikers(BH). Apart from good
atmosphere one can also find there many grumpy waitresses and not so
good pizza. Here in the bar or around the marina I met so many BHs like
me willing to cross Atlantic and we can quickly become close friends
sharing very similar values in life. And so spirits rise up high and it
comes easier to search if we can also share some positive energy.
Few days after my arrival I was wandering around the pontoons where I saw a nice Lagoon 380 catamaran with a Swedish couple on board which seemed to be freshly docked. And so I tried to greet them through the pontoon gate as they were parked first on the left side. The girl greeted me back and said something in Swedish to the guy, who got off the boat and opened the gate for me. He introduced himself as Daniel, his wife Anna and their little dog Vera. They were the first people to invite me on their boat. And so we talked briefly about our missions and concluded that we should meet again. We met few days later at the Sailors', drank beer and shared some crazy stories... I offered my hand to help with whatever needed and so I got myself a carpentering task.
To buy a marine plywood one must travel across the city to the very far end and once there it only opens every now-and-then.The taks itself was pleasant for me as I enjoy working with wood. I also helped Dani with water maker instalment. All succesfull, I could live few nights on board with my captain and captainess.
While on Gran Canaria I met an old friend Chcipo and his girl down in Maspalomas, few days of chillout throughout their busy routine Chcipo gave me an opportunity(for very friendly price) to pass PADI Scuba diver course. I'm sure that it will pay back.
Couple of days spent in the west of the island, Tamadaba National Park was my destination, and its picturesque pine forests with some beautiful crags and bouldery sport climbing. I've met nice locals and two guys from Tenerife, Dani and Gorge, with whom I climbed for 2 days. With couple of 7a problems I indeed surprised myself that I'm still able to push hard enough! Before reaching the climbing spot I spent a night in a little village called Tajegisto where I was well looked after by friendly locals, given beer, food and spanish lesson, then taken home by one of them to sleep in a humble cave apartment. Breakfast made out of fresh eggs and homegrown herb tea got me ready for a 4 hour hike towards Pinar de Tamadaba.
In Las Palmas I also discovered few squats leaving me with mixed feelings. Quite nice places, though some strange evenings/events with unfriendly attitude amongst inhabitants. Still they let me stay there for 3 nights, the roof over my head and warm shower proved luxurious.
Few days after my arrival I was wandering around the pontoons where I saw a nice Lagoon 380 catamaran with a Swedish couple on board which seemed to be freshly docked. And so I tried to greet them through the pontoon gate as they were parked first on the left side. The girl greeted me back and said something in Swedish to the guy, who got off the boat and opened the gate for me. He introduced himself as Daniel, his wife Anna and their little dog Vera. They were the first people to invite me on their boat. And so we talked briefly about our missions and concluded that we should meet again. We met few days later at the Sailors', drank beer and shared some crazy stories... I offered my hand to help with whatever needed and so I got myself a carpentering task.
To buy a marine plywood one must travel across the city to the very far end and once there it only opens every now-and-then.The taks itself was pleasant for me as I enjoy working with wood. I also helped Dani with water maker instalment. All succesfull, I could live few nights on board with my captain and captainess.
While on Gran Canaria I met an old friend Chcipo and his girl down in Maspalomas, few days of chillout throughout their busy routine Chcipo gave me an opportunity(for very friendly price) to pass PADI Scuba diver course. I'm sure that it will pay back.
Couple of days spent in the west of the island, Tamadaba National Park was my destination, and its picturesque pine forests with some beautiful crags and bouldery sport climbing. I've met nice locals and two guys from Tenerife, Dani and Gorge, with whom I climbed for 2 days. With couple of 7a problems I indeed surprised myself that I'm still able to push hard enough! Before reaching the climbing spot I spent a night in a little village called Tajegisto where I was well looked after by friendly locals, given beer, food and spanish lesson, then taken home by one of them to sleep in a humble cave apartment. Breakfast made out of fresh eggs and homegrown herb tea got me ready for a 4 hour hike towards Pinar de Tamadaba.
In Las Palmas I also discovered few squats leaving me with mixed feelings. Quite nice places, though some strange evenings/events with unfriendly attitude amongst inhabitants. Still they let me stay there for 3 nights, the roof over my head and warm shower proved luxurious.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Hardworker from Slovakia hits the port in Las Palmas
More stories from Gran Canaria coming very soon...
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