Had the worst Xmas day on record. So bad that I was even thinking how preferable it would be to be at home being forced to go out for a walk with my father - an annual 'tradition' that I usually hate. This year, father Christmas brought us: a broken jib furling system, an engine that would only go in reverse, another incompetent skipper and seasickness. And, for an encore, a seasick cat. Yup, the only thing worse than feeling seasick is, I have discovered, having to clear up after a vomiting moggy. The novely of having a cat on board is definitely wearing thin now.
But...having said that, C did marvelously and fixed the furling system in minutes, and rigged up some Heath Robinson affair with ropes to make the engine go the right way. It was a bit like being on a large boat with the helmsman shouting instructions down to the engine room. The skipper is pleasant enough, but he hasn't tested his boat, knows less about sailing than we do, hasn't prepared at all and has Parkinsons, so isn't very mobile. In fact we nearly lost him over the side a couple of times on the way over. We wanted to be learning on this trip, but so far it seems that we've been more experienced than the skippers we've sailed with...which has got me started thinking that maybe we ought to just do it properly and buy our own damn boat. Yes, I know owning a boat has been likened to standing in the shower stuffing 50 quid notes down the drain...but if we don't do it, I feel like we'll always be living someone else's dream, not our own...
For the moment, we have no option but to stick with the current boat as we don't have any other options, but, we are definitely thinking of alternatives. It wasn't meant to be this way!!!! I've even been reading a travel book about biking round the world, so, much to C's delight, that may even be a possiblity.
Anyway, enough whining. What good news do we have? We're in Grenada, and are actually able to explore this time - we're in St George's, the capital, and it's lovely - lots of old buildings and the people are so friendly. We just asked someone in a shop where the internet cafe was and he walked up the street with us to take us there. How kind!
Right, have to go now as have to look up boats for sale on line...
H&Cxx
PS just seen the most gigantic yacht in the whole world ever dock next to us - she must be at least 240ft...
3 comments:
Sounds dire, but at least you are managing to keep a sense of humour.Am yet again impressed by C's ability to make things work. Another plus you have not mentioned is that you write entertainingly - you should start a book about how NOT to cross the Atlantic! Just as a matter of interest - tradition was broken this year and we did not go for a walk on Christmas Day!
Pessimistic note from father after I read him your latest blog - "remember that buying a second hand boat is like buying a second hand car: why are the present owners getting rid of it, and what are you likely to find out only after you are half way across the Pacific?" Yep, father is as cheerful as ever and still looking on the bright side of every situation. Take care Susan xx
I just knew all that gazing at howstuffworks.com and his Leatherman all-in-one toolkit would be useful. Just the other day we (Charlie and I) were looking at gearboxes... That's my boy!
Sorry things are a bit of a trial but just think of the experience and confidence it's giving you. Alternatively, think of that ski notice we first saw on a rotten icy day in La Thuile, the day in fact that our neighbour broke his leg, A bad day on the slopes is better than a good day in the office. love you, Mad & Dum
Hello you both!
We were thinking of you on Christmas Day. We were out in the tent as normal and had the lightest dusting of snow during the night! That counts as a white Christmas!
It was quite chilly though, glad of the cosy seeping bags! We thought you would be happily sunbathing, but that your bubbly would be much warmer than ours!
Hope it all gets much easier soon, adventures are all good though you know. Remember you left to get away from doing the same(ish) thing every day, whatever else it may be your life is not boring!
Take care, keep smiling!
Love from Lizzie and Mike :) :)
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