May 2011
Dave has just reached Brindisi from Vieste last week with Gordon, so the boat is closer to an airport for us to get the kids to the boat on 4th of August. we are now planning our trip from Brindisi to Portugal.
Our plan is to sail round the south of Italy then north of Sicily and across to Sardinia up the west coast and over to Majorca southern Spain through to Gibraltar and maybe finally getting to Faro in Portugal
Ladybear: Preparing for our next trip
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| Teaching Becca the ropes |
4th august
Well we have started our next trip as a family from brindisi Italy to...... at the moment I would like to say to when and where ever, but our main plan is to eventually get to Portugal. Hopefully meeting Lorna and Alexis in Majorca.
We arrived early at Brindisi after the six o'clock in the morning flight from Stanstead. Didn't seem so bad this time all went well prepared and ready for stanstead.
It was hot with clear blue skies, we were excited to have arrived, until the taxi woman disappointingly over charged us, 30 euros when it should have been 10. Things like that cast a bad feeling on the day.
There was Ladybear tied up and looking lonely. We soon livened her up with music while we unpacked. I was disappointed how dirty she was with mold spots and Dave turned her into a tool shed. Although at first I was over whelmed by it we soon cleaned her up. Fridge cleaned, shook out the bedding, cleaned the heads and scrubbed floors and walls. We were also waiting for a young girl to join us from the cruising forum but she hadn't arrived, so I took Artie to the beach.
Becca didn't arrive until gone 8pm the boys were asleep and so was I. The poor girl had missed her bus and was worried we would have left without her. She had found our profile on looking for crew forum for anyone who wanted experience sailing on an old classic boat and a general helping hand on board. We were not leaving until the next day the 5th. as the boat needed a little more preparing, so it was no problem waiting for her
In the morning it didn't take Artie long to be chatty and getting Becca involved.
Artie wanted to go back to the beach but it was too rocky and a bit dirty, I said we will find better beaches.
We went shopping and got our supplies for a few days at the little local shop. We really had nothing on board just a bit of pasta. When Becca emailed us we did say it was 20 Euros a day for food and board but as Lorna and Lexy had arranged to put 10 Euros a day into the food and expense purse and it seemed only fare to have it the same for everyone even though she was leaving us in Majorca when we meet Lorna. Dave made it very clear that Becca should help herself when shes hungry. It is strange when I'm on the boat I forget the time and forget to eat, but the kids remind me. By 3pm we were almost ready to sail.
The weather was perfect for sailing 2.5 knots our average. From 3pm to 6am we did 40 miles. Our first nights sail taking it in turns to do the watches. Dave did until 24:00 am then I did until 02:00. it was calm and the stars were out. Becca took over at 4am and woke Dave before 05:30am as the winds changed, the wind was a head of us so we had to change course. So we didn't get too much sleep.
We spent our time on the boat sitting on deck, changing sails, listening to music eating biscuits and napping. It was great and exciting to back on Ladybear.
Saturday 6th august at 6am.we arrived in a pretty town Otanica.
A walled medieval town. We anchored near the beach where we all had a swim, apart from Lolly as it was too chilly for him. Artie and Becca swam to the shore and back again after spending some time walking on the beach.
Poor Lolly has a heat rash and doesn't want to put his summer clothes on still wanting his long trousers and socks but I suppose it is cooler here than Turkey only 32 in stead of 42
Dave discovered that the bilge pump wasn't working so he got all the tools out which we had to step over for a few hours. First it was the switch then all the electrics. It had been badly wired in the first place. Dave tried to repair it but gave up as it was so badly damaged by sea water that had got to the electric motor after
having a slight leak in the forward cabin, so we had to manually pump the bilges which was difficult in the heat Beck and I took it in turns running back and forth pumping the bilges while we made lunch.
As we were anchored Dave got ready to go ashore to get to the shops to get a replacement pump, but couldn't get the dingy outboard motor to start. So there we were anchored and sinking with hardly any supplies. Oh! what fun!
We decided to see if there was room for us alongside the quay it looked very busy. but we managed to find a place at the end and Dave ran to the chandlers to get a new pump before they closed at 1pm for the afternoon and before we sank! Becca and I managed to keep Lady Bear afloat whilst still pumping the bilges.
So the big question was, would he make it and would they have the right pump?
After Lorenzo had three bowls of pasta and Artie had had a nap. Dave came back with a bag in hand, ...what a relief!!
All the repairs done and Dave took a well earned nap of two hours after only getting 3 1/2 hours the night before.
We all went out for beer and pizza that evening. Lolly in his wheelchair. We also managed to go shopping getting loads of supplies in a very busy shop.There was no room to move trying to get the trolley and Lolly around all the boxes and aisles.
It was getting dark as we cheerfully rushed back to the boat with all the shopping, arriving to find lots of mosquito's, so we decided to anchor off shore to get away from them. It worked!
We had martini on the deck while listening to mamma mia music, surrounded by the towns pretty evening lights.
Dave and I slept on deck that night with the boys.
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| Morning swim |
The morning we woke early with Lolly giggling. I sat on deck writing in my journal for the first time as the sun rose warming us up. Artie and Dave went for a morning swim.
Boat ready we sailed out the anchor and away from Otanica Bay. Dave plotted our course as we sailed into the glistening sea. Winds were southerly so we needed to tack today. Boys played in the back cabin, Becca relaxing on deck. I prepared something for breakfast, even though everyone had had a nibble of last nights pizza.
We motored all morning to charge the batteries. We all sat on deck as we motor sailed towards the rising sun
When we finally turned off the engine we all got out off the boat for a swim even Lolly who wasn't too keen as it was cold and a little too choppy for him I kept shouting at Dave to take it easy with him. Dave has to wear a snorkel with Lolly on his back as Lolly pulls on him too much and puhes his head under water but it kept blowing into Lorenzo's face. So that wasn't very successful for poor Lolly. He got out and said ' We try different Pool' ......bless him.
We sat on deck again and had snack of crisps and biscuits, while Dave swam around with a broom and tried to scrub the bottom of the boat.
We hoped by the end of our S.E tack we could make a S.W tack but the wind died, so our journey was slow with no motor so we just bobbed about and had dinner watching the sunset.
Night shift again. Dave 12am till 3am I took over then I woke Becca at 5am.
Throughout the whole night we had only done 3 or 4 miles because there was no wind. It was so upsetting and disappointing especially when you haven't slept. I insisted we Stop at Leucca for a rest. I was in a 'I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS ' mood, being tired.
We were surprised when we got to the marina to find that for boats in transit in or out of the Med a one night stay was free. Well that was just what we needed. We had showers and got the Internet, so we could checked the weather. It looked like there was a storm coming on Wednesday from the north east where we had just come from but dying out by the time it reached Roccella Ionica. So we would have to make an early start in the morning so we would be well ahead of it. We had over 24 hours we should have been be alright.
I really enjoyed relaxing in the boat today listening to music and playing with the boys. In the evening we all went shopping as it's so much cooler. Spent another 90 euros on food but we had loads of supplies now.
It was great shopping this time trying out cheeses and olives a lot more choice but still twice the price. Artie was impressed as we were at the cashier, when a Lady in front of us when loading her shopping, her coke can exploded with a loud BANG! Coke everywhere. We found it really funny but the poor lady was very serious about it.
We had to have a large ice cream on the way back sitting on a wall in the busy town in the dark.
Dave got takeaway pizza on the way back to boat.
95 euros food supplies
marina free one night
9th august
Monday morning, all rested. We scrubbed and washed our clothes on deck, which we all really enjoyed.
lolly and Dave went for a shower and he dropped some of his business cards off at the office.
By 10am we were off again, the wind was calm. All our clothes hanging off the boat will soon dry in this heat.
The afternoon the wind was perfect for sailing . What a great Day!
The sail made a great shade from the sun as played and relaxed. We watched the dolphins jumping in and out of the water in the distances. Passed strange floating objects, that must have been for fishing? Then in the middle of nowhere there was a little fishing boat and as we passed so close the friendly man wished us 'Bon apertito' as we were having our lunch.
The kids had a great day, so warm and relaxing, Artie gave us a puppet show through the forward cabin hatch. Listened to Stories and music.
Lunch on the deck.
This day makes you know why you want to do it.
The early evening Dave asked Becca and I to watch as he napped , but it didn't take long and wind picked up real fast. We knew it should get windier and a gale was going to blow, but that was behind us we were suppose to be leaving that area into a calmer sea. But the wind just got stronger and stronger...............
MORE TO THIS STORY, FIND OUT WHAT WOKE US IN THE NIGHT!!
Journey from Marina di Leuca to Roccella Ionica – 43 hrs 127 miles.
Food 95 Euros. One night free marine. Bilge pump 75 euros
By midnight the wind was blowing so strong that Dave was full on in the cockpit while the boys and I held on tight in the aft cabin, rolling mostly to the port side. Lorenzo clung on to me anxiously with the occasional giggle. I thought 'we are never going to sleep through this'
But just as we were all finally drifting off to sleep a large wave hit the boat washing over the back cabin hatch.
An awful shock of cold sea water rushed in shocking us all wide awake again. I had forgot to lock the hatch. We lay there wet but not cold so we just stayed wet as there was nothing else to do as we couldn't move without getting knocked around.
It got rougher and rougher, I had to stop the kids from rolling about too much.
Drifting off to sleep again when there was the loudest bang and the boat turned to starboard now we were falling on our heads. It felt like we were in a washing machine. Dave jumped about the cockpit getting the boat back on course as we had just jibbed due to a sudden shift in the wind.
It went on all night. ….....It was a long night !
Although Dave was on all night, he did manage to make himself a coffee and have a nap.
He explained that when it jibbed the boat was lifted up by a large wave which turned the stern through the wind and sent us off in the wrong direction.
Becca had slept thought it all only waking once when we jibbed.
The glorious day that we had had before and then suddenly turning into a night of hell. It was the roughest storm I will ever want to experience.
Becca helped us hang the wet bedding around the boat to dry it.
It was still a bit rough so we couldn’t relax on deck today. I spent most the day in the aft cabin with the boys rolling about, but calmer this time.
It was a relief when the coast line appeared and we could see our target Roccella Jonica, doing about 5/6 knots. Hoping we would be there before dark.
But then Dave realized the bilge pump wasn't working it was the wiring AGAIN. Dave get the floor boards up to check it but there wasn't much he could do at the moment.
Not long after we were motoring away with only a few hours to go, the engine suddenly sounded strange. Up goes the floor boards again and everything out of the back cabin bedding and boards, everything was everywhere now with nowhere to go but feet up in the cockpit. A shout of horror came from Dave to turn the engine off quick. The bloody electric wire, loose wiring was working its way around the prop shaft…...........
If Dave hadn't found it it in time it would of tangled around the prop shaft and pulled all of the steering gear out of action..........
Later
I could hear water, strange you may say being on a boat but this was different it was inside the boat, a trickling somewhere. I thought it was in the bilges but felt there was something wrong. I mentioned it to Dave Up goes the floors Again for him to discover that the prop shaft that runs the propeller was leaking. Dave had to get at it and replace the stern gland stuffing to fix it
So not only the bilge pump didn't work but now we were leaking. Oh what fun!
Dave manage to get things together again and made a temporary repair. As we were arriving at Rocella jonica we noticed her boom had a large split through the centre. Dave knew it had a weak point in the boom but now it was more than that.
We approached Roccella Ionica in the dark. It was classed as a dangerous port to come into if there is off shore wind, which thank goodness we didn’t have, plus it has a silty entrance into the harbour so the depth is unpredictable. Once we were safely into the entrance of the harbour we looked around for the best place to moor, when the gearbox decided not to work it wouldn't go into gear at all nothing we couldn't move, strangely nothing, so Dave got off the boat and into the dingy .
'What are you doing, abandoning ship already “ I thought leaving me to steer a boat with no motor into a marina
He hooked himself onto the port side of lady bear and can you believe it he pushed us.
It was difficult to steer like this I shouted as the boat wanted to go to starboard, so Dave turned the outboard motor to the side turning it right and then, our boat being pushed from the side, I could steer just about in a straight line but we thought this was too difficult and dangerous so we turned about and lined up lady bear along side the harbour wall near the entrance away from other boats, but here we had no water or electric. But least it was free. Ah!
Well we made it in one piece although Lady Bear had taken a beating. All tied up Becca and Artie headed off to get a takeaway pizza. Dave checked the bilge pump and got that working as it was a new one but the whole of the wiring on the boat was in a bad state when we were bought it and now Dave was desperate to get all the wiring changed before any more disasters. Adding to the winter project.
Well almost an hour later finally Becca and Artie came back with our dinner, tired and relieved we'd made it, we ate our extra tasty pizza on deck and witnessed the lights and noise of the Marina.
I was sure we would all feel better after a good nights sleep. Somehow oddly I didn’t feel worried , it all seemed part of the adventure. I am sure we will make it in the end. Dave was confident that he could fix the problems in a few days. So at this moment it seems getting to Majorca on time seems very unlikely.
Well we ended up spending four days in Roccella Jonica.
The first day Becca and I took the boys to the beach not far from the marina going through the pine trees onto the sandy beach with the Roccella Castle and and stretch of coast line, its a beautiful little place situated just east of the marina.
Lolly had a swim and splash about with me which he loved, it took him a while to get used to it not as warm as Turkey last year. Then he rolled about on the towel while I had a good swim ,the water was clear and warm. Becca and I played with Artie and helped him make a sand castle and barrier wall to stop the water washing away his castle.
All in all it was a good stay we managed to meet other sailing people a family from Australia who bought their boat in Croatia. Dave helped them do an oil change in exchange for an amazing Chart program for the computer. They invited us to their boat for pancakes we brought the honey! They had three boys 16, 13, and 11 David, Josh and Andrew. Artie enjoyed entertaining everyone which sometimes got bit rude, by saying bottom jokes and showing off, they didn’t seem to mind.
At the mariner one could take a free bike and cycle to the village where I went on my own to find the bank. What a joy to be free on my own to cycle along the stretch of beach to the village.
I worked out in less than ten days I had spent 300 euros on food plus 120 euros on pizza. I didn't understand it as at home I only spend 70 euros a week usually.
One night we had pizza with a couple Nick and Alex, we met from a little junk rig called 'Freebee' she was painted yellow and blue with red sails I think she looked great, but I think Becca thought boats should be just white. I didn't mention my plans for Lady bear.
Nick helped us by having a lot of epoxy glue and helped to repaired our boom. Dave had to borrow an electric drill to screw holes into boom and then squeeze glue into it. It was so nice everyone helping each other. I felt bad as I stupidly gave a tiny piece of mosquito netting to the Australian family for their youngest sons cabin window not realising I had more than enough for our windows on the boat.
A lot of our jobs were being repaired and we were nearly ready to go.
As we were getting the boat ready to go a German man next to us who lived on his boat with his partner and black cat said they were hoping to go to the Caribbean. We are getting more and more tempted.
There is no fuel station a Roccella so we knew our next port of call was to get fuel but we were told not to get fuel at …....... as there was many reports of sea water being in their Diesel as they haven't been good at repairing their problem with some water leak ..? So this shows the importances of talking with other sailors and boaters.
370 Euro food supplies and pizas. 40 euros for the marina. Good price in Roccella as we were there for four nights. But you have to pay extra 2 euros for the showers
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12th August Roccella to Bova Marina
We left about 5 pm waving good-bye to our new friends and motor sailed through the night The boys listened to audio stories, 'Peter Pan' and 'James and the Giant Peach'. Dave was concerned that we wouldn’t have enough fuel. We anchoring in the dark at.Bova Marina which, despite its name is not a marina.
Waking before the boys and Becca, Dave decided to go ashore in the dingy and get fuel with our little car sat nav we could locate where the nearest fuel station was great idea to bring that.
I watched as he dragged the dingy onto the beach. There in the west of the coast line was a hazy out line of mount Etna an amazing sight in the early morning sun rise. I made tea for when Dave got back and Artie and Becca woke after and they all went a shore again to fill up more jerry cans of diesel. Lolly and I listened to music and had breakfast. I kept watch of the dingy, it started to look like it was getting washed into the water. I looked around to see if I could see them and wished for them to hurry up. There was no sight of them. There were people about and I wonder if anyone will be kind enough to notice and pull it back on the shore but just then I saw Arthur running down the beach towards the boat just in time.
They had help from a friendly guy who gave them a lift in his car to the fuel station and the bank and back again.
90 euros on fuel
After breakfast we set off again towards the Straits Of Massina with the coast of Sicily to our port and the Italian calabrian shores on our right. After lunch I managed to get myself a nap. I woke up and came out of the cabin to find Dave and Becca sitting in the cockpit steering our way through the busy Straits Of Massina with huge big ferries passing in front and behind us as they go between Sicily to Italy. The sky had a crimson haze as the evening approached and it was impressive to pass between the Italian and Sicilian coastlines.
With the evening approaching the electric tower which is located on the corner of Sicily, The Torre Faro... lit up with changing multi coloured lights from red lights to blues to green etc.. we turned off the engine and drifted very slowly now west north west towards Volcano Island .....miles to go.
From this location you could see the stretch of Italian coast line up towards Naples and the long stretch across the north of Sicily. As the evening darkened, fireworks were seen all along the the coastlines from the summer fiestas . So we sat on deck in the dark and played the game of spotting the fireworks as we slowly quietly went along..
Our night was calm and slow with Bach cello concerto playing as we drifted but the next morning with excitement, far in the distance was the hazy peek of Volcano Island.
By mid afternoon it was a great sail approaching the bay.
Enough wind to get us to 5 knots. I sat at the bows of the boat on the dingy in the shade of the sails. It seemed very busy with boats and small ferries coming in and out of the bay. Arthur and I pretended to race another sail boat as we approached into the bay to the anchorage.
It took us a while to get organized and settled as we were quite close to the many boats in the anchorage. It was getting late by the time Dave got the dingy into the water and I got the kids ready to take the dingy ashore . Becca and I wantto swim but Dave didn’t think it was a good idea as it was too busy with boats anchoring and motor boats and dinghies coming and going from the shore. .
There was a strong smell of sulphur as we paddled at the beach,. then we walked round to the village but on the way we found that the mud baths were still open so we went for a dip. I was disappointed the boys were not allowed but there were many very hot spots that can burn badly like what Dave got on his bare feet as his sat with the boys at the edge of the pool. Becca and I painted our faces with thick grey mud. The weather was hot and the pool was even hotter, glad we did this at night. It was getting very dark now but many people where coming into the mud pool. 20 minutes was enough so as we got out we discovered by the rocks were rock seats where hot air blew out of the ground it dried us off we giggled and Lolly had fun. After our very short token shower in the dark, after which we still ended up smelling of sulphur. I realized we hadn't eaten. We looked for a restaurant, there were many in the busy little touristy village .
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| Very tired and patient boys |
We chose a restaurant on a second floor with open balcony. Lorenzo wanted chips we ordered and waited and waited and waited. The boys were slowly flagging and getting impatient, poor things, we were hungry and tired it was now 10pm so well passed their bedtime. Finally we ate and then back to beach for Dave to ferry us back to the boat in the dingy. Artie and Becca went first while Lolly and I waited on the beach for his return to get us.
!6th August..........Volcano Island - A walk up
The next morning we got ready to climb the volcano. From the boat we could see the smouldering sulphurous steam coming from the top. We prepared Loll for the walk and he was great. We were a little unsure of the way but soon found the signs through the village with all its busy gift shops and stalls selling sarongs and Bikinis. It was a hot day and we took in turns to help or carry Lorenzo. He did really well nearly a mile just to get to the bottom of the mountain. We rambled up the sandy dry rocky dusty track, and the view was amazing as we ascended .Not just one volcano but surrounded by them with inlets of bays of deep blue sea. In the distance we could see Stromboli volcano island. Nearly half way up to the top and there in a little hut with a few seats under a canopy was a woman charging per man
woman and child each 3 euros. I haven’t ever heard of such a thing, Only in Italy!!! How can anyone charge for climbing a bloody hill.???? So 12 euros seems crazy to pay to walk up a hill specially if Lolly decided he didn’t want to go any further and we would have to come back down again before we got to the top, it was such a shame Artie wanted to and Lorenzo was doing really well, but we decided to go back.
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| disappointed walking back down |
Becca on the other hand was determined to walk it so she walked back down with us until out of sight of the woman in the hut and cut across country through the scrub to meet the path further on up. Good for her, I wish we could have but with the kids and many other people coming up I think we would have been noticed. Back in the village we did some food shopping and then waited for Becca on the beach.
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| a deserving beer |
There was a little cafe hut on the beach, the boys and I had a bread roll for lunch while Dave went to get bottles of drink for on the boat. When he came back he had a present for me. A red and white sarong. When Becca got back she was very dusty from her scrabble up the volcanic mountain. She told us of her hike and what it was like on the top and what we were missing.
After a nice cool beer we all went for a swim even Lolly.
The water had a sulphurous smell and in some places bubbles came to the surface of the water.
That evening we had dinner on our anchored boat relaxed and watched the life around us ferries moving in and out, people playing on the beach and other people on their boats The boys played with toys in the saloon. Next morning we wanted an early start for the leg across to Sicily.
5th time for Food supplies 75 euro. -
2nd week 70 euros from becca
19th August Volcano Island to Vito lo capo Sicily anchoring at Mondello Sicily (near Palermo) - total 41 hrs 190 miles.
We sailed between the two volcanic islands with their impressive jutting tall rocks. In the distance Artie spotted a square rigged ship........
Watching the volcanic islands fading away into the hazy distance behind us we sailed West into the glittering sea.
Dave put up the Spinnaker using his make shift spinnaker pole, an old branch he had found on his own from Greece, and we were off with a quartering wind off the starboard side bound for Sicily.
21st August In the middle of the Tirreno Sea.
We entertained ourselves as usual, with music lots of Cat Stevens, fishing, audio stories, puppet making. Artie had found these two little Dutch clog shoes left on the boat by Len and Jill the last owners. I drew a little boy figure he could stick on his hand and play a dancing puppet. He made us laugh. Lorenzo's is learning all the words to Cat Stevens songs. Poor Becca I believe must have had enough of Cat Stevens already, but she seems to be content and amazed how one doesn’t quite tire of Cat Stevens like some other music. I wasn't sure if she was just being polite. Bless her!
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| Cooling off |
We headed for Mondello at night very low on fuel. Dave was measuring the fuel in the tank and was concerned we weren't going to make it. If we weren't on a mission to get to Majorca it wouldn't have mattered if we just drifted until we got there, but no just half a mile away the engine stopped and there we were just bobbing about, we did drift very slowly closer to Mondello, Dave did manage to get the boat on anchor .It was small town in a small bay with no marina although it was late Dave took the dingy and tied up at a slipway at a hotel,which I could just make it out in the dark .
When he got back he told us of the very mafiosi like man who had greeted him and told him that the nearest fuel station was on the other side of the bay, about 2 km away.
He had asked one of his henchmen to give Dave a lift to the fuel station as it wasn't safe to leave the boat there as it wouldn't be there when he got back!
The very friendly henchman, who called his boss “capo” turned up in a gleaming yellow Maserati and promptly drove Dave at breakneck speed through the back streets of the town to the fuel station, where he insisted on filling the fuel cans himself, and then back to the “capo” for another beer and a glass of wine and loaded the cans of fuel into the boat for Dave.
…......................................................
Next to the town with all its lights and noise and I could just make out the silhouetted out line of the surrounding dark cliffs . I was convinced we weren't in the bay the sat nav said we were. It wasn't until the morning we realized there were two small bays close together and the cliffs we were very close to where we were anchored and much higher and impressive than thought,
and just around the the headland of the cliff was the small bay Mondello with the smallest marina, where we filled up with fuel and water as Arthur and I went for a paddle on the tiny beach next to the marina fuel stop. We watch this little dog swim from the beach passed the boat and didn't stop no one seemed concerned about it as it just kept swimming until nearly out of the bay. It finally turned towards the other side and the cliffs. It seemed a lot of swimming for a little dog. We didn't stop long we carried on and sailed slowly along the impressive coast line until we reached Vito lo Capo.
We arrived there early in the afternoon and watched many posh motors yachts all having there showers on the back of their yachts getting ready for their night out in the town. I felt disappointed that we didn't have enough time to see more of Sicily we were not worried about whether we had to got to Portugal but its become a mission just to meet up with my sister Lorna and nephew Alexis.
Also little disappointed at Vito lo Capo, a very upsetting 75 euros a night. So we made the most of it and did all our washing on the forward deck of the boat and plugged into the electric, so we could watch a DVD. . We filled our water tank up and then was told it wasn't drinkable.
Artie got the paddling pool out on deck for him and Lorenzo to cool off.
I felt like Dame Washalot from Enid Blytons books ( story we have just finished reading to the boys,) as I hung all my washing out on my not so posh deck. Becca, Dave and Artie went off to find the shops for more supplies. That evening we watched The Muppet’s Treasure Island. Which prepared us for the cabin fever we may experience while sailing on our far journey across to Sardinia and Majorca.
Marine 75 euros. Food 95 Euros
22rd August Vito lo capo to Pula Sardinia 47 hrs – 190 miles
It was quite windy when we motored out of the marina. We filled up with diesel and had a really nice sail the wind in the perfect direction for our destination. All in all I really enjoyed this stretch across to Sardinia, such beautiful weather. We bought two music dongles, Keys, USBs what ever people call them as we must have listened to all our music by now. Pink Floyd, to Bach Cello suite, Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald, Children’s Danny Kay songs and Stories. Peter Pan Stories, and many many more. And of course more Cat Stevens.
Becca was really great and showed Artie how to tie a few knots, Bowline, reef knot and a few other knots. He did them with ease I was amazed as he has only just learnt to tie his shoe laces.
We took it turns to do night watch not that there was a lot to watch for just the odd boat, change in wind or weather. I didn’t get much sleep any way so I was quiet happy to take over specially early morning. I enjoyed watching the sun rise. Artie, bless, always wanted to do night watch but his idea was to do this while fast asleep on one of the cockpit seats.
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| I'll do night watch mummy! |
As the morning broke Sardinia could be seen in the distance. I sat lazily on deck it was a beautiful morning and very peaceful then just in front of me a large whale surfaced blowing spray out of its blow hole I was excited and shouted to everyone. Dave and Artie got a glimpse but poor Becca who was asleep poked her head out of the forward cabin hatch just to see the disturbance of the waters surface where it had been. We looked out for it for ages until we reached a great little anchorage near the Roman Ruins just west of Pula in Sardinia. Its the best thing ever to reach land after a few days at sea.
It was still early morning by the time we anchored up and we cooked loads of pancakes for breakfast.
The water was so clear and in our Pilot book it described the underwater Roman mosaic. Artie and Dave went snorkeling, to see if they could find any of it.
After a while Becca stayed at the boat while we went with the dingy up to the Roman ruins on the shore but we couldn't get too close as it was so rocky under the water, so we tied up the boat and walked round to the town and beach where we had ice cream and drinks and then more ice cream.
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| So Hot! |
It was so Hot!
We walked round to the ruins but we didn't go in just looked round and read the info on the board. On the way back Artie was desperate to go in the clear green water I played with him for a bit while Dave and loll waited. Back on the boat Becca was reading she had just gone snorkeling to see what she could make of the underwater mosaic.
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| Artie wanted to see it too! |
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| Had a little dip to cool off |
22nd August Sardinia to Minorcia 52 hrs 234 miles
We really wanted to see more of Sardinia but we had to head off that night to try and find fuel for our long journey across to Minorcia. We motored west along the coast to a few harbours and marinas but no one had any fuel. It seemed a bit strange to me with all these motor fishing boats about. We found it all a bit inhospitable and decided even though the weather wasn't great and the sea was a bit lumpy we would head off. I was a little concerned we wouldn't have enough fuel to get us there. If we weren't in such a hurry it would have been fine to just bob about until the wind took us there. We were low on food supplies again so that was another worry. The sea got worse and Becca and I tried to make dinner we used up the pancake mix to make bean burgers. By the time we had made them I was not in the mood to eat as I was for the first time feeling a little sea sick. I went to lay down in bed with the boys and left Becca to finish off with about 20 of these little burgers. It was such a shame I missed out on them it was my protein being a vegetarian . But they were all gone by the morning when I got up.
I can't understand how I spend about 300 to 400 Euros on food a week, It seem odd as I only ever spend about 70 euros a week at home. But its nearly always 90 euros ever time we go shopping which is every few days I think Italy is expensive. These little shops don’t help. I even think Becca's still going hungry. She quiet and hasn't said anything so I believe she's happy.
We did manage to catch a few fish where Becca helped Dave cut and cook it. Lorenzo was not interested in eating it but Artie had a good go but I could tell he struggled with it.
Two nights we spent on the sea Taking it turns to do night watch.
I have added on our page of Hi-lights a description of one of my night watches.Please use link to view
It was usually three hours on for each person for changing shifts every night,
Example.
Dave 10 pm till 1 am
Becca 1 am till 4 am
Amanda 4 am till 7 am
We didn't see many ships or boats until on the second day when we saw a boat headed towards us.
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It was a motorboat about 30 feet long and appeared to be full of African men armed with kalashnikov rifles, PIRATES! There was no way we could out sail them and it looked like there was no escape. Dave called us all on deck and told us what he was going to do. We took our rocket flares out and had them ready in the cockpit so we could use them as soon as they were in range.
Dave got the petrol for the out board engine and poured it into a bucket. As soon as the pirates were 20 feet away I was to throw the bucket of petrol into the water, Dave said, and leave the rest to him. Well I did as I was told for a change and Dave waited until the pirates had got their boat in to the water where the petrol was then he sent one of the rocket flares into it and the sea erupted in flames around their boat. We tacked Lady bear and ran down wind to where the pirate boat was, they were all in a panic screaming and shouting , and we rammed their boat which capsized immediately leaving all the pirates in the water struggling to stay afloat.
We sailed around them while Dave, Becca, and Arthur knocked them all on the head with the boat hook, spinnaker pole and one of Dave’s crow bars to be sure they were all well and truly dead before we carried on for Sardinia.
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Dave woke up with his Jack Aubrey book in his lap.
The very huge industrial ship went on by, where it was so close we could see the men working on it. Quite safe, unless your dreaming with Dave of course!
I sat by myself on the roof of the aft cabin and became one with the rocking and movement of the boat on the sea. The wind was low and without too much fuel we needed more wind. I thought strongly of the element of wind and its energy. I visualised a gentle breeze coming behind us pushing us smoothly on our way and then out of nowhere sure enough the sails flapped and then went tight I could feel the pull of the wind on the boat. I felt I was at one with the boat, the sea, and the wind, everything was connected. That's magic!
Very early hours of the third day when it was still dark we could just see the dark outline of land on the horizon, as we approached in the darkness there were many fishing boats at anchor that we had to be aware of.
There was an amazing humming off the land that I had never witnessed before. It was as if the land was alive. What a great sight after three days of just sea.
We realised that we didn't have a Spanish courtesy Flag as we sailed towards Port Mahon, Artie got out his colours and a piece of A4 size paper to make a flag as well as a pirate one which he flapped about to scare everyone and make them think that pirates were coming.
It was a lovely little bay, we motored in about half a mile to the town of Mabon. This was where I dropped one of the fenders and we had to do an emergency turn and go about to rescue it. It was fun as Artie helped and it wasn't a problem being calm and quiet. “good practise “ says Dave.
When we finally got to the marina going in slowly as we were a little unsure of the lay out. There was a beautiful house perched on the edge of the bank with kids playing on a large terrace and a boat on their own mooring. This is where Artie thought the cliffs hills and houses in the back ground were moving along not our boat. And it was funny when I explain to him, but looking at them it was fun to imagine they were the ones moving and not us.
The marina seemed busy but there were a few vacant places, we really just wanted supplies and water so we only wanted to stay a short time so we tied up along side a mooring .I quickly got the water to wash clothes and Dave washed the deck and tried to fill up the water tank when the marina guards on their dingy came along shaking their heads at us and, luckily, there was a French boat next to us that had done the same thing and they were busy telling them not to moor there while we quickly packed up. I got Becca to hang out the washing as I went off to find the shops. Dave untied the boat and motored round to meet me nearer the shops in the harbour where the square rigged ships used to go years ago. Dave met me at the shop to help with the shopping, a small and expensive shop,and of course Dave had to show me where the boat was. Dave and Becca with Arthur went to get the heavy drinks and bottles water for the boat. I waited with Lorenzo. The boat seemed very small next to the large harbour wall. I half expected for someone to come along and tell me to move. But luckily no one did.
Artie kept saying “Mummy everyone has the same big blue flag” as we motored out.
Dave explained it was some sort of sailing Regatta and there seemed a lot of old boats here. Well as we continued out of the small town harbour we were followed by a group of sailing boats/yachts following us and then more and more until we were surrounded by the most amazing amount of old classic sailing yachts. We realised we were in the middle of the classic sail regatta and we fitted in quite well with our old 1956 Hillyard. They were so close some large 60 foot schooners, with the crew all dressed up in sailors outfits. Not just Spanish but from all over British and French etc. We were all quite excited to pretend for a few minutes to be part of it.
Being on this mission to get to a destination was beginning to dawn on us as being a mistake.
The hundreds of flapping sails we left behind us as we headed for Palma Majorca. This is where Becca was leaving us as our plan was to have some one else on board until we met up with Lorna. But Becca said she didn't need to get off at Palma and asked if it would be OK to stay on as she thought maybe it would be too crowded. We said we didn’t mind if she stayed if she didn’t mind the crowd. We really enjoyed her company she was quiet, ready to help when needed and easy going. We would just have to wait and see how it paned out when Lorna got there. Knowing how difficult Lorna can make things. I know she was going to find it a little invasive having someone new there. But we like meeting and having new people about, so it would be a shame.
23th August Port Mahon – ( stopping at Porto Petro) on the way to Palma Majorca
Lorna and Alexis arrive tomorrow. With our sailing time and 103 miles to go, we were not going to get there until the morning of the 24th. I thought Lorna 's not going to be pleased having to book accommodation. We emailed and text her to tell her our situation.
!4 hrs and 64 miles later something happened to the engine..it was leaking. One of the fuel injector lines had split and needed replacing.
We had to pull in a small town Porto Petro inset into a little bay south east of Majorca. Nice little harbour right in the town. We were guided to a mooring by friendly and good looking chap, who Dave ask if there was a mechanic about. He pointed and there sure enough was a van and man working by us on the harbour side. He came over to see the problem. Dave knew we needed new injector lines and he spoke to the mechanic in bits of Italian and sign language and the mechanic went off. A few hours later he came back and fitted the new injector lines130 Euros. It was late now and Dave thought it better to stay a night here.
24th August
The next morning Dave phoned Lorna but no answer I emailed her to say it will take another day to get there and if she didn't want to pay for another nights accommodation then she could get the bus to Porto Petro.
Finally she got in touch and her and Alexis were on their way by bus.. After shopping for Lorenzo's Birthday and sitting in a café eating ice cream with the kids, we decided to wait for them on the boat. From our boat we could see all around the harbour. They arrived about 4pm. We saw them on the other side of the harbour which was like a horse shoe shape. I felt excited we had travelled all those miles to meet them even though we were two days late and couldn't quiet make the last 40 miles because of the engine. I ran around the harbour to meet them. They looked tanned and tired as they pulled their bags along. Lexy looked great and smiley dressed in white and looking like he'd had too much sun already. Lorna looked thundery I greeted them and helped with the bags. Lorna explained what an ordeal they had had with the bus journey. And Lexy was annoying her already in fact she was damn right miserable. I thought to myself she ain’t going be happy with the fact we still have Becca who was going to get off at Palma Majorca where we were supposed to meet them, but now wants to stay on.
Anyway all went well. Lorna only tutted once about it. But she also tutted that there was no room for their bags. Anyway after a cup of tea and chat she calmed down a bit, it was quite enjoyable having everybody there sitting.
26th August, Lorenzo's Birthday
I was adamant we weren't going to go sailing on his Birthday as I wanted to take him out. But I had a ton of washing and as we had use of the nice clean toilet and shower rooms I made the most of it. The shower block was only across from the boat so after showering the kids and getting them in clean clothes. It took me with Lorna's help well over an hour to do all the washing I did wash some bedding as well. I got right into the shower with two buckets. I was soaking as well. Lorna couldn't understand why I had so much and couldn't I have kept on top of it. I wondered if she knew we had been at sea for over six days from our last marine where we stayed at Sicily which was just one night.??
That night we walked round the harbour where there was many restaurants and cafés and shops, found a nice open front restaurant. It was a bright busy atmosphere, all seven of us sat round a set of long tables that they places for us. It was near the edge of the street so you could see people passing by. Dave and Becca were excited being able to order some nice meat. They ended up sharing a fishy dish. We had a few things we shared. Some musicians came playing their music lolli got up and I had to find them and dance he got a little attention. It made his day, but to finally finish his day off we bought him a large ice cream on the way back to the boat at a great little ice cream parlour.
Marine cost 180 for 3 nights. Injector lines 130 euros.
Food cost approx 90 euros. -
3rd 70 euros from Becca.
1st payment for supplies from Lorna and Alexis 140 euros ==210
28th August Port Petra to Long stretch of beach 6hrs 29 miles
We got our food shopping supplies while Dave paid for the marine. 180 Euros. Lost count how much money we spent on food, a week its working out about 100 euros each time ¾ times a week. The problem was these small expensive local shops. Before Lorna came she arranged with us that it would be fair to pay for their expenses by putting 70 euros each a week into the food supple purse. Her idea and I couldn’t think of a fairer way. As long as we don't pay for everything. We did still have the basics on board and amazingly we still had our Italian pasta.
We got all the dried washing in and got the boat ready for our first sail with Alexis and Lorna. It took us a while to get sorted Artie had to put his paddling pool away which was on deck. We had to make space and make sure everything was tied down or put away.
We motored out of the harbour into a large bay that we circled around to get the sails up. And then off out into the sea. Alexis had a giant grin on his face, he loved it. Dave handed him a beer and now he was in his element.
.Lorna got straight on deck in the sun, she did a bit of tutting as Nick her sailor friend doesn’t s do it like that and what are we doing that for, why would n't let Alexis be on the helm'. We heard that a few times.There was good reasons but we didnt feel we had to explain ourselves.
We had music blaring and we had snacks on deck.
Dave got the fishing rod out, Artie and Alexis helped when they finally caught their Dorado / dolphin fish. Becca got right into cooking it for them. Lorna and I stayed on deck not being keen on fish. Lorna putting her nose in the air as if to say why would I put up with fish being cooked on the boat.
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| Dinner |
We found ourselves in a great bay for anchoring with a long stretch of sandy beach. We anchored for a night here so we could go swimming and spend some time on a beach which Artie had been so longing for.
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We swam to the beach and had a picnic, Dave brought food supplies, beach toys and lolly in the dingy.
It was a shame, I felt I could have stayed there longer and explored the long stretch of beach, but we only stayed one night. We needed to get to Portugal by 23rd September because I had paying guests coming to stay at the apartment in Italy. But now we had Lorna and Alexis I thought we could slow down a bit and start seeing some of the places we were passing by so fast. After all it wasn't such a huge importance that we push on day and night missing out on all the shore life just to say that we got to Portugal on time. “The worlds our oyster”. As Lorna was keen on reminding me in the past and as far as I understood Lorna and Alexis were free too, just needed to get back to UK before end of September. Becca had a problem with being in Europe and needed to get out of the shining area, our boat was one of them being British registered and so was Gibraltar.. We asked about her plans and she said all she wanted was to get home to New Orleans United Stated , before Christmas. Well, we were doing all right then!
We sailed and motored a bit as there wasn't much wind. We relaxed and played about on deck.
After having drinks one of our plastic cups blew off the aft cabin roof and was floating away. The water was calm and we were close to a little bay so Alexis got into the dingy and we all gave him shouts of encouragement to reach the cup and bring it back.. It was a bit of fun really, not the importance of the cup although we were running out of cups, as they were all deteriorating rapidly
29th August 2011 Long stretch of beach to Palma .
Marine Costs 50 Euros for two nights. 130 Euros on food. Spanish Flag 15 Euros
Off into the blue again.
. We were approaching Palma bay, miles of town stretched along the water front.
We reached Palma a huge harbour with big ships and harbour wall, they directed us to a mooring and we had to turn round to go back as we had gone too far as it appeared there were several yacht clubs here. This is where Lorna lost her book 'Active Dreaming' by Robert Moss, falling from the cockpit into the water it floated well as we circled it and hooked it out. Not too much damage.
We found our place in the busy marina. This is where Rosemary the woman who contacted us through this blog from being another Hillyard owner lived on her boat. We got off to find showers and shop and Internet so we could email Rosemary to say we were there, but nothing was open apart from showers and washing machine, we all put in 4 euro for a wash. Anyway we had showers and got cleaned up, had dinner and then hopefully everything would be open tomorrow.
The next day 30th August we all went for a walk around the city of Palma along the waterfront with its avenue of trees and then into the old town streets were we had to buy an ice cream, sitting in the shade of the trees while we ate it. Then up the steep hill up to the Cathedral, where you had to pay to get in so Dave and I stayed in the park and played with the kids although Dave had to try out the sleeping characteristics of the uncomfortable park bench. Becca went off to explore, and Lorna and Alexis checked out the Cathedral . It was a great view from here and it was so warm and a relief to be exploring and on land for a bit. It helps me enjoy sailing more when we can see places and know we got there by boat. We all walked down the old part of town down the windy roads. I wanted to see if I could get a present for Becca before she leaves us but it was difficult to know what as she would have to carry it. Now I wish I had got her a sarong on Volcano Island. I did manage to buy myself a new bag.
Back at the marina we bought a Spanish flag at the chandlers to replace Arthur's home made one before it was ruined.
We didn’t find any big supermarket so once again we shopped at the small marina shop. Twice the price one usually pays. And when you have seven people on board buying two apples each that's 14 apples at least 6 euros at these expensive shops just for apples. Never mind about bananas or grapes. We would have to buy at least three loaves of bread. So Dave came up with a great idea to find Lidls on the car Satnav.
Lorna and I were sitting on deck sunning ourselves when she said that 70 euros a week was nothing and was well worth it for a great sailing holiday, and even if she didn’t eat as much as everybody else ( so she thought) she still thought it was worth it. While as it was her idea to both put money into the purse for food and board, I was really pleased she was happy and having a great time she was also amazed how seven can all get on so well.
Well we had to cater for all tastes and choices of food but Alexis liking meat he wanted to buy his own salami and shared it, Dave bought the beer. And they put in together and got the odd bottle of Rum, for all of us. Alexis was always asking if he could have some food I always said ' Why are you asking me its your food Lex, like Becca I told him many times to help himself, but if hes hungry maybe everyone else is so bring out the snacks. Lexy really enjoyed preparing the veg for dinner and loved steering the boat.
As Lorna and I were on the way to do the shopping a friendly Dutch guy chatted to us, he was looking for a boat sailing to main land Spain. He seemed nice enough so we said to see Dave on our boat and ask him. That would mean 8 of us. Anyway after shopping we found him back at the boat. After spending 130 euros on food we asked him to contribute to the food and that's when he came up with a story of why he had no money. He hung about the boat as we unloaded the food and then he went for a walk with Becca. We discussed the dilemma of how we were not prepared to feed this guy. When he came back he was very cheerful but Becca looked like thunder. Behind his back she whispered to me that she was very nervous and upset by him coming on to her. Dave heard and asked him to the leave straight away. He left slowly and made us feel a little awkward. But once he was gone we had dinner and talked about it. Dave said he lingered at the back of the boat for a while, he said he was sorting his bag out. But after he left one of the tops of the spare fuel containers for diesel fell off Dave was concerned maybe he had put water into it to be vindictive, as we knew nothing about him, and he seemed a bit strange as he told different stories to us saying to Becca and I that he always wanted to sail, and to Dave that he had loads of experience and could he give him some money for helping us out. Well we didn't need any help or more people on the boat for that matter, so that was the end of that.
1st September Palma Majorca to Ibiza
Now we had seen the town everyone was ready to move on so the next morning we got the boat ready to sail. But first Dave and I really wanted to meet up with Rosemary and see her Hillyard. We motored round the harbour where we were told she was but we couldn't find her boat. Everyone, mostly Lorna was eager to get going and another tut of 'Why are you looking for a woman you don't know”. Well we felt a bit pressured to press on so we left Palma.
We chilled out on deck Becca got the guitar out as she was keen to play it and had bought strings in Palma for it. We headed to the north of Ibiza.
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| Becca playing guitar on deck |
We anchored at a great bay near a rocky beach and high cliffs north of Ibiza.
This was a great little spot and only a few other anchored boats. I think this is the place where the other people on their yachts were in their birthday suits and didn't mind a bit. I said I couldn't see them naked when Becca picks up the binoculars and hands them to me. ..We all laughed.!
2nd September Ibiza anchorage to Ibiza town
We anchored just south of the main town and took it in turns in the dingy. the boys and I had to get an ice cream, Lorenzo’s Favourite. We waited for the others on the beach while we ate our ice cream.
In the shade of the trees. We all went for a walk to the main street found food shops.
Lorna persuaded me to walk to the Town centre with her while Dave took Lorenzo and went back to the boat with Alexis. Becca and Arthur came with us.
It was a up hill dirt track and not sure if it was the best way to go made it feel longer. Artie made it with out too much moaning. When we go to the top of the walled town we head down through the old part of town through the winding old pretty cobbled roads.
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| Ibiza |
We found many interesting shops. We came out at the bottom of town with lots of cafés and the water front and marina we walked all the way round found a sweet shop on the way back to the boat.
We waited on the beach for Dave to get the dingy out to collect us but we watched as he struggles with the outboard motor again. Its never been great and he has repaired it so many times but this time it gave up half way across and Dave ended up trying to row with just one oar, as one of the oars got broke when he was with Keith back in Italy ( that’s another story).
Once he was ashore we decided to go shopping for food before all taking it in turns to get back to the boat on the dingy with the shopping. That evening Alexis it found it difficult not to be able to go off on his own pubbing and clubbing as we heard the sounds of Ibiza town as we pulled up anchor and headed off into the sunset towards mainland Spain. The coast of Ibiza was rocky and we struggled to get a away as the wind was in the wrong direction and the sea was quiet lumpy. The sky had a moody cloudy look but we could see a few stars appearing. Jupiter being the brightest was the first. This was our first over night sail with Alexis and Lorna.
Lorna took her main seat in the cockpit. Although so far everyone was getting on great. Becca and Lorna were having long chats on deck We had started reading tea leafs and talking about life and relationships etc. Even though there were seven of us on this small boat it was only just now we were starting to feel the pinch. Dave sometimes needs the cockpit to himself when its windy and needs to get in and out. But it was noted that some were not being sensitive of this need and the responsibility Dave had for everyone on our boat which did need some important repairs doing.
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3rd September Ibiza to mainland Spain
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| Went through the canal to bridge opening up to inland sea. Where we found Lidlis cheap shopping |
A great little anchorage we stayed late one night where we had Spanish
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| A moment alone |
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| Many cliffs and rocks on our looked like faces or animals |
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| Rock Face |
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| fish dinner again |
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| Calling the whales |
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| Pilot whale |
The journey continued and we had some great moments and not so great moments.
Dave and Alexis washed up and dried up and entertained us by taking it in turns to past the galley door as we all sat in the cock pit telling the worst jokes ever but they were so cool about it one just had to laugh.
There was moments of frustration for lexy as he desperately tried to tie things down to stop them from rocking and rattling all night long just as he thought he had made all lose things still. when a loud clang on the floor continuing with a rolling this way and then that way and back again. We had laugh at poor lexys desperate state that all heads were raised to see him chasing batteries around the floor.
I had had enough I wanted to see some of the places we were passing by and decided we find anywhere cheap for the winter. Almermar was our choice. We were willing to take Lorna and Becca where they wanted to go to and then return back to Almermar as it was cheap and safe for Our Lady bear.
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23rd Oct
We are now back in Italy our boat is safely moored up in Almarimer in Spain. I read it was the best and cheapest place to moor for the winter. It was the cheapest and best place we found along the south coast of Spain for its safety. We decided not to get it to our destination in Portugal as Dave (always talking with other sailors and locals) discovered by a few people, it not always safe there if the boat is left on its own all the time but great for living on the boat though, so maybe next year.?
Also Almarimer has cheap services, only 75 euro for lifting boats out for anti fouling which is normally 200 euros. So for us it was worth keeping here, plus with Internet cafes, big supermarket, and car hire all at walking distance from the boat.Perfect for now.
BUT!! It was much to the dismay of our fellow crew and travellers. Becca wanted Gibraltar even though she was supposed to get off at Mallorcia and Lorna wanted Portugal so she could get a cheaper flight back to UK. Well we were trying to work it out for the best for everyone so we decided we could carry on sailing to Malaga and if possible get Becca to Gibraltar, We even offered Becca could stay on the boat until she found other boats to get her there, but we would be going back to Almarimer. We could not let her stay on the boat without the bilge pump working properly so Dave hurriedly try to get it fixed. At this point we were trying to consider everyone even if we had to get Lorna and Alexis to Malaga airport.
BUT! they were not happy with that, not good enough for them. Instead of coming to us and discussing it, they moaned and sulked and even moaned we were not considering them!......WHAT??
Becca ignored me at the cafe and then got up and walked all the way back to the boat to moan to Dave who was working on the bilge pump switch so she could stay on the boat if she needed to and then walked all the way back to the cafe and moaned to Lorna but she still never said a word to me........STRANGE !
When Dave told me this, and that Lorna has been rude to him I decided to have words with them. But when I was told rudely "I had guest to consider".... That is all we had done was consider our guest, well I thought to myself not no more......
SO WALK THE BLOODY PLANK!
It was easier without them less mouths to feed we were shopping at least three times a week and spending over a 100/130 euros a time,( if not at LIDIs) Making it over 350 euros a week. We had a deal (Lorna's idea) where everyone put 70 euros a week in making it 10 euros a day which I thought would be about right. but of course Lorna didn't think she eat that much food, and moaned about it afterwards, but it was her idea. Becca was convinced we were living off them and the money they gave us, and that we were not contributing at all. But we were putting into the money purse as well, as well as paying for the extra water we needed on the boat and the extra gas we needed on the boat, fuel for the boat and marinas. She was with us over five and a half weeks and only paid for four weeks, so who was counting. We weren't but she was making sure she was eating as much as possible and getting more than her moneys worth. I was amazed more than Alexis ate and that's saying something.
So you can imagine this has put a damper to the end of our trip and disappointed people were not straight with us and moaned behind our backs about all this. We could of put them right and it wouldn't of ended with them walking the plank.
Plus the boat suddenly seemed a lot bigger, no one hogging their favourite place, and now we were completely free to just consider us and the boat. Alexis was still with us , he was fine apart from winding Arthur up and being bored by not getting entertained all the time.We did manage to hire out some movies though while we were moored with electric.
We found a great play park next to the beach for the kids under palm trees had a great time with them now we have time. So we spent the last few days preparing the boat for winter and chilling out until our cheap flights back home to Italy.
So keep viewing our blog for the next adventure.
We gave Lexy lots of chance of steering the boat once everyone was settled
