Some things make you so mad, one of them being writing up a blog and after all your effort losing it. Then I look at the up side and think of all the things I should have put in and start again.
So here goes with a bit more information that perhaps makes it a little more interesting than just sailing up and down the coast.
As we had planned on not returning from Rockingham until Wednesday we decided to stay on the boat for another couple of days and just relax here, catch up on some cleaning and just enjoy doing not much at all.
Tuesday was 38degs and not really conducive to doing a lot of chores, so we just relaxed and in the evening got into the dinghy to go around the corner and have a swim. Well, most people had the same idea and each cove was pretty well taken up and the waves were crashing onto the shore, so we decided not really a good idea to take the dinghy in as there is a lot of rock around this part.
We headed back into the marina and went for a bit of a nosy around and found Red Cloud in her pen and then as luck would have it, John McConnell was on his boat doing some cleaning. We hadn't seen him for quite some time, so stopped by to have a chat. He invited us on board, gave us a cold drink and we caught up on his news and swapped stories. Then it was back to M2 to pick up clothes and shower gear to go over and clean ourselves up. Frank decided it was to hot to cook anything on board so after our showers we went to "The Boat" and had a lovely meal of fish and chips and salad. After dinner we wandered back to the boat and decided it was a good idea to have a nice early night, so by 9.30 we were in bed and asleep.
I woke early and sat up on deck enjoying the peace of the new day, the water was like glass and not a drop of wind to disturb it.
I went for a walk and decided to have a coffee at the Waterfront. They were just opening, so it was lovely just sitting there sipping my coffee in the quiet and browsing through the paper. It's amazing after a week on board, the world seems to be far away and all the dramas and happenings haven't impacted on us one little bit. It would be the good side of not having tv on board, not listening to the news at all much and just being right away from it all.
As it was a lot cooler today I felt more like getting into the cleaning, so while Frank had a snooze, I started giving the head a clean up. We had planned on going home tonight, but I have decided to stay on and do a lot more cleaning and tidying up. Frank is on sea rescue radio all night, so he will go home to do that and check everything is in order and my fish are still alive. It will be rather nice staying on board on my own and as someone said to me once, doing that and spending time on the boat on your own will make it feel more like your home. So it will be interesting to see if that is how it feels. I think I already feel quite at home here and would be happy to stay on indefinitely. It beats vacuuming, washing and ironing and scrubbing shower recesses at home.
Frank was sick of getting filthy feet from the teak deck, so for two weeks he worked on it sealing the teak with International Everdure two part epoxy wood sealer and, because Everdure does not contain UV protection, two finishing coats of Sikkens Cetol Marine oil varnish were applied. The only concern was whether the Cetol Marine would fully dry, but because it was done in the warm weather the oil seems to have evaporated off giving quite a nice looking finish. This process means that another coat will need to be applied at about 6 monthly intervals. This process was undertaken because of the extreme UV and heat in WA.
So now that is done we can clean up the cockpit cushions and not have them get so grubby from stepping onto them from the deck.
Of course this now shows up the gunnels and so another job is staring us in the face.
Gradually we are installing power points so that while we are in the pen or have the generator going while anchored we can use our electric appliances instead of relying on gas.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Rockingham
Back from a wonderful weekend at Rockingham with the cruising club. Beautiful weather for the whole time we were there, so enjoyed swimming, did a little fishing, walking on the beach, coffee with our friends and a wonderful meal organised at the club by Grant and Anne Pitman.
Our daughter, husband and son came with us and spent one day, then sadly we had to say goodbye to them as they had to return home.
We were going to stay on until Wednesday, but the weather bureau forecast high winds for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, so as we would be sailing back on our own we decided to leave on the Monday. Very nice of hubby to consider me and not want to scare the living daylights out of me. As most know, I am a wimp when it comes to sailing, don't like just the two of us, I always want someone else with experience to come along, then I can go and hide my head if it gets hairy. So on Monday morning we pulled up the anchor and set off. Most of the club were leaving on that day as well because of work commitments, so it would have been rather lonesome on our own.
There was absolutely no wind, so the iron sail roared away from Rockingham to Mindarie. Of course as we reached Mindarie the usual happened and up came the wind.
With me on the helm, Frank dropped the main and I motored into the marina with palpitations, knowing that I had to put this 12 ton boat into the pen. The first time in three years that I have done this, so very nervous.
I have to say, it was a copy book penning and hubby was extremely chuffed at how well I managed it. The palpitations settled down after a few minutes and I could breathe again knowing that she was in and secure.
Des, on Coconuts came in shortly after, so he joined us for a cuppa and then Gary and Rebekah who own an older Bavaria came up and had a look over M2.
Then it was off to the showers and wallow in the beautiful hot water, clean hair and feeling fresh again.
Cooked steaks for dinner with vegies and just relaxed after a glass of white to celebrate our achievement.
Our daughter, husband and son came with us and spent one day, then sadly we had to say goodbye to them as they had to return home.
We were going to stay on until Wednesday, but the weather bureau forecast high winds for Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, so as we would be sailing back on our own we decided to leave on the Monday. Very nice of hubby to consider me and not want to scare the living daylights out of me. As most know, I am a wimp when it comes to sailing, don't like just the two of us, I always want someone else with experience to come along, then I can go and hide my head if it gets hairy. So on Monday morning we pulled up the anchor and set off. Most of the club were leaving on that day as well because of work commitments, so it would have been rather lonesome on our own.
There was absolutely no wind, so the iron sail roared away from Rockingham to Mindarie. Of course as we reached Mindarie the usual happened and up came the wind.
With me on the helm, Frank dropped the main and I motored into the marina with palpitations, knowing that I had to put this 12 ton boat into the pen. The first time in three years that I have done this, so very nervous.
I have to say, it was a copy book penning and hubby was extremely chuffed at how well I managed it. The palpitations settled down after a few minutes and I could breathe again knowing that she was in and secure.
Des, on Coconuts came in shortly after, so he joined us for a cuppa and then Gary and Rebekah who own an older Bavaria came up and had a look over M2.
Then it was off to the showers and wallow in the beautiful hot water, clean hair and feeling fresh again.
Cooked steaks for dinner with vegies and just relaxed after a glass of white to celebrate our achievement.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The return trip
Up early and left for Dawesville cut, a pretty good sail and arrived early afternoon. Frank was cook that night and cooked up a big batch of spaghetti bolognaise. We were pretty tired, so after downing that with a nice glass of red it was decided to head for our bunks and call it a day.
Off again early next morning and had a dream run until we were about an hour off Hillary's when we got word that a storm was brewing. The sky was looking very ominous, so the sails were dropped and motor on and the decision to head into Hillary's to be on the safe side. I contacted Jan and told her we were on our way in and she booked us onto the VIP jetty and her and Mike were there to help us tie up.We sat outside Pinky's and had a refreshing cold drink and then into the shower. What bliss to stand under a warm shower and wash my hair. Certainly appreciate showers so much more after sailing.
A buffet was on at the club that night, so after a visit to "Fully Involved" and another cold drink, we all decided to join up and have the buffet.
Headed back to the boat and hit the bunk, the next thing I knew daylight was streaming through the hatch.
It was time then after brekky to untie and head back to Mindarie. The sea was totally flat, no wind to talk of so it was on with the iron sail and motor back. I helmed for most of the way and found it quite easy under the conditions and with a landmark to go by.
Kat was on the jetty to help tie up when we arrived, then Laura arrived to pick up Bob. I made a scratch lunch for us and now it's time to pack up and head home after a delightful week on the water.
Off again early next morning and had a dream run until we were about an hour off Hillary's when we got word that a storm was brewing. The sky was looking very ominous, so the sails were dropped and motor on and the decision to head into Hillary's to be on the safe side. I contacted Jan and told her we were on our way in and she booked us onto the VIP jetty and her and Mike were there to help us tie up.We sat outside Pinky's and had a refreshing cold drink and then into the shower. What bliss to stand under a warm shower and wash my hair. Certainly appreciate showers so much more after sailing.
A buffet was on at the club that night, so after a visit to "Fully Involved" and another cold drink, we all decided to join up and have the buffet.
Headed back to the boat and hit the bunk, the next thing I knew daylight was streaming through the hatch.
It was time then after brekky to untie and head back to Mindarie. The sea was totally flat, no wind to talk of so it was on with the iron sail and motor back. I helmed for most of the way and found it quite easy under the conditions and with a landmark to go by.
Kat was on the jetty to help tie up when we arrived, then Laura arrived to pick up Bob. I made a scratch lunch for us and now it's time to pack up and head home after a delightful week on the water.
Quindalup sail
The sail to Quindalup was amazing, left Mindarie at 11.20pm, sailed through the night and the next day and arrived at Quindalup 11.30pm, 24 hours and 10 minutes completely under sail the whole trip.
Our Son Grant and Daughter Karine as well as our friend Bob came with us.
I went to bed and left the others to take turns in doing watch. Not a good night for me as I don't like night sails and am not partial to healing at an (to me) alarming angle. A very uncomfortable night in my books, and also felt very unwell with a bad chest. Morning finally arrived much to my delight, but felt very unwell as I hadn't bothered to take a kwell thinking I would be OK as I would be sleeping. So had a hurried trip to the head.
Reid and Connor from Sadiqui Ra had told us to use their mooring at Quindalup, but when we arrived at night it was safer to drop anchor and go to bed, then go exploring in the morning for the mooring. We all hit the pillow and didn't stir until the sun was up, unusual for me as I had had several long naps through the day and didn't think I would be able to drop off.
We found the mooring and motored across to it and hitched on, the 300 mtrs from shore was a little bit of a stretch, more like 750mts, but we could deal with that.
Connor had very kindly offered a vehicle for us to run into town with and he delivered that in the morning.
What a bonus that was, he had said it would be a ute and that would have been a bit of a squeeze with five of us, but to our delight it was the twin cab.
I had forgotten coffee, which almost caused a mutiny, so that was the most important item on the shopping list along with the Dunsborough bakery. First up though was a coffee from the cafe near the park, I almost bought their coffee, but they couldn't grind it, so Frank said not to worry we will get some in Coles, Well back on the boat, No Coffee. Thankyou Frank, will take charge of that myself next trip in.
We swam and the guys kayaked and totally relaxed for the day, that night we set up the barby and had a very nice dinner.
Bob took Karine and I into town the next day and after the obligatory cappo, straight to the coffee shop to buy coffee for the boat. On the way back we did a little drive along Geographe Bay road to have a look at Merle and Franks old beach house. Bought back fond memories of the holidays spent down there years ago.
There was a sausage sizzle that night at the club, $7 a head so we decided to join them for that later that evening.
Karine wanted to try out the Zodiac, so we decided to do a run into shore so she could practice. All went well until half way there and the motor died. I suggested dropping the anchor, but she said, no paddle to shore. Well, not a good idea with a swift flowing tide, so I did the rescue wave to the boys who were watching from the yacht. Frank used the kayak to paddle to us but in the meantime a guy from a power boat came across and towed us into shore. She hadn't opened the fuel line far enough, so all was fixed and we headed back to Mii. The next challenge for her was bringing it up to the marlon board, so we could get off. That took a good ten minutes to achieve that, but finally did it.
We headed out later to the club for the sausage sizzle, Bob declined and stayed on the boat. In hindsight, Grant perhaps should have as well as the first thing he did after getting a glass of wine was knock it over, the lady cleaning it up knocked another one over along with a bottle of beer, so mayhem happened trying to mop up beer and wine, (they won't forget our visit). A great meal though and a nice bunch of people. It was so good to have a lovely hot shower before dinner as well, very much needed after two days sailing and living on board.
The winds were right for heading back to Bunbury, so we left early next morning and arrived mid morning. Frank had got Karine and Grant to navigate to Bunbury, so they had to take down notes while sailing the boat themselves. They did a great job, and good to see Grant getting right into it.
We dropped anchor in Koombana Bay, but were a fair way out and it was very windy, also the anchor was dragging. Frank also found that the pipe under the head sink had cracked and we had lost a huge amount of house water, so we decided to head to the fueling jetty to tie up there and refill the tank after repairing the pipe.
We spent the night there and Kyle came down that night to pick Grant and Karine up and take them back to Perth. We were now down to just Frank, Bob and myself, so could spread out a bit more.
Our Son Grant and Daughter Karine as well as our friend Bob came with us.
I went to bed and left the others to take turns in doing watch. Not a good night for me as I don't like night sails and am not partial to healing at an (to me) alarming angle. A very uncomfortable night in my books, and also felt very unwell with a bad chest. Morning finally arrived much to my delight, but felt very unwell as I hadn't bothered to take a kwell thinking I would be OK as I would be sleeping. So had a hurried trip to the head.
Reid and Connor from Sadiqui Ra had told us to use their mooring at Quindalup, but when we arrived at night it was safer to drop anchor and go to bed, then go exploring in the morning for the mooring. We all hit the pillow and didn't stir until the sun was up, unusual for me as I had had several long naps through the day and didn't think I would be able to drop off.
We found the mooring and motored across to it and hitched on, the 300 mtrs from shore was a little bit of a stretch, more like 750mts, but we could deal with that.
Connor had very kindly offered a vehicle for us to run into town with and he delivered that in the morning.
What a bonus that was, he had said it would be a ute and that would have been a bit of a squeeze with five of us, but to our delight it was the twin cab.
I had forgotten coffee, which almost caused a mutiny, so that was the most important item on the shopping list along with the Dunsborough bakery. First up though was a coffee from the cafe near the park, I almost bought their coffee, but they couldn't grind it, so Frank said not to worry we will get some in Coles, Well back on the boat, No Coffee. Thankyou Frank, will take charge of that myself next trip in.
We swam and the guys kayaked and totally relaxed for the day, that night we set up the barby and had a very nice dinner.
Bob took Karine and I into town the next day and after the obligatory cappo, straight to the coffee shop to buy coffee for the boat. On the way back we did a little drive along Geographe Bay road to have a look at Merle and Franks old beach house. Bought back fond memories of the holidays spent down there years ago.
There was a sausage sizzle that night at the club, $7 a head so we decided to join them for that later that evening.
Karine wanted to try out the Zodiac, so we decided to do a run into shore so she could practice. All went well until half way there and the motor died. I suggested dropping the anchor, but she said, no paddle to shore. Well, not a good idea with a swift flowing tide, so I did the rescue wave to the boys who were watching from the yacht. Frank used the kayak to paddle to us but in the meantime a guy from a power boat came across and towed us into shore. She hadn't opened the fuel line far enough, so all was fixed and we headed back to Mii. The next challenge for her was bringing it up to the marlon board, so we could get off. That took a good ten minutes to achieve that, but finally did it.
We headed out later to the club for the sausage sizzle, Bob declined and stayed on the boat. In hindsight, Grant perhaps should have as well as the first thing he did after getting a glass of wine was knock it over, the lady cleaning it up knocked another one over along with a bottle of beer, so mayhem happened trying to mop up beer and wine, (they won't forget our visit). A great meal though and a nice bunch of people. It was so good to have a lovely hot shower before dinner as well, very much needed after two days sailing and living on board.
The winds were right for heading back to Bunbury, so we left early next morning and arrived mid morning. Frank had got Karine and Grant to navigate to Bunbury, so they had to take down notes while sailing the boat themselves. They did a great job, and good to see Grant getting right into it.
We dropped anchor in Koombana Bay, but were a fair way out and it was very windy, also the anchor was dragging. Frank also found that the pipe under the head sink had cracked and we had lost a huge amount of house water, so we decided to head to the fueling jetty to tie up there and refill the tank after repairing the pipe.
We spent the night there and Kyle came down that night to pick Grant and Karine up and take them back to Perth. We were now down to just Frank, Bob and myself, so could spread out a bit more.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Preparations for Quindalup
Preparations in place for the sail to Quindalup tomorrow morning. It was initially just the two of us, but now, son, daughter and a friend have jumped on board, so it will be a straight sail through with no stop overs.
Yesterday we went to the boat to fuel up, lets not go there, stinking hot day, too much wind, so decided not to do it just then, I suggested waiting for Bob on Thursday night and doing it in the cool, but Kat offered to help us, so Frank decided to go ahead. She was feeling very poorly and shouldn't have been out in the sun at all. Bette and I ( Bette is visiting from Canada and isn't used to this heat) headed for the airconditioning in Dome and icey drinks. I stood by to grab ropes as they came alongside the fuel jetty. After all the hassle, she only needed 6 lts of fuel, so Frank was not popular. Kat, Bette & I decided we needed retail therapy after penning the boat so back to the boardwalk and bought a couple of items, then headed back to the boat to find a soaking wet, thunder faced hubby. He had told us it wasn't important to put the rope on the centre cleat as she was secure enough and we all went over to Dome for some much needed food. While we were shopping he tried putting it on by himself, slipped, went overboard almost hitting his head. Thankfully he was not injured, but has pulled a groin muscle. Another phone needed now, his trusty little note book with all his to do jottings in got a good soaking, wallet to be dried out and hopefully the car keys still operate.
By this time, we were so hot and grumpy we decided to just head on home and sort things out there in the cool. My first thing was to jump in the pool and cool off.
It was his turn on the sea rescue radio that night, so got that all up and running and I headed for bed.
Tomorrow it is food shopping for the trip now that we have five POB's, and buy a new phone.
Yesterday we went to the boat to fuel up, lets not go there, stinking hot day, too much wind, so decided not to do it just then, I suggested waiting for Bob on Thursday night and doing it in the cool, but Kat offered to help us, so Frank decided to go ahead. She was feeling very poorly and shouldn't have been out in the sun at all. Bette and I ( Bette is visiting from Canada and isn't used to this heat) headed for the airconditioning in Dome and icey drinks. I stood by to grab ropes as they came alongside the fuel jetty. After all the hassle, she only needed 6 lts of fuel, so Frank was not popular. Kat, Bette & I decided we needed retail therapy after penning the boat so back to the boardwalk and bought a couple of items, then headed back to the boat to find a soaking wet, thunder faced hubby. He had told us it wasn't important to put the rope on the centre cleat as she was secure enough and we all went over to Dome for some much needed food. While we were shopping he tried putting it on by himself, slipped, went overboard almost hitting his head. Thankfully he was not injured, but has pulled a groin muscle. Another phone needed now, his trusty little note book with all his to do jottings in got a good soaking, wallet to be dried out and hopefully the car keys still operate.
By this time, we were so hot and grumpy we decided to just head on home and sort things out there in the cool. My first thing was to jump in the pool and cool off.
It was his turn on the sea rescue radio that night, so got that all up and running and I headed for bed.
Tomorrow it is food shopping for the trip now that we have five POB's, and buy a new phone.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The big welcome home
We celebrated the homecoming of Jan & Mike Drury this last weekend. On Thursday night we headed to the boat to make preparations for the coming weekend. They were due to arrive between 10 and 11am on the Friday which also happened to be Jans birthday. The weather had finally fined up after having weeks of rain and grey skies, so it was lovely to see blue skies and sunshine for a change which added to the enjoyment of the weekend.
Frank, Katrina and I sailed out to meet them and Grant and Ann on Coco sailed up from Hillary's. It was so exciting to see their sails in the distance and to realise that they had almost finished their trip from the US in the newly aquired "Fully Involved" a beautiful 42ft Island Packet.
Our excitement knew no bounds when we all converged together and Frank, Kat and I sang happy birthday to her over channel 73 on the radio. They did a few circles around so that we could take photo's of her from all angles and she looked beautiful with all her sails billowing. Jan was laughing and crying from the emotion of almost finishing this epic trip.
It was Frank and my turn to organise a cruising event to Mindarie for all the Hillary's people and we had blended that in with the arrival of Mike and Jan to make it a really great weekend of celebrations.
And what a weekend it turned out to be. Approximately seven yachts sailed up and I think all would agree it turned out to be a really wonderful weekend. Perhaps a little too much celebration for some of us, but how often do you have the opportunity to witness two people arriving home after sailing for twelve months across the ocean.
Frank had rung Chris Kealy from the club and persuaded him to put on a welcome for Mike and Jan when they sailed to Hillary's on the Sunday. It was our privelege to join them on Fully Involved for the sail to Hillary's. The weather looked rather grey and windy as we left Mindarie, but as we sailed it cleared up and turned out to be a lovely day.
What a turn out at Hillary's to welcome them home. The VIP jetty was crowded as we came in and poor Mike was having a meltdown in case he couldn't bring her up alongside the jetty correctly. He had no need to worry as he did it perfectly, and thankyou bow thruster, you certainly make it easy.
Chris did a welcome speech and also another official from the club and then platters of party pies and sausage rolls were bought out for all the people who were there to welcome them. So thankyou HYC, you did us proud with your welcome.
After all the fesitivities died down Kat, Frank and I drove back to Mindarie to pack up and head for home. The tiredness hit while we were enjoying some Thai food with Kat and was glad to get home and just fall into bed.
A very successful weekend and I think by all the feedback everyone had a great time.
Frank, Katrina and I sailed out to meet them and Grant and Ann on Coco sailed up from Hillary's. It was so exciting to see their sails in the distance and to realise that they had almost finished their trip from the US in the newly aquired "Fully Involved" a beautiful 42ft Island Packet.
Our excitement knew no bounds when we all converged together and Frank, Kat and I sang happy birthday to her over channel 73 on the radio. They did a few circles around so that we could take photo's of her from all angles and she looked beautiful with all her sails billowing. Jan was laughing and crying from the emotion of almost finishing this epic trip.
It was Frank and my turn to organise a cruising event to Mindarie for all the Hillary's people and we had blended that in with the arrival of Mike and Jan to make it a really great weekend of celebrations.
And what a weekend it turned out to be. Approximately seven yachts sailed up and I think all would agree it turned out to be a really wonderful weekend. Perhaps a little too much celebration for some of us, but how often do you have the opportunity to witness two people arriving home after sailing for twelve months across the ocean.
Frank had rung Chris Kealy from the club and persuaded him to put on a welcome for Mike and Jan when they sailed to Hillary's on the Sunday. It was our privelege to join them on Fully Involved for the sail to Hillary's. The weather looked rather grey and windy as we left Mindarie, but as we sailed it cleared up and turned out to be a lovely day.
What a turn out at Hillary's to welcome them home. The VIP jetty was crowded as we came in and poor Mike was having a meltdown in case he couldn't bring her up alongside the jetty correctly. He had no need to worry as he did it perfectly, and thankyou bow thruster, you certainly make it easy.
Chris did a welcome speech and also another official from the club and then platters of party pies and sausage rolls were bought out for all the people who were there to welcome them. So thankyou HYC, you did us proud with your welcome.
After all the fesitivities died down Kat, Frank and I drove back to Mindarie to pack up and head for home. The tiredness hit while we were enjoying some Thai food with Kat and was glad to get home and just fall into bed.
A very successful weekend and I think by all the feedback everyone had a great time.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
weekend plans for cruising in company
Plans for the weekend are starting to be put in place. After getting some housework done at home after being away for nearly a week we will head to the boat to clean that up ready for the weekend festivities.
Very much looking forward to Mike and Jan arriving back from the travels with their beautiful Fifi. It will be a real welcome home for them and we will have the honour of sailing on their boat to Hillary's on the Sunday.
The club are sailing up to Mindarie for the weekend and we are the organisers of that event.
I am praying that the weather will fine up and shine on us for the weekend. Can't believe the amount of rain we have had and cold weather. We certainly have had no spring to talk of just an extended winter.
So looking forward to this weekend and catching up with all who venture to Mindarie.
Very much looking forward to Mike and Jan arriving back from the travels with their beautiful Fifi. It will be a real welcome home for them and we will have the honour of sailing on their boat to Hillary's on the Sunday.
The club are sailing up to Mindarie for the weekend and we are the organisers of that event.
I am praying that the weather will fine up and shine on us for the weekend. Can't believe the amount of rain we have had and cold weather. We certainly have had no spring to talk of just an extended winter.
So looking forward to this weekend and catching up with all who venture to Mindarie.
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