Well, we have been on the water for 3 days now and so far it has been much less traumatic than last time we came out here. Things are much more familiar and it is so much easier to do things, having done them once before.
We arrived out here on Monday and spent the day getting the batteries charged, washing the boat down and getting shopping in – quite a feat in 30 degree heat. Jen arrived at 9.55pm, which was just great and we had a late meal on the boat and a few cold beers to celebrate her arrival.
On Tuesday we put all the sails on the boat – much easier with 3 of us – and then Jen and I did a mega shop - she is amazingly strong and thinks nothing of carrying 3 5 litre bottles back to the boat in her arms – as well as a rucksack full of beers and tins. We did have to stop off at the fishermen’s café for a cold beer though – at 1 Euro 30 for 2 beers life in Portugal is not expensive. In the meantime John looked over the engine and topped up all the oils. That night we went into Portimao for a meal and ended up in a World Press exhibition looking at the best of 2007 photos. Somewhat sobering.
On Wednesday we put Petronella in the water – a textbook example of how a launch should go – we were wise to the charging procedure and John had his multi meter to check the state of the batteries so she started first time like a dream. We motored to the anchorage at the mouth of the river and Jen and I had a much needed swim from the boat – lovely warm and clear water – nice to be back on the sea again. The pump for the handwashing water in the toilet refused to work so John took it to pieces and cleaned it out and it now works like a dream - although he did nearly inhale the ball from the valve whilst sucking to see if it was actually working after he had fixed it!! That night it was quite rocky with wash from the fishermen’s boats but it didn’t keep us awake for long.
Yesterday we went for “sea trials” and put all the sails up and tested everything out Had a great sail out but the wind dropped and we motored the last bit back to the anchorage. Then today we have motored to Lagos and we are tied up in the marina, not without drama but we survived thanks to a friendly bunch of Irishmen who took our warps for us at the opportune moment!! Now we have done the shopping and bought such exciting things as hand held flares to replace those that have expired, and are going out tonight for a meal in Lagos. John is scrubbing down the decks, Jen is off for a shower and I feel a beer moment coming on!!
We arrived out here on Monday and spent the day getting the batteries charged, washing the boat down and getting shopping in – quite a feat in 30 degree heat. Jen arrived at 9.55pm, which was just great and we had a late meal on the boat and a few cold beers to celebrate her arrival.
On Tuesday we put all the sails on the boat – much easier with 3 of us – and then Jen and I did a mega shop - she is amazingly strong and thinks nothing of carrying 3 5 litre bottles back to the boat in her arms – as well as a rucksack full of beers and tins. We did have to stop off at the fishermen’s café for a cold beer though – at 1 Euro 30 for 2 beers life in Portugal is not expensive. In the meantime John looked over the engine and topped up all the oils. That night we went into Portimao for a meal and ended up in a World Press exhibition looking at the best of 2007 photos. Somewhat sobering.
On Wednesday we put Petronella in the water – a textbook example of how a launch should go – we were wise to the charging procedure and John had his multi meter to check the state of the batteries so she started first time like a dream. We motored to the anchorage at the mouth of the river and Jen and I had a much needed swim from the boat – lovely warm and clear water – nice to be back on the sea again. The pump for the handwashing water in the toilet refused to work so John took it to pieces and cleaned it out and it now works like a dream - although he did nearly inhale the ball from the valve whilst sucking to see if it was actually working after he had fixed it!! That night it was quite rocky with wash from the fishermen’s boats but it didn’t keep us awake for long.
Yesterday we went for “sea trials” and put all the sails up and tested everything out Had a great sail out but the wind dropped and we motored the last bit back to the anchorage. Then today we have motored to Lagos and we are tied up in the marina, not without drama but we survived thanks to a friendly bunch of Irishmen who took our warps for us at the opportune moment!! Now we have done the shopping and bought such exciting things as hand held flares to replace those that have expired, and are going out tonight for a meal in Lagos. John is scrubbing down the decks, Jen is off for a shower and I feel a beer moment coming on!!
3 comments:
Heyho, its alright for some. I had to get up at 6 to do my postie round...'postman pat, postman pat etc'.It is now drizzling and I'm going to ride round Arran....let's hope the sun shines, even in Portugal.
Good to read your news. All is much as usual in Gleaston. We had an ivy-culling session from our walls yesterday, and then treated ourselves to a rare cinema trip to see the latest Harry Potter film, which everyone but us has already seen. It rained... Sounds to be a lot of beer at your end and not much ouzo - don't the Protuguese do that sort of thing? Look forward to more seafaring tales!
Sounds as if all is going well and life is good aboard the good ship Petronella. The most exciting event of the weekend was putting a frog in your pond that we rescued from our drain. Your apples are great and have been keeping an eye on the plums - almost ripe. Keep up the good work and enjoy the sunshine.
Post a Comment