Having arrived in Port Elizabeth early that morning, the ensuing evening saw an unpredicted strong westerly blow: what a relief to know we were not thrumming into the waves and swell. This was a time where, unable to purchase an ali whisker pole of the right thickness and weight, a second much stronger piece of […]
Fun this morning. Twins up, a beautiful relaxing warm shower to release the aching muscles, enjoying a cup second coffee for the day, we were carefully monitoring the wind as it commenced creeping up and down, like a shy animal teasing as it slithered forward then back as one attempted to entice it out. A […]
Midnight, the alarm rudely emitted its piercing cry. Finally, the long awaited weather window had arrived and a northerly was gently kissing the air. A final perusal of the weather predictions online, Big Bertha roared to life. Mooring lines released, Gratis gracefully glided into the darkness. With the coming of full daylight, it was possible […]
Here was a town on its downward spiral. The waterfront of dilapidated buildings fallen into disrepair, where only the poorer citizens now resided. A once thriving metropolis, more businesses were closed than open. The boating industry itself, was just surviving, with most business owners downsizing. Several we spoke to were making as much as they […]
Yesterday saw us catch a taxi to the Ushaka Marine World. Here one could meander along the promenade exploring the shops and partaking of a meal. A Wet and Wild theme park was perfect for those seeking relief from the humidity and heat or just looking for sheer excitement. No, we two didn’t venture in […]
This day, the wind howled as a high rushed in. Eventually dying, all calmed and the poured down whilst a small show of thunder and lightning accompanied it in its passing by. A day in which a spaghetti sauce and Rum slice were prepared; the twins having been repaired, raised, refurled and lowered in preparation for the next leg; […]
Today saw us catch a taxi to Ushaka Marine World. Here one could meander along the promenade exploring the shops and partaking of a meal. A Wet and Wild theme park was perfect for those seeking relief from the humidity and heat or just looking for sheer excitement. No, we two didn’t venture in that direction. […]
What a night it was Friday!!!! 50+ knots throughout as a massive low to the south passed through. One section of the pontoons came apart early on as it snapped under the pressure created by the wind. It required the assistance of two tugs with lines attached to the southern piece in order to prevent it from totally falling […]
Every so often, the winches require a service. A cold front passing by, this was the perfect chance to carry out this maintenance. One does not want experience a winch failure in bad weather! Reading the instructions Parts placed in the bucket to ensure none are lost Together it goes.
With another southerly buster – just one of many over the past weeks – on its way, at this stage this means our only hope of making our way round the Cape is to ‘bunny hop’ from port to port. Like Richards Bay, at night Durban is one of those harbours lit by an array of eye […]
Exquisite weather, a midnight departure and the speed of the infamous Agulhas Current (www.oceancurrents.rsmas.miami.edu/atlantic/agulhas.html) all worked in our favour as, after a three month sabbatical, we commenced our journey southward: Europe bound.
We are currently on route to Durban, This is roughly a 24hr sail.
Weather window not large enough: not departing tomorrow after all. We shall be moving round to Zululand Yacht Club to escape escape the effects of the tugs and the deafening noise that goes until 3am most Thursday to Sunday nights. Time for completing a few more jobs.
Touch wood, it looks like our weather window arrives Tuesday. A morning weather check in the morning will determine whether the formalities go ahead tomorrow. Itchy feet aplenty at the moment.
Each time one visits these wilderness, each experience is never the same. With only days remaining, and the work upon Gratis completed it was time for a last excursion. No words this time, just enjoy the pics. Check our You Tube page for the videos of the hawk and Rhino
The sound of gentle pattering rain on the decks throughout the night. Imfolozi here we come!!! The rain brings with it hope of much more successful Big Five sightings as newly developed fresh water pools draw them out of the undergrowth.
Preparations for the move are coming along: food stowed, repairs made…… It’s now just wait for the weather window. Video editing has commenced. With some rain predicted, another visit to the parks is imminent: with water pooling in a region that is currently rain deprived, that’s when the animals appear. Our friends from Thor espied […]
A few cold fronts going through this weekend. It will be mid next week before we depart for Cape Town. In the meantime some last minute jobs will be completed.
