We were on a mission this particular morning. After the heavier seas that caused water to enter through the open pilot house windows, in conjunction with a boat in which no air filtered through thereafter, mould once more reared its ugly head and commenced sprouting. With a bout of asthma resulting and a nose highly […]
During the early morning hours, Gratis was hit by ‘bombs’ as waves from the south connected in just the right position against the hull. It was with helplessness and immense frustration that I found myself unable to rectify the issue. The wind direction being what it was, no room remained for bearing off further as […]
At last!!!!!!! The wind abated to such an extent it was finally possible to manage some quality sleep and cook a meal: Fried Rice. YUM!!!!!!!! www.gratisaustralis.com/fried-rice/ Afternoon, winds abated, Gennie poled once more. Easy one may think, but not on this occasion, of course. Just settled down in the pilot house, a loud thwang […]
Patches of blue became visible between squalls, whilst Apollo continuously battled Thor for dominance. Midnight, 663.4nm remained.
Upon rising this particular morning, to the SE the view was of a dark line storm cloud stretching NE across the sky. Already the seas were altering from glassy to rippled, warning of the incoming wind. Sailor’s motto: ‘be prepared!!’ Out Bob and I trundled. Gennie sheet released to reduce sail; furling line winched in; […]
Most difficult to believe seven days had passed since our departure from Cocos. What a night!!! Winds gusting to 27 knots. After three days of side on swells and waves, we were tired of its monotony! By the afternoon, the winds had at last abated to such an extent to make it was possible to […]
Occasionally Bob sends fear surging through me. In the process of preparing lunch this day I stepped into the pilot house to enquire about his preference for food. No Bob in sight, out to the cockpit I went. No sign of him there, I peered through the windows: he was not to be seen. Setting […]
1635nm remaining. When reattaching the staysail wire some nights prior, Bob had inadvertently left one section of the endless furling line for the twins’ on the wrong side of the stay! Conditions calm, this day he took the endless line splice apart, placed the rope to the fore of the stay and respliced – not […]
Sighting vessels 20 plus nautical miles from us, the AIS was phenomenal. Identifying the ship, its course and whether collision was imminent, the eye strain caused by attempting to pick up their miniscule red speck on the radar became practically obsolete. Not that we did away with this, for we discovered that not all ships […]
Barometer rising, 19 knots of wind and cruising at 67 knots: what more could one ask for!!!! Lunch, and the first of our wahoo meals was served with potato: having a slightly oily feel, its feel texture was a little like chicken. One steak could have easily fed both of us. Too long at anchor, […]
Sun a blazing on the glistening sea, puffs of cotton balls lazily wafting across the winter skies and the Zephyr, a gentle 12 knot breeze: perfect for exiting between the coral reefs. Virtually impossible to comprehend, for the first time no dashing to and fro in a last ditch effort prior to departure. Like a […]
This was it! With only days remaining our excursion to the southern end of the lagoon finally took place. With the waters extremely shallow, Little G was required for the day. Working our way through the myriad of channels, we island hopped into the southern most region of the lagoon. At times, the Indian Ocean was visible […]
I had returned from a visit to the dentist on Christmas Island – not recommended for asthmatics. I returned with a full blown asthma attack. In the meantime, Bob had continued working on Gratis. Well at last, the wind having died, there was time for a little more photography upon Direction Island. We just loved these little […]
A bit of a laugh yesterday. Out happily ‘fishing’, a 20 knot gust of wind decided to grab hold of the line as I threw it outwards from Gratis. I was brought up short as a massive tug lifted the rod, attempting to snatch it from my hands. Looking round, my eyes followed the trail […]
An island visitor swam out to Gratis. A couple of teens had been swimming in the rip and soon found themselves being swept into the lagoon. Little G2’s motor roared to life as Bob and them gentleman headed out to the rescue. Only minutes later, the boys were safely ashore.
With not many days remaining until our departure fro Rodrigues, it was time to erect our sign, then Bob had a little fun. King Bob Making a phone call. Time for a break. And a selfie.
A wet dinghy ride to Home Island, Patterns upon the dockside pavers. Loved this dinky little boat. Barge ready for the supply ship. A short stop on the dock was followed by a ferry trip and we were at last on West Island. Water spray upon the ferry windows. A short ride on the local bus […]
A morning of rain. Little G2 1/4 filled with water. We all joined for an evening BBQ upon the beach. What a lifestyle! Hermit crabs a plenty, shells in all shapes and forms. A quick check that all is safe first. There was even a family out for a stroll. Another storm was a […]
Some good rain last night. Clouds are clearing and the sun beaming down. It’s so easy to find the exotic fish. One step from the shore and you are in amongst them. Here are my attempts from last night – slowly improving. Next week the real exploration commences and Big Bertha will finally come out […]
The shore is alive with Hermit Crabs. It’s amazing the places one finds the critters. A few more water shots. It was a bit murky today.
