Category Archive

2015 2015

Click to view the map showing our trip through Canal du Midi to Sicily.

2014 2014
Our journey from Ile de la Reunion to Richards Bay, South Africa Online

www.gratisaustralis.com/category/indian-ocean/ And for other news: More sanding for Bob on the cabin sides. After two days of hard slog sanding, I have commenced varnishing and painting the galley.

Cape Town to Saint Helena, Day 15

St Helena, created more than fourteen million years ago by volcanic eruptions, was in sight upon the horizon soon after the passing of dawn. The island, inch by inch, became more pronounced as each hour passed. The highest peak of an ancient volcanic mountain range, she was enshrouded by the misty haze of the tropical […]

South Africa to Saint Helena, Day 12

  Yes, he did it! A solution for the twins!! Two U Bolt through mast head, attached to which was a 12mm eye bolts to which a block was attached. Winched up the mast, Bob made the repairs and those monoliths flew once more – until this day, that was. Only hours into daylight disbelief […]

South Africa to Saint Helena, Day 10

Fishing stories this trip were the tales of the ones that got away. Behemoths aplenty resided well below the surface of the seas we discovered, as time and again fishing tackle went missing in great numbers. Two of the lures remained behind to tell the story: one scarred deeply as razor sharp teeth etched trails […]

South Africa to Saint Helena, Day 6

The first days out, winds were sublime. Late afternoon upon us this particular day, we were both in the galley, me preparing tea and Bob procuring an afternoon drink when the emission of a loud popping sound, followed in its wake by a muffled thud, promptly caught our attention. Whilst Bob raced upstairs, I rapidly […]

South Africa to Saint Helena, Day 2

Excitement of the day occurred first thing. Upon awakening, I entered the pilot house as the whirring of the fishing line commenced. Mental faculties poorly operating as a result of sleep deprivation, looking at Bob the only sounds emitted from my mouth were, ‘Fish! Fish! Fish………….’ Bob glanced askance at me, with total lack of […]

South Africa to Saint Helena Day 1

The one thing we discovered about Cape Town, was that there was no in between when it came to the wind: it was either blowing a gale or absolutely nada. One could also be in Cape Town with the wind at Force one, and around the corner at the Cape of Good Hope it would […]

South Africa Perceptions

South Africa, a fascinating region of the world. An ancient, harsh land eroded by time and its elements, its magnificent animals leaving you in awe of their power. Animals aside, many were the times we commented upon how similar the country itself reminded us of home, but that wasn’t so surprising when one considered the […]

Cape Town Arrival

Some pics from our arrival in Cape Town. How different were the waters: ten hours before we were in six metre cross seas with short fetch.

Safe in Cape Town

After an interesting sail, we moored in the yacht club marina early last night. Just a few pics to whet the appetite.  

Ushaka Marine World

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 […]

Ushaka Marine World

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. […]

Through Comes the Blow

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 […]

Richards Bay Departure

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.

Imfolozie
Preparations

Tidied the forward cabin and purchased the first of the food. Weather checks are now a daily job. Our new logo is well under way and is going to look fantastic. Tome is now revamping the blog itself. We are so excited.

4th Jan images are up.

http://gratisaustralis.com/the-journey-so-far/journey-the-world/2014-2/richards-bay-south-africa/

Imfolozie pics are on at last.

Our trip to Imfolozi Game Reserve (http://www.nature-reserve.co.za/hluhluwe-imfolozi-wildlife-preserve.html) was magical. We had only just crossed the grid into the park, and there was our first elephant sighting: such a graceful animal for their size. Giraffes, baboons, rhinos, deer by the hundreds, zebras, hunting birds and more…. The work on the engine is now complete.  With a […]