tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31563577527252222222024-02-19T11:18:32.884+08:00Tigress Too Cruising NewsJean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-128505865404049432016-06-11T12:07:00.000+08:002016-06-11T12:07:49.252+08:00Bali to Dampier<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">745nm / 5 days 18hrs / avg speed 5.39kn</font></p> <p><font size="3">Leaving Bali on the 25th May we motored out of Serangan Harbour with very little wind to assist us on our way to Dampier. But once clear of the land about 3 hours out a light SE’ly wind puffed in and we were on our way under sail only. By 1530 that day we had put a reef in the main and were averaging a good 5.5kn. By 1600 we had reefed the headsail and our speed picked up to a steady 6.5kn picking up to 7.0kn on occasions. The wind had turned more E’ly but still had a little S in it but we managed to sail on a course of 171deg which would take us straight into Dampier. It had been a long time since we had winds like this and we were surprised at just how different the new sails were pushing the boat along. We both had to dig into the depths of our lockers to find our sailing gloves as handling the sheet ropes was starting to make the hands a little sore. Of course sailing at this speed and direction meant the boat was leaning over so getting around took some getting used to, again after the last few years in Asia where it was 95% flat waters and very little wind. It was a bit like doing a 24hr pilates lesson!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Not that we were complaining. At this rate we would be in Dampier in 5 days! </font></p> <p><font size="3">We had these winds for the first 3 days and averaged 140/150 miles per day, we were very pleased with progress. However, by the end of the 3rd day the the wind starting dropping and we shook our reefs out and not long after that the motor was on. We motorsailed on & off for the next 24 hrs, still able to keep up an average of 5kn.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Day 4 a very light S’ly came in, dead on the nose so we had the choice of sailing slightly off course or continue to motor. By this time the dear old gearbox was back to rattling again so we decided to sail and tack our way south giving the gearbox and our nerves a rest from the constant rattle. That night the wind dropped altogether so the motor was on again and we adjusted course towards Dampier. By Sunday night we had a S’ly again but with the motor on and sails up we were able to stay on course for Dampier and not be too uncomfortable. </font></p> <p><font size="3">We arrived just outside Mermaid Sound, the approach into Dampier Harbour, at around 2100 and we tossed up with hoving to and waiting until morning to enter or continuing on in the dark We had been into Dampier a few times before so we decided to go on and Jerry chose to sail down the gas line as anchoring is prohibited and we figured we would not bump into any other boats or moorings. It was a good decision.</font></p> <p><font size="3">The wind now had picked up and turned westerly and there was a fair swell running so we were constantly trying to slow the boat down and had to decide on where to anchor for the night as our chosen anchorage off Angel Island would have put us on a lee shore. We carried on into Dampier and Jerry suggested we round the bottom of Angel Island and motor into Flying Foam Passage a short way and drop anchor there. Now I was a little nervous of this decision as its not called Flying Foam Passage for no reason. We had sailed this very narrow waterway before (in daylight) and the current rips through at a rate of knots so if the wind is coming the other way there is a lot of chop. We had wind and current with us and it was only a matter of maybe 15 mins before we were in calmer waters. Dropping the anchor was fun as the current was very quick to shoot the boat back on the anchor so I had to be very quick on the anchor winch.</font></p> <p><font size="3">By now it was 0200 on day 5. We were very tired but very happy to have almost arrived so we had time for a celebration beer before falling into bed for some much needed sleep.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I was up bright and early the next day and oh what joy it was to look out the porthole and see Australia, the Plibara landscape, though red is very beautiful. We had 5 mile to motor into Hampton Harbour where customs and quarantine awaited us.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Apparently when we left Australia 3 years ago we should have exported our boat and now on return we needed to import it back into our OWN country.! How ridiculous is that. But you cannot argue with customs and so we had to do as advised. We needed to engage the services of a customs broker to complete all the paperwork formalities for us, something we thought we should be able to do ourselves after all we were now experts at paperwork after being in Asia. But no, that is not the case as the paperwork is not available unless you have a broker. After quarantine inspected the boat and took what was left of our fresh fruit and vegetables and some rice that had little insects in it we were able to go ashore but the boat could not leave the harbour until paperwork done and customs had finally cleared us. That took a week! The cost for coming back into Australia - Quarantine $350, Customs Broker $385, Quarantine woodwork clearance certificate required by customs $85 !!! So all you yachties out there that complain about having to pay the odd bribe in Asia (something we never did) stop complaining! </font></p> <p><font size="3">With the help of a friend we are now looking into the regulations for yachts returning home to Australia as there is nothing on the customs website detailing any of this. Apparently it is not legislation just a policy that any yacht that is going to be away for more than 3 months has to exported and then imported on return. That seems ridiculous but what is infuriating is that that we are not able to complete the paperwork ourselves and have to pay someone to do it for us.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Dampier is a great place to stop, apart from the red dust that can blow across the anchorage from the conveyer belt if the wind is in that direction. The harbour is very safe, there is a yacht club ashore that has showers and a washing machine, the kitchen is open 4 days a week and they cook up the biggest meals, one can be shared between two easily. </font></p> <p><font size="3">A community bus runs into Karratha 3 days a week and mostly you can get away with a concession ticket for $420 return otherwise its a bit expensive at $11.50.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Its expensive here but the we are in a NW mining town so its to be expected. But everyone is just so friendly and go out of their way to help you if they can. Nothing is too much trouble.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We have a new gearbox arrived here yesterday, so when the wind abates we shall put it in the dinghy and bring it out to the boat. Is blowing a good 25/30kn E’Ly at the moment. Good weather for heading south.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Its good to be back in home waters. The wind blows everyday, sometimes a bit too much, but we are enjoying the change of climate and snuggling under our duvet at night.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Sorry no pictures this time. There was not a lot to take out there in the Indian Ocean!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-79180465697675369232016-05-24T21:47:00.001+08:002016-05-24T21:58:49.520+08:00Serangan Harbour<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It was good to get ourselves tied up on a mooring in Serengan Harbour as Jerry wanted to remove the gearbox and take a look at why it is rattling again. I won’t deny that I am (and probably Jerry) are pretty fed up with the way it has been after a rebuild in Senibong but as all yachties know we just have to deal with it and get it fixed as best we can and move on. Firstly though we got off the boat for the night and went to stay with our friends Steve and Cheryl at their villas in Sanur and enjoyed the pool, the king, size bed, the airconditioning and everything else you would expect from 5 star accommodation plus the company of friends from home to chat to. We can highly recommend <a href="http://tamankesarivillas.com/">Taman Kesari Villas</a> to anyone wanting somewhere private but close to shops and beach in Sanur. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp-qSxNcXcAScoIpEg6zliao0ptj7Iyx5zGCUpr6USQ4_fiSvSS2lB4SmdHAOU7cU9fkVo2s2JyEP9rN0sDosi9J-3wyh2vP6vDQFcKBQhpHPTwdsX07pD-V1JoZiJVlpWnkMezzqs88/s1600-h/20160513_125345%252520%252528800x432%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160513_125345 (800x432)" border="0" height="285" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTJ2VZzo2Zo/V0RbHJD-1PI/AAAAAAAAEGo/yTuMHQhsgNw/20160513_125345%252520%252528800x432%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160513_125345 (800x432)" width="491" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5N-n4UNPZfJHL9DeTPgqFPu10s8WY0PbxEQ1NkFa2Q_ji7ezUgHYnf-ponbShgQkuWvNqDCibCIuGX77Qhr8MSxM23SQgQe839GdEYwuIJqEaq0DIKqPr1LryUVhbsEEN5iL6Jg5OTA/s1600-h/20160513_125509%252520%252528800x427%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160513_125509 (800x427)" border="0" height="284" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYH_oFgyWcw/V0RbIUWoPVI/AAAAAAAAEGw/Qqbw9Dev0ZI/20160513_125509%252520%252528800x427%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160513_125509 (800x427)" width="488" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Returning to the boat it was time to tackle the gearbox and I sent an email to family telling them of our day, it went something like this.</span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">And so the fun begins! Jerry removed the back of the gbx & gave it a whirl, no funny sounds & all appeared to be in tact & running smoothly. Next he removed the damper plate, which was fitted new when the gbx was removed at Senibong.<br />There are signs that it has been "hammering' as the springs are shiny and there is dust on the plate. Further reading in manual states that often when a gbx is rebuilt the damper plate can get damaged when gbx is refitted. Considering our gbx was fitted 4 times Jerry is thinking/hoping that this is what has happened to us. Mr Choos men were not the most "gentle" of fitters. So after a wild goose chase around Denpasar yesterday we have now ordered one from the UK & it has been promptly despatched via DHL & on its way. They say 4 days, who knows how long to clear customs here and also what it will cost us. We need to fit this new one then run motor to see if noise goes to know that this is the problem. One step at a time as they say!<br />Talking to other yachties who have had engine bits sent they arrive ok but there is no such thing as Yacht in Transit and we have heard that anything from 0% to 80% duty having to be paid. Lucky our part is only worth $100 so if they do charge us it shouldn't break the bank account.<br />On top of all that is my computer somehow decided to upgrade to Windows10 yesterday??? I must have hit the wrong button but I have been saying no to this upgrade for months now. Then when we wanted to order the part we could not connect to internet for hours. I think it was a problem with Telkomsel & not Windows 10 but for a while there I was about to throw everything including the gbx (if I could lift it) over the side!<br />Today is a better day....so far, nice boiled eggs for breakfast & lovely bread from Sanur. :)<br />During all this time Ruth (Isle Marine Services) has gone missing from office, we were desperately trying to get hold of her to have an address to send part to. But Mandi from Serangan Yacht Services who we are renting mooring from, at half the cost Ruth quoted!, came to the rescue. Ruth however still has our water pump keyway that snapped locked in her office & we would like to get it back to have a new one made as a spare. She finally emailed me last night to say she is in Jakarta at government meeting....again, according to the other yachties. <br />Yachts are coming & going on the new entry system, some are swapping from old CAIT to new system, even though Ruth says you cannot. I think most are going ok but I am not asking as so far no one has bothered us and I like it that way!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">There is a young American, Justin, here on his own who has his left arm missing & a prosthetic left leg fitted. Justin tried leaving in November but his engine failed when motoring out. That has been rebuiltbut the gearbox was taken out 7 times before they got it right! When he tried leaving again 5 miles out his cap shroud at top of mast broke & his forestay gave way. Luckily he was able to return to Serangang without his mast coming down.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">The reason I tell you this is Justin is still smiling and happy and he is a lot more agile than me even with an arm missing & one false leg!</span></em> <br />
<em><span style="font-size: small;">This morning Jerry is swapping our headsail sheet ropes for heavier/thicker ones, says it will make handling the sail easier in the stronger winds! I best do some weightlifting excercises while we wait for parts.</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BEkqcdS9Vjg/V0RbJviSAVI/AAAAAAAAEG0/AVMMHiTjSqQ/s1600-h/20160516_065712%252520%252528800x436%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160516_065712 (800x436)" border="0" height="301" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUgbySqGQfg/V0RbLTSOjTI/AAAAAAAAEG4/eatHl4GhMrE/20160516_065712%252520%252528800x436%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160516_065712 (800x436)" width="509" /></a>5 days later Jerry is now down below fitting a new damper plate. It was ordered from UK on Monday afternoon and arrived on Friday morning! Of course we had to go to DHL at the airport to pay duty, $50. No point in trying to reason with them and explain “yacht in transit” after all we wanted the part and they had it. </span> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocONW1X4pi0AHngQ1JvlGRDGUQUz4d-k_9SUnoYW7ekjx-fO1vt10qGKleuWDv8GCNXqibnq63QlYLCBtAjez6VTd2E7x_63-jd5OEUWmJmckTJcQvbLsHr_4B2wLp-_-ifJoOuqu40A/s1600-h/20160518_182339%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160518_182339 (800x450)" border="0" height="295" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P9-OLDwolJs/V0RbN2nGo2I/AAAAAAAAEHA/A05zPiC32yY/20160518_182339%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160518_182339 (800x450)" width="492" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have since read that Microsoft were very sneaky and fooled many of its customers into upgrading to Windows 10. Glad to know why my computer did this but it could not have been at a more inconvenient time when I was trying to order gearbox part and the reason I couldn’t connect to the internet was that the upgrade used all of my internet allowance!</span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVS3MsJ7O1s/V0RbO3uvZkI/AAAAAAAAEHE/DGmf1sKR_LE/s1600-h/20160521_170357%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160521_170357 (800x450)" border="0" height="287" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-glkaqHUOi2M/V0RbPq0hnSI/AAAAAAAAEHI/CTCFNCxvBoA/20160521_170357%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160521_170357 (800x450)" width="478" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Water pump keyway, another win here. Ruth’s assistant eventually returned to the office and put us in touch with a local machinist who made up 2 new keyways for us in less than 24 hrs at a total cost of $30! Same job in Australia would probably take a week or more plus cost around $150 each. You have to have a win sometimes. Now we have 2 spares…just incase.</span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tt6zSDk2JBs/V0RbQYiOGEI/AAAAAAAAEHM/lWAJSnKndHU/s1600-h/20160518_182108%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160518_182108 (800x450)" border="0" height="292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKMk64oTjXQ/V0RbRAmEdhI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/USgKwOGUxRs/20160518_182108%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160518_182108 (800x450)" width="486" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Twilight over Serangan Harbour</span> </div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_0eK3JCvrE/V0RbSINOkmI/AAAAAAAAEHU/TbgIz6Wpu90/s1600-h/20160518_182604%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160518_182604 (800x450)" border="0" height="291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93c6ANwuQXk/V0RbTOud0NI/AAAAAAAAEHY/K49t8KWlgtA/20160518_182604%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160518_182604 (800x450)" width="484" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Justin. A few of you came back with the joke about the man hitch hiking and the driver pulls up and says “<em> Hello, you look pretty armless, why don’t you hop in I’ll give you a lift”</em> Must admit I found it funny but now have trouble looking at Justin without repeating the joke to myself. Things have not progressed too well for Justin. He got his mast problems all fixed, with the help of another kind yachtie who went to the top of the mast for him to do the refit of cap shroud etc. However, yesterday we heard that when he started his motor his gearbox failed again. Apparently he has given up and ordered a new one from America for the cost of $1.00 plus freight. I did not realise that the old gearbox was still under warranty. Now he has to work out how to get around paying duty which on a big item like that will be $1000 +. We had a beer yesterday and Justin is still smiling. As a friend said there is a lesson to be learnt for all of us from this guy. </span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BXNacM1D1f0/V0RbTsuyndI/AAAAAAAAEHc/6ZiE6b-9hIA/s1600-h/20160520_190844%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160520_190844 (800x450) (2)" border="0" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t9SZ5ZamCFg/V0RbUnu1F9I/AAAAAAAAEHg/t3SGePD98K8/20160520_190844%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160520_190844 (800x450) (2)" width="517" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We are enjoying Serangan very much as we did when we stopped here in 2013. Nothing much has changed which is really good as it is very special just the way it is. Simple, uncomplicated and no tourists. The rubbish problem has improved and they obviously have that under some control, but I fear it is all just being dumped out of sight on the other side of the island. They are busy repairing the road surface so it is a little haphazard walking around the village especially at night as there are many potholes to miss.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The locals are kind, honest and friendly. Their main income is from the charter boats and yachts that moor here so they look after us well and there is no problem re security of our boat and dinghy. They go out of their way to help us and always want to chat about where we have been and where we are going.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Pojok Corner is still here and still the place to meet for a beer and have a meal. Not much on the menu still but its good basic food, the beer is sort of cold, the view is nice and the people are friendly.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_INCTXou6v7Zij__baqwReuHJO_61P6W7zN853OLfDXYI-IZ8SaNgu9TjaTi8ryaaH7EotbZD8q73hMuwYOW7d1rYHWDiDJc1SQMbJ_ILED7M5x0P9QUdT5XiwelN3G2DKsiVLf33h3Q/s1600-h/20160520_173328%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160520_173328 (800x450)" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVVezR6dH4n-T4oVJB6q5Ty39z3uMBL6QvSjnMfbMj96sNboEkAj7MOc0AKYEcfMgr_rCmaGxwhdlwQHLsPGCsJ7wE3tsj_UfJh9wz98kg2Cj7KNPZebjlFlbizOJbNlvaVxePYNolzk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160520_173328 (800x450)" width="471" /></a>As I normally do I took our laundry ashore for washing but afraid it came back a little worse than it went ashore! I have had it hanging in the fresh air for 2 days now to finish drying and to air as it had obviously been sprayed with some very cheap perfume that was so pungent it made me sneeze like crazy. Also I had to rewash the sheets as they looked like they had been dragging on the floor to dry. </span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T31xgW57Nr4/V0RbW493itI/AAAAAAAAEHs/JePiwfNeCN0/s1600-h/20160521_170451%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160521_170451 (450x800)" border="0" height="577" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aK6brlIrAYw/V0RbXvtwz_I/AAAAAAAAEHw/6rvRp1_cqXU/20160521_170451%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160521_170451 (450x800)" width="327" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NQBkrkElcmY/V0RbYaJKnuI/AAAAAAAAEH0/zcrbe6-AGtU/s1600-h/20160521_170841%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160521_170841 (800x450)" border="0" height="286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DvuvHJM-LBs/V0RbZH6l2FI/AAAAAAAAEH4/P-Aii3cHGMw/20160521_170841%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160521_170841 (800x450)" width="476" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">An old friend of Jerry’s, John Carter, is here on holiday and we caught up with him for lunch at Sanur. John then came back to Serangan to see the boat and it was inevitable that we would end up at Pojok Corner for a few beers.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdEekHRIiHme8jcfuZKXPaQWAgIZRaAN_uaC6fBz39O0wrwAcWJ7FJN6KrpSryyhT4zgKl_Hb5YXP6MjJgE1lpbrDZICebD5rrdEy-pJyKMV5znmCaqCzikkSkUlpea94RtEoV6Z6ZJo/s1600-h/20160523_133517%252520%252528800x444%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160523_133517 (800x444)" border="0" height="273" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dyd3HXFwThA/V0RbalPogSI/AAAAAAAAEIA/Sql8O6KVD6A/20160523_133517%252520%252528800x444%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160523_133517 (800x444)" width="460" /></a></span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGC5LFlnR5g/V0RbbTeypAI/AAAAAAAAEIE/2_1Vbh3N7hU/s1600-h/20160523_201336%252520%252528800x429%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160523_201336 (800x429)" border="0" height="269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MJITw6m4eX4/V0Rbg0wRoiI/AAAAAAAAEII/CYXW9yt73y0/20160523_201336%252520%252528800x429%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160523_201336 (800x429)" width="466" /></a> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Today we cleared customs and immigration and tomorrow we leave for Dampier, Australia. Also for the first time since being here the clouds cleared enough for us to see Mt Agung as she towered above Tigress Too. Hopefully that is a good omen for our next journey. </span> <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sQm5qcR7l-4/V0RbiAgPd0I/AAAAAAAAEIM/9Fpb6QffvoQ/s1600-h/20160524_150013%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20160524_150013 (450x800)" border="0" height="558" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zW4MQ9zlMVQ/V0RbipQeXEI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/T7ci1Euezzo/20160524_150013%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20160524_150013 (450x800)" width="313" /></a><br />
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<br />Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0Serangan Harbour Bali, Indonesia-8.4095178 115.18891600000006-9.4146568 113.89802250000007 -7.4043788 116.47980950000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-19110625762498617592016-05-13T09:18:00.000+08:002016-05-13T10:28:36.698+08:00Indonesia–Batam Is to Bali<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QwvEFgnEbc/VzU6qlEv7-I/AAAAAAAAEBk/WpY9L2ePvCE/s1600-h/20160504_085312%252520%252528800x447%252529%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160504_085312 (800x447)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160504_085312 (800x447)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwoYtJ4TVQ-qvu79YXb7G-cX80Vty8j9kOxNMgN4j6FiTjAJ3nojDv1V2CFVhwpiTYH4R6pZn30Rz9O9f9OZLmjjqfd7xjBya1Ra76IAmziWZWFtdhEtaCqKbRXoxqZtf0fCDE8q4PYY/?imgmax=800" width="515" height="307"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We left Nongsa Point Marina, Batam Island on 16th April and arrived at Lovina Beach, Bali on 7th May, where I am writing this post. We expected that we would likely have headwinds or no wind at all and we were not far wrong in our prediction. It was a very tiring trip. The heat & humidity was quite unbearable at times and we could not get any relief from this apart from travelling at night when the air is cooler and often their is a little breeze that we could take advantage of and turn the motor off and sail for a while. However, sailing at night has it’s disadvantages in this part of the world as there are always many fishing boats of all kinds out for the nights catch. Trawlers, long liners, squid boats, not to mention the fish stakes and FADS, oil and gas rigs and logs! Also as we found out that the many tugs we saw towing a barge did not have AIS fitted or a light so tiny on what they are towing it is almost impossible to see until quite close up, which can give you a bit of a fright!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J1ihfT3fvug/VzU6tDDKLuI/AAAAAAAAEBs/dhE2THxDGwQ/s1600-h/20160418_105412%252520%252528800x434%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160418_105412 (800x434)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160418_105412 (800x434)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ojHG5fIUcQ/VzU6udUz8yI/AAAAAAAAEBw/eN3Ny47RZ0k/20160418_105412%252520%252528800x434%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="260"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kslWmqRB0jg/VzU6vsiQIMI/AAAAAAAAEB0/tFuXiDFpQLQ/s1600-h/20160429_093315%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160429_093315 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160429_093315 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-htKCDS7Xlhs/VzU6wlkKyNI/AAAAAAAAEB4/Zq0Nu7s5edw/20160429_093315%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="266"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gvLWAQMZ1Hw/VzU6xhaUciI/AAAAAAAAEB8/7WqSe0oJLdU/s1600-h/20160506_070046%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_070046 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160506_070046 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gjg1CyUMM2I/VzU6ygYf2oI/AAAAAAAAECA/UfduQc1nzgw/20160506_070046%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="151"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CG3GCV6mMSQ/VzU6z0odz2I/AAAAAAAAECE/QVRV6jOIEmA/s1600-h/20160506_073758%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_073758 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160506_073758 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CDxEHW0lVVo/VzU61Le_7AI/AAAAAAAAECI/iCsOl0wE1EA/20160506_073758%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="147"></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">We travelled a total of 1021nm. Actually on the move for 221hrs of which 156hrs we had the motor running and only 64hrs of sailing without it. Not very pleasant! H</font><font size="3">owever, I did catch a couple of mackerel, one kept us and another yacht fed for a few days and do some essential washing with the rainwater we caught.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-isGialkGwUw/VzU61_4G4kI/AAAAAAAAECM/0uQmYoiu5Hg/s1600-h/20160422_073811%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160422_073811 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160422_073811 (450x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f3Fz2cM-tow/VzU62yXB1oI/AAAAAAAAECQ/Wa4Ev9lBsyY/20160422_073811%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="433"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUwQRWZWo7g/VzU64eXSEXI/AAAAAAAAECU/ZjrFTozPYo4/s1600-h/20160424_101602%252520%252528800x428%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160424_101602 (800x428) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160424_101602 (800x428) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_GjFHb1qdSY/VzU65ZO8GGI/AAAAAAAAECY/ZoZ5hviO2bw/20160424_101602%252520%252528800x428%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="278"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our trip took us through the Riau and Lingga group of islands and then down the Bangka Straits We anchored at the towns of Mentok and Toboali on Bangka Is. Hoping to go ashore at Mentok as we had been told it was a nice town with quite a bit of history, but we arrived at spring tides and it was too low during the day for us to get ashore. We did try but when we got out of the dinghy to drag it up the beach our feet just sank in thick gluggy mud. Soggy M</font><font size="3">oggy who were also there with us managed to stop a local as he passed in his boat and arranged for diesel to be delivered out to both of us. Toboali was a very nice small town where we were able to get a new starter battery and stock up on fresh fruit & veg at the markets. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iQt-mtuTS1A/VzU66scRSSI/AAAAAAAAECc/3MeWdBFu5EU/s1600-h/20160428_084801%252520%252528800x449%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160428_084801 (800x449) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160428_084801 (800x449) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFsgeJfarAc/VzU67dxLPKI/AAAAAAAAECg/uFBEMdguxp8/20160428_084801%252520%252528800x449%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="273"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-POjnhEgmWo4/VzU678tax2I/AAAAAAAAECk/aUd8E_MtxAM/s1600-h/20160428_090810%252520%252528800x391%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160428_090810 (800x391)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160428_090810 (800x391)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62Aqw6evJhQ/VzU69DfD2AI/AAAAAAAAECo/Xu7wDtSf0Hg/20160428_090810%252520%252528800x391%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="241"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvr21s_u_vM/VzU69657J9I/AAAAAAAAECs/M78b_qqmdwM/s1600-h/20160428_085025%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160428_085025 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160428_085025 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zL_FLXm5WSU/VzU6_DNffWI/AAAAAAAAECw/g01OPeqjIIE/20160428_085025%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="257"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">From the bottom of Bangka we were hoping to get to Karimanjawa Island but the wind was a very strong easterly that day and we decided it was easier to head towards the coast of Java and work our way along the top of Java in hopefully calmer water with the possibility of some offshore breeze. We had been getting a lot of rain squalls, thunder and lightening since leaving Nongsa but we noticed as we left the bottom of Bangka the squalls were not so frequent and any rain we did get was just rain with no wind attached to it. The rain was very pleasant as it cooled the boat down and filled the water tanks.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-DrPXV13sAFSEGKWlVaBPANFRYKi2Hb_MGx6TrVPt7v7JfdALQsWQ3MUIFwuNsri-b9wngjC7_8gxnvIAHuvS9dFT8UaD0iQZFv8YRS-NRsP4gRmSVpl5pfXuO70yVCJUpBDgzbz4uU/s1600-h/20160501_070736%252520%252528800x445%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160501_070736 (800x445)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160501_070736 (800x445)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMLsCOTC6_8/VzU7Bt1aZ1I/AAAAAAAAEC4/Jkm5Pjr0Lp4/20160501_070736%252520%252528800x445%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="271"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJjJj0z1X6Y/VzU7Cu6OXRI/AAAAAAAAEC8/RvMKodILh1Q/s1600-h/20160501_070721%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160501_070721 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160501_070721 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TE_EdWBTzAg/VzU7HGPMUUI/AAAAAAAAEDA/_1MLhhs_XOI/20160501_070721%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="267"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">The problem of course with being near the coast is the fishing boat activity at night and the fishing floats that you can dodge during the day but can’t see at night. It all makes for interesting night watches and there’s no chance of dozing off while on watch.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kmBqdl8uPSM/VzU7HjWXk5I/AAAAAAAAEDE/Lbns9r8PHNw/s1600-h/20160418_110043%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160418_110043 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160418_110043 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15Z-jRfSZYo/VzU7JZHQR0I/AAAAAAAAEDI/o1KsDGxauPw/20160418_110043%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="263"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kRy6c4gZp0/VzU7KDvvfAI/AAAAAAAAEDM/GLrmFgOZkf0/s1600-h/20160425_155116%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160425_155116 (800x450) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160425_155116 (800x450) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmdWytU1iTM/VzU7Mf4tzqI/AAAAAAAAEDU/1Y3i_HKd0NU/20160425_155116%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="265"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lYgwe_ar6xA/VzU7a6G-uLI/AAAAAAAAEDc/a0Nz36Q0q78/s1600-h/20160425_155309%252520%252528800x443%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160425_155309 (800x443)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160425_155309 (800x443)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYj8nGAm4Bc/VzU7b1ePtLI/AAAAAAAAEDg/iXLybHTkrVs/20160425_155309%252520%252528800x443%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="262"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rSitR9W8vag/VzU7c95jCPI/AAAAAAAAEDk/eNP4wdS8gMo/s1600-h/20160505_061212%252520%252528800x431%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160505_061212 (800x431)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160505_061212 (800x431)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-3eqwlzevY/VzU7eFHYJzI/AAAAAAAAEDo/Eakndvjr06U/20160505_061212%252520%252528800x431%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="261"></a>Near to the end of Java we had the choice of travelling along the north coast of Madura or taking the shorter way through the Madura straits between Java and Madura. We chose the latter and it was a very interesting journey. At one stage we had 126 ships within a 6 mile radius of us, fortunately most were anchored. It was like we were travelling through a ships graveyard. Sad to see were the huge barges of logs waiting to be loaded onto ships. I guess these were all rainforest trees, so sad to see the evidence of the logging that is happening up here.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTVmPE-QwL4/VzU7fI2OY0I/AAAAAAAAEDs/aufljFHnSV0/s1600-h/20160506_103712%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><font color="#2078b1"></font><img title="20160506_103712 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_103712 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3HUexNJcbk/VzU7gMfz4EI/AAAAAAAAEDw/SDw-1gFGm-0/20160506_103712%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="292"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEWV1iOHUcU/VzU7g7YEFsI/AAAAAAAAED4/p_3Iv6cy7YI/s1600-h/20160506_110126%252520%252528800x436%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_110126 (800x436)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_110126 (800x436)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2kaASuHziUI/VzU7hwUdhbI/AAAAAAAAED8/4HxwDR5WlpE/20160506_110126%252520%252528800x436%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="295"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3zMNZUI2W4/VzU7lqQZwmI/AAAAAAAAEEA/OilHllRJ7K0/s1600-h/20160506_120730%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_120730 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_120730 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zJWNZ1BfFA/VzU7mWpBVkI/AAAAAAAAEEE/bT4MJANSQx4/20160506_120730%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="294"></a></p> <p><font size="3">At the end of the straits is a bridge connecting Java to Madura, its quite impressive and we decided to anchor close by for the night, rest up and see it in all its lighted glory that evening, we had read it was quite spectacular. However that was not to be as not long after we dropped anchor along came the Navy and said we were in a restricted area and had to move on. But first they needed to see all our paperwork and while that took sometime they were happy with what we showed them and we moved on. It was now 4pm and we had the tide with us so took advantage of that as at one stage we were travelling at 8kn.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NXbbivJmZDM/VzU7nmGSXqI/AAAAAAAAEEM/M7jwk87fxGM/s1600-h/20160506_143157%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_143157 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_143157 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KP5dK-5dNf4/VzU7qg74ejI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/XL3GNZybqkA/20160506_143157%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="291"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygfthGjYuGk/VzU7rcKDDYI/AAAAAAAAEEU/3PMnnmHn_Po/s1600-h/20160506_143246%252520%252528800x437%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_143246 (800x437)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160506_143246 (800x437)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-devk_8buJq8/VzU7sKKenTI/AAAAAAAAEEY/IQ2gqo4FSzc/20160506_143246%252520%252528800x437%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="148"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7uVd9va2hwE/VzU7sqF3gAI/AAAAAAAAEEc/lqFTmJDLsFk/s1600-h/20160506_143250%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_143250 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160506_143250 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aAHlPBSkRJ0/VzU7tdesQdI/AAAAAAAAEEk/JZqNalyLj7o/20160506_143250%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="146"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J7yQwQJv3Pc/VzU7tzxEksI/AAAAAAAAEEo/7lOjYJhhel4/s1600-h/20160506_145616%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_145616 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_145616 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxlDNDykn87-Mj2B59VaiDlyuUtUMkE-NXxhktxOM0S3vBONd0QrIWUNPtx5TuGeeo4le3elXogMIVRuZJzFqFuPgOD3DNU0Zxc0JSPWsnZG6OdCsIF1P7DsdaT3QplxlVDeZjOZ4_nU/?imgmax=800" width="464" height="279"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZxp1uw2q0g/VzU7vaIqPZI/AAAAAAAAEEw/LipbJ_BQjys/s1600-h/20160506_123104%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_123104 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_123104 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GwyyquGDqu8/VzU7v77ru0I/AAAAAAAAEE0/pDHZ16M4gTE/20160506_123104%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="281"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">It was a very busy night as far as negotiating fishing boats and at one time I noticed we passed a squarish shape at a fairly safe distance. In the morning we discovered what this shape was and realised that we must have passed quite a number of them plus bumped a few too as Jerry did here a few thuds on the side of the hull! They seem to be for the fisherman to tie up to and fish,fortunately only during the day, we think! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-00COBOANELU/VzU7wtp2WoI/AAAAAAAAEE4/cr-XLVd7HGM/s1600-h/20160507_065834%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160507_065834 (800x449)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160507_065834 (800x449)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rU6qgDo_Iu8/VzU7xH78BBI/AAAAAAAAEE8/xQXTr2I9DyE/20160507_065834%252520%252528800x449%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="281"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our final run as we rounded the very bottom of Java and headed towards Bali we got a bit of a breeze and had a nice sail for an hour or so. We were also greeted by dolphins who came and went and played on our bow. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rgevrZiY9Z0/VzU7x8ft9AI/AAAAAAAAEFA/_6HbESw8kqA/s1600-h/20160507_053138%252520%252528800x438%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160507_053138 (800x438)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160507_053138 (800x438)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0JfEPi9KoLtDjSvIvy0d1GUwOLWFSfyzgbenhunhNDzvq-AWiL-GUCOaDlvxBuUJEaxVMJwjlLci9yi03SN8Gl3rSyuoaHhzaVTgmosYsWQgAZ9JRP26w1CaDgdIA9SXY0HID5Uflgk/?imgmax=800" width="466" height="273"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Heading into our anchorage at Lovina late afternoon our water pump drive snapped and caused the engine to overheat. Luckily we noticed the change in engine noise before any real damage was done and even luckier is the fact we had a spare onboard. At first we thought we had sucked up a plastic bag and Jerry jumped over board to take a look, quickly surfacing again to remind me to drop the sails! Luckily there was very little breeze and we had stopped when we turned off the motor!</font></p> <p><font size="3">He spent an hour swapping pumps, imagine hot engine that has been running for best part of 24 hrs. It was a sweaty job and a few fingertips got a little burnt in the process.</font></p> <p><font size="3">By this time it was getting dark and I thought we would have to spend the night outside the anchorage but when I checked with the binoculars I saw a little local boat heading our way and just knew it was Abdul from Lovina. We met Abdul in 2013 and he is like the guardian of the anchorage here guiding people in through the reef and then getting diesel, water and anything else you may require. He stood by the boat while Jerry finished fitting the pump and then in the dark and a rain squall (just to add to the adventure) he guided us into a safe anchorage. Things were a little tense onboard by this time so we had a couple of beers a shower and bed for some much needed sleep.</font></p> <p><font size="3">A few days here relaxing and enjoying Lovina, topping up diesel and water and we are now on a mooring in Serangan harbour at the bottom of Bali near to Sanur and Benoa harbour. It’s good to be here. </font></p> <p><font size="3">31 days since leaving Malaysia and 1148nm.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AmxPqmFBGaY/VzU7zGvG7AI/AAAAAAAAEFI/ilh17OzhlGo/s1600-h/20160506_171621%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_171621 (800x449)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160506_171621 (800x449)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzAu18QYCAI/VzU7zhntSKI/AAAAAAAAEFM/8FMPIvy2p4U/20160506_171621%252520%252528800x449%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="293"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ttkBBokIHk/VzU70GzpFRI/AAAAAAAAEFQ/5UQtsyChDqE/s1600-h/20160506_171530%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160506_171530 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160506_171530 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PvNdH5AhZ4w/VzU709kQjvI/AAAAAAAAEFU/0vaA8YQ6how/20160506_171530%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="294"></a><font size="3"></font></p>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-58157422893597728742016-04-22T12:51:00.001+08:002016-04-22T12:51:55.667+08:00Across the Straits and into Indonesia<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Thank goodness we have had an air conditioner on the boat while we were based at Senibong. Not only has it kept the boat mould free in the months we have left her here and enjoyed travelled by other means but the heat and humidity has been quite unbearable and to be able to seek refuge down below in the coolness of the cabin has helped us keep our sanity these last few weeks while we waited for our gearbox to be repaired. I wont go into too much detail but just say it was taken out of the boat and returned to Kuala Lumpur 4 times before it was right. It really tested our patience. </font><font size="3">But many thanks to our mechanic Mr Choo from Supreme Power Engineering for not giving up and sticking with us on this one. He was recommended to us for his good work and we in turn have no problem passing him on to anyone who needs engine work done up here.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZAf7mU5TP8/VxmtklxRyPI/AAAAAAAAD_A/q5UYTr7o69Q/s1600-h/20160217_133519-800x45014.jpg"><img title="20160217_133519 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160217_133519 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0ZxBmGjpV0/VxmtlnkORhI/AAAAAAAAD_E/cRpbOG8E2gI/20160217_133519-800x450_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="291"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> <font size="3">Once Jerry was happy with the gearbox we were able to slip the boat at Dalac Marine for antifouling and general underwater check. For some reason Dalac has decided that yachties can no longer work on their own boat, for whatever reason they chose to do this remains a mystery. However, after many emails and phone calls we were allowed the privilege of working on our own boat for the daily cost per person of $50! We decided that $50 a day was manageable but no way were we paying for 2 of us at $100 per day. So we drew straws and unlucky for Jerry he drew the short one and for the first time in 30 years of owning a boat I got to sit back and relax in the airconditioned cabin while Jerry slaved below in the intense heat reflecting off the concrete and the horrible humidity. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ztDnfGJkVo/VxmtmWj-2rI/AAAAAAAAD_I/4_OeulFgJ8k/s1600-h/20160330_172402%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160330_172402 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160330_172402 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eiyMBtZqEnw/VxmtnIIR4VI/AAAAAAAAD_M/QGGlntJBLi4/20160330_172402%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="308"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Kg4JVJWeRg/VxmtpoyhcnI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/ntvTKm7-4F0/s1600-h/20160404_150500-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20160404_150500 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160404_150500 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SzFnL6rgp-k/VxmtrLSgvRI/AAAAAAAAD_U/zYNSeNxea90/20160404_150500-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="296"></a></p> <p><font size="3">I did of course make sure he was well hydrated and fed during the day and also treated him to an ice cream late afternoon as a reward for all his hard work. I also did some secret work, unbeknown to the staff, some paint repairs on the deck and varnishing down below in the cabin. We remained living onboard for the 9 days while all this was going on, not very pleasant making the dash to the loo in the morning and not very pleasant having a mandi (shower) in the cockpit as the showers were so disgusting. But we soldiered on and were very quickly back in the water all cleaned up and ready for our next sail through Indonesia and back to Australia. That was a good enough incentive to make our stay on the hardstand as short as possible.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f3lyBgyV1h4/VxmtsH4nxuI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/KFVKQJej3Fg/s1600-h/20160226_181559-800x45016.jpg"><img title="20160226_181559 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160226_181559 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJrttAe82j5D_tsRtH-qTV4IoXfHmcn7gcJHoBZYtNRuctkHmECBvhWEMyAOUyg5byJhxeggPYrnC_Y0zss9RRa62QqJdbQOtK8dCreMjT2dYJKFRBP-F8XQvb6v1hNrDDn20sxTqyts/?imgmax=800" width="473" height="284"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Back to Senibong for a few days to stock up on final fresh food, gas, diesel, make some new flags and sadly to sell our beloved airconditioner! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--AFzjtLW59M/VxmtvC9mCCI/AAAAAAAAD_g/JYSV78mVans/s1600-h/20160305_145926-wifi-booster-450x800.jpg"><img title="20160305_145926 wifi booster (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160305_145926 wifi booster (450x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VWUdBwxsCAY/Vxmtv_CPfeI/AAAAAAAAD_k/eK-dAr-hzyo/20160305_145926-wifi-booster-450x800%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="647"></a><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KToYf6EL19k/Vxmtw3xkkAI/AAAAAAAAD_o/N73du01zoJY/s1600-h/20160410_093038-gas-filling-450x8002.jpg"><img title="20160410_093038 gas filling (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160410_093038 gas filling (450x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7cVLI3-xmuU/Vxmtxm-mejI/AAAAAAAAD_s/-ltxfCRgIGw/20160410_093038-gas-filling-450x800_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="664"></a>We said our goodbyes to Balan the manger and his friendly, helpful staff and motored off down the river to T.Pengelih where we checked out of Malaysia.</font></p> <p><font size="3">It was time to go as the smog from, fires, burning off? had already started and first thing in the mornings the air was quite horrible to breath.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A2w12KdHvlw/VxmtyQGuRPI/AAAAAAAAD_w/C1kYP1QB80k/s1600-h/20160409_072942-800x4509.jpg"><img title="20160409_072942 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160409_072942 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x57GPyJZL7g/VxmtzDFgvzI/AAAAAAAAD_0/9V7aJb7Amjs/20160409_072942-800x450_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="295"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TlSpkVIxnVA/Vxmtz1uAE1I/AAAAAAAAD_4/tWS2UBt6v84/s1600-h/20160411_125259-800x45019.jpg"><img title="20160411_125259 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160411_125259 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IaLEhV-aU_Y/Vxmt0kNs_CI/AAAAAAAAD_8/nzzKspzGVEs/20160411_125259-800x450_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="298"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Our first day out was not taking us very far, just 11nm across the Singapore Straits and into Nongsa Point Marina, Batam Island, Indonesia. We had a gentle breeze blowing so we were able to shake the cobwebs out of the sails and enjoyed a very gentle non stressful crossing of the Straits. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgYR0DoopCbxBg3JPjZ76z6vOEFufA-bprqQlbHT6svRTmNd7puuy_6YsHfAJ3gwI2eGnaqIeL_ELguanKf6nfPna2-Z3VwEwUFkyRLC63LuQ-ZZBdogPRiLZNo6OuUg4GlcRVER7CoM/s1600-h/20160412_124759-450x80012.jpg"><img title="20160412_124759 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160412_124759 (450x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ugQwcKVUbY0/Vxmt1y1WBvI/AAAAAAAAEAE/7aj-qLwW7oQ/20160412_124759-450x800_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="704"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Indonesia has just introduced a new system for cruising boats which is supposed to make it a lot easier for yachts to sail up here. We no longer need a CAIT permit and do not need to check in with every harbourmaster we happen to cross. So we shall see how this new system works We do however have a CAIT as we applied for ours before the new system was implemented, hopefully we will not have to show it but if we do it means that the new system is not working and could mean it will save us a lot of hassles and backhanders. So far our check in has gone smoothly but then that could be because the staff here at Nongsa take care of it for you for a fee of $50 and encourage you to sit by the pool and relax while formalities take place. Since this will be our last marina now until Australia we do not mind enjoying what it has to offer. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Its very hot without the airconditioner! We are beginning to think that life onboard without it is hell, but I guess we will get used to it. Marinas are generally very hot as they are surrounded by buildings so it should be cooler when we are out of here and anchoring everyday.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Tomorrow we take a car with driver into town where we will get simcards for phone and internet so we can check weather and stay in touch through the islands.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Hopefully we meet more interesting folk like young Scott on his small yacht who has singlehanded from USA across the Pacific and leaves tomorrow for Malaysia. His small petrol inboard engine will only run for 3 hrs in the heat up here so he decided to buy a traditional longtail to help him along in the breezeless air. It is so very noisy and thirsty, 4L of petrol an hour! But he’s out there living the dream and enjoying it too!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-86mr4G5G2dI/Vxmt23S9r8I/AAAAAAAAEAI/8uIJGOlCQmQ/s1600-h/20160413_101443-Longtail-on-yacht-80%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160413_101443 Longtail on yacht (800x450) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160413_101443 Longtail on yacht (800x450) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DQOY0DtWpVE/Vxmt3srutHI/AAAAAAAAEAM/D57HTXJkxaM/20160413_101443-Longtail-on-yacht-80.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="245"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELF6TRuGxQQ/Vxmt4I-B-zI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/iMned2_pE9E/s1600-h/20160413_101443-Longtail-on-yacht-80%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160413_101443 Longtail on yacht (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160413_101443 Longtail on yacht (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9qof1urnVFY/Vxmt4yZ2gII/AAAAAAAAEAU/gD2A3F7rhh8/20160413_101443-Longtail-on-yacht-80%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="413"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Its good to be out on the sea and moving again and even better we are headed to Australia.</font></p> <p><font size="3">P.S. Something I have been doing in my spare time…for Oliver, of course!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhCUafKd_zw/Vxmt5u-VunI/AAAAAAAAEAY/4_XDoLKjRqw/s1600-h/20160405_180958-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20160405_180958 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160405_180958 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeJh_yq-RyCF59xYSb6Nu6vnVqmZnCwPIBhcMjMF1YzaybrWgzyOs_K_RAkPSlg3v5qR4pBS38dvGLtKGJonK_DO65cMiSqcAgLqJKnKhtYpVhcAXIAiGiSsH8KFwVy3ZFr-pL3XCqBY/?imgmax=800" width="488" height="293"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-47578882306428310592016-03-01T15:40:00.001+08:002016-03-01T15:40:06.766+08:00A new family member<p><font size="3"></font> </p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jaUTA14ONjM/VtVFGbUHZzI/AAAAAAAAD5I/KrnV5MXwfPI/s1600-h/20160109_160623-800x576_thumb12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jaUTA14ONjM/VtVFGbUHZzI/AAAAAAAAD5M/w8iZT1whWec/s1600-h/20160109_160623-800x576_thumb12%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160109_160623-800x576_thumb12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160109_160623-800x576_thumb12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_26bsRpvYemy8hYACybjcWM5_9_k_VuTKON-z5-5-S5Gl9TPreITV0pZExjVYpGDf5q5HwEup-ECuc8bH-auwxhqOIR5mJiLziFR4yOtQr7ZyQc-ybGQAO7sRMbjVRLem_vMa-1gdez0/?imgmax=800" width="476" height="349"></a></font></a> <p><font size="3">We flew home mid December anxious to meet our first grandson Oliver Wymark Charles Davis who was born on 18.11.2015 weighing a whopping 4.67kg! Kate had a long labour, 34hours, and quite traumatic. I will always remember a text from Ben after just 6hrs labour and on the way to the hospital it said “the pain is getting worse and worse” ! Little did he know just how bad it was going to get before Oliver made an appearance.</font> <p><font size="3">Meeting Ollie was very emotional, in a beautiful way. He is such a perfect, cuddly, happy, gorgeous little boy. Kate and Ben are deliriously happy and enjoying parenting despite suffering with lack of sleep as most new parents do. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lQN71OwJHA8/VtVFMSiA34I/AAAAAAAAD5Q/jmsxYkOquKM/s1600-h/20160109_155813-450x800_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lQN71OwJHA8/VtVFMSiA34I/AAAAAAAAD5U/vRdclx6RewI/s1600-h/20160109_155813-450x800_thumb2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160109_155813-450x800_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160109_155813-450x800_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2eZCkuT-Wk/VtU-gqTQhnI/AAAAAAAAD4w/AIfEsILAuko/20160109_155813-450x800_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="199" align="left" height="348"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ahws1Q1whTg/VtVFOdv2axI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/pZEmcl0JF9A/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1448526249470-600x800_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ahws1Q1whTg/VtVFOdv2axI/AAAAAAAAD5c/gBchS94kiC0/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1448526249470-600x800_thumb2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1448526249470-600x800_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1448526249470-600x800_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rJeWJqI9aJg/VtVFQNsV5cI/AAAAAAAAD5g/LVW05KjwWBg/FB_IMG_1448526249470-600x800_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" align="left" height="357"></a></font></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">We spent a wonderful 7 weeks at home and Ollie was the best Christmas present ever.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8qicKzerbY/VtVFUj8sJXI/AAAAAAAAD5k/awQKwFAr4Ig/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1451008282302%252520%252528720x720%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x8qicKzerbY/VtVFUj8sJXI/AAAAAAAAD5o/yveqHg0sjsM/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1451008282302%252520%252528720x720%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1451008282302 (720x720)_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1451008282302 (720x720)_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qumi9baDaas/VtVFXA4ZTxI/AAAAAAAAD5s/UeIhcgO7E3I/FB_IMG_1451008282302%252520%252528720x720%252529_thumb_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="534"></a></font></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bGQoBw0Hw48/VtVFZxCK_pI/AAAAAAAAD5w/lPhy2tfX0HY/s1600-h/20160106_092545%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzyywPKNJtJG6UH03uOfGOTllk8VBj56cLeWP3QW0pd-2UdfItx8TOCzM59BtEZS0IWaq467N5R86yzeW6QrcfeLz_8TeoZnbwC6F2zuzCAvzoBgbIHvwXa2NeTJWr69lmP0TxcpTBwk/s1600-h/20160106_092545%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160106_092545 (800x450)_thumb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160106_092545 (800x450)_thumb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gPqSuJjS0g4/VtVFdLEduHI/AAAAAAAAD54/zC3YjNP0vIE/20160106_092545%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="331"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EqoIdMnMyus/VtVFgf8c_cI/AAAAAAAAD58/65-ABsVSvxU/s1600-h/20160107_083825-450x800_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EqoIdMnMyus/VtVFgf8c_cI/AAAAAAAAD6A/z48X7DGozXk/s1600-h/20160107_083825-450x800_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160107_083825-450x800_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160107_083825-450x800_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJ3imG24lcU/VtVFjmfPn4I/AAAAAAAAD6E/f5OwJmEoor4/20160107_083825-450x800_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="558"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We were lucky and to have the offer from our friend Carol to house sit in South Fremantle for 5 of those weeks and the bonus of a lovely dog Heidi to look after and enjoy many walks on the pristine beaches we have at home. </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LRT6Uc0OiaNJ65UPlZUjIaH0QL7YPy9aAzmC9kEkn9S8icBnIVHdkKVz6NjLdqrJEsfkxbv2PZJupNXmwYfL_rtnWWVwz38T28_FaZNgieFIYtiw-fjCPbAybV7j-NKIx4Fahkaib5c/s1600-h/Evan--Heidi_thumb11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYt1rSejNcuXwvNODG_ziGgYL_1YFpPDxVYlI7isr1BD5GgMIdBMUi4KUUxhfbM14Fme-HEbFJRWvt02j7Hb6U9ttNhKSSnM9fEEx1Wa4L9PQ8TlC1PNXABEbGajXVZwosDoJ27mai88/s1600-h/Evan--Heidi_thumb11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Evan--Heidi_thumb11" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Evan--Heidi_thumb11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-juyaRDvKtB0/VtVFshA4r_I/AAAAAAAAD6U/9J9E9fsHNIQ/Evan--Heidi_thumb11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="585"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HXrhj0k-xrU/VtVFt1ecQvI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/0dSEF6CKlwI/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1452124088096-600x800_thumb18%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HXrhj0k-xrU/VtVFt1ecQvI/AAAAAAAAD6c/q7DI4iT8uzw/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1452124088096-600x800_thumb18%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1452124088096-600x800_thumb18" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1452124088096-600x800_thumb18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hd0anoGSPtw/VtVFyVhFJtI/AAAAAAAAD6k/KftmtcbiiSk/FB_IMG_1452124088096-600x800_thumb18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="445"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Jerry is not one to sit around doing nothing and it wasn’t long before he had Ben and Kate’s laundry remodelled to make it more “user friendly” incorporating a sink to bath Ollie in. Lots of other jobs were on the list but with such a young baby at home it was not the time to be doing too much. We were also somewhat distracted whenever we visited.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8kBIkWK_oRc/VtVFzIVDVEI/AAAAAAAAD6o/4UcioRJasQc/s1600-h/20160101_130207-800x450_thumb10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8kBIkWK_oRc/VtVFzIVDVEI/AAAAAAAAD6s/rKsELzZsSs0/s1600-h/20160101_130207-800x450_thumb10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160101_130207-800x450_thumb10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160101_130207-800x450_thumb10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nmd8UksVHYU/VtVF4CxnLvI/AAAAAAAAD6w/I7wVEGQ0SIw/20160101_130207-800x450_thumb10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="311"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9rtI1o8vtY/VtVF5aI4JhI/AAAAAAAAD60/gk3WtZNMRo0/s1600-h/20151230_154858-800x450_thumb11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9rtI1o8vtY/VtVF5aI4JhI/AAAAAAAAD64/NcYMAN1sTzY/s1600-h/20151230_154858-800x450_thumb11%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151230_154858-800x450_thumb11" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151230_154858-800x450_thumb11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QxfgIClR47U/VtVF7zEuO-I/AAAAAAAAD68/OF5aJgEm1vM/20151230_154858-800x450_thumb11_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="321"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2R-23nvUd80/VtVF-mte87I/AAAAAAAAD7A/jsPGex5Cqio/s1600-h/tinybeans-1304898724-600x800_thumb6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2R-23nvUd80/VtVF-mte87I/AAAAAAAAD7I/GAFZFYYWVGY/s1600-h/tinybeans-1304898724-600x800_thumb6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tinybeans-1304898724-600x800_thumb6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="tinybeans-1304898724-600x800_thumb6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5HlQ_BKMhNiH_EYw5p_1D3VOxVhzpMflU3vTryiJ3UGRIkOZ6hrqHzYj8XtL5GGWwVcoi7hsCbijWT6WdNlrIdc4WBWt9fMIlEhXp48vr7iqA6NCaVV4AkeM46RfFn-tLZVUL5BRNqc/?imgmax=800" width="428" height="584"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">7 weeks passed very quickly and leaving home this time was very hard. But we are now back onboard Tigress Too and getting ready for our next sail which will be through Indonesia. But first we have to get a problem with the gearbox fixed which like all major jobs up here is turning into a real pain in the backside!</font> <p><font size="3">We arrived just as Chinese New Year began. Just about everything stops and shuts for a 7-10 days which can be quite frustrating when you are on a mission to get something fixed. But after being in SE Asia for a while you learn not to stress out and just sit back and enjoy the festivities. Which is exactly what we did.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zk96Y6-yrpw/VtVGCl5wUmI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/egK7PtQq1JE/s1600-h/20160213_115100-800x450-800x450_thum%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zk96Y6-yrpw/VtVGCl5wUmI/AAAAAAAAD7U/3Lmga17tB8c/s1600-h/20160213_115100-800x450-800x450_thum%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160213_115100-800x450-800x450_thum" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160213_115100-800x450-800x450_thum" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcTgr1zmEoE/VtVGG3lq-tI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/OUZyDcSsSjo/20160213_115100-800x450-800x450_thum_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="291"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">The dragon dancers came to the marina to bless the offices and bring good luck for the new year</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2ZBgpcitIc/VtVGHd0zNNI/AAAAAAAAD7c/84masL6FJuw/s1600-h/20160213_115513-800x440_thumb3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2ZBgpcitIc/VtVGHd0zNNI/AAAAAAAAD7g/_FMAyAuM5MM/s1600-h/20160213_115513-800x440_thumb3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160213_115513-800x440_thumb3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160213_115513-800x440_thumb3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpfDCrToAQfV8BlEkTBhyNpF3g-4XsL0Ci_tKnDElIit7gNYmNvZwHVrbFUROBFQSfqs1t0PMCxLv4grf0z07P4LM6Ra37iZ65n9pSEgyp5E0Fi8U8C-HW8QvR4AQPRSapdP002mNeUc/?imgmax=800" width="491" height="297"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gx9bxcMEhr0/VtVGZEZP76I/AAAAAAAAD7w/sVSRx1VgLTk/s1600-h/20160213_120454-450x800_thumb3%25255B4%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160213_120454-450x800_thumb3[4]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20160213_120454-450x800_thumb3[4]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t8w28fyEi4Y/VtVGcAZfNfI/AAAAAAAAD74/NiolB9vrPwA/20160213_120454-450x800_thumb3%25255B4%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" align="left" height="384"></a>They give offerings of food and the final gift is these four plates of mandarins that hide a secret number that will bring good luck. There was much studying of these plates and the custom is that the Chinese people once they are happy they have deciphered the number will rush out and buy lottery tickets! Can you see a series of 4 numbers? Hint, it is on the bottom plate. If you win lotto don’t forget who passed the good luck on!</font> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XRXuSnzig90/VtVGd5ycDiI/AAAAAAAAD78/B65rpkzW2FU/s1600-h/20160214_171306-800x450_thumb27%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XRXuSnzig90/VtVGd5ycDiI/AAAAAAAAD8A/GS1gzipbi7M/s1600-h/20160214_171306-800x450_thumb27%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20160214_171306-800x450_thumb27" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20160214_171306-800x450_thumb27" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_aNC2biRvc/VtVGkf4xgEI/AAAAAAAAD8E/Kc-vyXi_DUg/20160214_171306-800x450_thumb27_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="267"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Just a few more of my favourite Ollie pictures.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ShOtuaqGF_c/VtVGmDsQoSI/AAAAAAAAD8I/YNLmwgahEKw/s1600-h/20151216_152909-800x450_thumb18%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ShOtuaqGF_c/VtVGmDsQoSI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/eO3g6avlBWo/s1600-h/20151216_152909-800x450_thumb18%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151216_152909-800x450_thumb18" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151216_152909-800x450_thumb18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUGQNJtnFtw/VtVHE9G4VQI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/0wruwT78MOk/20151216_152909-800x450_thumb18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="267"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lAH57pBeV2Y/VtVHGokSSpI/AAAAAAAAD8c/G4a10QchQEI/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1452514400748-707x800_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lAH57pBeV2Y/VtVHGokSSpI/AAAAAAAAD8g/cUVzUbCNryU/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1452514400748-707x800_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1452514400748-707x800_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1452514400748-707x800_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b93bqK9P9i0/VtVHOmoEonI/AAAAAAAAD8o/Z6IiqZxbOfc/FB_IMG_1452514400748-707x800_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="386"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVBD6iBUCRY/VtVHSCcdlnI/AAAAAAAAD8s/7BtMvehdQ00/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1456278734019_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVBD6iBUCRY/VtVHSCcdlnI/AAAAAAAAD8w/XO_zWbmgW_w/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1456278734019_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1456278734019_thumb[2]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1456278734019_thumb[2]" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifgRdqx0I0U/VtVHU7UbmVI/AAAAAAAAD80/FwKoFFDXQ3Q/FB_IMG_1456278734019_thumb%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="542"></a></font></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-30573728533752688702016-02-14T15:40:00.001+08:002016-02-14T15:40:36.182+08:00Backtrack to October 2015<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">It would seem I have been a little lazy of late and not posted since our holiday in Italy and in fact I have not got round to posting about our time in England visiting family and friends. So it’s time for catch up….</font></p> <p><font size="3">September 29th we left beautiful Sommocolonia behind and flew to Bristol. We spent one month in England visiting with family and friends and drinking quite a bit of cider. Although I did notice Jerry’s intake has slowed down somewhat since our last visit, it must be something to do with turning 60!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8xJQt48kz8/VsAuWnuj3FI/AAAAAAAADwo/0Y-fmxxIFV4/s1600-h/20151003_195828-800x450_thumb36%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8xJQt48kz8/VsAuWnuj3FI/AAAAAAAADws/BrJKAyK7Vws/s1600-h/20151003_195828-800x450_thumb36%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151003_195828-800x450_thumb36" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151003_195828-800x450_thumb36" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D3YXhFBTSVd9rDUly4C-dTo-OJm6mGSjagKJBOTb3Z7-GG7Z1mWCsGCdh302CfctDXEoXmWJIcnroAHGgZ8OqY9GM8fXxPwwhLCnnMEeu1PwJrK8BoT2X8XKB8N0M4wAosQbVsSpu-M/?imgmax=800" width="481" height="300"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We arrived just as the Rugby World Cup started. Of course the Poms were all fired up and needless to say there was lots of banter between us. I think Jerry and I did a great job of representing the Aussies.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cbWK1qm0yzU/VsAuYXD2qFI/AAAAAAAADw0/6geDkv9bS40/s1600-h/20151003_205116-800x450_thumb3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03VOV_xjrzCSZdWTG2E1YcsKoeKJ_mBwUt4jTUw_oSFgmOTyXC7UYhHHpuWHsAmdFaxTyXXkKoZEV6cHl-Z9pWi8o2WGYzYGBDuCADmI1OYGOUkosBeOAw31hl-Ou1LpafiLuVHvWSa8/s1600-h/20151003_205116-800x450_thumb3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151003_205116-800x450_thumb3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151003_205116-800x450_thumb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2KUNzwnm2Q/VsAuZrNBrsI/AAAAAAAADw8/FnkmDSGi5mo/20151003_205116-800x450_thumb3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="304"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Another (mystery) bike ride with Cheryl and Mark to celebrate both Jerry’s 60th and my 59th saw us cycling from Nailsea to Froome, (not far we were told) it turned out to be about 65km. But a beautiful ride along the old railway lines through Bristol, Bath and Radstock countryside.</font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i31SYVxIL8U/VsAuaL1iDMI/AAAAAAAADxA/VHF8iZH58R4/s1600-h/20151011_105756-800x440_thumb9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i31SYVxIL8U/VsAuaL1iDMI/AAAAAAAADxE/qnHssf-YDCY/s1600-h/20151011_105756-800x440_thumb9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151011_105756-800x440_thumb9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151011_105756-800x440_thumb9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QTB3ECr73o/VsAubeA-wSI/AAAAAAAADxI/PPjE-m7FxbQ/20151011_105756-800x440_thumb9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="293"></a></font></a> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8WEGx40xyM/VsAucLWdNKI/AAAAAAAADxM/-1rS3b7XW-w/s1600-h/20151011_105440-800x429_thumb7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8WEGx40xyM/VsAucLWdNKI/AAAAAAAADxQ/_xm32ggkDMg/s1600-h/20151011_105440-800x429_thumb7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151011_105440-800x429_thumb7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151011_105440-800x429_thumb7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j5acaQRId1s/VsAud1-zswI/AAAAAAAADxU/ncNXFxT-f2A/20151011_105440-800x429_thumb7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="300"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zn_g7BaC108/VsAuee_UrwI/AAAAAAAADxY/TyjWTnheMQI/s1600-h/20151010_122712-635x800_thumb12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zn_g7BaC108/VsAuee_UrwI/AAAAAAAADxc/nibPaXbEFTc/s1600-h/20151010_122712-635x800_thumb12%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_122712-635x800_thumb12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_122712-635x800_thumb12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K2AA0ZuEqnI/VsAuflfWD0I/AAAAAAAADxg/o6x3RmlCUMg/20151010_122712-635x800_thumb12_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="398"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yN10BAT5ZU/VsAuga7xiGI/AAAAAAAADxk/vL-X-3JMIIo/s1600-h/20151010_115117-800x450_thumb16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3yN10BAT5ZU/VsAuga7xiGI/AAAAAAAADxo/INgdmxChH7I/s1600-h/20151010_115117-800x450_thumb16%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_115117-800x450_thumb16" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_115117-800x450_thumb16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THZiJwt_Ypo/VsAuhgWm4DI/AAAAAAAADxs/wxYPkLdAH28/20151010_115117-800x450_thumb16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="314"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FNo2bziaalk/VsAuiGQAmFI/AAAAAAAADxw/Z-aM5HYkULM/s1600-h/20151010_121250-800x450_thumb8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FNo2bziaalk/VsAuiGQAmFI/AAAAAAAADx0/EUzRWa4aSdU/s1600-h/20151010_121250-800x450_thumb8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_121250-800x450_thumb8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_121250-800x450_thumb8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Cuf0qZHHTk/VsAujLJSqcI/AAAAAAAADx4/Dk31Li5vslU/20151010_121250-800x450_thumb8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="322"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We overnighted at a lovely hotel that had a huge bath in our room. After the long bike ride a soak in the rather grand tub was most welcome! </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQ3TN_It_-4/VsAujhXTPAI/AAAAAAAADx8/tMoSkl9sK9E/s1600-h/20151010_161618-800x446_thumb3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aQ3TN_It_-4/VsAujhXTPAI/AAAAAAAADyA/HwQtMTEUG9Y/s1600-h/20151010_161618-800x446_thumb3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_161618-800x446_thumb3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_161618-800x446_thumb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qp79syus34g/VsAuk2NT4QI/AAAAAAAADyE/nfX0V-PD9AQ/20151010_161618-800x446_thumb3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="319"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We were treated to dinner and then onto a concert where we listened to a beautiful Irish singer, (whose name escapes me at the moment), it was 3 months ago! but the feet were tapping and the hands were clapping, (she) was very good. That night we slept like babies and after a hearty breakfast reality set in as we set out to cycle the 65 km home! It was a great weekend and I am happy to say after 2 weeks cycling the canals I was able to keep up with Cheryl unlike the last time home!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AR5S45Immi0/VsAulZPD-wI/AAAAAAAADyI/IXh435o7ipA/s1600-h/20151010_100927-800x450_thumb13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AR5S45Immi0/VsAulZPD-wI/AAAAAAAADyM/a_rtnzXIcSg/s1600-h/20151010_100927-800x450_thumb13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_100927-800x450_thumb13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_100927-800x450_thumb13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Zk4aN92YbQ/VsAumk2XZvI/AAAAAAAADyQ/UL3G4iUqJNI/20151010_100927-800x450_thumb13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="304"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oyvId4yorX4/VsAunMTmt4I/AAAAAAAADyU/Dpj-nTZuwK0/s1600-h/20151010_101954-800x450_thumb17%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oyvId4yorX4/VsAunMTmt4I/AAAAAAAADyY/1fzg3f1ENvw/s1600-h/20151010_101954-800x450_thumb17%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151010_101954-800x450_thumb17" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151010_101954-800x450_thumb17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WKJfOQQr8jk/VsAuoen1P7I/AAAAAAAADyc/DIt76-gdPP8/20151010_101954-800x450_thumb17_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="303"></a></font></a><font size="3">Some of you may know that Jerry’s Dad Ray was the charge hand blacksmith at Underfall Yard in Bristol docks in his working days. Underfall Yard has been closed down for quite a number of years now but they have just received money from the Lottery to renovate it and open it up to the public for tours. We rode the bikes into Bristol docks one Sunday and joined in a tour. It was very interesting listening to Ray tell the tales of yesteryear. They are very lucky to have Ray who can tell them so much about the history of the yard and the characters that worked there. He is one of the very few left of the original workforce.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biBvGqWx5zA/VsAupPnWtkI/AAAAAAAADyg/cOiP2kVwWFk/s1600-h/20151003_161224-800x450_thumb28%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biBvGqWx5zA/VsAupPnWtkI/AAAAAAAADyk/FxqopE1KOZA/s1600-h/20151003_161224-800x450_thumb28%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151003_161224-800x450_thumb28" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151003_161224-800x450_thumb28" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUj48B7ixKM/VsAurCc41oI/AAAAAAAADyo/6bglRPj3uzM/20151003_161224-800x450_thumb28_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="288"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AqQ-RknYLuo/VsAusG02dBI/AAAAAAAADys/6yk1M_Dbr1U/s1600-h/20151004_124116-450x800_thumb14%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUeYedZabNjwd_4u0retglUlW3Fn-mHePvbwj_VQ0hY56QBDHCgYiD9cb8Fjaf3RFIWlQ3IEs1QH3PFLzgjRC12BpatHVQ2sDzEYe19ESqe_vIjEPesRu5UwEGgElDuOy2Sa3Vqs36nY/s1600-h/20151004_124116-450x800_thumb14%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151004_124116-450x800_thumb14" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151004_124116-450x800_thumb14" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlbfZ5_EZlSzP1duXEv9px3rvnCZblvP5tDbWV8mi34L_8w7MOWa9KNDEzhj3_G52ulEZURpIVE50dd-b8g-NZIEthGXUYTnEICs7LdtzRlqzfsYqwdXKQI9Cu8ct9E9hTfCcxOhKsFw/?imgmax=800" width="315" height="564"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6bJ6nlUtNo/VsAuuTeFXBI/AAAAAAAADy4/NUYrg1yzmWA/s1600-h/20151004_124406-800x436_thumb3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6bJ6nlUtNo/VsAuuTeFXBI/AAAAAAAADy8/NiKscU3mAqU/s1600-h/20151004_124406-800x436_thumb3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151004_124406-800x436_thumb3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151004_124406-800x436_thumb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2kuDrmOSj8c/VsAuvZOgCdI/AAAAAAAADzA/c6qxddPKVXc/20151004_124406-800x436_thumb3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="541" height="333"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYuKdW53rgs/VsAuwJkuZBI/AAAAAAAADzE/0rWiP0s2Q6M/s1600-h/20151021_145513-800x434_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tYuKdW53rgs/VsAuwJkuZBI/AAAAAAAADzI/EorfAao6GEE/s1600-h/20151021_145513-800x434_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151021_145513-800x434_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151021_145513-800x434_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnsaugsDTw4/VsAuxUnSkbI/AAAAAAAADzM/1D1thQ88t20/20151021_145513-800x434_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="328"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Ray has been retired for some years now and has taken up model boat building as one of his many interests. I am not sure how many boats Ray has built and sailed over the years but he obviously enjoys it very much as his garage tells!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pQdPZx1ZJkU/VsAux1VcqkI/AAAAAAAADzQ/pA89AwTeHfM/s1600-h/20150930_124014-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="20150930_124014-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150930_124014-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CCKKVcDxMRo/VsAuyXg3FsI/AAAAAAAADzU/7euLhQnwnxw/20150930_124014-450x800_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="244"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-av7FgfqfzCk/VsAuy9obsdI/AAAAAAAADzY/iCxi6zwCaUM/s1600-h/20150930_124019-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="20150930_124019-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150930_124019-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Ij6A_60sWg/VsAuzUG4T1I/AAAAAAAADzc/SD5DKcXHa5I/20150930_124019-450x800_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="244"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4c7uAhDH9vU/VsAuz4NzA0I/AAAAAAAADzg/eANFXdp0WZg/s1600-h/20150930_124054-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="20150930_124054-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150930_124054-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JML_zBqDCWs/VsAu0Mo9UdI/AAAAAAAADzk/M1M8iF4-ieg/20150930_124054-450x800_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="244"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_ET2gbl3QY/VsAu0zOhjYI/AAAAAAAADzo/6ihbd2RT1eQ/s1600-h/20150930_124101-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="20150930_124101-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150930_124101-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zuvGSgfpDVc/VsAu1TPu-uI/AAAAAAAADzs/-CB_zi0o3DM/20150930_124101-450x800_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="244"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHch3gDU2CQ/VsAu1h9VaRI/AAAAAAAADzw/9XL02qluikE/s1600-h/20150930_124028-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><img title="20150930_124028-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150930_124028-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0KnQ-Jvs0w/VsAu2IjNYmI/AAAAAAAADz0/1kjqF4thgRU/20150930_124028-450x800_thumb1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="244"></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iKTWRLCnL3A/VsAu2ls-kYI/AAAAAAAADz4/FNmHONj5Dr4/s1600-h/20150930_124123-800x450_thumb3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iKTWRLCnL3A/VsAu2ls-kYI/AAAAAAAADz8/HaZFFP9tFnU/s1600-h/20150930_124123-800x450_thumb3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150930_124123-800x450_thumb3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150930_124123-800x450_thumb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkR3AAi4kow/VsAu3_JjuCI/AAAAAAAAD0A/g8PTxPbQJpg/20150930_124123-800x450_thumb3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="299"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3TMAeS6NNc/VsAu4YlvAeI/AAAAAAAAD0E/CsDNLCYt3i4/s1600-h/20150930_124126-800x450_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3TMAeS6NNc/VsAu4YlvAeI/AAAAAAAAD0I/7CuibVdILvI/s1600-h/20150930_124126-800x450_thumb2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150930_124126-800x450_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150930_124126-800x450_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jTNBYVV1MCU/VsAu5gvCIlI/AAAAAAAAD0M/zr5VhO-KOS8/20150930_124126-800x450_thumb2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="302"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">We went to Cheddar with him one day to see where he takes his boats to sail them with other enthusiasts. It is called the Cheddar Steam Club. Apparently I have a lot of “blog followers” at the club and they seem to remember more about our sailing adventures than I do!! I promised them I would post some pictures of my visit and they have been very patiently waiting and I have had several reminders from Ray!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nddxXx4XY-4/VsAu6D70zuI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/t6XCoTmbE0U/s1600-h/20151025_115759-800x450_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nddxXx4XY-4/VsAu6D70zuI/AAAAAAAAD0U/X-nZhmWkHy4/s1600-h/20151025_115759-800x450_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_115759-800x450_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151025_115759-800x450_thumb2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NenIFwfO6a4fYN46-CSErElu8jixAIE-EqiiSjpfTS8qP4pqgJEjA2mSesSLR8FwrZ9LxIPcEvAOQ3pSWwzp8JkzRlff2mr6POMIP9MJex8FEJcxDbtO6EDKHJ0GeUmV-MNPEd2RvK0/?imgmax=800" width="496" height="309"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2CKa06JEt4/VsAu8CP6zHI/AAAAAAAAD0c/laXxCFlqkQs/s1600-h/20151025_120332-800x450_thumb4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2CKa06JEt4/VsAu8CP6zHI/AAAAAAAAD0g/OAzgFO7kPoQ/s1600-h/20151025_120332-800x450_thumb4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_120332-800x450_thumb4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20151025_120332-800x450_thumb4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nLn6YI1bU1Q/VsAu-bJ8hoI/AAAAAAAAD0o/6jrNX7JDchw/20151025_120332-800x450_thumb4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="192"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNNca3b0pPg/VsAu_SG_OAI/AAAAAAAAD0s/_Hbyeegbr5k/s1600-h/20151025_120348-450x800_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kNNca3b0pPg/VsAu_SG_OAI/AAAAAAAAD0w/XmzI56upSLI/s1600-h/20151025_120348-450x800_thumb1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_120348-450x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20151025_120348-450x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k5XL9LYcXH8/VsAvAqGxCMI/AAAAAAAAD00/VVu7d6QOGcA/20151025_120348-450x800_thumb1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="297"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TLK4bvB_6EM/VsAvBrZTgQI/AAAAAAAAD04/hhLBR_knt_A/s1600-h/20151025_120457-450x800_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TLK4bvB_6EM/VsAvBrZTgQI/AAAAAAAAD08/CA5EZQvzses/s1600-h/20151025_120457-450x800_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_120457-450x800_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20151025_120457-450x800_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jSqeBObXMBM/VsAvC-KYkdI/AAAAAAAAD1A/hl9kisuBAPI/20151025_120457-450x800_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="161" height="281"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3HX60EqDWtc/VsAvDdH7TbI/AAAAAAAAD1E/kk9gbKxZQ-Q/s1600-h/20151025_120547-800x450_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3HX60EqDWtc/VsAvDdH7TbI/AAAAAAAAD1I/9f_H_xmIiiQ/s1600-h/20151025_120547-800x450_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_120547-800x450_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20151025_120547-800x450_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sy8HCBkagTA/VsAvFa1XlEI/AAAAAAAAD1M/XIpL4Wi2GcY/20151025_120547-800x450_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="206"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rrpc10ZT_Ew/VsAvF41gnSI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/Khdbo5iQeOA/s1600-h/20151025_123141-800x450_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rrpc10ZT_Ew/VsAvF41gnSI/AAAAAAAAD1U/IWxHdyOHU7U/s1600-h/20151025_123141-800x450_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_123141-800x450_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151025_123141-800x450_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JPH417hLZzM/VsAvG0Pm3FI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/4RpBj_lxuk0/20151025_123141-800x450_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="296"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Now there is nothing like a good Ploughman’s lunch and a cider and seeing as we were in Cheddar, home of cheese, we thought it a good place to have one.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mRbPsGGeDA4/VsAvHuifIMI/AAAAAAAAD1c/JD_NUbj1Y0g/s1600-h/20151025_131906%252520%252528800x447%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151025_131906 (800x447)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151025_131906 (800x447)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XzOdhja_CQ/VsAvIXl9iaI/AAAAAAAAD1g/7R_JWPtHGCc/20151025_131906%252520%252528800x447%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="281"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A visit to see Jerry’s younger sister Alison took us to Lincoln. She lives in a converted barn which was just beautiful. As you can see from the photo it’s pretty flat country and we enjoyed some lovely walks with Mojo in the mornings. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Si8YBmKCDc/VsAvJMjKMfI/AAAAAAAAD1k/vAxPBanCGOQ/s1600-h/20151013_095515%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151013_095515 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151013_095515 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lNbK8eDNXGE/VsAvJjb5TxI/AAAAAAAAD1o/aeUIjCK3EgI/20151013_095515%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="276"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Wpm99Wcpao/VsAvKLe09KI/AAAAAAAAD1s/E2BiZRr8Df0/s1600-h/20151013_103911-800x440_thumb2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Wpm99Wcpao/VsAvKLe09KI/AAAAAAAAD1w/KKuBBnuc5T4/s1600-h/20151013_103911-800x440_thumb2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151013_103911-800x440_thumb2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151013_103911-800x440_thumb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_CAsojl76rg/VsAvNGZ-36I/AAAAAAAAD10/TVtYf5tUelQ/20151013_103911-800x440_thumb2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="298"></a></font></a><font style="size: 3" size="3"> Travelling further NE to Billingham, near Newcastle to see friends we first met in Australia, Alan, Helen and Oliver, who was at primary school with Ben, oh and not to forget the new puppy schnauzer Manfred, who seemed reluctant to walk with me on his own! Perhaps he thought I was trying to take him back to Australia with me.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-76HNdN6K_3U/VsAvNvp1tTI/AAAAAAAAD14/vjkGOrMpk-M/s1600-h/20151015_102601-800x450_thumb13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-76HNdN6K_3U/VsAvNvp1tTI/AAAAAAAAD18/5vPsinlH7hA/s1600-h/20151015_102601-800x450_thumb13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151015_102601-800x450_thumb13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151015_102601-800x450_thumb13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DnvFuKF_D-0/VsAvOhBvIfI/AAAAAAAAD2E/DlqHJCALTTY/20151015_102601-800x450_thumb13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="289"></a></font></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--giJmtuQJFo/VsAvP0esiMI/AAAAAAAAD2I/d2Hty2A1ElQ/s1600-h/20151015_143310-800x450_thumb14%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yt1MVidfrAx2iKeE1feSSPq1THp1O8hYmZQbig2P1LAQyxsn7VW2RMmH0UozyZjbfMV-f44z7djfg85Bjv80bgEHbzkq0vN4fJ-tcRVmhkmlb4VwE4jxvcTVB57R9SYDmXheoPNCHx0/s1600-h/20151015_143310-800x450_thumb14%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151015_143310-800x450_thumb14" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151015_143310-800x450_thumb14" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ZC0jP1sjOw/VsAvROIt7EI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/2imJotql0Hc/20151015_143310-800x450_thumb14_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="300"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">A night out at Saltburne on Sea for a dinner of the best fish & chips ever.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUfX6ix5-OE/VsAvRqN5DdI/AAAAAAAAD2U/NFD9hDEGHwI/s1600-h/20151015_184612-800x450_thumb13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TUfX6ix5-OE/VsAvRqN5DdI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/X1t8gxlUw28/s1600-h/20151015_184612-800x450_thumb13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151015_184612-800x450_thumb13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151015_184612-800x450_thumb13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75Rmn3v9a20/VsAvThfjXyI/AAAAAAAAD2c/srnsBCvI06M/20151015_184612-800x450_thumb13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="310"></a></font></a></p> <p><font size="3">Back on the motorway we headed south</font><font size="3"> to London to stay a few days with my oldest friend Carey. We never seem to get around to doing very much except chatting, a walk along the Thames and maybe a bit of shopping together. But for me I enjoy every minute of my few days at Carey’s and just catching up with a very dear friend and her family.</font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kuBu8f9VqaM/VsAvU0BYCpI/AAAAAAAAD2g/q1jMUhcrJv4/s1600-h/received_10152996530412434%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="received_10152996530412434" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="received_10152996530412434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b7ViFOXISdo/VsAvV76yEsI/AAAAAAAAD2k/EZINkAEsMTk/received_10152996530412434_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="487"></a><font size="3"><font size="3"></font></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dyx9PcZs1MM/VsAvW89EG-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/26482ggvoDY/s1600-h/20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dyx9PcZs1MM/VsAvW89EG-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/26482ggvoDY/s1600-h/20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ygNUgOZaxGY/VsAvX-09DDI/AAAAAAAAD2s/FfgaUjgjNPI/s1600-h/20151018_180208%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151018_180208 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151018_180208 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UGkyp6Vg3oo/VsAvYacZwXI/AAAAAAAAD2w/PQYu2ADR4AA/20151018_180208%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="295"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dyx9PcZs1MM/VsAvW89EG-I/AAAAAAAAD20/Dbmdn_WSAdo/s1600-h/20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pjSY6lieHU4/VsAvZu7TQyI/AAAAAAAAD24/cEtcB3eeWgw/20151019_145411-450x800_thumb5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="528"></a></font></a></font></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">By now the weather was starting to cool down and our light backpack luggage we started off with had almost doubled with warmer clothes and shoes for the English weather. I hasten to add we did have lovely weather there, but we did need to buy some warmer gear and borrow a suitcase to pack it all in! </font> <p><font size="3">Of course we did spend a night or two at our favourite pub The Blue Flame. It has undergone some renovations but still has that old charm about it and the characters we love to share a cider with and hear the local gossip are still there. unfortunately no photos, I must have been distracted by the cider.</font> <p><font size="3">3 months in Europe was not only a celebration of Jerry’s big 60th but also a present to ourselves as we had decided it was easier to visit by plane than to sail!</font> <p><font size="3">Back onboard Tigress Too we had 6 weeks of catching up on jobs and maintenance before heading off to Fremantle for Christmas and more importantly to meet our first grandson Oliver. </font> <p><font size="3">Oliver will have his own post<img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OpbEfOd3y2s/VsAvabdfJ5I/AAAAAAAAD28/zkM1gcpvRiQ/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></font> <p><font size="3"></font> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55Wz34aW3pUnS9GjXd8L0QOXI7T4LSDSrlIJ-RNwNkKJ2UviTEQh0KcfrwBLSzu5yROGcoA8wTITnVE2MH3w37QCQ_NTKG_HaodNkXVreeOKM-nwARIcUSovyg7KEo0epOv2EA3c2K6A/s1600-h/20151004_150253%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img title="20151004_150253 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20151004_150253 (800x450)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTIIEZnN-NY/VsAvcgchDMI/AAAAAAAAD3E/wD-UHGBpUX8/20151004_150253%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="272"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-41915410334699613452015-10-27T00:57:00.001+08:002015-10-27T00:57:47.386+08:00Train trip to Tuscany<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hmzQFbVxrw/Vi5a_zBz2zI/AAAAAAAADik/kyFRb7X5_k8/s1600-h/20150915_145442-800x45014.jpg"><img title="20150915_145442 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150915_145442 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOnhLq9sUkU/Vi5bAgYzO9I/AAAAAAAADio/Rzpw9Vs_hc0/20150915_145442-800x450_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="326"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We travelled by train from Toulouse to Genoa and then onto Barga in Tuscany. The trains are all very comfortable and very reasonably priced. We arrived in Genoa at 9.30pm and got lost trying to find our Airbnb. By the time we found it I had 2 huge blisters on my feet, the winter shoes had not been worn for nearly 3 years and my feet clearly did not like them! Once we arrived we then had to climb a very narrow staircase to the 6th floor carrying all our luggage. By the time we got to the top we were both quite exhausted and ready for bed. Our accommodation was in a small flat on the rooftop overlooking Genoa. We were sharing the flat with the owner and his friend. It was all very cosy and I think very typical of the way people live in Genoa</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iVaC9FCuPFA/Vi5bBExRgkI/AAAAAAAADiw/D5HJ7H5nnc0/s1600-h/20150916_100036-366x8001.jpg"><img title="20150916_100036 (366x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150916_100036 (366x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-49KzRxo8Yuw/Vi5bBu0uYfI/AAAAAAAADi4/7EXgcO18AK4/20150916_100036-366x800_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="542"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oa1oeXnmVEA/Vi5bCDGzW5I/AAAAAAAADjA/OBrKHTqpBGk/s1600-h/20150916_094945-800x44612.jpg"><img title="20150916_094945 (800x446)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150916_094945 (800x446)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2_WyI0fZ1Jzonzsz9AXQKJqgsvoA1GQ9QNpUA4ZcxzRGfcHeNbcylx9xv83lemLqC4qSgEofLG02wS6L4x9z5M7N9lt4mvhPhhjCId6AN-4iPZL_7P0kqCpi5oFOvZDX1X1fD50iXEk/?imgmax=800" width="469" height="285"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U3vBtBDBwo8/Vi5bDB6IujI/AAAAAAAADjQ/BFvY-veBTGg/s1600-h/20150916_094820Genoa-800x42412.jpg"><img title="20150916_094820Genoa (800x424)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150916_094820Genoa (800x424)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rDG1ESUykLE/Vi5bDn3th4I/AAAAAAAADjY/ogeQ5f6zSCI/20150916_094820Genoa-800x424_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="274"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RWsGl5p_r_8/Vi5bENn_p5I/AAAAAAAADjg/QNEI0gi7a2M/s1600-h/20150916_095020-800x4485.jpg"><img title="20150916_095020 (800x448)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150916_095020 (800x448)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7_hdG7tokI/Vi5bERaFbLI/AAAAAAAADjo/NTKSgoNuAqg/20150916_095020-800x448_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="279"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We spent the next day exploring the town and harbour. It is not a place I would go back to, we found it very dirty and quite seedy in areas. But the buildings were old and interesting to look at, narrow cobblestone streets twist and wind their way down to the harbour front where we found ourselves spending most of the day.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8ItnubpjpY/Vi5bE6cLpiI/AAAAAAAADjw/sSVkSk7Ul9M/s1600-h/20150916_164451-800x45016.jpg"><img title="20150916_164451 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150916_164451 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zbQwHU0ntWE/Vi5bFR2YsfI/AAAAAAAADj4/MMQYzlifj4k/20150916_164451-800x450_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="270"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The train journey from Toulouse to Genoa was very interesting, the last part along the French Riviera where we passed some beautiful coastline and marinas full of mega yachts. The journey from Genoa to Pisa along the Italian Riviera was equally as interesting and pretty.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ltg7IT9p6c4/Vi5bGDuOr7I/AAAAAAAADkA/gy5S-ib0j44/s1600-h/20150915_173025-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150915_173025 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150915_173025 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NnNg1eOQFek/Vi5bGQQyFAI/AAAAAAAADkI/XGLvcnQuLRk/20150915_173025-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="267"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ggOPo9oCFeE/Vi5bG47WH4I/AAAAAAAADkQ/U2VUJCoZnCQ/s1600-h/20150915_183718-800x4335.jpg"><img title="20150915_183718 (800x433)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150915_183718 (800x433)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6XsjvvemOTc/Vi5bHddKA5I/AAAAAAAADkY/ZZ5JNreE3kk/20150915_183718-800x433_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="264"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Finally arriving in Barga, northern Tuscany we were met by Jerry’s sister and brother in law, Cheryl and Mark. They have a house in a small village, Sommocolonia, 750m high in the mountains overlooking the Serchio Valley. I instantly fell in love with Tuscany, the view from their house is amazing. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QUtaT4rFl2g/Vi5bH9A4FYI/AAAAAAAADkg/lifUuvqCu40/s1600-h/20150918_072817Somoccolonia-800x4411.jpg"><img title="20150918_072817Somoccolonia (800x441)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150918_072817Somoccolonia (800x441)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6eDq8I0Sd3s/Vi5bIfa4xhI/AAAAAAAADko/QjV5ZSh_aX4/20150918_072817Somoccolonia-800x441_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="285"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The view from the terrace looking down onto the town of Barga.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uoVD4KJrZ1c/Vi5bI9tCd6I/AAAAAAAADkw/--zVkBty3HQ/s1600-h/20150919_101702-800x4506.jpg"><img title="20150919_101702 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150919_101702 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tu7-H-9P_yQ/Vi5bJcQTHBI/AAAAAAAADk4/Khoypoz_2SM/20150919_101702-800x450_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="296"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Looking back up at Sommocolonia. The house is directly below the tower with the 4 open windows.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o9tGOycc-rQ/Vi5bJ6GD53I/AAAAAAAADlA/3-AEMA3XB0M/s1600-h/20150919_110305-800x4375.jpg"><img title="20150919_110305 (800x437)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150919_110305 (800x437)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1b8D1nex84/Vi5bKuocM4I/AAAAAAAADlI/_oMWRwISCFc/20150919_110305-800x437_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="289"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Sommocolonia was home to the American Buffalo Soldiers who defended the village from the Germans during World War 2. We spent 12 beautiful days in Sommocolonia relaxing, enjoying the peace and tranquillity, eating and drinking Italian style, visiting tiny villages and enjoying a few walks on the mountain tops. The air is clear and the weather was perfect and the view from the terrace was mesmerizing. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hLcGwIoxIBI/Vi5bLH4wctI/AAAAAAAADlU/jMfGdfDxO1o/s1600-h/20150919_101636-450x8005.jpg"><img title="20150919_101636 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150919_101636 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_4EcGzjma4/Vi5bL9wtG_I/AAAAAAAADlY/hEGGMi7Ro5w/20150919_101636-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="375"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7TVshem7jyw/Vi5bMe-byJI/AAAAAAAADlg/JlpnKTENVpE/s1600-h/20150919_101946-450x8005.jpg"><img title="20150919_101946 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150919_101946 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErO0FD5FalA/Vi5bM4ltwLI/AAAAAAAADlo/qHpH1DtwYSY/20150919_101946-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="219" height="381"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A walk down the old mule track into Barga took about 90 mins. The road connecting the 2 places was only put in in the 1960’s (I think). So imagine how hard life was up until then.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zuNCXsKtCqQ/Vi5bNevrc0I/AAAAAAAADlw/MbrvEBcXH5E/s1600-h/20150919_081416-800x4475.jpg"><img title="20150919_081416 (800x447)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150919_081416 (800x447)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4CNo6VMvGmc/Vi5bN2egCYI/AAAAAAAADl4/V-QgDJJPyCU/20150919_081416-800x447_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="271"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vDngYB5qjT0/Vi5bOVr9WlI/AAAAAAAADmA/Kgdtcf8600c/s1600-h/20150919_081835-450x8005.jpg"><img title="20150919_081835 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150919_081835 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvKFsZEfQUg/Vi5bO1fCIFI/AAAAAAAADmI/YTtaK2Spczc/20150919_081835-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" align="left" height="373"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We enjoyed watching this local tree lopper trim a tree at the house. A very dodgy safety harness, chainsaw in one hand and mobile phone in the other!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> <font size="3">We took the local train from Barga along the coastline of the Cinque Terre. If you have the time you can walk from one village to the next along the coastal pathways. At this time of year it was very busy with walkers doing just that. Each village is different, very quaint, lots of restaurants and bars and the coastline is quite beautiful. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AtEx9AGXAgs/Vi5bPUtIlpI/AAAAAAAADmQ/2sssB3cGTew/s1600-h/20150925_101947%252520%252528800x446%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150925_101947 (800x446)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150925_101947 (800x446)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eZ-xB9twx8c/Vi5bP1bHE0I/AAAAAAAADmY/SZJummVWY1w/20150925_101947%252520%252528800x446%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="281"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8rVdbcGOnPw/Vi5bQbJg7yI/AAAAAAAADmg/-hOoy9wiuaU/s1600-h/20150925_104326%252520%252528800x446%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150925_104326 (800x446)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150925_104326 (800x446)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UmZTVCc7qW4/Vi5bQ_sgz5I/AAAAAAAADmo/oTzNq2QVf1E/20150925_104326%252520%252528800x446%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="279"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tPCQTaT7n4/Vi5bRQQT_DI/AAAAAAAADmw/e5gG1TlHqfo/s1600-h/20150925_133046%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150925_133046 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150925_133046 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCZz4YqPQ4B-WHifZUiaes2K2RTSxg40B6BfBgLS2cknPchmTd-zuOtrcwwFAC-cFh40nxOH0VTdXi2FVUxhnAuTi8kFRakcSrLeIQaZvNtGvr8X1Ay6iLiIr29MUrKNysyHrAWUMUP4/?imgmax=800" width="473" height="284"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1NKjbmrNKcw/Vi5bSa_hM9I/AAAAAAAADnA/9OCi-lF-hL0/s1600-h/20150925_113402%252520%252528800x448%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150925_113402 (800x448)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150925_113402 (800x448)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTTNyy55cTE/Vi5bS5D6gfI/AAAAAAAADnI/2t7Z6NJPE0s/20150925_113402%252520%252528800x448%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="281"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U0wElhNpasg/Vi5bTR6sEbI/AAAAAAAADnU/PRHZR5Zwgl0/s1600-h/20150925_133549%252520%252528800x427%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150925_133549 (800x427)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150925_133549 (800x427)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrLOnf_mdKw/Vi5bUE1yCvI/AAAAAAAADnY/51d1z7SbvQI/20150925_133549%252520%252528800x427%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="269"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A walk one day took us high up to the village of San Pellegrino where we walked along part of the GR to the El Giro, a pile of stones that have been placed here over many years. The story goes is that you carry a stone to the top here where the pile lays, turn a circle 3 times at the same time confessing a lie you have told and want to be forgiven. The bigger the stone the bigger the lie! As you can see from our photo we all only had little fibs to confess.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGzHNOh6f-M/Vi5bUwcFCJI/AAAAAAAADng/dPK7Ns7MyV4/s1600-h/20150921_124948%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_124948 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150921_124948 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yo7n3svuxKY/Vi5bVfPAwaI/AAAAAAAADno/xNQejPIyfzQ/20150921_124948%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="527"></a><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQI6CO6RT9I/Vi5bV5ZPgRI/AAAAAAAADnw/BcBYzza6SzE/s1600-h/20150921_122227%252520%252528800x401%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_122227 (800x401)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150921_122227 (800x401)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HBPLiT1O3E4/Vi5bWcE7STI/AAAAAAAADn4/RaK6THnP224/20150921_122227%252520%252528800x401%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="266"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7f3am6Sk22Q/Vi5bW58kGxI/AAAAAAAADoA/TYC45GEvNO4/s1600-h/20150921_153036%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_153036 (800x449)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150921_153036 (800x449)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2x_-KToL16Y/Vi5bXPP2-RI/AAAAAAAADoI/8S-mMwztVcc/20150921_153036%252520%252528800x449%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="293"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4xsQjcQFus/Vi5bXv-7b9I/AAAAAAAADoQ/863xEzYlQYI/s1600-h/20150921_125647%252520%252528800x438%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_125647 (800x438)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150921_125647 (800x438)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qG1Ii1lfNuY/Vi5bYRLdpnI/AAAAAAAADoY/WO2XH0Th3yM/20150921_125647%252520%252528800x438%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="284"></a>It was a beautiful day and we had a picnic lunch at the top while enjoying the views all around. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1pMBDp--eGk/Vi5bZdDZYpI/AAAAAAAADok/e7PeqJGrD04/s1600-h/20150921_132826%252520%252528800x438%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_132826 (800x438)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150921_132826 (800x438)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LiYeLdiPK0M/Vi5bZ2zFwlI/AAAAAAAADoo/v2dO7ckIVBQ/20150921_132826%252520%252528800x438%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="283"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font size="3">At the church in the village there is a glass tomb with the body of Saint Peregrine and his servant(hermit friend) Bianci. The legend is that Saint Peregrine was the son of the King of Scotland who embarked on a pilgrimage to Europe ending his days in this village.</font> They </font><font size="3">have been very well preserved and it was quite eerie to be able to get so close to them.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oYoWGvCAQIY/Vi5baY0tKpI/AAAAAAAADo0/--85UGyK6cs/s1600-h/20150921_122647%252520%252528800x434%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_122647 (800x434)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150921_122647 (800x434)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GdQu8aF_JHE/Vi5ba6wVTRI/AAAAAAAADo4/vvmCSHw0FYw/20150921_122647%252520%252528800x434%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="262"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7QnQo4donhQ/Vi5bbrP8l0I/AAAAAAAADpA/E-zyW7lwOrQ/s1600-h/20150921_122719%252520%252528800x448%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150921_122719 (800x448)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150921_122719 (800x448)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWrKUFN_TxI/Vi5bcGimxyI/AAAAAAAADpI/nIEAAlXGBys/20150921_122719%252520%252528800x448%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="271"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Each village seems to have a story to tell of its own. The walks are plentiful and enjoyable. Hopefully we will return and next time we will do more walking and maybe stay overnight in villages along the way.</font></p> <p><font size="3">I could not resist taking a photo of this Italian gentleman at a restaurant we were at. I had to be discreet and pretend I was taking a picture of Jerry then zoom in. It was well worth it, check out this hairstyle. It must have taken hours in front of the mirror and the colour was amazing!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-024Ma9vY7RE/Vi5bdEIyOXI/AAAAAAAADpQ/qgM6CHXpLnY/s1600-h/20150927_141007%252520%252528800x530%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150927_141007 (800x530)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150927_141007 (800x530)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t4Nq1ElcTXM/Vi5beA-Dx1I/AAAAAAAADpY/_6DVn6ogWsA/20150927_141007%252520%252528800x530%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="310"></a></p> <p><font size="3">And what about this treehouse. Built out on the edge of the cliff overlooking the valley. How lucky the children are who play in this.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dQVmci9-AvI/Vi5be62IdwI/AAAAAAAADpg/NEjTMOMUt70/s1600-h/20150927_164519%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150927_164519 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150927_164519 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_2oei-T7RwY/Vi5bfdeZnDI/AAAAAAAADpo/bUvFi150NVU/20150927_164519%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="267"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Another view of Sommocolonia………</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5b9tgA7HsPQNLod6AqGNYR6xCMUA2D709pyY65gPqCCwPmRj6wpeEdJWGibVgTx26a1iJyqWtVL48J8X_VkMOMdmES6GfJTmm3ZUWB_1mAZx3Pi32HPItY6HcXyROhuNaByFmZUnadE/s1600-h/20150927_124149%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150927_124149 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150927_124149 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKTDxe_50nY/Vi5bgbKEqzI/AAAAAAAADp4/oKpPxJlnBp0/20150927_124149%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="292"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A place to sit and relax, soak up the Tuscan sun….</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZkGV6vZhH1k/Vi5bg_OhRTI/AAAAAAAADqA/sA0vj8XDTkE/s1600-h/Sommocolonia%252520Terrace%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sommocolonia Terrace" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sommocolonia Terrace" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JwWVVBwialE/Vi5bhWHpcFI/AAAAAAAADqI/uW11A8EhZCs/Sommocolonia%252520Terrace_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="316"></a></p> <p><font size="3">and enjoy a glass of wine or two…</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQ7j5DcpGXM/Vi5biKjikNI/AAAAAAAADqQ/I2g1f1jk148/s1600-h/Sommoclonia-Prosseco4.jpg"><img title="Sommoclonia Prosseco" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Sommoclonia Prosseco" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YnUj09xFaxU/Vi5bipZYNSI/AAAAAAAADqY/yPL4E7Sy0j0/Sommoclonia-Prosseco_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="345"></a></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-39146686684898023132015-09-27T00:08:00.001+08:002015-09-27T02:05:45.693+08:00Cycling the Canals in France Day 9 to 11<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 Carcassonne to Roubia 53kms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Another fun day on the canal. There are lots of boats with lots of very happy people on holidays onboard. Many more cyclists to stop and chat too, most of them either off a boat or from a camp site. There are also more locks and cafes to stop at along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The sad part though is that the plane trees that line the canal and really are what make it so beautiful have a canker disease and are being chopped down. It changes the canal scenery dramatically and we are so grateful to be cycling the canal before they are all gone. There is a 20 year replanting programme in place at a cost of Euros 200,000,000 but until the new trees grow that magical feel will be lost.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_lRH0NtBXRg/VgbCo9z7zpI/AAAAAAAADcs/1pD-cvatuLw/s1600-h/20150910_100600-800x4465.jpg"><img alt="20150910_100600 (800x446)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnJNgntZSc4/VgbCplyZh1I/AAAAAAAADc0/lfi-el-kDTc/20150910_100600-800x446_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="271" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_100600 (800x446)" width="454" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0d8h7g3AE96eUmscqQ_sFmpOup6wCST4q7UhmPoBlcV4QRZn-GgpJ2yDMKUAvM8odz7ZfbeB_Z8iU8H-PSO540OenFZ5Ok6LWIFj58dAcej7BnfKqJS0FgcIEg_8X_nsQWDzH-7XbHU/s1600-h/20150910_104746-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150910_104746 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5LL3_tDjLyw/VgbCrLznBdI/AAAAAAAADdE/QVp4SEUXnTM/20150910_104746-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="276" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_104746 (800x450)" width="458" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgP1_eWbzXCM1yoDjjUD9MLUXvD8y2r-NCbXv-__VpWHUaMensb2IKkZMT6g6fAk9qtQu5pCvuqfmHsopkvSw7dHTxMO8WkRDpGCsd55vKKJqXvRhlXwz53ICSpdax5vlYnh_U9dL5YE/s1600-h/20150910_104756-800x4376.jpg"><img alt="20150910_104756 (800x437)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGjriM17zfs/VgbCsld49kI/AAAAAAAADdQ/rTMKMmZFI9Y/20150910_104756-800x437_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="271" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_104756 (800x437)" width="453" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w5ADzHA-y6c/VgbCtMe70fI/AAAAAAAADdc/AQtxnsXfr4w/s1600-h/20150910_144738-415x8005.jpg"><img alt="20150910_144738 (415x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-afM8g_p45AU/VgbCt70TDrI/AAAAAAAADdg/-oJtUP_FaCg/20150910_144738-415x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="632" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_144738 (415x800)" width="330" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We have seen some interesting people travelling the canal by different means but this has to be the best. A donkey and 2 men! We did not speak to them but can only presume they were on one of the many pilgrim walks in the area. The note on the donkey’s hat read </span><span style="font-size: small;">“you may take my photo but please give me a piece of bread”</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4V1MCeWjZEU/VgbCuhb3LZI/AAAAAAAADds/oBCYbVW5bLk/s1600-h/20150910_124221-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150910_124221 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x4eqAcU6AOY/VgbCvcG1tsI/AAAAAAAADdw/JmotTaVRRIs/20150910_124221-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="264" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_124221 (800x450)" width="439" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uF4jhiA8ck8/VgbCv1qdYQI/AAAAAAAADd8/a7Bwxy5MZO8/s1600-h/20150910_133902-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150910_133902 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aS2MgWH9kac/VgbCws2QgYI/AAAAAAAADeA/qV8EUDnFu7I/20150910_133902-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="270" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150910_133902 (800x450)" width="448" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 10 Roubia to Colombiers 46kms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The track along the canal is still very rough and both of us are feeling very tired today. There were more deviations off the canal due to the tree chopping. Some we ignored and cycled on quite happily but some we couldn’t and had to join some very busy roads. The wind is also picking up as we get nearer to the Med.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVjIs4i07vo/VgbCxRP3WpI/AAAAAAAADeM/2eMYqB2sKfA/s1600-h/20150911_093444-800x45015.jpg"><img alt="20150911_093444 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhlHIK2rIfY/VgbCxxf0lpI/AAAAAAAADeU/Ib3sTjNjReo/20150911_093444-800x450_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" height="291" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150911_093444 (800x450)" width="485" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We were cycling through a wine growing region here and saw grapes being picked the old way, manually, by a very happy gang of workers! </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_8jz0kh7nU/VgbCy9k4HfI/AAAAAAAADec/D8VFqvaIKDk/s1600-h/20150911_112440-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150911_112440 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zfde13bN5UQ/VgbCzejqX2I/AAAAAAAADeg/keBWHkstUVU/20150911_112440-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="290" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150911_112440 (800x450)" width="482" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We stayed in a Chambres d’hotes which was very nice and have decided while these are a little more expensive they are usually better that Airbnb as we are assured of our own bathroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y8c5S4RdGPI/VgbC0IqdD6I/AAAAAAAADes/xr0wDuY9StY/s1600-h/20150911_114458-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150911_114458 (800x450)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_XbGvT-Rxm_qxtFCg3XMWjlgNlNgC85Eacxb8_vzdkFtMJZd7Vv4UBKQSYH8Nyl3rc0qyRxr5h9gDM-9URdO4SWqMCFyzlgH7BvmfaOzaBvggTBCNqG-_6fWLINAEi53ijiDa3xV8kY/?imgmax=800" height="282" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150911_114458 (800x450)" width="469" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uFs2cd3f94I/VgbC1Uc-efI/AAAAAAAADe8/1cUd0tewefo/s1600-h/20150911_115628-800x4508.jpg"><img alt="20150911_115628 (800x450)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9W4D75XM6_8SoSdK-76aZEI4CReejPgBwMLo6OPdPpgxVCKFv4cUbnbZ3zWfBXbvD4ZpATihNKcohlJES64xu6f5xiQvt7A58_1Gd8L6z5JMu-2epQ7_Yy_BFDoiQzredFE8D2Dy65U/?imgmax=800" height="289" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150911_115628 (800x450)" width="473" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Day 11 Colombiers to Beziers 10kms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The wind picked up today quite strong and black clouds threatened all day so we decided to stop in Beziers one stop short of the end of the canal. A little disappointing but also the canal path today has been very narrow, rough and overgrown so the riding has not been so pleasant either.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6pctWYmsjck/VgbC2onqqJI/AAAAAAAADfM/nb19AebFmdw/s1600-h/20150912_105655-450x8005.jpg"><img alt="20150912_105655 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XcGiFBn0YfM/VgbC3fYGyqI/AAAAAAAADfU/3L126Ojzy18/20150912_105655-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="588" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_105655 (450x800)" width="333" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sSy09DZl3C8/VgbC4MPbWnI/AAAAAAAADfY/IAF6sh7f2Ug/s1600-h/20150912_105809-450x8005.jpg"><img alt="20150912_105809 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkwgbMqhHqc/VgbC4wa5ScI/AAAAAAAADfk/QkpBHvOYLWU/20150912_105809-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="579" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_105809 (450x800)" width="328" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wer96YNLHFg/VgbC5y6IL9I/AAAAAAAADfs/O6LXBrVhC6Q/s1600-h/20150912_110803-450x8005.jpg"><img alt="20150912_110803 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZrTGELUXsX8/VgbC6ZajFJI/AAAAAAAADf0/bt1vjPxowas/20150912_110803-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="570" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_110803 (450x800)" width="323" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We went through Point Neuf today which meant nine locks in a row as the canal rises up from the Med. It must take all day for a boat to transit this part. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6kZtuBW7Co/VgbC7ObE6hI/AAAAAAAADf8/Md95HPZDQh4/s1600-h/20150912_112208-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150912_112208 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WspSt6HzTkQ/VgbC755ffPI/AAAAAAAADgE/MipjHjf3MTs/20150912_112208-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="294" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_112208 (800x450)" width="490" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mGZ8AOL7ZHA/VgbC8dpkl6I/AAAAAAAADgM/Ui8tAKuelJ4/s1600-h/20150912_120014---Copy-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150912_120014 - Copy (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fX51WpLfwZM/VgbC87QEkQI/AAAAAAAADgQ/bxEcg7UJ0pc/20150912_120014---Copy-800x450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_120014 - Copy (800x450)" width="493" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Beziers is a very old town with tiny cobblestone streets. It was interesting but very dirty and to us it seemed a very poor town with lots of unemployment. Our accommodation was in a house in the old town. Very narrow, just one room wide. Our bedroom was on the first floor up a tiny narrow staircase and we were surprised to find we had our own bathroom! The room itself was very colourful and comfortable. Our bikes were kept in the kitchen downstairs, which tells us that the host relies heavily on Airbnb for income as when the bikes were in the kitchen there was not a lot of room to get around!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i_VfqVIvxNY/VgbC9QACPlI/AAAAAAAADgc/LuY8tiNcwlk/s1600-h/20150912_145201-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150912_145201 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rp0vnSd1QVk/VgbC-HCVvjI/AAAAAAAADgk/uO0Wq_F7G7g/20150912_145201-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="292" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_145201 (800x450)" width="487" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b_GwGuxVO8c/VgbC-15o5cI/AAAAAAAADgs/nZo2RXUHees/s1600-h/20150912_151811-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150912_151811 (800x450)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Iy4oM7aEUBOo47Nsae8YVFiZ7b5cjQDO70TZ2nq029WBRtu73NSXoBJ9Dg6wIz-MGs6ouTHxSckH_2b8mePwfP4_Ms_zFDg-p6hQ9NdfJilopvFm6AUTldlDfz8GXvEQ_wNhUXKX6Nc/?imgmax=800" height="295" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_151811 (800x450)" width="491" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We slept very well and the next day we were up early and took the train back to Toulouse. We gave the bikes a much needed wash down and the new owners met us as arranged to pick them up and take them back to Valence sur Baise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We have cycled a total of 477kms. My daily mileage on the blog may not add up to this as I was using Google maps to calculate the mileage but we have since plotted it correctly and 477 is what we have covered. We both enjoyed the trip very much, the smile on our faces at the end of the 11 days shows that and we would do it all again tomorrow. It was so good to be out touring on bikes.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3g1HxxUea9k/VgbC_9lpl3I/AAAAAAAADg8/3Kpi766YJqk/s1600-h/20150912_114601-450x8005.jpg"><img alt="20150912_114601 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f2exLRRfD6w/VgbDAqJR7VI/AAAAAAAADhE/z8SCKBbjr0g/20150912_114601-450x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="551" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150912_114601 (450x800)" width="313" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The accommodation we chose Airbnb and Chambres d’hotes were mostly very comfortable and worked out much cheaper than hotels. Staying with people in their homes is a great way to see local life, learn the language and history of where you are. To have breakfast and sometimes dinner catered for was great, especially after cycling all day. The time of year was perfect, not too hot, not too cold and not too many tourists.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are a couple of things we would do differently next time. First we would take our own saddles and 2 very good pairs of cycling pants. Second we would give ourselves more time and take a rest day every 4th or 5th day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We both felt very tired but very fit at the end of the 11 days and very happy with ourselves. This is one adventure I am happy we have done and our thanks to my cycling buddy back home, Carol, for inspiring and encouraging me to do this trip! </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYt9PDZ_qr8/VgbDBwpYDmI/AAAAAAAADhM/KVU9cXvDt60/s1600-h/20150903_143713-800x4505.jpg"><img alt="20150903_143713 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BEeQTro329w/VgbDCY0JrXI/AAAAAAAADhQ/dH8tGElm0Pk/20150903_143713-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="294" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150903_143713 (800x450)" width="490" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-25296695194319957902015-09-24T23:06:00.001+08:002015-09-24T23:06:25.501+08:00Cycling the Canals in France Day 5 to Day 8<p> </p> <p><font size="3">Day 5 Moissac to St Jory 50kms</font></p> <p><font size="3">Today was a very hard day as the track in this section was closed again but we decided to cycle it anyway along with lots of others. There were many trees down and the canal itself was closed to boats as the the water was littered with branches and debris. At one point we took 2 hrs to do 5kms carrying our bikes up & over, through or around fallen trees. Well it was tiring for Jerry as he had 2 bikes to manoeuvre! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtwxh02wEfc/VgQQ1kFHJLI/AAAAAAAADXU/bwbYC7ERJPM/s1600-h/20150906_113410%252520%252528800x440%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150906_113410 (800x440)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150906_113410 (800x440)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JOWZpb3Aw5g/VgQQ2XmYK2I/AAAAAAAADXY/C7V_dVq6Bog/20150906_113410%252520%252528800x440%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="264"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNJiLNwP9KA/VgQQ3uJcLJI/AAAAAAAADXk/7g5EXUASDIM/s1600-h/20150906_125004%252520%252528800x408%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150906_125004 (800x408)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150906_125004 (800x408)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysEM9-RaMETkHWYEVA8E_zMVlMwZ-FVhUEDgJb49FjiY4IJY2SDW3u3KPN_Jf_kWs21Lr5GlQ70bd8O4dvDxz8k8onoopIjWJoFWI3MQFlCu7U0HitcloAbx807raQb1jHOOjG75LA4I/?imgmax=800" width="448" height="246"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We realised now why we had not seen any boats on the canal for the last 2 days and we would not see any now for another couple of days. That rather takes the fun out of stopping at the locks!</font></p> <p><font size="3">As we neared to Toulouse the path got very busy with joggers and cyclists from the city making it quite an obstacle course in places. we also met a couple from Scarborough, Perth on a cycling holiday.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TFN6Ajkfu1o/VgQQ5FT5l7I/AAAAAAAADX0/bkLIdSx4dY4/s1600-h/20150906_120837%252520%252528800x426%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150906_120837 (800x426)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150906_120837 (800x426)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HYkce3dVb24/VgQQ50X1rjI/AAAAAAAADX4/yqhk9FFqWIM/20150906_120837%252520%252528800x426%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="263"></a></p> <p><font size="3">In St Jory we stayed in an Airbnb and the host was an ex professional cyclist so he and Jerry spent hours</font> <font size="3">talking bikes and we tried a few of his out. One was a new to market electric MTB bike that his wife rode. I had a go on it and I felt like superwoman! But at Euro 4000.00 I don’t think I will be getting one in a hurry! Sylvain had the tools to be able to fix my buckled wheel so it was back to as new again.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p_Z9JucoOuM/VgQQ7a60LHI/AAAAAAAADYE/kvW_RoY6Qr0/s1600-h/20150906_134044%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150906_134044 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150906_134044 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uNrvpXM8DUY/VgQQ8TSzPVI/AAAAAAAADYI/nfKa9lWx2qA/20150906_134044%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="285"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Canal side lunch stop, with frequent banana stops along the way. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbuoxFHFvfM/VgQQ9ZDCHoI/AAAAAAAADYU/jP5CF9pz9a0/s1600-h/20150906_115105%252520%252528800x448%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150906_115105 (800x448)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150906_115105 (800x448)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_qSkhbDshYuB6SSZSMjrkdqBAjp2BMBQ5H_dz_z5KqDVrKKUwNM1RHp9whqXZgpi2ltKqYRZte077lxVdwHlYEiQxD620SyBg6cLB1oowN2-DKc2rTtVP3920Twsra_qFIlva-MocUI/?imgmax=800" width="469" height="280"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Day 6 St Jory to Donneville 37kms</font></p> <p><font size="3">Todays ride took us through Toulouse and the track was very busy all the way. Toulouse is the point where the Canal du Garonne links with the Canal du Midi. In all the hustle and bustle we missed the point where they met, so no photos here! We stopped at a cafe and had the plat du jour for lunch which was a big mistake as cycling after a 3 course meal is not a good idea! It was at this point Jerry & I had a few words as he said I wasn’t keeping up so I sent him on his way while I had a rest and tried to digest the huge lunch! </font></p> <p><font size="3">We also stopped at a bike shop and bought ouselves a gel seat each as we had been told that the track from here gets a little bumpy.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2qi2tVVNog/VgQQ_DIDnWI/AAAAAAAADYk/xX8PEE4IYqo/s1600-h/20150907_145242%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150907_145242 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150907_145242 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iq_pmbKlIwg/VgQQ_7FhApI/AAAAAAAADYo/IYl9lAhXM0I/20150907_145242%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="279"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We stayed at a very nice Airbnb, it was a converted farmhouse and the owners had done a magnificent job. It was equal to staying in a 5 star hotel. Although the breakfast was still very “French”! </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQkhGvNZsvk/VgQRAjbi9EI/AAAAAAAADYw/i7L_Fs1epOY/s1600-h/20150908_092305%252520%252528800x425%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_092305 (800x425)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_092305 (800x425)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDtpk5YPMmc/VgQRBQnVXXI/AAAAAAAADY4/4oiLu8h7EGU/20150908_092305%252520%252528800x425%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="294"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dG_o3KP03e8/VgQRCk_iqNI/AAAAAAAADZE/26Gwv-ReM14/s1600-h/20150907_151657%252520%252528800x414%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150907_151657 (800x414)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150907_151657 (800x414)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e_AKZ_iNnDw/VgQRDfBj9AI/AAAAAAAADZI/eyfz1hml0iA/20150907_151657%252520%252528800x414%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="290"></a></p> <p><font size="3">As there was nowhere to have dinner in this village, big mistake not checking that out before I booked, Jerry set off on his bike and was gone for a good 1 1/2 hrs looking for a shop to buy bread, cheese etc. I lazed by the canal while he burnt off some excess energy!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHefYiuUC0M/VgQRES9C1tI/AAAAAAAADZU/h0skmSHbffQ/s1600-h/20150907_151735%252520%252528437x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150907_151735 (437x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150907_151735 (437x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O1VMUhlB8Bk/VgQRFt7X6PI/AAAAAAAADZc/6-zkOmDkAWU/20150907_151735%252520%252528437x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="537"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Day 7 & 8 Donneville to Castelnaudary 47kms Castelnaudary to Carcassonne 36kms</font><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Had a great couple of days. For a start we are now going downhill! The weather has been good all week but today I wrote in my notes that it was perfect ? Perhaps it is as I get fitter each day I am really enjoying the ride. Or maybe it was the change in canal scenery, still very beautiful, but we are now on single dirt track, lots of tree roots, bumps and ridges and gravel leading up and away from each lock. So the riding is quite challenging for me but I have been following Jerry quite closely and learning how to ride well on this type of track. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U3OOmyk35Gs/VgQRGknorcI/AAAAAAAADZk/EZdC2zmozLg/s1600-h/20150908_143343%252520%252528800x423%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_143343 (800x423)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_143343 (800x423)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8zgZ6M0eWE/VgQRHgFyveI/AAAAAAAADZs/nwDI2MdK45s/20150908_143343%252520%252528800x423%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="275"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We got lost at one point as there is an offshoot to the canal but it was worthwhile as we cycled through an avenue of trees that was just beautiful, they were planted in 1809!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hSo5Nir2nRI/VgQRI9da_AI/AAAAAAAADZ0/I_OaTDSgCcQ/s1600-h/20150908_132504%252520%252528446x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_132504 (446x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_132504 (446x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VK30M2XfSRU/VgQRJnCRN7I/AAAAAAAADZ4/JdNtlX8QcsQ/20150908_132504%252520%252528446x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="589"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We were starting to see a lot more boats now and the locks have been an interesting break as we watch the good and not so good manoeuvring the boats in and out of canal locks. We had to stifle quite a few laughs at times. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5UKkjZuECQ/VgQRKUK9cDI/AAAAAAAADaA/qQI944SejPE/s1600-h/20150908_135005%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_135005 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_135005 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0r6gBgHlnM/VgQRLGNSvjI/AAAAAAAADaI/Gjum81AJsJc/20150908_135005%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="490"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tvf4xphnh_s/VgQRMOIVbTI/AAAAAAAADaU/bUsCppWR_Ok/s1600-h/20150908_104107%252520%252528443x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_104107 (443x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_104107 (443x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IWweRlwu1nQ/VgQRNTFOzGI/AAAAAAAADaY/8akQLRgmLok/20150908_104107%252520%252528443x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="527"></a></p> <p><font size="3">This guy would have been in trouble had Jerry not gone to the rescue. His line was far too short and he soon ran out of arm stretch as the water dropped!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WInDYnaS1FQ/VgQROB9mWVI/AAAAAAAADag/HxxZSJ0Oz-8/s1600-h/20150909_142306%252520%252528800x408%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150909_142306 (800x408)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150909_142306 (800x408)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZl9ET5k55c2mOjCACctdxgKkuiWa-PVCv3pZex7WniOnIqkDMWE19jHgsxGziiw4j0Bk1RMjLEoqC26FZL_E3iR8cfWiqAzKhRhT3lUUcvP3x4tXi1krEhHyQNJrPsKUtiL3N9yfHwg/?imgmax=800" width="465" height="255"></a></p> <p><font size="3">This was a double lock but boats had come infrom both ends! It took the lock keeper quite a bit of time to sort it all out and explain to each boat what to do. It seems that it’s after lunch that all the “interesting” things happen at the locks!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We were also seeing a lot more bird life and also saw a little water creature which looked like a large rat to me but we were told it was a loutre, otter. But I have since been told it was a ragondin and after doing my own research the second name is correct. It is a type of water rat. He was very tame and quite happy to pose for photos.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bR57e4oRksk/VgQRP9yHtTI/AAAAAAAADa0/ouCuPwhuf8o/s1600-h/20150908_144313%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_144313 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_144313 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cfsurw2Af6k/VgQRQSI--3I/AAAAAAAADa4/RvTgYGsrugc/20150908_144313%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="276"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oiexyqSH3vk/VgQRRA7v6nI/AAAAAAAADbA/fvYq17ehZXc/s1600-h/20150908_110625%252520%252528448x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_110625 (448x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_110625 (448x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4tcROmHwa10/VgQRRz4qoEI/AAAAAAAADbI/yXKNraSPSTI/20150908_110625%252520%252528448x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="513"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_XAop4EBkQw/VgQRS1lGW1I/AAAAAAAADbQ/8HgEKBDiW9I/s1600-h/20150909_101550%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150909_101550 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150909_101550 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GaLv1OTTNo8/VgQRTp8dx7I/AAAAAAAADbY/7H6fGRy26VA/20150909_101550%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="291"></a></p> <p><font size="3">In Castelnaudary we stayed at a hotel right on the canal. There was a bath in our ensuite and I made good use of that. It was so nice to ease the aching muscles in a hot bath. The it was straight out in search of a well deserved beer and to explore the city. That evening we dined on the traditional dish of the area, Cassoulet. Pork sausage, duck and white bean stew. Followed by creme brulee and washed down with a few glasses of wine. It was quite delicious and just the right meal after a long day cycling. The best thing about cycling all day is you can eat and drink whatever you fancy knowing it will all be burnt off the next day.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rt0ifzjsEm0/VgQRUuk_FjI/AAAAAAAADbk/tSjsm0j9cIA/s1600-h/20150908_111319%252520%252528800x447%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_111319 (800x447)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_111319 (800x447)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0H-nAElk_Ts/VgQRVrPQPPI/AAAAAAAADbo/gtVGqKv35ME/20150908_111319%252520%252528800x447%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="275"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7XREk5ao3Ig/VgQRWui3Y2I/AAAAAAAADb0/wdLfVPbW99I/s1600-h/20150908_111334%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_111334 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_111334 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-00UJs3e0h9c/VgQRXus3P6I/AAAAAAAADb4/b7x41yV-nMI/20150908_111334%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="275"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_F67lqhgu8/VgQRZezyEcI/AAAAAAAADcE/oVQUC8C-oJI/s1600-h/20150908_135134%252520%252528800x433%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150908_135134 (800x433)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150908_135134 (800x433)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsYY0h81RATom1oS8rt6dk1384RCw_d8UBy-YdQAXtIl3Lqs5dNWaNqFdnmBP3SRQRtjLx7uB-1LRmjHmnAjFiwo052VD34RZiLFMA9fn8KVVqpqQAlW3ArLQmEaEYZbI7RLwjGa4pNY/?imgmax=800" width="449" height="268"></a></p> <p><font size="3">At Carcassonne we trekked up the hill to the medieval castle. It looked quite amazing as we approached the town. It is a must see if in the area but quite a tourist trap. We decided to stay up there for dinner as the atmosphere in the main city square was quite lively.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FB3crJEqkKo/VgQRbEHA8qI/AAAAAAAADcU/JiEF4eaMJ8c/s1600-h/20150909_171913%252520%252528800x421%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150909_171913 (800x421)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150909_171913 (800x421)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnCZ99DWczc/VgQRb1sQjiI/AAAAAAAADcY/XA0boDCrqCw/20150909_171913%252520%252528800x421%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="252"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-55928833767521466162015-09-22T19:19:00.001+08:002015-09-22T21:25:36.611+08:00Cycling the Canals in France Days 1 - 4<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We had purchased 2 bikes when we arrived in France as we calculated it a cheaper option than hiring for 2 weeks and we had the idea that we could sell the bikes at the end of our trip. Our total expense of the 2 bikes plus panniers, racks, pump, drink bottles was Euro 450.00 and we sold the bikes minus panniers and bottles for Euro 250.00, not a bad return.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">We also had the use of the bikes for 5 weeks. So we are happy with the decision to buy and not rent.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">The Canal du Garonne and the Canal du Midi link the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea and our aim was to cycle as much as we could in the 11 days we had. </span> <span style="font-size: small;">We drove to Toulouse and dropped off our hire car then made our way to our first Airbnb accommodation for the night. Our hosts Therese & Gerard were keen cyclists and had lots of information to share with us for our cycle along the Canal du Garonne and Canal du Midi. </span> <span style="font-size: small;">I have chosen to do a day to day account of our trip as this is something we shall want to reflect back on ourselves.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 Toulouse to Marmande the La Reole 22kms</span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yzelgSi0pfg/VgE2Sv-BVOI/AAAAAAAADT8/xaS7ayQyTH8/s1600-h/20150902_102808%252520%252528800x448%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150902_102808 (800x448)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-SpPz67pOE/VgE2TfFbkgI/AAAAAAAADUA/XM-VwIFKfpU/20150902_102808%252520%252528800x448%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="290" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150902_102808 (800x448)" width="477" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">Therese & Gerard cycled with us through Toulouse to see us safely to the train station. Something I was very glad of as while Toulouse is a very bike friendly city it is also very busy and for me first time on a fully loaded bike, approx. 25kgs dodging people, bikes and cars I was quite happy to have someone to follow.</span> <div align="center">
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iFgoMk5Tmac/VgE2UOOHDmI/AAAAAAAADUM/rjOTbxJZcCo/s1600-h/20150902_104115%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150902_104115 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHBoYet-WsA/VgE2UlN8goI/AAAAAAAADUQ/snV4oyq69BA/20150902_104115%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="283" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150902_104115 (800x450)" width="471" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">At Toulouse station we had to go down an escalator with bike then carry bike up stairs onto the platform. This is where the first mishap occurred! As I struggled up the stairs with my bike an older lady further up the stairs fell back over and came tumbling down luggage in tow and fortunately for her my bike and me stopped her fall. She was ok but my poor bike now had broken front brakes, buckled front wheel and handle bars out of alignment! </span> <span style="font-size: small;">What a way to start. We put the bikes onto the train, not as easy as it sounds, more steps to go up and impatient train conductors that give you 3 minutes for this. We got off the train at Marmande where Jerry fixed my bike as best as possible and then cycled 22kms on the road to La Reole the start of the Canal du Garonne. </span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0OfSPwwohxI/VgE2VXdqPnI/AAAAAAAADUY/c2nZsaccTc0/s1600-h/20150902_140249%252520%252528432x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150902_140249 (432x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7mY6jL1vwnc/VgE2WLUieAI/AAAAAAAADUg/crtSewLVHk4/20150902_140249%252520%252528432x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="562" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150902_140249 (432x800)" width="308" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">I was pretty exhausted by the time we got to our Airbnb, my first thoughts were this is just day 1 ! We stayed in a beautiful old French home, our room and ensuite were very nice and comfortable but the downside was that the owners had 2 dogs and a very old cat and the house did smell of animals!</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Day 2 La Reole to Damazan 46.5kms</span> <span style="font-size: small;">The Canal du Garonne runs alongside the River Garonne that feeds into the Atlantic. The canal starts at La Reole. We were up bright and early and had our first French breakfast of croissant, bread and home made preserves, coffee or tea without milk. We made our way through La Reole and found the canal and I was very happy to see a very flat path ahead of me. The hills we had been cycling over the last few weeks had left me very weary! Our first impression of the canal was WOW! </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2SYlcO34X-XCWGWQsRVjRS0KCw-4DmAiTHmqgAQ-3gLv2fmrzwpAvNtGdFHYm8mLH0Lq7cDY50TwDsX8lQnj1tFwe2GupyQPjsJNT8m_jx76O3F5BlftuChxzClHDMnktegNhlZVM3k/s1600-h/20150903_095726%252520%252528448x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150903_095726 (448x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ya9QGiiT-rc/VgE2XWXn-4I/AAAAAAAADUw/S43s6I85cHA/20150903_095726%252520%252528448x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="623" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150903_095726 (448x800)" width="350" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWMoPV7JyWwDTGzlZE6cRYkFHB-2hXmu5gD1PxWZCew99-tVzWH-wPCQz8bONxDiApb3ZM4JeFSGEfOvQ3XwSGCBVe9fC2NLh7-dBnURKBFP5QejlQRJhFkhjd3wYf_YKaNfanh6m-YM/s1600-h/20150903_102108%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150903_102108 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KX5WmtgdOlE/VgE2YoW9I3I/AAAAAAAADVA/26EYEv-_tR0/20150903_102108%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="295" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150903_102108 (800x450)" width="492" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">We stopped for coffee and chatted to 2 couples from the UK and then later while we were taking a rest and eating some banana, good fuel food, a lady cycling on her own stopped for a chat. Would you believe Anne was from Clevedon and goes to the Blue Flame pub! Her and Jerry had lots to chat about over the next few days as we kept bumping into each other. </span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oANcDF_XjyA/VgE2ZV4TmEI/AAAAAAAADVM/sANQ_Sp0sOU/s1600-h/20150903_114511%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150903_114511 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-305qfHHqIU0/VgE2Z_qSE0I/AAAAAAAADVQ/AvTDIrVp4T4/20150903_114511%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="288" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150903_114511 (800x450)" width="480" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">Today was a very slow ride for Jerry, but he was patient with me. I realised that I was still recovering from the bronchitis I had for the last week in Valence, so I was forced to take it very easy. Tonights accommodation was at a French gite, this one was very basic, the breakfast too, but it was clean and comfortable for one night so all ok.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 Damazan to St Jean Therac 47kms</span> <span style="font-size: small;">I was feeling a little better on the bike today but with the very basic breakfast and lack of coffee shops along the way it wasn’t long before I felt weary. </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf31LXQAmljU6DE-SY51GlaC8ANBLnJcPBfp1WPCd41eLjUlyEpoay0x-9Jp6pBrvVBpcR4e-FV7D7D7Mk7FqayUmbMUj66piuAVjIAeX41oS1Z6DLfMGLu8rroJEaHJffcC7qaxEKc_8/s1600-h/20150904_141056%252520%252528800x427%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150904_141056 (800x427)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2DwwmhSUsUo/VgE2bM4clCI/AAAAAAAADVg/aAYal5niXmY/20150904_141056%252520%252528800x427%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="272" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150904_141056 (800x427)" width="474" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;"> The storm that hit Valence a week ago had also caused quite a lot of damage to trees on the canal and they had closed sections of the path. This meant lots of detours off the path and onto roads which meant dealing with traffic and those dreaded hills! We cycled across our first aqua duct today on the way into Agen where we stopped for lunch and after a very nice salad, a chocolate éclair and 2 coffees we were both feeling better. </span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GrElq6ahyA/VgE2b0jb7PI/AAAAAAAADVo/g6Y9ak8BoQM/s1600-h/20150904_125045%252520%252528800x396%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150904_125045 (800x396)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Jws4PyGk3Q/VgE2ch16WFI/AAAAAAAADVw/r2Elxh_Wm3U/20150904_125045%252520%252528800x396%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="243" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150904_125045 (800x396)" width="452" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">Our bottoms were starting to suffer despite wearing padded cycling pants. That night we stayed in a very nice Chambre d’hotes run by Kate an English lady and her French husband Michel. We were greeted with a beer for Jerry and a lovely cup of English tea for me! There were 9 guests staying the night and Michel cooked us a fantastic 3 course dinner with a choice of his favourite wines. Breakfast the next day was a little more substantial as we also had cereal and yoghurt. </span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b6d2g_-_evM/VgE2dZuCTtI/AAAAAAAADV8/3Fi5-CFl2s0/s1600-h/20150904_182615%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150904_182615 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-68vHneG_ONo/VgE2dwI4fFI/AAAAAAAADWA/v9l5UzyCiXY/20150904_182615%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="289" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150904_182615 (800x450)" width="481" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 St Jean du Therac to Moissac 31kms</span> <span style="font-size: small;">It was a short ride today as we were told there was quite a bit to see in Moissac. It was a very pretty town to walk around but all the “tourist” spots were cathedrals and abbeys. We met a couple from Denmark following the canal by campervan with 2 bikes used to explore. As slow as I am we were actually travelling bigger distances than them each day! As we arrived in Moissac there were 5 weddings on the go, some very grand affairs and some not so grand. But we enjoyed watching the parades through town.</span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kX83AGt2DbM/VgE2ehLuK7I/AAAAAAAADWI/HTAAECTSKI8/s1600-h/20150905_113238%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150905_113238 (800x449)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZjciECY0izE/VgE2fN7iQWI/AAAAAAAADWQ/CF6S9pMQ3bo/20150905_113238%252520%252528800x449%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="272" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150905_113238 (800x449)" width="452" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;"> Our bottoms are getting more sore by the day! We stayed in an Airbnb but we are convinced the owner was a little eccentric! A nice dinner in town that evening overlooking the river. Our French waiter had worked at the Sail & Anchor in Fremantle. </span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUPXn7IORxg/VgE5QAjU-aI/AAAAAAAADWo/52tW0Y04jNk/s1600-h/20150905_112936%252520%252528800x430%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150905_112936 (800x430)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-STASwUKHmBE/VgE5QsE7xzI/AAAAAAAADWs/YA9ggmsZO08/20150905_112936%252520%252528800x430%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="263" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150905_112936 (800x430)" width="456" /></a> <span style="font-size: small;">Each night we wash out our clothes and Jerry has found a good way to dry them along the way! We have also realised that we need to buy lunch before starting out as it is hard to find a cafe open on the canal at lunchtime.</span> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GgZ2kbaiSLA/VgE5RaC1nNI/AAAAAAAADW0/6Qq399mo2Us/s1600-h/20150905_112839%252520%252528800x416%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150905_112839 (800x416)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wY7B5P1-PvQ/VgE5RyKy9UI/AAAAAAAADW8/yQcmZNIxUFE/20150905_112839%252520%252528800x416%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="271" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150905_112839 (800x416)" width="474" /></a> <br />
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<br />Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-80258653496301975032015-08-24T01:42:00.001+08:002015-08-24T01:42:21.094+08:00Week 3– Pyrenees and Col de Tourmalet<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-yatEsH-MM/VdoFYKOFZXI/AAAAAAAADOU/FTJoOwKGjpY/s1600-h/20150820_120539%252520%252528800x193%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_120539 (800x193)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150820_120539 (800x193)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jwz1goWZ3Y/VdoFY32F1yI/AAAAAAAADOc/106OjkJE42g/20150820_120539%252520%252528800x193%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="140"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We had a spectacular 2 day trip to the Pyrenees. It is about a 2.5 hour leisurely drive from where we are staying through some beautiful countryside. Of course it helps when the weather is perfect and we could not have picked 2 more perfect days. </font></p> <p><font size="3">It was on Jerry’s to do list to drive up the Col de Tourmalet and see just how hard the cyclists do it in the Tour de France, although they do make it look easy! After all they only climb 2115 metres!</font></p> <p><font size="3">At the start of the steep road up many cyclists are seen getting ready to attempt the cycle themselves beside the memorial of Jaques Goddet, director of the tour 1936 to 1987. They look eager and are very jovial and set off at a great enthusiastic pace. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Y7cMDEqE8gcKt991m5E-EN0NEFnX8wpgo8g9gAaf5Cz7ykDwlXdJEUNocCs8aHrKYj82GRpHzYJap9tISpmIaE9wYa_qjaax2iugFxCw8Doew3IizfMclKfPWyVnvKk8ABuolruCo70/s1600-h/20150819_133807%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_133807 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_133807 (450x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4nQ_hFPL_ommjrtOTW66IOEfN9Qm8ukB3lx9BbPZ-fONdxS6jB1nAvcOjig7MjX47FEbAlAKh-tzYjk9XvvqQb-UOxcdmo7_Ob_0GO7zB2WU3ru4ZRL3cZaKDo90qSWEu_BtDyR6y90/?imgmax=800" width="325" height="573"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YC-n10zR9s/VdoFcmkO2wI/AAAAAAAADO0/XV0xQhZ7IC8/s1600-h/20150819_134420%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_134420 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_134420 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iXB_GC_c2Mw/VdoFdWWI2II/AAAAAAAADO8/SZOQHz9otNo/20150819_134420%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="285"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kVNo1uhLuI/VdoFeoJZ0BI/AAAAAAAADPE/Xdr3H9bFyjY/s1600-h/20150819_134443%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_134443 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_134443 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqefUYIluhD8MGkJa735jMuIjHhmkY1eQ64Xyxeh1s3MkeLQBqe7JYLDdtEMh7n_A00tEHCydMuYDiRsXpZJ3CQMtHx2iE6MPYS9-tE2KnN_4cns968jH38i_xDF8Cv4VpvSOzoiyxbAU/?imgmax=800" width="473" height="284"></a></p> <p><font size="3">As we pass them along the way they are in different states of exhaustion depending on fitness and age. The groups have broken up so no more chatting, smiles are replaced by intense grimaces and looks of determination as they struggle to reach the top and conquer the Tourmalet. Exhausted but happy they have there picture taken beside the statue of Octave Lapize the first cyclist over the top in 1913. Then it’s the very fast free wheel ride of success downhill all the way! </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6WftTTxzOY8/VdoFgGdZDcI/AAAAAAAADPU/TR7MmFx-ZP8/s1600-h/20150819_142017%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_142017 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150819_142017 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-59JLC96xsJI/VdoFg9vwtNI/AAAAAAAADPc/m5VJcZV2gWc/20150819_142017%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="389"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pckp0qzLehU/VdoFh6uJyBI/AAAAAAAADPk/GrGr-S5__DE/s1600-h/20150819_143546%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_143546 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150819_143546 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TxYL58KGbks/VdoFir8Jo3I/AAAAAAAADPs/3lkELAQmI7o/20150819_143546%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="226" height="393"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw_RF8I5SJU/VdoFj32SNVI/AAAAAAAADP0/n_W_YHSEPfc/s1600-h/20150819_145335%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_145335 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_145335 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tufMjA-ncAQ/VdoFlLQVAaI/AAAAAAAADP8/BqA1e2CnLog/20150819_145335%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="278"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAKXOZA8VcE/VdoFm4lOJDI/AAAAAAAADQE/JH55fa1zHzM/s1600-h/20150819_150226%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_150226 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_150226 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dD-gbh_QdEA/VdoFnmGZugI/AAAAAAAADQM/Ge3k7lWY7fg/20150819_150226%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="268"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">It was a very busy road both with cyclists, cars and campervans galore. Some of the cyclists get the wobbles up on the way so we slow down and gave them a wide berth. Many people sit by the side of the road with picnics laid out just enjoying the moment. That is until cheeky mountain rams come along and steal the lunches away, very amusing to watch. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P8bkjdh2PbE/VdoFo0Ze8XI/AAAAAAAADQU/_nGgGgSjuwk/s1600-h/20150819_145704%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_145704 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_145704 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2ol2X1ha2lOlUW0umhS0L4obxm4neb1xEvkdeedQXVIUy8aBvhBhETTA8s0TsODGTVtnQ3MP-50HydAr0N8-qZ9Ox5IQyBzrFdhjcCSw7y8IFitmeTOajP6rqACpq5LRgO-iZy2o7e0/?imgmax=800" width="459" height="276"></a></p> <p><font size="3">At the top we stopped and enjoyed the view of both the uphill journey and the downhill windy road on the other side. Of course we posed for our photo beside the statue too. <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gqWY0468ZKI/VdoFq8HwJ6I/AAAAAAAADQk/oqnJOvCP0Fs/s1600-h/20150819_150141%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_150141 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_150141 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dO4iw_G-yUc/VdoFr9t90uI/AAAAAAAADQs/Vr-S5dfGcKk/20150819_150141%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="273"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrN6thNoaoN7Yno70d9LDsCQwU9q_oiyDCL7q6PwApVW0U2Ff5HQuXQi8bdEHYKSz-BLgt7TnGH3pfg486PKhj55K0cgGeyL9fz2_y5BGOzuxOqwaFpXIokE6dIkJso4jG68tEEHOR8o/s1600-h/20150819_154355%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_154355 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_154355 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHVWxnhQBZk/VdoFttlYoCI/AAAAAAAADQ8/dsaaq7c90Tw/20150819_154355%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="274"></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ejuXHbXTDk/VdoFu9cGfbI/AAAAAAAADRE/VQmee0_IiRY/s1600-h/20150819_150816%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_150816 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_150816 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp9NnhOZNroK1BNDOkMrP8jOa4qGzMUO4ftReLRX_-avJF-ZwUP81G5myyqR1s5mm-DS0VJp4DQymCh_N4u1JbRagq8R-s7FtUMEglLSDuGUkMiwcR4Us6d7Nt19-Qx8dE8XGBdf1jj0/?imgmax=800" width="452" height="272"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fAfls2_C3rk/VdoFwiZiiBI/AAAAAAAADRU/P1FTQs2fY0I/s1600-h/20150819_160019%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150819_160019 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150819_160019 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJuDfuvw6qo/VdoFxft_T-I/AAAAAAAADRc/0yguwWtboo4/20150819_160019%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="268"></a> </font><font size="3">The next day we took the cable car from Le Mongie to the top of the highest peak in the region. Pic du Midi at 2800 metres.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ugm-Nh6X6mI/VdoFyNo6bgI/AAAAAAAADRk/5PTVACNGKIU/s1600-h/20150820_130832%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_130832 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150820_130832 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEISrDWcog8HwvcX67TgDV2o0rfZ7ASAmj3ArtFX7ANAgvMj6M1ma-2yiD2rAkCFWjsC0_4BOYOB55n9XS0VDg7Jzqo_fIYhvMqNyFAA-3Jgi5E9zT9mu7oxFN1lQamFyOc7CNc8RIWY/?imgmax=800" width="442" height="266"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-DZpAvcHTBe5M_TXTAw6IQv15bvwumUI3eZWHafQDfMWG_owukzXnaJZwXWigs2GfOtj_3ZOaZCcOtLuoVw27PSytXiGz9caZcpEN0kf6SmFZ3vNBUhDfnd7pbiTfvO5xa8UyxJoV9I/s1600-h/20150820_114345%252520%252528419x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_114345 (419x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_114345 (419x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsl_EZCpTjDWFOAPGB7aw5S8ruxRt28UDbixYdq42zQKtHxiOjKDY4l7PrRz5209J_YUAFpR-C4NvqRX7e8M-eeCA5PCfPUek0qHXzivFghEpEBSZxx-3_UvwwoZnlcnwYLHtIhXLlsY/?imgmax=800" width="257" height="480"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3h29noPww-8/VdoF2WFM6jI/AAAAAAAADSE/K6V1gm0lmmc/s1600-h/20150820_114444%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_114444 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_114444 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQEOiKnHrr0/VdoF3MKZuEI/AAAAAAAADSM/B9lgwXLC_dI/20150820_114444%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="281"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Not a cloud in the sky so a perfect jaw dropping 360deg view of the Pyranees. For me it’s the highest I have been and it was just totally amazing. So rugged and oh so beautiful!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyflw9ZfDdrkzWZxp_cqWNGXNkt7i46sCm-7Sx6oeFkwCuTu7XI53_fcpTdNDgztvCcrkdWeu7gL5W79MYYstVx4nAA6mLITk23vAsxrpYcNVlR1B4gaJ4vrDs6mfGygbnFi0QkG3C8F8/s1600-h/20150820_114507%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_114507 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_114507 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iB-ROAdi-B4/VdoF46a5UdI/AAAAAAAADSc/HNssmv-Q9lc/20150820_114507%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="243"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDN-w9XmKrQ/VdoF5yYww0I/AAAAAAAADSk/-wVRATYK--g/s1600-h/20150820_114957%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_114957 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_114957 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hkXJknCzzBY/VdoF6xHxy-I/AAAAAAAADSs/4KBnn3ZALlc/20150820_114957%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="282" height="495"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Av255NAlIfw/VdoF76z2NBI/AAAAAAAADS0/sn6zDylTg7o/s1600-h/20150820_120024%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_120024 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_120024 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDTGCeDe1lQ/VdoF85Ooh7I/AAAAAAAADS8/5EeusDchPKQ/20150820_120024%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="260"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We shared the top of the mountain with LOTS of people, mid summer, peak season, clear day, what else can you expect. Some had walked up from the top of the Col de Tourmalet, had we realised there was a very walkable path we too would have enjoyed the walk up and cable car back down.</font></p> <p><font size="3">It was definitely a holiday atmosphere in the village of La Mongie where restaurants were full and people doing what the French do best – eating and drinking!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Even this donkey was at the bakers waiting for his lunch to be served!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-byHZDPJZav8/VdoF99BGvBI/AAAAAAAADTE/lE_YIlIydlE/s1600-h/20150820_102343%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150820_102343 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150820_102343 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXKWT-1-_fo/VdoF-srD_NI/AAAAAAAADTM/rBW4IxiHejs/20150820_102343%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="282"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-28363301867192967792015-08-17T02:47:00.001+08:002015-08-17T02:47:10.557+08:00France - Our first 2 weeks<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">The holiday got off to a good start with an upgrade to business class on Emirates A380 from Dubai to Paris. What a treat that was and obviously choosing the people to upgrade has nothing to do with what you wear or what designer label baggage you have.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rG1jRbhm8Wk/VdDZxDimnlI/AAAAAAAADGY/R70i8QZ9d8Y/s1600-h/20150803_155201-444x8007.jpg"><img title="20150803_155201 (444x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150803_155201 (444x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGmBJA8iQcc/VdDZyBlXoYI/AAAAAAAADGg/F8x1-lEHvLM/20150803_155201-444x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" height="419"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4y5Eoro0OgI/VdDZzaf6O4I/AAAAAAAADGo/QDigmmxy5fc/s1600-h/20150803_171819-450x8007.jpg"><img title="20150803_171819 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150803_171819 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsrcGu1qxwk/VdDZ0WKWzXI/AAAAAAAADGw/u-bxZCJ5q_8/20150803_171819-450x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="418"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I8DIm9v5vwA/VdDZ1GyrYaI/AAAAAAAADG4/j9R96tr1bzw/s1600-h/20150804_035346-800x4346.jpg"><img title="20150804_035346 (800x434)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150804_035346 (800x434)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qTYbMFVU1HE/VdDZ2fWioyI/AAAAAAAADG8/gXqXf7Xa-A4/20150804_035346-800x434_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="269"></a></p> <p><font size="3">I was so excited (even for an ex stewardess!). We thought it would be a great opportunity to sleep the last part of our flight especially with mattress, pillow and blanket supplied, stretched flat out all very comfy and cosy. But I think the excitement of it all kept us awake for most of the 7hr flight, well me at least.</font></p> <p><font size="3">With a long wait at Paris, CDG airport for our flight to Toulouse we whiled away the time people watching & dozing. It’s a very busy airport.</font></p> <p><font size="3">A night at Toulouse in the Holiday Inn Express at the airport and we woke refreshed and ready to start the day. We picked up our car and guess what, another upgrade. I had ordered the smallest, cheapest available and so we were glad of the upgrade especially as we later needed to put 2 bikes in the boot.</font></p> <p><font size="3">With gps navigation on we hit the road on the right side which is left over here and managed to get all the way to Valence sur Baise without a hitch or a wander to the wrong side of the road. The countryside along the way was beautiful and reminded us of the southwest of England on a beautiful summers day. Field after field of sunflowers which unfortunately were not standing proud and smiling at us but heads were drooped and looked rather weary. I thought it must be the 40deg heat, yes it was the hottest day this year, but have since been told that we missed the sunflower season by about a week they are nearly ready to harvest and that’s the reason they look so wilted and sad. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UiY6htRgs7g/VdDZ3kXwIuI/AAAAAAAADHE/p3LJBWEbhak/s1600-h/20150815_161215-800x4386.jpg"><img title="20150815_161215 (800x438)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_161215 (800x438)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rgE9aWHz6-I/VdDZ4o-GNdI/AAAAAAAADHM/fIbjlXHnALw/20150815_161215-800x438_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="276"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our house is right next to the village square and church. Across the road is a patisserie and a restaurant that does a plat du jour for E12.50 That’s entree, main, cheese, dessert and as much wine as you want. Not bad value but I fear I will never get on the bicycle if I eat there too often. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LaPZU7mP2FM/VdDZ5QHBAfI/AAAAAAAADHU/WRAjTa67qD8/s1600-h/20150805_150218-800x43513.jpg"><img title="20150805_150218 (800x435)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150805_150218 (800x435)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3KQLuwPRNP4/VdDZ6rjdrlI/AAAAAAAADHc/Rdrsd4mHAXY/20150805_150218-800x435_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="302"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgmTMutI7n4/VdDZ7VG-bOI/AAAAAAAADHk/4eAu0yxL7DU/s1600-h/20150805_201007-400x8008.jpg"><img title="20150805_201007 (400x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150805_201007 (400x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npOUPYPfnHg/VdDZ8QxHioI/AAAAAAAADHs/DkiwPVtXBJw/20150805_201007-400x800_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="484"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64SvZQDq8DBethOBhbNv52OboW4Ksp5amO-Qm-vibOlcO7nMBQRmv4EUFhERrKA2pTxekfZt94bDHSzxCXk9CxhyphenhyphenY2InhNCErSoPscOwYPBtSDQxhyphenhyphenKnK5-ErufjQEhGj7jWJ21oRGco/s1600-h/20150806_193542-437x8008.jpg"><img title="20150806_193542 (437x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150806_193542 (437x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWqSu1HPMB8eccsTb7ZNYcUyT3yq9gCcqvgxg_FBZJ5QR6kcZEFpqzmuKiNkyVcXe7OJBytk0Wqk80tu58XuWSe-tedJbeyILodldU2jgg-dkgxbx6kVNanWhjixp5OmB3B-azwQ0wYE/?imgmax=800" width="248" height="462"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Our courtyard complete with BBQ and grapevine</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-Z1ZRgkHksPlc_EYhTWIo9nw8dkm1Vsu6La0e8uO1_C0JpTnwoG3jIjUki79671DnC_YIpeTekiCVODQFCDhH-MrW19gahQgw7b71AVb8Deapy82ak4Khz9w4d3XEgNK2i7u6C_WIYM/s1600-h/20150814_183742-434x8005.jpg"><img title="20150814_183742 (434x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150814_183742 (434x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B6arO_6hGjI/VdDZ__p9xWI/AAAAAAAADIM/-S1frbFeTRw/20150814_183742-434x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="614"></a></p> <p><font size="3">In the village we also have a pharmacie, 2 hairdressers, doctor, physio and 2 more patisseries. There was a tabac and a butcher but a supermarket opened up just outside of town and so slowly businesses are closing down. Sad for the village but it seems to be the same wherever you go, not just here in France. We don’t seem to see many people, in fact at times it is eerily quiet. We are not quite sure what the locals do all day or if even anybody is living in the houses behind the shuttered windows. But I can say it is a very pretty village and very old.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We soon found ourselves at the bike shop and purchased 2 bikes for what it would have cost us to hire 2 for just 2 weeks. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENlf6Vzz2V4/VdDaA7tEMRI/AAAAAAAADIU/bd7u7OHFv1o/s1600-h/20150812_094421-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150812_094421 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150812_094421 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--2Wd7Ux4fK4/VdDaB-AeTII/AAAAAAAADIc/5ti21KMgIGo/20150812_094421-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="284"></a></p> <p><font size="3">This way we have the bikes for the 6 weeks we are here and can use them for bum </font><font size="3">training and just meandering around the local villages. Although I have since learnt you don’t meander when you ride with Jerry! and it is very hilly around here, so its a slow old ride for me, but very pleasant.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g-Hu5KF7f2U/VdDaClYbz3I/AAAAAAAADIk/T5GKflbyPiM/s1600-h/20150812_125259-800x44611.jpg"><img title="20150812_125259 (800x446)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150812_125259 (800x446)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PBuFZKP_Ro0/VdDaDWO1vSI/AAAAAAAADIs/uxlwoyAb9Ms/20150812_125259-800x446_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="289"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-39UwQgRnvDk/VdDaEjQ2HyI/AAAAAAAADI0/SsFnMJrVU3U/s1600-h/20150812_125407-800x44814.jpg"><img title="20150812_125407 (800x448)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150812_125407 (800x448)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cI9F2iOAXdk/VdDaFnkvueI/AAAAAAAADI8/6TOnPblu3cQ/20150812_125407-800x448_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="291"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QKfPMIHySAw/VdDaGtWKlxI/AAAAAAAADJE/_Gxrs7XFaAo/s1600-h/20150816_113802-800x43311.jpg"><img title="20150816_113802 (800x433)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150816_113802 (800x433)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7GZ7rve97R4/VdDaHYnfLHI/AAAAAAAADJM/HEo_0_2gZ7U/20150816_113802-800x433_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="280"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our first ride was into the next large village/town called Condom (ahem!). It was about a 20kms trip, up and down and up again all those blasted hills. I arrived a sweaty, exhausted mess and plonked myself down at the first cafe I came to in need of a rest, coffee and cake. A lady sitting at the same table gave us a once over look, I thought oh dear do I look that bad. Then she asked if we were staying in Valence? Well we are so we said yes then she asked if we were Jean & Jerry!! How about that. Maggie it turns out is a friend of Rob & Leslie who own the house we are in and knew we were arriving, heard our Australian accents (do we really sound Aussie its only been 34 & 37 yrs since we left UK) saw we were on bikes and put 2 & 2 together! How’s about that for a coincidence.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We feel we are like kids in a candy shop at the supermarket. Our first 2 days we ate nothing but delicious crusty bread, an assortment of cheeses, ham and terrines. The choice is phenomenal and inexpensive. Fresh, juicy sweet peaches are so moreish and I can drink the wine!! no headache so far. Good job we are riding bikes as I fear we would turn into little dumplings otherwise, the food is just so deliciously mouth watering and moreish. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xvuB00bPA34/VdDaIKgbufI/AAAAAAAADJU/IcxlZKH3q5o/s1600-h/20150807_110349-445x8006.jpg"><img title="20150807_110349 (445x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150807_110349 (445x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykVESekFWFE/VdDaI5-pdyI/AAAAAAAADJc/i6z-SwEmXvU/20150807_110349-445x800_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="503"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqUMAK94vrMVkfcrPm0Nr0YRDH6V7EByePaeVlH-kyQafbrStQjcOTIIPQRI_mDzxq2aRDLpEulGQ7z-0KkDpt0m7XQsaRL_MXL_ICxJmoseYs3iWIFQesyy9UoLT0Y-ZrW-Q7kvkqjN0/s1600-h/20150815_115542-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150815_115542 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_115542 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KcFPO5Y3pJs/VdDaKzlb9FI/AAAAAAAADJs/GLmM3Dyl1S4/20150815_115542-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="302"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GcIlMf7TnyQ/VdDaMJcpHlI/AAAAAAAADJ0/_7kICdV1d0A/s1600-h/20150815_115733-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150815_115733 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_115733 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iWdGYANFlYM/VdDaNN7NFRI/AAAAAAAADJ8/FbbG1IPP_QQ/20150815_115733-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="299"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QRL8UAP1BJ0/VdDaOJ9OlvI/AAAAAAAADKE/mmeaQ_R2hho/s1600-h/20150815_120110-800x4395.jpg"><img title="20150815_120110 (800x439)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_120110 (800x439)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lKKydsbBVw/VdDaO_kIS2I/AAAAAAAADKM/m0CTjGBavXE/20150815_120110-800x439_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="295"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5MzX63i9ls/VdDaQGQXOQI/AAAAAAAADKU/i_RjGUVB0BM/s1600-h/20150815_120213-800x4335.jpg"><img title="20150815_120213 (800x433)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_120213 (800x433)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9wtx-TF9iD0/VdDaQwE15FI/AAAAAAAADKc/ksDb8gJLbkw/20150815_120213-800x433_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="291"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We have spent the week touring local towns and villages on our bikes or in the car. There seems to be a market everyday of the week somewhere close by and at weekends we are lucky that this month there are village fetes and vides-greneieres ( car boot sales) every weekend and some midweek. Each place we visit is jaw droppingly beautiful. So old and beautiful each one has a central square and each has an abbey or castle, all steeped in history, so much to soak up and take in.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-84lENhZYM-o/VdDaR14P9oI/AAAAAAAADKk/BWWDZDUf5Q8/s1600-h/20150808_140455-417x8006.jpg"><img title="20150808_140455 (417x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150808_140455 (417x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-khX93_EIoRk/VdDaSmjg77I/AAAAAAAADKs/whdnfFUSpsk/20150808_140455-417x800_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="387"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RLvEchBG_j0/VdDaTWqS6eI/AAAAAAAADK0/pGDWPNPh7As/s1600-h/20150815_133225-427x8007.jpg"><img title="20150815_133225 (427x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_133225 (427x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qCN6DCmEOHg/VdDaTzEE6WI/AAAAAAAADK4/Vo1Y96hFjKk/20150815_133225-427x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="206" height="386"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0l3j9lEbnU/VdDaU98RqYI/AAAAAAAADLE/mSLQRpaivdM/s1600-h/20150813_120607-430x8005.jpg"><img title="20150813_120607 (430x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150813_120607 (430x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZVhDWfA8fxarfoI51SJftKNh1CyCeyZvP2iN6ODZ3hZ9ptW7A4jzOO-gdXdI5fPdm1KTa_amcuAipe0n6fw6e0i59m2pJiAgAOKORwC_fRjAhycQeBeaH_MPYYDPUUye7mKXGy5K1u0/?imgmax=800" width="202" height="366"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HltVwUsqr6o/VdDaWRl55BI/AAAAAAAADLU/ekEnlqyY7Ck/s1600-h/20150815_134230-433x8005.jpg"><img title="20150815_134230 (433x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_134230 (433x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ealGL4Fc5Zg/VdDaXEgCZvI/AAAAAAAADLc/ZR6jaf42YeE/20150815_134230-433x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="205" height="369"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fVFUzgoJLNM/VdDaYG6Vc-I/AAAAAAAADLk/fBr54ui-jOw/s1600-h/20150815_133155-800x4415.jpg"><img title="20150815_133155 (800x441)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_133155 (800x441)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KIfYMF8lTY/VdDaZNMi9kI/AAAAAAAADLs/pdoiYQO5ki8/20150815_133155-800x441_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cf0RPMOkfOQ/VdDaaWZN4XI/AAAAAAAADL0/hj0AR71OGNY/s1600-h/20150815_133424-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150815_133424 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_133424 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wY58MWncsN8/VdDaa6sWsqI/AAAAAAAADL4/ILuiE_Lb3BI/20150815_133424-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="248"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We leave you with some photos of the past 10 as we have wandered the countryside.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wkY8HQjf58c/VdDacEWR8vI/AAAAAAAADME/Rym0vJLp2z0/s1600-h/20150815_103735-800x4508.jpg"><img title="20150815_103735 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_103735 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jrtlGIFG2S8/VdDadP374qI/AAAAAAAADMM/X2c23LSCoAA/20150815_103735-800x450_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" align="left" height="268"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXRTSUkajGc/VdDaeIDUP9I/AAAAAAAADMY/u8PdaGXu15I/s1600-h/20150815_113331-800x4276.jpg"><img title="20150815_113331 (800x427)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_113331 (800x427)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cgq8SZoSnEk/VdDafR6tlqI/AAAAAAAADMc/6iEDsQMtHcE/20150815_113331-800x427_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="240"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GuDkiWjZ9vo/VdDagbjKLmI/AAAAAAAADMo/Ffovrmn_01g/s1600-h/20150815_120123-800x4275.jpg"><img title="20150815_120123 (800x427)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20150815_120123 (800x427)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX9oZexBB-TGiGPX29wqfT-silXU63H47T5nuueH45IuBSFM0IOjsx7MnPP3M9kyzr2kqui1WbnH-HyRD96g7aegeWVYwYs4LONTNMvnDXmIuy_Mypwq-OS3k8aQ60gUd-voN6QN11fY/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="235"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4QLthLqsLxY/VdDaiQzrYTI/AAAAAAAADM4/jjSHbadEzos/s1600-h/20150815_133758-450x8006.jpg"><img title="20150815_133758 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_133758 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvD1hiDiCrY/VdDajQqtA1I/AAAAAAAADNA/Qn1otK1HpTg/20150815_133758-450x800_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="274" height="487"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NoE6kGrZf8RBGg7cUD83UigrcLIlFCGdMqnS_I9k2_9rtqmJV5e3pz6bAbSMCXufmoioQ39OuTDldVQYAhULzxMuLFmoW4Wa1uS54ZHSbCP-8E6d2_ujRj_B06qzaULNQVO0N_q7N5o/s1600-h/20150815_160846-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150815_160846 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_160846 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73gIz8qG2X4/VdDalkNqABI/AAAAAAAADNQ/DfVt4UP777U/20150815_160846-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="281"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VBDyPRjxaqk/VdDamu6xLEI/AAAAAAAADNY/5ed94eGV0H0/s1600-h/20150815_161044-800x4475.jpg"><img title="20150815_161044 (800x447)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150815_161044 (800x447)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RXB7M_EhFBs/VdDanSxaiaI/AAAAAAAADNg/kmHY45LM1xg/20150815_161044-800x447_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="274"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QhBEmA2X0dA/VdDaoXWy1DI/AAAAAAAADNo/rvaXGWskKaQ/s1600-h/20150816_154836-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150816_154836 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150816_154836 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4BxK_i_Eo-vOE6_06Xy4FE9vM1kr4VVzDf0bAYLFntkGEkcADrrlX8jETOW9lyEKsu-jx8K5zHWqOMj1vqo_XJ5NR0RKYL0DOonOfbtdfTE9dOC3FfxdO5EZawYU3WWUvrccTn79euk/?imgmax=800" width="453" height="273"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Ujj8d-yOXY/VdDaqDFIYAI/AAAAAAAADN4/HlW2uqvZA4c/s1600-h/20150816_160805-800x4445.jpg"><img title="20150816_160805 (800x444)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150816_160805 (800x444)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pxXMdV2mrN0/VdDarCX8R3I/AAAAAAAADOA/Sbr8mNeFue4/20150816_160805-800x444_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="274"></a></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-18874796470431308012015-07-26T15:54:00.001+08:002015-07-26T16:07:19.396+08:00Back at Senibong Marina, Johor Bahru<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While waiting for the spare gearbox parts we spent a pleasant couple of weeks at Terenggnu and we were lucky to be there for the Chinese Peranakan Festival. We spent a couple of evenings ashore wandering Chinatown and enjoying the entertainment and colourful sights and food.<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yFd3NfbNJF4/VbSRdWSPJ_I/AAAAAAAADAs/YuMQd3dM6h0/s1600-h/20150610_210535%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150610_210535 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-npJNrsqnmxg/VbSRfU1w_zI/AAAAAAAADA0/95grIHbfEuE/20150610_210535%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="295" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150610_210535 (800x450)" width="491" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ud74ufNB_Ho/VbSRggCZ52I/AAAAAAAADA8/M1Ij8mx1oUk/s1600-h/20150605_212405%252520%252528448x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150605_212405 (448x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_SKE3tEKLc/VbSRhRwcJPI/AAAAAAAADBE/M-Ztb1b_ADU/20150605_212405%252520%252528448x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="441" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150605_212405 (448x800)" width="237" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KFY2F5-pZlo/VbSRiPDESVI/AAAAAAAADBM/dRcMImsUV24/s1600-h/20150610_205848%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150610_205848 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WTpBqwadJdc/VbSRjZSMGaI/AAAAAAAADBU/8X9NZeKNaHQ/20150610_205848%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="439" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150610_205848 (450x800)" width="238" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Once the gearbox was fixed we headed over to Redang Island for a few days where we swam and snorkeled with turtles and enjoyed happy hour ashore with 3 other Australian yachts and found that all 4 ladies were members of WWSA (Women Who Sail Australia). Not often this happens up in this part of the world.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wn5jIcBaARM/VbSRkY2TGpI/AAAAAAAADBc/iAS6boPtons/s1600-h/FB_IMG_1434541454171%25255B29%25255D.jpg"><img alt="FB_IMG_1434541454171" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9eAROu1KjZE/VbSRlqNYbpI/AAAAAAAADBk/y0nBYBftU6E/FB_IMG_1434541454171_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="304" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB_IMG_1434541454171" width="481" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qX3djWa4xbA/VbSRmSeCDFI/AAAAAAAADBs/l8bZ05rNEak/s1600-h/20150616_173129%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150616_173129 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrOhnvEJ38Y/VbSRpwXTf_I/AAAAAAAADB0/4woCOfIiff4/20150616_173129%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="289" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150616_173129 (800x450)" width="481" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6BlQEPy1yEI/VbSRqqd9qrI/AAAAAAAADB8/xP5Etm9uGjA/s1600-h/20150617_143544%252520%252528422x800%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="20150617_143544 (422x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wF9KhaVFY1U/VbSRrextO8I/AAAAAAAADCE/X6aYehyNd-g/20150617_143544%252520%252528422x800%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="439" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150617_143544 (422x800)" width="234" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;">Peter joined us back at Terengganu to enjoy a holiday sailing back down the east coast. Famous last words! It was now Ramadan, a month of fasting for the locals. No eating or drinking (of any sort), between sunrise and sunset. So this means a lot of sleepy people especially towards the end of the month. We visited the Ramadan night market which was jam packed with people buying takeaway food to eat once the sunset. Families set up picnics everywhere waiting for the magic hour. No photos though as I thought it would be a bit rude! We bought a selection of local food and went back to the boat to eat ours.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyYLYsrhqk1Ld0-OGGlhiXySqECpZvEFHiVloVLfWv-Adxkc3TK3P5L5aehaSTlXZoRPo_vyJEO9Xz3hve3hEPvmka4zLA2Mrqk_3hHHil5rRgIeqe5jO2U0KmM599rUZW2WyNqv-Gns/s1600-h/20150622_183254%252520%252528800x444%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150622_183254 (800x444)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sru_6aD2Ix8/VbSRuH2rgCI/AAAAAAAADCU/MLwdGy0k_sU/20150622_183254%252520%252528800x444%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="297" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150622_183254 (800x444)" width="502" /></a></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qYOE3XUFxvs/VbSRwfn7dhI/AAAAAAAADCc/m9_bQI47uss/s1600-h/20150622_190937%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150622_190937 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-to5gNI90_dk/VbSRxmjNWQI/AAAAAAAADCk/ugYQWkc-t5k/20150622_190937%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="303" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150622_190937 (800x450)" width="495" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> We had planned to visit a few islands along the way and do some more relaxing but the weather put a stop to that. Getting up here was a piece of cake, getting back down in the “wrong”season was not so easy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpZJO-omIoSaJmZzocH21o2ZFc8qydnwB2IIALHH-LZNHdv1f3ozKRIWvbkq4vQJu5XMrW7kl2aionld9ccAmUUrm4u7HWY-0b2QYitGa3TjYzyJvDyt2mC9VmFBqsSxbkMc-ieKFgdQ/s1600-h/20150623_105635%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150623_105635 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HP4sn_lMoFE/VbSRzW9-C8I/AAAAAAAADC0/u8cCIYdVaKg/20150623_105635%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="303" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150623_105635 (800x450)" width="505" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Most of the trip we had strong SE’ly winds along with 2 knots of current and a short choppy swell all against us. It was by far the worse trip we have done in a long time. We explored ways of getting down, should we go out to sea & back in, should we stick close to shore and maybe out of the current, should we night sail, should we day sail? No matter what we did it wasn’t easy and we were very grateful to have Peter. Not only was the extra manpower very useful, we did more tacking in that 2 weeks than we have done in all our sailing, Peter’s extrovert character made light of what would have been a dreary old trip.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHWDWyqCwJY/VbSR1gBWydI/AAAAAAAADC8/tAqNcbpK4Bs/s1600-h/20150628_145957%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150628_145957 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EKGzenY8o2Y/VbSR3DwV66I/AAAAAAAADDE/-Fm8bbu30DY/20150628_145957%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="316" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150628_145957 (800x450)" width="527" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We headed out to Kapas Island just 10 nm form Terengganu and stayed for 2 nights.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kaOjgAkyqG8/VbSR5VZd_-I/AAAAAAAADDM/Mp5gIah2ccQ/s1600-h/20150624_151746%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150624_151746 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TK4JpuWAh60/VbSR56sefaI/AAAAAAAADDU/5Fdpye41r1o/20150624_151746%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="323" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150624_151746 (800x450)" width="529" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6zrF0Vccmk/VbSR6pXNvhI/AAAAAAAADDc/7zftsHpIA8E/s1600-h/20150624_124528%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150624_124528 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yqAsJWFPgc0/VbSR7mfJyUI/AAAAAAAADDk/vw-EisJV7y4/20150624_124528%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="322" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150624_124528 (800x450)" width="530" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VQfY7X56c94/VbSR8Y3FGzI/AAAAAAAADDs/IyMvWeFV9Qo/s1600-h/20150624_150200%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150624_150200 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ESWiYiThQ5w/VbSR9QdIweI/AAAAAAAADD0/_Oa-JR48Ef4/20150624_150200%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="636" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150624_150200 (450x800)" width="359" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Leaving Kapas Island one night at 00.30 and arrived at Tenggol Island at 5pm having travelled a total of 35nm. That’s an average of 2.12 kn per hour. Very slow, very tiring, very frustrating. The following day was much the same Tenggol to Chukai, 35nm in 14hrs motorsailing and tacking the whole way. We entered the Kemaman River at night time, something we normally avoid doing but we had to seek a calm anchorage and wait for this weather to change and Chukai town anchorage offered us this.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZLrzHSy1Lg/VbSSALZSA9I/AAAAAAAADD8/cjwXPrScUQo/s1600-h/20150628_175647%252520%252528717x800%252529%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150628_175647 (717x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HnIW_UCri-M/VbSSBwDGXlI/AAAAAAAADEE/tErUHc-5Q-8/20150628_175647%252520%252528717x800%252529_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="486" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150628_175647 (717x800)" width="429" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We stayed a few days in Chukai, its a pleasant town and we tried the stuffed crabs again at 2 different restaurants but still I don’t think they are as good as the travel guides tell you. Jerry changed all the fuel filters on the boat as he knew that the rough trip would stir up the gunk that settles in the bottom of the diesel tanks and soon start to clog the filters up. He also found that we have fungus in the fuel but it has been treated with biocide so it is under control, we hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So after a few days rest the weather looked good and out we went again. Decision had been made to hug the coast all the way down forgetting any stopovers that were not necessary. Chukai to Endau was not so bad but we still tick tacked our way down the coast.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--UwptXp3MdE/VbSSCy1eAoI/AAAAAAAADEM/mgdztzIOyVg/s1600-h/20150625_063403%252520Plotter%252520trip%252520down%252520coast%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150625_063403 Plotter trip down coast (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVBSrsA6aNM/VbSSDpJmGUI/AAAAAAAADEU/rV1XNSLLr4s/20150625_063403%252520Plotter%252520trip%252520down%252520coast%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="279" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150625_063403 Plotter trip down coast (800x450)" width="454" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNaemHtbsaM/VbSSFZsXS5I/AAAAAAAADEc/J5MAnHnXUq4/s1600-h/20150625_165457%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150625_165457 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71CSAnRSqT4/VbSSG6lS2gI/AAAAAAAADEk/JcTGao_hJsc/20150625_165457%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="273" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150625_165457 (800x450)" width="453" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> That night we watched the radar with trepidation as we headed towards quite a severe storm cell but luckily we just caught the edge of it or so we thought. It was not long before it turned and came back at us in full force with the most horrific lightening, loud thunder and torrential rain. We hove to and left Jerry in the cockpit while Peter and I sheltered below with storm boards in to stop the rain coming down below it was that bad. By the time the storm passed Jerry was freezing cold and in need of a jumper and hot soup to warm up. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNh4z0mlRBM/VbSSH1IJ2jI/AAAAAAAADEs/MafKezybxfQ/s1600-h/20150626_154756%252520%252528449x800%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150626_154756 (449x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sXj7LzYDJho/VbSSJFIJV4I/AAAAAAAADE0/NTIUBawTmH0/20150626_154756%252520%252528449x800%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="643" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150626_154756 (449x800)" width="363" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Endau was a peaceful anchorage and the next day we continued tacking close to shore anchoring at Jasons Bay. This was a great anchorage on the way up but not so this time. We rolled and rolled all night making it hard to sleep unless you splayed yourself out like a starfish on the bunk.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OcKfmU8PpNc/VbSSJ58oxmI/AAAAAAAADE8/rCELcq9skZ0/s1600-h/20150701_202822_LLS%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150701_202822_LLS (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0g6KtRf7Yu0/VbSSKxOFbLI/AAAAAAAADFE/9RdIaaJU7ZU/20150701_202822_LLS%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="639" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150701_202822_LLS (450x800)" width="361" /></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bTVYDHx5_w4/VbSSM09CrgI/AAAAAAAADFM/ukTahpPYdoA/s1600-h/20150702_072303%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150702_072303 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgdX-GI34w8/VbSSODsyLGI/AAAAAAAADFU/r8HFnHSOB9w/20150702_072303%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="285" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150702_072303 (800x450)" width="474" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The next day saw us rounding the bottom of the Peninsular and actually enjoying a nice sail, but that was short lived as a safety boat approached us and asked to move further out from the coast forcing us to head dead into the wind once again. It was because a ship was about to manoeuvre. Welcome back to the busy Singapore Straits.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As we turned up into the calm waters of Pengelih Point and dropped the anchor I breathed a big sigh of relief. Memo to oneself, once again, is do not try and sail against the wind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tied up now in a great marina we have purchased a secondhand airconditioner for $100 and are in absolute heaven inside the boat. It is so hot and humid that we gave in and decided that a bit of comfort while in a marina is well worth it. Like little meerkats we stay below only popping up our heads when absolutely necessary. I can now cook without causing the boat to heat up like a furnace, we sleep like babies and awake refreshed, my swollen feet are no longer swollen and jobs are easier to tackle as we can duck down below for a cool off when it all gets too much. The hectic sail had played havoc with Jerry’s hair and he was soon at the hairdressers getting it fixed up.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTS8PPQ6wvM/VbSSOyFg1mI/AAAAAAAADFc/FdKXH6OAU1M/s1600-h/20150713_131239%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150713_131239 (450x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FlryXR-70F0/VbSSPmN0n4I/AAAAAAAADFk/lGNTdKxl8-8/20150713_131239%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="611" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150713_131239 (450x800)" width="346" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As usual we always have a list of jobs to do. So first thing we hired a car and with the help of our crew now chauffeur, Peter, could chase around town getting things organized. With Ramadan coming to an end and Hari Raya fast approaching we needed to act quickly as shops would close down for a long weekend holiday. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8L719JiTQxY/VbSSQd0IARI/AAAAAAAADFs/IOGnHWit-9Q/s1600-h/20150707_101923%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img alt="20150707_101923 (800x450)" border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lYTmJzKPe3s/VbSSRBPQB6I/AAAAAAAADF0/HV4m4XgIoNk/20150707_101923%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="276" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20150707_101923 (800x450)" width="458" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We are taking time out from the yacht for a few months and flying to Paris on Aug 3rd. It was Jerry’s wish for his 60th birthday at the end of August to do something special. So we have 4 weeks in a house just outside of Toulouse, courtesy of a friend in Perth, 2 weeks cycling the canals, 2 weeks in Tuscany with Cheryl and Mark, Jerry’ sister and a few weeks back in UK with his Dad. I intend to keep the blog going so you can read all about it right here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When we return towards the end of October we shall be looking at a trip back to Perth to meet our first Grandchild, a baby boy due on Nov 13th. Very exciting news and I imagine this little bundle of joy will make a great impression on our chosen lifestyle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2015 is turning out to be a big year in more ways than one!</span>Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-26885601400448004722015-06-08T18:05:00.001+08:002015-06-08T18:05:04.019+08:00Off up the east coast of Malaysia<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3">We had been told that the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia was a very pleasant place to sail with clear, clean water, beautiful beaches and great snorkelling, so we were really looking forward to our trip up this coast and for the chance to jump into some nice water to cool off in. From Senibong Marina to the Perhentian Islands is approximately 500nm and w</font><font size="3">e are keen to get up to them fairly quickly and then our intention is to take our time heading back south. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2jmlk6F7Oc/VXVn8m3uXWI/AAAAAAAACqE/w00X4W-Vo6A/s1600-h/20150511_152408%252520%252528800x443%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150511_152408 (800x443)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150511_152408 (800x443)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DlnMQc1hJao1bc7nrpwPV5aDXyyIyVLtVxi8ZiGnlP1wxxNS58oKDAWsdEpo11Z5Xq6GV-2HN0EczFCxhfGTAqYd3lnotLiclLbrhxTpvH65lRCfJPD4CIcZPTOlOBaFGXL-xoUQxTo/?imgmax=800" width="441" height="267"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"> The islands along the way were just as we had been told, beautiful white beaches and clear blue water, the further north we went the better they got. We have also had some nice breezes to sail in, we even shook the mothballs out of the drifter, it’s been a long time since we used this sail.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z6R3EWZeV5I/VXVn-9czv0I/AAAAAAAACqU/uf67Nl7jIO0/s1600-h/20150513_185341%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150513_185341 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150513_185341 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UvuMWs1cA4w/VXVoAKzgrAI/AAAAAAAACqc/k9lWIOK6RCc/20150513_185341%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="266"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We stopped at Tioman Island for a week and met up with our friends from Flying Ant days Mick & Janice Johnson on ZOA. They had been stuck here waiting on anchor winch parts. Tioman is a duty free island so a must as a stop over to stock up on some cheap beer & rum. We still had a good stock of rum from Langkawi but needed beer and Captain Kirks was happy to deliver beer & us back to the beach free of charge.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nyg-gP2Mi2o/VXVoBRy4KtI/AAAAAAAACqk/yDUurLGBtRA/s1600-h/20150518_144614%252520%252528800x422%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150518_144614 (800x422)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150518_144614 (800x422)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0mafJh65uwA/VXVoCYVxu9I/AAAAAAAACqs/Uo0rHmHjolQ/20150518_144614%252520%252528800x422%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="264"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a0At26anthI/VXVoDtQlIZI/AAAAAAAACq0/PeG5G4roGG4/s1600-h/20150514_141535%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150514_141535 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150514_141535 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Rz61c7OxZQ/VXVoE4dEMsI/AAAAAAAACq8/Yj1V_uGnAw8/20150514_141535%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="285"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Large fruit bats nest here during the day and fly to the mainland each night in their hundreds. Off to a fruit plantation, I guess.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Tioman is quite a big island but most places are only accessible by boat. There is a walking track up and over the island to the other side, Juara Bay, winding its way through the forest. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t4ooNtUo0c4/VXVoGbfdBeI/AAAAAAAACrE/-Iy-ayvILxo/s1600-h/20150519_084320%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150519_084320 (800x449)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150519_084320 (800x449)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZdU4oOJhTgE/VXVoHh4FoyI/AAAAAAAACrM/Opu8hUkzMeQ/20150519_084320%252520%252528800x449%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="276"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We set off early one morning to do the walk, it was very hot and humid so we were glad to find a small waterfall to cool off in on the way.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9dWoQcTvuBU/VXVoIj2IqWI/AAAAAAAACrU/EHQ5sAtwcak/s1600-h/20150519_105059%252520%252528424x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150519_105059 (424x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150519_105059 (424x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XEwuFyKOQqM/VXVoJwjNZtI/AAAAAAAACrc/MNIMCY3CpQU/20150519_105059%252520%252528424x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="389"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vOrE7S2H0sI/VXVoKxPUbXI/AAAAAAAACrk/kSjqWHv6N3E/s1600-h/20150519_084603%252520%252528413x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150519_084603 (413x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150519_084603 (413x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TTEhD3Yz1jk/VXVoMFCSqPI/AAAAAAAACrs/6WVaxU5ijG0/20150519_084603%252520%252528413x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" height="389"></a></p> <p><font size="3"> The trees and palms are certainly very big here and there were lots of butterflies I noticed. The water for the island is piped down alongside the track, unfortunately it had quite a few leaks that need repair, but for now someone had attempted a temporary repair with a stick! This reminded us of a friend who left his wooden boat on a mooring at Lumut and when it sprung a leak the local man who was looking after the boat said “boat have leak but all ok I stuck chopstick in hole”! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ca0PhZo-YT0/VXVoNnm6AdI/AAAAAAAACr0/9K0JEHG8_qk/s1600-h/20150519_084535%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150519_084535 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150519_084535 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5v7iuX5P17c/VXVoOxY7bcI/AAAAAAAACr8/ISup7-jNAaI/20150519_084535%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="287"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLKlhSm97dY/VXVoQeQdkDI/AAAAAAAACsE/J7U2rdMPe4s/s1600-h/20150519_140423%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150519_140423 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150519_140423 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6zJcXlABP2Y/VXVoRnsOB5I/AAAAAAAACsM/MF3Z4VYUH8Y/20150519_140423%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="276"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i456Wl8rSvQ/VXVoS89IbJI/AAAAAAAACsU/wQrIVDf3cjI/s1600-h/20150521_085852%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150521_085852 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150521_085852 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fnp4nvu36k4/VXVoUMxiuzI/AAAAAAAACsc/qQLp7dT2dYs/20150521_085852%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="280"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Next stop was Tulai Is & Pahang Island. Both beautiful anchorages with no tourists and good snorkelling. Unfortunately I must admit I am a little bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to snorkelling, but if I can set off from the beach I am not to bad. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JqU_Zm7ZpYo/VXVoVQEILwI/AAAAAAAACsk/afKyYVzhFJc/s1600-h/20150527_071330%252520%252528800x414%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150527_071330 (800x414)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150527_071330 (800x414)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k3C5w5YAmAA/VXVoWjApRoI/AAAAAAAACss/lRy9TnWn6es/20150527_071330%252520%252528800x414%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="253"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We entered the Kemaman River with fingers crossed we didn’t touch bottom. No port and starboard markers here but the info we had said if in doubt follow a Class C fishing boat in. Of course there is never one around when you would like it to be but we found our way in safely and then we saw plenty pass us by once we had dropped anchor anchor off Chukai town.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Chukai is famous for its stuffed baked crab we read, so first meal ashore we ordered 2 and were very disappointed. For a start they were very small, maybe even undersize by Australian standards. The filling was bulked up with finely chopped veg of some sort and not much taste of crab at all. Maybe on the way back down we will give the chilli crab a try. The market here was great and we were able to stock up on fruit & vegetables and we also bought some nice fresh fish too. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0frjJr0RsA/VXVoYZlhdeI/AAAAAAAACs0/ba-JVXc82S8/s1600-h/20150525_102151%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150525_102151 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150525_102151 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6w1ixdb0iUI/VXVoZmGgJHI/AAAAAAAACs8/yrabLVxvuN8/20150525_102151%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="271"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">While I was shopping at the market Jerry was at the men's beauty stall having some magic potion poured into his ear to cure his deafness!! Well the bonus is that whatever it was it didn’t damage his ears any further and he still can hear me the same as before, not very well. They offered me drops for my eyes so I wouldn’t need glasses but I politey declined! The locals here were all very friendly and always smiled and wanted to know where we we were from.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYF0MY4GKtU/VXVoa-8pg_I/AAAAAAAACtE/PV1_oUKBWyw/s1600-h/20150525_102512%252520%252528800x449%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150525_102512 (800x449)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150525_102512 (800x449)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm0c4Cd6eDXp-tmPtJE0c1px2_BROpuD18rcqdR54h3lsEmRXiKekx_zyy8to_yxYKEB9mONKgDidzZ6QO3svbQ_jhyphenhyphenE09jRTzn2YDYtt4q_p5ynLanHaLKtBZ_QFm3fjXWVBFx0t7r4/?imgmax=800" width="460" height="277"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-O9lGPIz_Y/VXVodWh-yeI/AAAAAAAACtU/UfaEcu_rj5A/s1600-h/20150525_120206-1%252520%252528800x638%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150525_120206-1 (800x638)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150525_120206-1 (800x638)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RzCSpIQhdFQ/VXVoehkTnTI/AAAAAAAACtc/4J9APOupfqs/20150525_120206-1%252520%252528800x638%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="360"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnA5d-5mSug4MYDO1bSYUlNhkTEHI2jbwGXLtGQkMlmIcqqz46qgJDk_8GGGV1eilAMuZHkCENA05zm7F4Oue16VcmAv7ckbrzObCa4XElh9c0qF3t1mI-hlnBk5ZkuUvHL5WjUZSvC4/s1600-h/20150526_123410%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B26%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150526_123410 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150526_123410 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CPTeM5aUnF4/VXVogpE00fI/AAAAAAAACts/f0cyIGIDtU4/20150526_123410%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B23%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="263"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Next stop was the beautiful island of Tenggol,we picked up a mooring here as it was too deep to anchor. As we did this a local boat headed over with a load of tourists all kitted out with snorkels and masks and some in dive gear. They stopped next to the boat and dropped the divers off and they soon disappeared under the TToo. Apparently our mooring was tied to a wreck, too deep for us to see thank goodness.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AD66kyWy3Gc/VXVoh_NeIII/AAAAAAAACt0/xtaq5HUZQ3g/s1600-h/20150527_150645%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150527_150645 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150527_150645 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rY60Gfre460/VXVojVIOwxI/AAAAAAAACt8/KrRA3UBCg34/20150527_150645%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="253"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_3D0PqTJ6Cs/VXVokqrSSkI/AAAAAAAACuE/IMQQjUHxJBg/s1600-h/20150527_152239%252520%252528800x441%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150527_152239 (800x441)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150527_152239 (800x441)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p540ozSdH2A/VXVolzkxodI/AAAAAAAACuM/pwKIXGEQSsI/20150527_152239%252520%252528800x441%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="256"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next stop, the beautiful Kapas Is. I went snorkelling here as I couldn’t resist it. Just close to shore but it’s a start. Lots of colourful fish and clams to look at. The water was so clear I watched the anchor settle on the bottom when I dropped it and we could see the shadow of the boat on the ocean floor. Clean enough for us to have sea water showers and a quick rinse off with our precious fresh water. We are starting to spend more and more time in the water, it is just such a nice way to escape the heat. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Mo5rJKFKjk/VXVom1SdiZI/AAAAAAAACuU/c8SzpqOuwr0/s1600-h/20150529_091449%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150529_091449 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150529_091449 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kB5qn9RIAI0/VXVooA7B5XI/AAAAAAAACuc/AA20ghKBbo8/20150529_091449%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="280"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUE_9CoAEkE/VXVopMosuFI/AAAAAAAACuk/sk6b0kfGrtk/s1600-h/20150529_190845%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150529_190845 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150529_190845 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDuMjBiiOh4/VXVoqblb1XI/AAAAAAAACus/gKjNqo8v0z8/20150529_190845%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="277"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RKrj1a51a-w/VXVorZYfZ8I/AAAAAAAACu0/NF6DqP0mD48/s1600-h/20150529_093351%252520%252528800x701%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150529_093351 (800x701)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150529_093351 (800x701)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m6oRiIoxY6w/VXVosqgoGVI/AAAAAAAACu8/MHU41qcuBJ8/20150529_093351%252520%252528800x701%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="368"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vip3q1x0aug/VXVotgxUDZI/AAAAAAAACvE/RQXHUry2f8s/s1600-h/20150529_100649%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150529_100649 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150529_100649 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-TdF71d030/VXVouioY_QI/AAAAAAAACvM/G6tPz0Op3xY/20150529_100649%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="525"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IivVr0rQL8U/VXVov460lbI/AAAAAAAACvU/j-dT8ety9yM/s1600-h/20150529_102355%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150529_102355 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150529_102355 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFB_ZkjzE-A/VXVoxGggA3I/AAAAAAAACvc/8wAX0o2XiFs/20150529_102355%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="276"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We are now tied up in a small marina in Terengganu. We intended to stay a few days to get washing done, refuel and restock but Jerry was unhappy with engine “noises” and decided to take the gearbox off and have a look. Well looks like we will be here for more than a few days as we need to order a new drive plate. Ours is not looking very good and it is the cause of the engine”noise” that only Jerry can hear. Maybe those drops he had put in at the markets did do something? Fortunately Terengganu is quite a big town and has a lot of engineering shops here. So Jerry has been ashore and left the noisy plate with a very nice Chinese man who said he maybe able to get one for us from Kuala Lumpur overnight. If not we have sourced one in the UK which we can have sent out by DHL.</font></p> <p><font size="3">In the meantime we shall catch up on boat jobs and explore Terengganu. It’s a great town with huge markets which I love going to and there is a Chinese Peranakan Festival on here at the weekend. So it’s not a bad place to be stuck for a few extra days!</font></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ST3LBpjJLhQ/VXVoyejewyI/AAAAAAAACvk/ZbfJ3V2rleI/s1600-h/20150531_074706%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150531_074706 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150531_074706 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJr4hoTnLW4/VXVozY_AmuI/AAAAAAAACvs/bgp3r8B6u88/20150531_074706%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B22%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="274"></a></p> <p><font size="3">PS: 8/6/2015 Part on way from UK. It arrived in 2 days but has been in customs since Saturday, hopefully it will be delivered tomorrow, fingers crossed.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-6643111460441057352015-05-01T19:44:00.001+08:002015-05-01T19:44:30.791+08:00Port Dickson to Johor Bahru<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">Sailing from Port Dickson to Johor Bahru was a 4 day sail in some pretty nice winds. Enough winds to fill the new sails and try them out, they really make a difference but then one would expect that, after all the old ones had been on the boat since we launched in 1990! </font></p> <p><font size="3">The Malacca Straits was busy with shipping, which we managed to stay out of the way of, mostly, fishing boats and fishing nets everywhere which we didn’t have so much luck with. We woke one night while anchored to find a fishing net had drifted down on the boat and wrapped itself around us. These nets have to be kilometre in length and are left to drift overnight. The fisherman collect them at dawn. Well the fisherman whose net we were tangled in was none too pleased when he headed out and found us waiting for him to untangle us! We thought he would pull the net in and around the boat but instead he just pulled a huge knife out and cut it free then chased off after it in his boat. We were very quick to raise the anchor and move on. No time for pleasantries or photos!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We are now tied up in Senibong Marina which is on the SE Coast of Malaysia. To get there we had to cross the Singapore Straits west to east and all done without any problems. Just a lot of headwind and current to deal with. There is always plenty to look at along the way and no time for relaxing as its very busy, well it was for Jerry.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m7Ffakhq-LE/VUNmJ4PHrHI/AAAAAAAAChk/HMrG8PMZsbo/s1600-h/20150327_071518%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150327_071518 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150327_071518 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BOMgGnM6AK0/VUNmKn7zaGI/AAAAAAAAChs/4QjWd-h6UxU/20150327_071518%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="299"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SdfTzv2t0-o/VUNmLbRBgpI/AAAAAAAACh0/H_EHSO7hQGo/s1600-h/20150327_074415%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150327_074415 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150327_074415 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYtKnZYSCp4/VUNmMB-X7YI/AAAAAAAACh8/z-6gmzrBVkM/20150327_074415%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="296"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_iFr6IY5NI/VUNmMj9MTdI/AAAAAAAACiE/JW8QAZxv3yc/s1600-h/20150327_090944%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150327_090944 (800x450) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150327_090944 (800x450) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3qIMZMGW4tc/VUNmNcIUmEI/AAAAAAAACiM/nRjhlSbnjEk/20150327_090944%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="292"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hUUjee1sCMw/VUNmOP8I7ZI/AAAAAAAACiU/IYwf-LRripU/s1600-h/20150327_103403%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150327_103403 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150327_103403 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D7ufnRkmKpY/VUNmPCaNDPI/AAAAAAAACic/FOmHtffjK-M/20150327_103403%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="293"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-81VzvmUtT5Y/VUNmPpvzFAI/AAAAAAAACik/tDu6gHFTlEc/s1600-h/20150327_114712%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150327_114712 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150327_114712 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGKMJtgf3dw/VUNmQRQn5nI/AAAAAAAACis/N042PA8KE3M/20150327_114712%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="293"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H6eaMTse6fk/VUNmRJ5EGII/AAAAAAAACi0/ELYkZZuLtkQ/s1600-h/20150328_122818%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150328_122818 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150328_122818 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiFQg7V2EqL9z5mbqEprk3Qh9QjjIJxB8CklHQmfP3zfPESkp0aleas0Mo74YEkhWweliacoD4y7tFzt4XHKFXjbAeJctzSj61oiANxwYHp9p1TUPy1WaTJe51Z_-te0EcLT7waUr-sI/?imgmax=800" width="491" height="295"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">A week at Senibong to settle in and then we took off to the Cameron Highlands for a few days. We made the mistake of taking the train thinking it would be a scenic ride but after seeing one palm plantation then another and another it gets a little boring. Also 11.5hrs on a rain with very smelly toilets is no fun. It was like reliving my Marrakech Express experience all over again, absolute horror! We arrived at Ipoh late in the evening and found our hotel, tiny room but very clean and comfortable, then we headed out in search for food. </font></p> <p><font size="3">We found a restaurant just starting to pack up for the night but we sat down anyway, the waiter said “wot you want to eat” I said “can we see a menu please” he said “ can have steamed chicken, beansprout and rice”, I said “that sounds wonderful thankyou” I did not want to appear too fussy since they were closing. It was not until the next day we realised that this was the only dish that this restaurant served, it is a speciality of the area and I might add quite delicious too. There are lots of good restaurants in Ipoh and lots of choice too. </font></p> <p><font size="3">The next day we took the bus to Cameron highlands a 2 hour drive up a very windy road. I expected lush green hills, they were there in places but also there were acres and acres of plastic growing tunnels as Cameron Highlands grows all the fruit and vegetable to supply Malaysia and Singapore. Then there was the horrible destruction of the forest to make way for huge apartment dwellings, so sad to see. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2MWzZHKyRYw/VUNmStv8OGI/AAAAAAAACjE/RwJhdlZsXEk/s1600-h/20150411_130558%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_130558 (800x450) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150411_130558 (800x450) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHm9fVdj_oc/VUNmTTHvmlI/AAAAAAAACjM/pyN8Pljp6r0/20150411_130558%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="274"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MbDhQahaa6s/VUNmUDT5byI/AAAAAAAACjU/tO7VeYM3BS8/s1600-h/20150411_131007%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_131007 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150411_131007 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31ayLNkaq3U/VUNmU03kuTI/AAAAAAAACjc/C2muCAh9pPw/20150411_131007%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="320"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZkaFwDbR7CM/VUNmVjOREqI/AAAAAAAACjk/U-rbZjwNnxA/s1600-h/20150411_132040%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_132040 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150411_132040 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-79qbVjCAzaI/VUNmWIDp-tI/AAAAAAAACjs/wSkQQizdiEs/20150411_132040%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" align="right" height="260"></a><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Demolishing beautiful old houses and replacing with wall to wall new and high rise too. Who will live here is anyone’s guess, weekenders for the rich folk no doubt.</font></p> <p><font size="3">But it’s not all bad news, there is still some forest left and we explored it both with a guide and on our own. The first day we took a guided tour o the Mossy Forest and the Boh Tea Plantation along with Vicki & Alan fellow cruisers who we met at Senibong. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WanYoWJP6sA/VUNmW5mYPkI/AAAAAAAACj0/09b00VIgNWQ/s1600-h/20150411_185305%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_185305 (800x450) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150411_185305 (800x450) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1PsPMKlCbyg/VUNmX5x7kXI/AAAAAAAACj8/EbkLIRw1khg/20150411_185305%252520%252528800x450%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="455" height="274"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The mossy forest is amazing and our guide Raju who was born up here was so knowledgeable and passionate about the area. We walked up to the highest peak in Malaysia and on forest ground millions of years old. The peat under our feet was so thick it bounced as you walked. We learnt about the plants and how we need to look after them or else there will be no more. It is the same message wherever you go, unfortunately we are destroying our planet.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0FokvDok_dI/VUNmYu_p8KI/AAAAAAAACkE/jMI9dlwDIAo/s1600-h/20150410_114705%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_114705 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_114705 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zTG90S_tzkc/VUNmaGX1i8I/AAAAAAAACkM/sibZtP94h_M/20150410_114705%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="287"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W22Hh906xhA/VUNmb49XGII/AAAAAAAACkU/jTgjWB9YznY/s1600-h/20150410_115215%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_115215 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_115215 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JUdyY46YDaM/VUNmddnjvcI/AAAAAAAACkc/RwDHmVzdKmw/20150410_115215%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="288"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTVNYeLclJ6Uea7HaGA93ExMxJR9KXtWkN_okGqP5avH__8LMqb2G3siC173jSPpjkhlqAhhhd3zFi8frhvnbpu7MNmtFYrvpcd7vFAlRBJAs-2qNJCrulTfPOfPeGQhXpygBP-yxlDg/s1600-h/20150410_120006%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_120006 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_120006 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbw9XiMVFbc/VUNmhJYbXSI/AAAAAAAACks/2xedeoMCvAE/20150410_120006%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="241" height="421"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPW_d0-G34w/VUNmhhfK3rI/AAAAAAAACk0/dchFJ2R6COE/s1600-h/20150410_101943%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_101943 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_101943 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVsxXwuUrAQ/VUNmibYToOI/AAAAAAAACk8/jvNUmho-sJA/20150410_101943%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="266"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gllW8TzJOH0/VUNmjDuhjcI/AAAAAAAAClE/o0RRid5ZNoA/s1600-h/20150410_112302%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B25%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_112302 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_112302 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o0cODV-w26E/VUNmj_z_onI/AAAAAAAAClM/vwbkbBrGWxs/20150410_112302%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="474"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rRJPKohhk-A/VUNmkhw-wxI/AAAAAAAAClU/hCXqI1ClnG4/s1600-h/20150410_114047%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_114047 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_114047 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aCHXiY2SsJo/VUNmmLOSfvI/AAAAAAAAClc/S_EUViF22co/20150410_114047%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="272"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3P3w4MgSyeo/VUNmmwyfScI/AAAAAAAAClk/SlJqvEDwzJI/s1600-h/20150410_122111%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_122111 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_122111 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJ7HdLSOHSQ/VUNmobwd19I/AAAAAAAACls/CPBj2tWgXPo/20150410_122111%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="281"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAl-__p_ugwY0-eF0hmr-OXhIRuaeu8rcFzU5WZPcodEG9JHrYw9qR2gpNZ8k9HbxS7RFcVDl6YRvBpxtqXdV2a_wS7ZbpyCStM8q0_Y5mcutxy2tqeoGdkhZWRzG9mLq05_N4soQOq24/s1600-h/20150410_133812%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_133812 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20150410_133812 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d38y_76co3g/VUNmqHUQUsI/AAAAAAAACl8/wZoGDnanhtU/20150410_133812%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="287"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Next was the Boh Tea Plantation, acres and acres of tea trees line the steep slopes of the highlands. Indian pickers are employed to pick the leaves and paid by weight. In the old days when leaves were picked by hand women could be seen in the fields, now they use mechanical pickers carried by 2 men or hand shears (one man) on the steeper slopes. It is considered to dangerous for women so they now work in the sorting sheds! The trees are kept at waist height and only the top 3 leaves are picked about every 3 weeks then every few months, I think 3, the bush itself is cut by a third to encourage new growth. Left alone a tea tree will grow very big like any other normal tree. Now Raju told us that all tea is grown from the same bush the Camellia Seninsis, it has how it is processed to achieve varying levels of oxidation that gives it the flavour and colour, black tea, green tea, oolong, white tea etc. Interesting eh? I now appreciate my morning cuppa with a little more respect. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1JiS490sRg/VUNmq_De0mI/AAAAAAAACmE/02I1GK7m_tI/s1600-h/20150410_095752%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_095752 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_095752 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hpSEEP-jKo4/VUNmsUduI6I/AAAAAAAACmM/R83vXNnaMCw/20150410_095752%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="285"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Apart from the beautiful walks the other wonderful thing about being in the highlands was the cool temperature. A welcome change from the heat and humidity of the lowlands, we were able to wear long trousers and shoes, a jacket and even better enjoyed a blanket on the bed at night. Drying the washing was not so easy but Jerry soon found a way.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwqiZ__dZc8/VUNmtLyVtPI/AAAAAAAACmU/yswGzOTwYDM/s1600-h/20150410_081549%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150410_081549 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150410_081549 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sdJTMg1i8Dw/VUNmtx8yzrI/AAAAAAAACmc/GifbiMKz8MM/20150410_081549%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="280"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C3pVkSb8fEs/VUNmuuhk-gI/AAAAAAAACmk/ZnRpfdNusxY/s1600-h/20150411_101517%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_101517 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150411_101517 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kPiMmt6UXqw/VUNmwEEaPSI/AAAAAAAACms/A8DMVq-Oz4c/20150411_101517%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" height="365"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">This sign is showing directions of the different forest walks, it tells us all about the clearing of the forest.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3">We, or I should say I, chose for us to return by coach to JB, a much shorter and far more pleasant trip than the train. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4iTOk6UUy8/VUNm0nrj0OI/AAAAAAAACm0/AY2hyncGgig/s1600-h/20150422_091138%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150422_091138 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150422_091138 (800x450)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM0E6ur6fyvG5UPU4Lo4yZ19ykIGsiKWBOncHll58uUwiHo3ro_mc3SleGNo9jd20rNmKz9z2JZ3BcaSlJFzPA0LIk_RuZIPz-ZiUpzmz8qaSinrmaCcl3CQnC5XrrbBKAvLoGONF7-w/?imgmax=800" width="461" height="277"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We are now sat on Peters boat Shadow in Singapore, (air-conditioned) thunder & lightening and torrential rain outside as is normal every afternoon at the moment. We are here while Peter is away on school camp very grateful for a free bed in a very expensive city. A little bit of shopping for the boat and a visit to the Gardens on the Bay which now completes our list of things we want to see in Singapore.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZZtmpLkYu5c/VUNm2xNNHDI/AAAAAAAACnE/_RHzOXRx988/s1600-h/20150422_150005%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150422_150005 (450x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150422_150005 (450x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K-IS8PJ0ClM/VUNm33MZ_eI/AAAAAAAACnM/HKbdBeaW0lg/20150422_150005%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="648"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uY4kF2Wl740/VUNm6I5NlnI/AAAAAAAACnU/1djcbCNBuK4/s1600-h/20150422_125950%252520%252528800x199%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150422_125950 (800x199)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150422_125950 (800x199)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBf0GBji33nM1dSDjgmNaf9cDydaEVCb9RmK5MuLvaNY1SpDLgibRyfx_lZCZPn-ZkHz6lyf7vGGkvyzq2PSuBrdin1YFRyw0IZ5wvjS-zlFyGVBChFVWEqetwDf2AYINc4gUfxozqswI/?imgmax=800" width="464" height="140"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e1HOMiuPDaU/VUNm95K9mmI/AAAAAAAACnk/Tse-Z_Du9hw/s1600-h/20150422_144652%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150422_144652 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150422_144652 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5VRr8_bQqig/VUNnAfK20dI/AAAAAAAACns/3qVzrgM5R7Y/20150422_144652%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="264"></a></font><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbHJ0i_aPa3Mc77C9NEGEnybX04jhj8ZiBzD1yrOuF8d6mMsl2_OSWz9ixpBgpqXxIf5MLxeA69MmW12-h39OCtDEs1yELh7il3ol2c_AGClpGSs9utlOE4G_X1vNtzK-l0kJqPmTfKg/s1600-h/20150422_153553_LLS%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150422_153553_LLS (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150422_153553_LLS (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwcjhwv2Ykg/VUNnB2kzMrI/AAAAAAAACn8/HBLTiR6e8tw/20150422_153553_LLS%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="277"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"> It is a very busy place, very organised and clean. I feel like I am in another world here being transported from one place to another and not seeing the outside world until we walk from the train to get the bus back to Raffles Marina and fall exhausted into bed.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRVCIa94mJo/VUNnCma-2iI/AAAAAAAACoE/tw3jxp-i_rs/s1600-h/20150418_152238%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150418_152238 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150418_152238 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yv0JfEYiPJc/VUNnEDW51KI/AAAAAAAACoM/lMREilJnvOU/20150418_152238%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="284"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okfwCcIkGnc/VUNnE_blgeI/AAAAAAAACoU/ROm08dvHfCk/s1600-h/20150420_181548%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150420_181548 (800x450)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150420_181548 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hgrzj2nUIoQ/VUNnFmoqMPI/AAAAAAAACoc/T4gKmqky884/20150420_181548%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="290"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Tomorrow we head back to Tigress Too, Back next week to help Peter with engine work on Shadow then it’s time to stock up and head up the East Coast to Tioman Islands and beyond.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFWVaLgpgqA/VUNnGUOtBbI/AAAAAAAACok/YDUFI_hQIQg/s1600-h/20150411_115057%252520%252528450x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150411_115057 (450x800) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150411_115057 (450x800) (2)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A9Vkak15sC5pL9O2YoGl3UkChMd6ywdJ0-siJ6nNDyn2C4RZb1syyNu7bcSoq1DNyHcGZ0s0bOgSU_S7_qcbVRR00ibT-OycAqpXNv1hGFk0JIoMjaugWUSiTuJ1c715x4FlBwTYsK0/?imgmax=800" width="310" height="547"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-45060001275335285422015-03-30T07:14:00.001+08:002015-03-30T07:14:33.821+08:0021.02.2015 Bunker Bay Western Australia<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qx4V8Ertshg/VRXzdEN1kQI/AAAAAAAACR4/Sg-JqerMBqM/s1600-h/24-On-the-right-track12.jpg"><img title="24 On the right track" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="24 On the right track" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u18GQ9aA3xY/VRXzeK5GWKI/AAAAAAAACSA/K5osKpCpPaM/24-On-the-right-track_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="302"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Yes, I know, this has nothing to do with the adventures of Tigress Too but it did happen while we were cruising so it fills in the gap of what we have been doing for the last month. </font><font size="4">It was also a significant event in our life and so I think its worthy of being on our blog.</font></p> <p><font size="4">After 6 happy years together Ben and Kate tied the knot. W</font><font size="4">e now have another Mrs Davis in the family, </font><font size="4">welcome Kate.</font></p> <p><font size="4">From the moment we touched down at Perth airport, 10 days before the big day, to the day we left, a month later, we never seemed to have time to sit down & relax. What an amazing trip home this one was.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Lots to do in the week leading up to the wedding. First off was the Hen & Bucks DAY. It seems that you now spend most of the day celebrating these occasions. For the bucks they set out at 9.30 am, paintballing was the first stop, then a quick race around the go kart track before heading back to Chris’s house for a BBQ lunch, dip in the pool, a game of beer ping pong and “lets dress the groom up for his night out”! Then they were off for a 2 hour harbour cruise and onto Little Creatures and Fremantle for the night. I’m exhausted just writing about it. Needless to say there were some very sore heads for the next day or 3 but Mrs Doubtfire assures me she had a great time and felt quite fine the following day! </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgPgZ4B70UMpFcWzn2R3bSBdkqik6T6QxYaA5pIF0c9unhIfd7LmOANSYpt2RNX0_jLHZYZM7mmarCgcrbzm1GfJr-sBbDRuPV3A4umCDzGdhKI9o_iKo7aYERSCQ8NggcqD9t4fVfn4/s1600-h/Buck-night-24.jpg"><img title="Buck night 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Buck night 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nhwe2u7Hvds/VRX4CQ-VWfI/AAAAAAAACSc/6HomKKrdlxw/Buck-night-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="609"></a></p> <p><font size="4"></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6ytla3rtqAM/VRX4Dj1gWlI/AAAAAAAACSk/8y4aPdYKOko/s1600-h/Mrs%252520Doubtfire%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Mrs Doubtfire" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Mrs Doubtfire" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9hI1q8RKCaE/VRX4EmKHO-I/AAAAAAAACSs/h5Dc_I29yLQ/Mrs%252520Doubtfire_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="562"></a></p> <p><font size="4">As for us ladies we had a much more relaxing day. First off was the day spa where the bride to be and her entourage were pampered from head to foot. A little champagne and some nice little cakes to nibble on while we were sat back & chatted. Then back to the hotel for more champas and games while we changed and then headed out for dinner. We never got to go clubbing as planned but retired back to the hotel for more champas and more games. I was quietly relieved about missing out on the night club, as by that time I was quite exhausted. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CQc2_vSIHPs/VRX4FtEYiiI/AAAAAAAACS0/o-kusC8qBuc/s1600-h/20150214_151242-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150214_151242 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150214_151242 (800x450)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1IPG6gY_Pk/VRX4G7q3NII/AAAAAAAACS8/_zxbebapng4/20150214_151242-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="279"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QFyPoC3KCIc/VRX4IKpocGI/AAAAAAAACTE/UrDjQgYZToM/s1600-h/Kate-Hen-PArty5.jpg"><img title="Kate Hen PArty" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Kate Hen PArty" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VOrC_vs1dQU/VRX4JIZA9NI/AAAAAAAACTM/PUNS0V4OCFM/Kate-Hen-PArty_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="622"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The next few days while I was busy with Kate, Jaki, Molly and Sage, doing last minute preparations for the wedding, Ben and his Dad were talking through renovations & repairs to the house that Jerry had volunteered to do while they were on honeymoon. So much for our relaxing holiday!</font></p> <p><font size="4">Thursday, Robert, my brother, and family arrived from Brisbane and we loaded up 3 cars with 3 families and headed south for a 5 day weekend. I was so excited and happy they were able to join us. We had booked a huge house at Eagle Bay overlooking the ocean. It had more rooms than we could use and enough space that we could all just laze around without being on top of each other. On the way down we stopped off at Bunbury Farmers Market to load up on food for the weekend. 10 people all loading one trolley meant that there was no way anyone was sticking to the shopping list I had spent days preparing!!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaUVEyxdRrK8lRI73zrted8UiHq7ck9vDA6ZUCaLvFpKWM8Pb97famIjzaTZCS6rpO417o1vSq3J8vVhApVApwBgj1yScrHSIyNceCF7MlmVAfvceVNI11gFXvZD1-qqyO95HtCpABPo/s1600-h/20150221_080840_1-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150221_080840_1 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150221_080840_1 (800x450)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IHJMYLmOV18/VRX4LK2NznI/AAAAAAAACTc/xLX3bgC6Xfw/20150221_080840_1-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="277"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ofLj4R7-avk/VRX4OSS-MpI/AAAAAAAACTk/jKqhAz9oxwo/s1600-h/09-Where-we-stayed6.jpg"><img title="09 Where we stayed" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="09 Where we stayed" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-syGcWjAH8Wg/VRX4YJl5DBI/AAAAAAAACTs/9maH9AnNKmM/09-Where-we-stayed_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="267"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7Q_KoWDTMKNxfCIHMOG1zVwEz2AsRSd8sxCP9S-dsIuuCNkJ5pdRJWHrluiaygXLJir5QXdIEg76OZrIKbWr1A79YggRbjoKEbtaY0yWlJH16uk0rg7ryUXI3hyFbWCkNqY61aPOjBo/s1600-h/Family%252520Group%252520%252528800x435%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family Group (800x435)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Family Group (800x435)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDob6o57TJzb7mNQnuicGXrdi41FconHDnVEt4PXLijltV2dq2Nb4m_GmWHH-0_sIREkqCNVCM0-y1-vFWh2gffnaNxzO3-YXXPWosuI_-F_vaGMyZDDipVNg6awj03sUrTkPgP6xjcI/?imgmax=800" width="456" height="265"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Our house was just 5 mins walk to the beach and a very short drive to the wedding venue. I had forgotten just how clean and pristine our beaches and water are here in WA, oh and not a soul to be seen for miles. It made us realise just how lucky we are to call WA our home.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7jjf8b0qbEQ/VRX4be8DpYI/AAAAAAAACUE/42fDc_UxKIY/s1600-h/20150222_153605-800x4505.jpg"><img title="20150222_153605 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150222_153605 (800x450)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-urJ7BztO7-M/VRX4cb6fSLI/AAAAAAAACUM/3uUwZdUTTDQ/20150222_153605-800x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="271"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Friday, we ate a little, relaxed a little, swam a little, ate a little bit more and then went out to dinner to meet up with those just arriving for the wedding. Ben’s best mates from school were there, some had travelled from Brisbane and Sydney. They had all grown some since we last saw them! By coincidence they had booked the house next door to us!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIpFICo9RWA/VRX4dLmrOvI/AAAAAAAACUU/wwVzlpmRPy8/s1600-h/04-Schoolmates5.jpg"><img title="04 Schoolmates" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="04 Schoolmates" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zJy598KO8jk/VRX4egyIY7I/AAAAAAAACUc/MLNtpr1R1xs/04-Schoolmates_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="259"></a></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bTffJdY5Xtk/VRX4fqk3rwI/AAAAAAAACUk/YlZGddapUCg/s1600-h/05-Schoolmates5.jpg"><img title="05 Schoolmates" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="05 Schoolmates" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L_aVGjeyGCk/VRX4giYXARI/AAAAAAAACUs/zVcuhExB7QE/05-Schoolmates_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="263"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">Saturday, by now my emotions had well & truly kicked in and I was feeling so happy for B&K, so emotional for me “ losing” my son and so nervous it would all go as planned. Ben stayed with us on Friday night and we were all up bright and early the next morning. The cousins all played cards, why not, its only a wedding.</font></p> <p><font size="4"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tq0CIg-W0is/VRX4iDGeDeI/AAAAAAAACU0/hyYwvY1cV2o/s1600-h/06-Up-early--time-for-a-quick-game-o.jpg"><img title="06 Up early & time for a quick game of cards" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="06 Up early & time for a quick game of cards" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-agIzJuRiaWc/VRX4j96-gLI/AAAAAAAACU8/yqRdL80i_pE/06-Up-early--time-for-a-quick-game-o%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="267"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">While Robert cooked up another storm in the kitchen, got to have a good breakfast on the day of your wedding. Chris was in charge of the coffee machine, thank goodness he took that down with us, while I just seemed to flitter from one place to the next not doing much but telling everyone what they should be doing!! Hey, it was my son’s </font><font size="4">wedding and I was a little anxious. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MI_PBj6dYqA/VRX4k4zjuWI/AAAAAAAACVE/jDOuBq7V1TQ/s1600-h/07-Followed-by-a-hearty-breakfast5.jpg"><img title="07 Followed by a hearty breakfast" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="07 Followed by a hearty breakfast" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f-mv-dVG7ps/VRX4m8RKopI/AAAAAAAACVM/pjyxLk35DKs/07-Followed-by-a-hearty-breakfast_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="261"></a></p> <p><font size="4">After breakfast , it was only 8.30, remember we were up early. The boys decided a swim was in order so off they went to the beach. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oQv72w4QL8A/VRX4oBsboAI/AAAAAAAACVU/HGqhUKBuvZg/s1600-h/08-And-off-to-the-beach-for-a-swim5.jpg"><img title="08 And off to the beach for a swim" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="08 And off to the beach for a swim" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TGoSHIZIwAo/VRX4pbWdNmI/AAAAAAAACVc/-viXgJqX2Bs/08-And-off-to-the-beach-for-a-swim_t.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="266"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The girls went into town to do “girly” things and poor Chris drew the short straw and stayed back to iron 10 shirts! Someone had to do it and I was far too busy! Thanks again Chris <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZkRAsrk0fPU/VRX4qErjmJI/AAAAAAAACVk/RP0TQ1_n1sQ/wlEmoticon-smile2.png?imgmax=800"></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y6Qy0_6jNy4/VRX4q5iQJSI/AAAAAAAACVs/LzkZh5NSx7k/s1600-h/10-Chris-ironed-10-shirts5.jpg"><img title="10 Chris ironed 10 shirts!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10 Chris ironed 10 shirts!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8p5JAtPiG7w/VRX4rwBIRYI/AAAAAAAACV0/yzo74cLmp_c/10-Chris-ironed-10-shirts_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="268" height="473"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4">The groomsmen arrived and it was time for more food, lunch this time, a boy needs a good lunch before his wedding. Robert excelled again and lunch for 14 was served.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9rUOBTzgUH8/VRX4tGiKThI/AAAAAAAACV8/6jahqvpWGWI/s1600-h/13-A-hearty-lunch6.jpg"><img title="13 A hearty lunch" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="13 A hearty lunch" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QqSdAKJ6fR4/VRX4uHNM3kI/AAAAAAAACWE/wqS-Ti2zcXU/13-A-hearty-lunch_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="274"></a></p> <p><font size="4">Then the fun began as time was ticking on and we had to be at the beach by 2.30, or else!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-irMKqTFN-GA/VRX4vA74rsI/AAAAAAAACWM/4eVG3E1nWk8/s1600-h/14-Thanks-Vlada-for-helping-with-the.jpg"><img title="14 Thanks Vlada for helping with the tie" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="14 Thanks Vlada for helping with the tie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qt6587LX61o/VRX4wBKc8JI/AAAAAAAACWU/gNEta44bfvs/14-Thanks-Vlada-for-helping-with-the%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="152"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gPx64f4iPfw/VRX4xiB26pI/AAAAAAAACWc/p9GxjnnMIUA/s1600-h/15-Evan-helps-with-the-collar5.jpg"><img title="15 Evan helps with the collar" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="15 Evan helps with the collar" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EH1wHs5p1-w/VRX4y-u0gcI/AAAAAAAACWk/niqz-aVBHuA/15-Evan-helps-with-the-collar_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="150"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eUo0h3u28rU/VRX4z5iGZcI/AAAAAAAACWs/YcKnLiFdDAo/s1600-h/19-Robert-helps-with-Bens-buttonhole.jpg"><img title="19 Robert helps with Ben's buttonhole" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="19 Robert helps with Ben's buttonhole" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xo_rgA9FO8A/VRX40z77XlI/AAAAAAAACW0/zx8-GVrqakU/19-Robert-helps-with-Bens-buttonhole%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="150"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2fnRaKWUW3Y/VRX42aKb29I/AAAAAAAACW8/Vrtd3TY_oZ0/s1600-h/22-Finally-ready-for-the-off10.jpg"><img title="22 Finally ready for the off" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="22 Finally ready for the off" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUJXLrza2DWVbIKpf_AtA-7KZ0WSRwCN0vjDHmq7W81pSGLqx_BmfmLWc3_u71gaAtAOHD2rxlrCksA5kpV9zNcax0jplyL8jRH9GicmV923zxL782RPfikBb0VP4aPpbAdV_qhRhEzE/?imgmax=800" width="260" height="155"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1QvGI9JjIPw/VRX44Y5GErI/AAAAAAAACXM/jMfyFs5svxI/s1600-h/17-Jean--Jerry-finishing-touches23.jpg"><img title="17 Jean & Jerry finishing touches" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="17 Jean & Jerry finishing touches" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_SCMl8zP1rw/VRX45Q5HplI/AAAAAAAACXU/po9ocVyZHr4/17-Jean--Jerry-finishing-touches_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="396"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eWlhTJwK2dY/VRX466H0AMI/AAAAAAAACXc/VX9qY7Lwt_M/s1600-h/23-Evan-is-ready11.jpg"><img title="23 Evan is ready" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="23 Evan is ready" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R2QoiJylolY/VRX4765ewsI/AAAAAAAACXk/VCZ4fgLpGyM/23-Evan-is-ready_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="221" height="396"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hloPE95iA34/VRX48z3JpOI/AAAAAAAACXs/oemQzpxJk8g/s1600-h/20150221_114116-800x4506.jpg"><img title="20150221_114116 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150221_114116 (800x450)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yI_vcfKJRis/VRX49-wQE_I/AAAAAAAACX0/rFDhB8BXV3E/20150221_114116-800x450_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="260"></a></p> <p><font size="4">What a wonderful day it was, so many words pop into my mind to describe the day, it was just so perfect, so romantic and so Ben & Kate.</font></p> <p><font size="4">More photos of the day at the end of this blog.</font> </p> <p><font size="4">The newly weds took off on a 2 week honeymoon and we looked after their house and 3 dogs. It was all go as Jerry had volunteered to build a pantry workbench and shelves.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ngDmbGVrIEU/VRX4_Ghn5MI/AAAAAAAACX8/TrEfxLEJV-c/s1600-h/Buliding%252520Pantry%25252001%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="Buliding Pantry 01 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Buliding Pantry 01 (450x800)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E4dGrohIIYA/VRX5AKrM8eI/AAAAAAAACYE/HfDVtUFFZoE/Buliding%252520Pantry%25252001%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" align="left" height="375"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BA6aUZFDhIw/VRX5Axw1XNI/AAAAAAAACYM/V0st6MrWSEY/s1600-h/20150303_090404%252520%252528450x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="20150303_090404 (450x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20150303_090404 (450x800)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pB8wnldgH9Y/VRX5B3TJUBI/AAAAAAAACYU/312q7JDZu-8/20150303_090404%252520%252528450x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="374"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnyl52Y23zwTfH-unBgj9Lx9jVPhCfV3iVXDFpq3w9jqb14O8xW0WqeIcVc4h_ZKs1paiI0Hs3iIQp6q5vnHdZ3_23SixBXHCv5BRUU3AEnRtPKSFiPokihULryd8EqV6AzXhyILAzLY/s1600-h/Building%252520pantry%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Building pantry 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Building pantry 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O3ZMF85fCLs/VRX5D9rgaFI/AAAAAAAACYk/1fUMC5gkba0/Building%252520pantry%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="270"></a></p> <p><font size="4">We had to remove doors & windows to fit the framework in place. Jerry lived up to his reputation once again “Jerry just fits – perfectly” The end results were worth the effort, Kate and Ben were very happy.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oEbYDPURolg/VRX5E8lXIGI/AAAAAAAACYs/CXoxLo4H_YU/s1600-h/Pantry%252520Finished%2525201%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pantry Finished 1 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Pantry Finished 1 (800x450)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hyi2wqARWlg/VRX5F_1DfDI/AAAAAAAACY0/LrMu2ndaBi8/Pantry%252520Finished%2525201%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="275"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Srl6cZ9O8gM/VRX5G8yvUWI/AAAAAAAACY8/IRYlUiwrXOc/s1600-h/Pantry%252520finished%2525202%252520%252528800x450%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pantry finished 2 (800x450)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Pantry finished 2 (800x450)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1ZV0BqB7rD8/VRX5H2KXCgI/AAAAAAAACZE/0GLf6dv0HnQ/Pantry%252520finished%2525202%252520%252528800x450%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="278"></a></p> <p><font size="4">The dogs Royce, Bella & Lilly had to be walked which gave us a great excuse to go to the beach each day. Then there was Kate’s Sproutly business to keep going which Jaki (Kate’s Mum) and myself enjoyed doing together. </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wzJaOgTBlmg/VRX5IhTxhfI/AAAAAAAACZM/XYKBVj8SjGw/s1600-h/Sproutly%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sproutly 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sproutly 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lrGisKjFMKs/VRX5JqgCyOI/AAAAAAAACZU/fXs8evhRtzA/Sproutly%2525202_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" align="right" height="311"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtUMwUulvH0GjgXzSM4aUAP55ZT3eC0WswJ9dlQHl_Nx5dnSSHcqwWoxfYeuQ4Ic4Na2QyyOrH-uQDFWjEr6qR2N86ZXuYl7wb_B8Gz_IgyltqT5JderdxmLgzVDo5F5QJDg0QLyaF4Q/s1600-h/Sproutly%2525201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sproutly 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Sproutly 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VuuP7A_Jrvs/VRX5LfI6Z-I/AAAAAAAACZk/gX7gGm9XyEA/Sproutly%2525201_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" height="314"></a></p> <p><font size="4">As tiring as the 2 weeks were we really enjoyed our time at their house and doing a few jobs around the place to help them out. The last week we spent catching up with friends for coffees, lunches and dinners aswell as shopping for the boat.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Now here we are back onboard Tigress Too, feeling a little “flat” I must admit. We are currently sailing down the coast to Senibong Marina in Johor Baru and looking forward to our trip up the East Coast of Malaysia.</font></p> <p><font size="4">Here are some more photos of that special day, in no special order, j</font><font size="4">ust in case you haven’t already seen enough! Not all mine, I’ve been collecting from various FB posts, hope you don’t mind!</font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2No5gbuH_ZY/VRX5MXRDnCI/AAAAAAAACZs/6dEVcO_9mWw/s1600-h/28%252520Proud%252520parents%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="28 Proud parents" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="28 Proud parents" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1aOLqXMzahY/VRX5NgfhGQI/AAAAAAAACZ0/bOq23ri5QrE/28%252520Proud%252520parents_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-guxfqhApgkI/VRX5Owo3X9I/AAAAAAAACZ8/mAh50IhSHYk/s1600-h/30a%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="30a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="30a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7w_Ax2oVsJI/VRX5QIWGXqI/AAAAAAAACaE/Htk8Z7WuxW0/30a_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="391"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kwbR-ip_VOs/VRX5RetU7zI/AAAAAAAACaM/YffTM1lx6jU/s1600-h/33%252520Happy%252520Mums%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="33 Happy Mums" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="33 Happy Mums" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrraiO85DMcuTWQEiag6LwiLGtB3s_-XNVF-J9Let-GNkD5Q2ZUA3f9mYFyuDe1mBNgd7MOR8O3IO7WXZInU6SP1icZxXRVmFLSC-3bnxmhz0pZvuLQ9vbbeMJ65iOjp_TI10G7LUG2s/?imgmax=800" width="502" height="309"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YHA5FSnWB4M/VRX5TqHWGmI/AAAAAAAACac/b_TjNgw32jc/s1600-h/34%252520Happy%252520Family%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="34 Happy Family" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="34 Happy Family" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AOzONeh-NCk/VRX5VPpC6GI/AAAAAAAACak/XqaJMGFJ7JU/34%252520Happy%252520Family_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="394"></a></font></p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zzNSpeLjzXo/VRX5Wm9mDsI/AAAAAAAACas/VJ5xs2Fvs9k/s1600-h/10996509_10153168607008430_6841857025957912383_n%252520-%252520Copy%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="10996509_10153168607008430_6841857025957912383_n - Copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10996509_10153168607008430_6841857025957912383_n - Copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HkUMlyTe4bg/VRX5X9bpKgI/AAAAAAAACa0/54ZJ820OUcg/10996509_10153168607008430_6841857025957912383_n%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="372"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TksnmDrVrKA/VRX5ZGU-ESI/AAAAAAAACa8/HuLZCYGZln0/s1600-h/Kate%252520%252526%252520Paul%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="Kate & Paul" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Kate & Paul" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-64Oe-8sftG0/VRX5c_LZ3HI/AAAAAAAACbE/p_pucnF6D7o/Kate%252520%252526%252520Paul_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="454"></a></font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyhxhkqCFIqy0enI3dIGp_kRZP6jS4GixPl5pyn-Ps6sNdjTuZH6vzdpA43dgGY2FKshZTanRRkRX_VQmD4sYj8tDFKJLaBc7bG1SLPHjj9iySp_3Arzw3xEz3tfSOB_ecuYrRqhdBl8/s1600-h/29%252520A%252520quick%252520kiss%252520from%252520Jay%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="29 A quick kiss from Jay" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="29 A quick kiss from Jay" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5YM0ZR8VfD_d1fBZhUSy-Imi9fP-rfTupdBnhUKuHrSqckWxcf9IcmW3jFNYZJc05Z09nEe1JrdgeIGxWss223z5M8thmTJrnFsMASXZkh1GkZgKXe-yBTHObm-L4fFkDW7_DIc58FI/?imgmax=800" width="492" height="304"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoMjMaGwdX2j-gAIBpzqDMTwY-nsidCdVOBHeGYmnkmBtDKNNFQ1zXAT0TYVsXH5Gd3kQwuS9PJ77M0cbSspM3rrKr1rr83XncZ0sR-I-6qBHOlQTt9ZYY-qPl56o8mQ4P7hjF0Qwpuc/s1600-h/46%252520Sisters%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="46 Sisters" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="46 Sisters" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Lf28nGah4Fc/VRX5ih-sSfI/AAAAAAAACbk/uEUuLY5aBSU/46%252520Sisters_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="432"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I1iUzsa0Xtk/VRX5j4wJklI/AAAAAAAACbs/IzA0E1T6hGk/s1600-h/47%252520Groomsmen%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="47 Groomsmen" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="47 Groomsmen" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iF8lB_9Ept4/VRX5lINijyI/AAAAAAAACb0/vWfmEA6kLQ4/47%252520Groomsmen_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="306"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey7KHyyWE00Zb5X6evc7TJ-WacK0TIOW0dS5w_uFywXF37M_0Eoo0djyNjDwwoDkO9_BfJFSW9U_lTVRJcxrD5zvvDetJgYRAfjRXSKIt_DJMXYBPpbZRH3TMO3KAPpaDqiH2pk5Ii3U/s1600-h/29%252520Here%252520comes%252520the%252520bride%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="29 Here comes the bride" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="29 Here comes the bride" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFjTXlZEXBjYxIsxyom_cbiOeGeWy2569FX2nmYdXCiZa7q47QCEaFM39cBLSXiUdMyzW552xDO9tOGD0nkiNVjF3-jLOXHg8F1ctExATdBFAQ77LVumJmflNtfZK0ggK501Bt5TG9iI/?imgmax=800" width="508" height="311"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XaJwwNVV5go/VRX5oICRzEI/AAAAAAAACcM/-yiYvXFWCes/s1600-h/35%252520So%252520beautiful%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="35 So beautiful" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="35 So beautiful" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YOdYLii--pw/VRX5pezPk2I/AAAAAAAACcU/lN-WML6mZcM/35%252520So%252520beautiful_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="423"></a></p> <p> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3-OrEQONy0o/VRX5qcWMB2I/AAAAAAAACcc/8rQqYXsT1PA/s1600-h/bridesmaids%25255B45%25255D.jpg"><img title="bridesmaids" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="bridesmaids" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I6sHcoStX20/VRX5ruP8kpI/AAAAAAAACck/b3eeCylDzEU/bridesmaids_thumb%25255B42%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="320"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FYPhyYuIY6g/VRX5s2D-LTI/AAAAAAAACcs/7s63DfufgBA/s1600-h/27%252520Meanwhile%252520Kate%252520%252526%252520her%252520Bridesmaids%252520are%252520getting%252520ready%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="27 Meanwhile Kate & her Bridesmaids are getting ready" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="27 Meanwhile Kate & her Bridesmaids are getting ready" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eV8NfnKTwaQ/VRX5t7t5H3I/AAAAAAAACc0/PGKikcnl8Zs/27%252520Meanwhile%252520Kate%252520%252526%252520her%252520Bridesmaids%252520are%252520getting%252520ready_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="333"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FO-zuQddGqw/VRX5wF0LvXI/AAAAAAAACc8/SJlQTe8ocwg/s1600-h/41%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="41" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="41" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IHcPG4Vc4K0/VRX5xLOTTlI/AAAAAAAACdE/MTeOBnNYEqQ/41_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="338"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C8AWxdzvVoI/VRX5yFD5MBI/AAAAAAAACdM/jtkCOkRjksE/s1600-h/kate%252520umbrella%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="kate umbrella" style="border-left-width: 0px; 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border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1425427351746 - Copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lIyE0syUwmY/VRiHJjjXo4I/AAAAAAAACfk/zEftCy1jPO0/FB_IMG_1425427351746---Copy_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="361"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3blAvRxuLhs/VRiHKmeq-xI/AAAAAAAACfs/08gDhuTa5cM/s1600-h/FB_IMG_14246798510714.jpg"><img title="FB_IMG_1424679851071" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="FB_IMG_1424679851071" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H5opJ6IVt0o/VRiHLydtHYI/AAAAAAAACf0/JZ026dQCIzw/FB_IMG_1424679851071_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="471"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4x3la13afRMVbF6bsjBnnOD2UtOKCJt5t4qcRCZFWZ7OjKo4jYObsXkK3zoV75n1SiI7FKZ4aYDY9sYJuK0podiHWa8rLH7LeRFa5qVQX6Q3WHuF9yTlMxKvdS1MLU_Pj7RVzu7_Vkyw/s1600-h/Table-setting-view8.jpg"><img title="Table setting view" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Table setting view" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_7lQP-8TUl4/VRiHOiKc8NI/AAAAAAAACgE/OTbNxW-dCx4/Table-setting-view_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFQvKLvtMi4qFjr1NwQhTeja2mbspogAvLaLfRVC1KxhrWXuzO6NiE_UGU26qazV4zzDz8K0AGQ0_Xx_5GIPa8nmZCl0Wxh87qC94u2NgHLxONIGR4MUj2NseLwlYYWSHeAyCmUtxSFA/s1600-h/52-A-magic-day4.jpg"><img title="52 A magic day" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="52 A magic day" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9Z1j8iNQhnP_Erat78q7ncl-Bkna_f2eWrjhGX2xMQ21wMW4dG2iYjCcBhqiSzqRx2WQ0mVGn5nlhiaFJ7oX9UOt9hpUk4g4BpoA99HQ-58k1sSaMtf-oxNxs7FhzrQmi_Y67dayTvI/?imgmax=800" width="527" height="538"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rkh3NOAbltA/VRiHSNC41kI/AAAAAAAACgc/GdNaZhRevoo/s1600-h/51-Set-in-Rock6.jpg"><img title="51 Set in Rock" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="51 Set in Rock" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9xdSuGSQ5k8/VRiHTdgOCtI/AAAAAAAACgk/PhuxyIIQYro/51-Set-in-Rock_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="557"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BzqWtVRBmbQ/VRiHUXLcoDI/AAAAAAAACgs/qcQAB6OhxEo/s1600-h/forever-in-love5.jpg"><img title="forever in love" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="forever in love" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bmJcByyt0ic/VRiHVpZeP6I/AAAAAAAACg0/M-Vqfd0PTss/forever-in-love_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="444"></a></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-65883731581420675102015-02-02T17:49:00.001+08:002015-02-02T17:49:54.488+08:002015 Time to Head South<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u8RJzndpq2Y/VM9HgUuELJI/AAAAAAAACLc/6u6Dwcpnpyk/s1600-h/DSC00954-800x600-29.jpg"><img title="DSC00954 (800x600) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00954 (800x600) (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hODrXMq2ZPU/VM9HhckSCjI/AAAAAAAACLk/HF08ClFNrwc/DSC00954-800x600-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="398"></a><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Christmas & New Year were spent at Rebak Marina , Langkawi. We had a great time there last year and had arranged to regroup again this year with friends we had met. Unfortunately the weather was not so good, the season seems to be different this year and we had rain right through the festive season. A bit of rain is ok, it helps cool the boat down but too much rain and it does hamper the socializing around the wonderful pool at Rebak, it also cools the pool water down and sitting at the pool bar drinking a cocktail or two is not quite the same. On quite a few occasions the pool bar was closed due to the weather and lack of people in the pool. But that had it’s benefits as it meant I could swim laps freely without bumping into anyone. Despite the inclement weather still managed to enjoy ourselves and the resort put on a lovely Christmas lunch smorgasboard, alas no roast potatoes <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f88VJ3MsJqM/VM9HiJZLRLI/AAAAAAAACLs/C1HgASKgbAo/wlEmoticon-sadsmile2.png?imgmax=800">, but there was plenty of variety and more than enough to eat and drink. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6-NC9cwCMi0/VM9HjQ5MHGI/AAAAAAAACL0/DuwOZCPG_uc/s1600-h/DSC00958-800x600-29.jpg"><img title="DSC00958 (800x600) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00958 (800x600) (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RSFrlSzfI2o/VM9HkNT3RmI/AAAAAAAACL8/ZUkdfi2D72U/DSC00958-800x600-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="350"></a></p> <p><font size="3">New years eve the resort was charging myr 550 for their buffet, far too expensive for us yachties and so the management put on a smorgasbord at the yachties restaurant for myr 85. Much more affordable. A group of yachtie muso’s got together and we had a great sing along after the meal and then went down to the beach to see the new year in and watch the fireworks and lanterns in the the sky sent up from Cenang beach.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Our fitness is definitely disappearing since arriving in Asia. Unlike the sailing in WA where there is always wind and you use a lot of energy sailing the boat. Up here the lack of wind means we either have a very gentle sail or we motor, both of which require very little effort on our behalf. The heat and the humidity also mean a walk ashore, which we do a lot of, turns into a stroll and as for riding our fold up bikes, too much effort required and anyway the local traffic frightens me. One reason we like Rebak so much is the use of the pool for swimming laps (and the odd cocktail at the pool bar!), yoga with a group of other ladies and early morning walks. There is always something to do.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We met Misty & Peter from UK who have been at Rebak for a number of years. They are not young, I think late sixties & seventies. One year at Rebak when walking they discovered a very overgrown path that once went around the island. They decided for their own fitness that they would clear this path and for 4 months everyday they would slowly hack their way through the jungle clearing the path. No mean feat in the heat and humidity, not to mention the snakes and monkeys they would have come across. The path was literally overgrown completely and they have done an amazing job of clearing it to about 2 metres wide. They still walk everyday with machete type tools not only to keep fit but to keep the path cleared. The island/resort management do not help in anyway but they do charge resort guests myr100 for a guided walk! Jerry and I walked the path quite often while there, about 45 mins, it was a wonderful way to start the day, so peaceful, sometimes cool and always made us puff!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i0fUxYBuChw/VM9HlLToDdI/AAAAAAAACME/DC2cMhK1BIY/s1600-h/DSC00964-Rebak-Is-walk-600x800-219.jpg"><img title="DSC00964 Rebak Is walk (600x800) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00964 Rebak Is walk (600x800) (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VeDq3RbpOek/VM9HmGD6AfI/AAAAAAAACMM/5gpyGmZWmGs/DSC00964-Rebak-Is-walk-600x800-2_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="479"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kcgjIgs6qe8/VM9Hm0R1djI/AAAAAAAACMU/fRlwljrgHjo/s1600-h/DSC00967-600x800-211.jpg"><img title="DSC00967 (600x800) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00967 (600x800) (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KX2uDLAjpd8/VM9HnwVIecI/AAAAAAAACMc/BM5KzaTscGU/DSC00967-600x800-2_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="478"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zqjyJtZTCXQ/VM9HoyzYKGI/AAAAAAAACMk/SPJVga8ZSto/s1600-h/DSC00972-800x600-217.jpg"><img title="DSC00972 (800x600) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00972 (800x600) (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z7Z21nX4Jv0/VM9Hp7WWktI/AAAAAAAACMs/MxQoIPFiGuE/DSC00972-800x600-2_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="356"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n13MrROwYik/VM9Hq0KPKNI/AAAAAAAACM0/-s5zmkt7Bw0/s1600-h/DSC00973-600x800-26.jpg"><img title="DSC00973 (600x800) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00973 (600x800) (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YKiqaASwMI4/VM9Hr9QYjHI/AAAAAAAACM8/bB1eXlsvbjc/DSC00973-600x800-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="439"></a> </p> <p><font size="3">So here we are in 2015 and we are now tied up at Admiral Marina, Port Dickson where we will leave the boat to go home for Ben & Kate’s wedding. The sail down here was very pleasant. We stopped off at Penang for a few days which is always very pleasant. So much to see and so much choice of lovely food. </font></p> <p><font size="3">This time we were very lucky to have Otters around the boat. They had just had babies and would keep us awake at night with their chattering trying to encourage the babies into the water. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y2VAfJwK6Pk/VM9HstcaLOI/AAAAAAAACNE/rhl36D2gZc8/s1600-h/DSC01064-800x59913.jpg"><img title="DSC01064 (800x599)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC01064 (800x599)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h6Ntal-81jU/VM9Ht5WhIsI/AAAAAAAACNM/s55tvcgHJNo/DSC01064-800x599_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="352"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next stop was Lumut where we anchored outside the </font><font size="3">Lumut Yacht Club which is up the Dinding River. It is a beautiful old yacht club but in desperate need of some maintenance and repair as too are the jetties. Even the billiard table was “closed for maintenance” A sign we see often in our travels up here.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DR3W-choZKc/VM9Huzn4wuI/AAAAAAAACNU/xlCoYKErREc/s1600-h/DSC00026-Maintainence-in-Progress-Si%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00026 Maintainence in Progress Sign (800x597)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00026 Maintainence in Progress Sign (800x597)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sqAtGoeGOXY/VM9HxidqS0I/AAAAAAAACNc/G5QE_IahyXE/DSC00026-Maintainence-in-Progress-Si.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="378"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We spent a few days here exploring Lumut & then moved on a few miles into Pangkor Marina which is on a man made island and a great place to slip the boat and get work done if you need it. Our friends Cecillie & John were there having a major refit on their boat Delphian.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N86vM2i86v8/VM9Hyq0TDRI/AAAAAAAACNk/TIZ94E0qpos/s1600-h/DSC00033-Delphian-Pangkor-Marina---C%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00033 Delphian Pangkor Marina - Copy (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00033 Delphian Pangkor Marina - Copy (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uytTfiYa53c/VM9H1T984_I/AAAAAAAACNs/QErsPLfr2CU/DSC00033-Delphian-Pangkor-Marina---C.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="341"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We left the boat here overnight while we went over to Pangkor Island to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary! We were very adventurous and hired a scooter to get around the island. We have often thought about hiring a scooter in other towns we have visited as many yachties use these as a cheap form of transport but as I have never been on a scooter before and Jerry has never had a pillion passenger we have always chickened out and hired a car. Well we decided that we would take the risk on Pangkor, not much traffic and only one road around the island so all very civilised. We were a bit wobbly and slow at first but a few “hurry up” toots from the locals soon had Jerry zooming along. It was good fun!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CbsCrqSkWWc/VM9H2X0sZ7I/AAAAAAAACN0/UpEFh9l_bUo/s1600-h/DSC00035-30th-Anniv-800x5999.jpg"><img title="DSC00035 30th Anniv (800x599)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00035 30th Anniv (800x599)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L4SuQfr2jGA/VM9H4MiAv_I/AAAAAAAACN8/z6Lxy1Sd8jE/DSC00035-30th-Anniv-800x599_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="375"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oppXdYiuEZg/VM9H5O9coCI/AAAAAAAACOE/Bt32r-hDJso/s1600-h/DSC00038-600x80029.jpg"><img title="DSC00038 (600x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00038 (600x800)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xf7feF5WyBk/VM9H52FfONI/AAAAAAAACOM/eBQ6dNxh2Cc/DSC00038-600x800_thumb26.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="449"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our hotel was not the best we have stayed in and the only time I have written a review on the booking website. If we had wanted luxury I suppose we should have gone to the private island of Pangkor Laut but our budget doesn’t allow for such luxury.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8xZoXjbqduc/VM9H8KPl_lI/AAAAAAAACOU/KC-tIqwdarY/s1600-h/DSC00047-Fishing-Boat-800x60012.jpg"><img title="DSC00047 Fishing Boat (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00047 Fishing Boat (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OnE72tg73f0/VM9H-gIiLiI/AAAAAAAACOc/KvxDv2l8WfU/DSC00047-Fishing-Boat-800x600_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="317"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4ERp1FmipGY/VM9H_kCscrI/AAAAAAAACOk/JnH9m73jZCc/s1600-h/DSC00056-View-to-Pangkor-Marina-600x%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00056 View to Pangkor Marina (600x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00056 View to Pangkor Marina (600x800)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HIgrI1fEyNs/VM9IBZobfoI/AAAAAAAACOs/E4nYIpmIWfs/DSC00056-View-to-Pangkor-Marina-600x%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="494"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Umf0bfZXF0/VM9IDGGy23I/AAAAAAAACO0/j_Fox86130A/s1600-h/DSC00064-Boat-building-800x60013.jpg"><img title="DSC00064 Boat building (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00064 Boat building (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZI67pkQrFJkn9ZQkRnj2LCStP9EjhJO4BzqxFlCIxr1FfMG0agnR8njGI1kLsbXrM5c0xAPFxucEWW4YQCnK4k9aaNz7g4rdecYfqE0dnMgQe0-Nh3GVi9z3pdiBzDR7shHBXV85sUE/?imgmax=800" width="432" height="363"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Continuing our journey south we had chosen to leave Pangkor just as some whopping king tides were happening, so we fought them all the way to Port Dickson. We had wind in the mornings and tide with us which was great but by 2pm the wind dropped and the tide was against us. At one stage we were down to 2 knots and that was with the engine on! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tbgTSSQ7jqo/VM9IGT8TtGI/AAAAAAAACPE/Ihala3svtMo/s1600-h/DSC00072-800x60014.jpg"><img title="DSC00072 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00072 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZaUkwS9v7hQ/VM9IHGL_VgI/AAAAAAAACPM/jkgpaZnn8dE/DSC00072-800x600_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="367"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Crossing over the shipping lane to anchor outside of Port Klang was busy on the way up so we knew what to expect this time. What we didn’t realise was that the ship we thought was on anchor and that we chose to cross in front of by about 100m was in fact a dredge that was travelling (luckily) at a very slow speed!! When I told our friend Peter this story today he said that the name given to yachties by the captain of ships up here is WAFI’s – wind assisted flipping idiots or words to that effect! I shall check the AIS more closely next time!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuZpPTWc7PgK8E-m1Z7mKlSUkqz53RS0F2yuoQlP082FgdX-TuBGxMIxkUj9U4hHFFySi18zTJaPkTWDPCwZjYQktB4pg5KRY_geb_RhNde3BCKoVTmZyPc5vElyDLA2jIIJdQHcYGsY/s1600-h/DSC00075-800x60015.jpg"><img title="DSC00075 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00075 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zuxse2cygsI/VM9IJmMACCI/AAAAAAAACPc/vV2GK2vlfMY/DSC00075-800x600_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="349"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dapH_Zd2Kpo/VM9IKa8nPqI/AAAAAAAACPk/iuo_fWxY8E0/s1600-h/DSC00073-800x60015.jpg"><img title="DSC00073 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00073 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dMJBwCr4Vtg/VM9ILKLr3CI/AAAAAAAACPs/E2jvM7b0qdg/DSC00073-800x600_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="352"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Next stop brings us here to Port Dickson. We are tied up in Admiral Marina which is attached to a resort. We have a few jobs to do on the boat while here and luckily there is a pool for us to use when it all gets too much. There are local shops about 15mins walk away, a great supermarket with good vegies and some fresh seafood, a hardware store, a massage shop and a few good restaurants. So all very civilised. Jerry has just been shopping on his own in the hunt for bread and is very pleased with his purchases of 2 fishing net lights, we use these for anchoring at night as the locals know what they are, (we now have 6, Jerry does like to have spares!) and a large syphon pump all for $14.50. That’s his Sunday trip to Bunnings, Malaysia style and he’s happy!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0pCtVXNof9I/VM9IMBnEJ-I/AAAAAAAACP0/UiieLZ4rov0/s1600-h/DSC00076-800x6005.jpg"><img title="DSC00076 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00076 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rjgTEfk3oGk/VM9INHzs-kI/AAAAAAAACP8/wuloQsPm5QA/DSC00076-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="353"></a></p> <p><font size="3">No matter where we go we seem to be constantly bumping into people we know. Yesterday we met the skipper of a very nice Catamaran here at the marina. Jerry knew Paul from years ago in Fremantle when he was refitting a yacht. Paul was only young and was the gofer, now he is the skipper of this mean machine. It’s a small world. Gizmo is laid up here after a lightening strike. It has a carbon mast and rigging which now need xraying and lots of electronic equipment replacing. This is the 2nd catamaran with carbon mast etc we have met in the last 2 months and both have been hit by lightening. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p1Y1t4lJbGQ/VM9INzPxctI/AAAAAAAACQE/G8vQf4jwkh0/s1600-h/DSC00078-800x6006.jpg"><img title="DSC00078 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00078 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5T_UXNINRrk/VM9IQINj2YI/AAAAAAAACQM/qXEkXHzOpJU/DSC00078-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="376"></a></p> <p><font size="3">I booked our tickets on the KTMB Intranet to take the train to Kuala Lumpur next week. Apart from being very cheap $9.00 for the 2 of us, train or bus travel is always our preferred way to travel up here as you get to mix with the locals and it is always an interesting experience. Unfortunately when I went to print the tickets off at the marina office my booking had disappeared. A glitch in the intranet system had sent our booking off into cyberspace. They will refund my money but now the booking site shows that the train is full. So we either go to the train station, an hours journey by bus and see if there are spare seats, or take a taxi from the marina straight to KL. I think with luggage etc we will opt for taxi. </font></p> <p><font size="3">We have 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur to explore the city before flying home for a month. Am I excited….YES I AM!!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-12757337771381857862014-12-15T13:07:00.000+08:002014-12-15T15:04:49.679+08:00Lap of Langkawi & visa run<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uyiTi0mR-Ds/VI6HJ3Z-hZI/AAAAAAAACEE/7acYJOundAc/s1600-h/DSC00006%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00006 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00006 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1T2DvBe38L0/VI6HK-S7c6I/AAAAAAAACEM/xNkTmZdtrcA/DSC00006%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="361"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Our Lap of Langkawi turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. I think we expected too much and well really we should have just stuck to the anchorages south of the island. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NxbuVxsihdQ/VI6HLxcl0FI/AAAAAAAACEU/a-TU3QONYOw/s1600-h/DSC00119%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00119 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00119 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mK-gMXXyY2g/VI6HMuQJtaI/AAAAAAAACEc/p8hMN8dKIvk/DSC00119%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="346"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our first stop on the lap was The Hole in the Wall anchorage. Named such because you enter the Kilim River through a gap in the limestone cliffs. It is not a wide river and is surrounded by mangroves on either side. So it is quite hot and airless. Once inside you can take the yacht a little way up before anchoring and then use the dinghy to explore the tributaries and visit the bat cave or the fish farms. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rSor_ROUBMM/VI6HNX4jvBI/AAAAAAAACEk/4BrMWb5XGqw/s1600-h/DSC00041%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00041 (600x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00041 (600x800)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3pBmpdYwzio/VI6HOEPEjNI/AAAAAAAACEs/VmUH4LTkvGE/DSC00041%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="430"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Entrance as seen from the ocean and then when leaving.</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_BecIRYozxI/VI6HO48nzEI/AAAAAAAACE0/KplpSnEpDgE/s1600-h/DSC00105%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00105 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00105 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-udLT5darpzc/VI6HP43pHWI/AAAAAAAACE8/_ab-tBWrtO8/DSC00105%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="319"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We went a little too far and bumped onto a mud bank across the river oops! but we were on a rising tide and with a few extra revs of the motor we were soon off. We took the dinghy to explore the river where the fish farms are first and to have a look at the many yachts left here by their owners while they return home. Yes it is a very safe anchorage but I think 90% of the boats left here have been forgotten about. It was quite sad to see so many turning green and black with mould. There is no way we would leave TToo unattended up here. T</font><font size="3">he fish farms are also restaurants by day although I felt no desire to have a meal at one of them. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cByCDbt951M/VI6HQlFK0tI/AAAAAAAACFE/JwTgJ30Gb2Y/s1600-h/DSC00050%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00050 (600x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00050 (600x800)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2BzWi-ZxrbM/VI6HRacyf-I/AAAAAAAACFM/tQ7oWnEzIw0/DSC00050%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="543"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yzxVqQ3YIkw/VI6HSL1kSpI/AAAAAAAACFU/1Rw1LIaIoKM/s1600-h/DSC00053%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00053 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00053 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vW5OGL0tYC8/VI6HTKA87NI/AAAAAAAACFc/6abOYlUG1gg/DSC00053%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="343"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WCGFktO_6io/VI6HUEhXENI/AAAAAAAACFk/WNQ7fG2w4cA/s1600-h/DSC00051%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00051 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00051 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MLDHZbDCJI8/VI6HU4IBowI/AAAAAAAACFs/qMnuBYx1e8c/DSC00051%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="372"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Across the river and you come to a larger opening rather like a lake. The tourist boats come in here and use the props from the boat to stir up the water and attract the eagles down for feeding. I am not sure but I think I saw them throwing some food into the water before revving the props to stir it all up. It was quite spectacular to see all the eagles soaring past us so close. Sorry no photos here, too hard to capture.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Further up the river about 15 mins in our little dinghy is the bat cave. Entrance fee MYR 1.00 each (30c) and same for torch. We walked the boardwalk into the cave and saw the bats fast asleep. Apparently as the bats leave the cave at dusk the swifts enter for the night. I would imagine they exchange places without too many accidents.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cd3yNCFdfTw/VI6HVlDWq2I/AAAAAAAACF0/jpNWbC4Fx8U/s1600-h/DSC00098%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00098 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00098 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_qzFC7_RxDo/VI6HWZYAjPI/AAAAAAAACF8/A7Pf6EmiH4k/DSC00098%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="361"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cBEAkb31Vbg/VI6HXea1wwI/AAAAAAAACGE/UwWc98PK0xk/s1600-h/DSC00101%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00101 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00101 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jS4mp7ex4T4/VI6HYcCureI/AAAAAAAACGM/ycmFbS_h9gg/DSC00101%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="453" height="354"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The Kilim River is very busy with tourist boats coming & going and they take great delight at whizzing past the anchored yachts as close as possible causing us to rock & roll constantly. By 7pm they had all gone home for the night and it was a beautiful peaceful anchorage until it all started again at 8am the next day.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PmIj86fPO4Y/VI6HZyJERzI/AAAAAAAACGU/gtg3esLoVEg/s1600-h/DSC00086%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00086 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00086 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVhprD9E_1526FHkBHZIbJrqNsRzCWpEPSE-1mZFYjtNgo4Rbtll_3aV0KVwW_pQItfWCjVcyuUAadQfcKsO3AaOtTCleU1U4136X1EmidAX85QWz5ETgC6uioah9PnWL_JKXrncSwPw/?imgmax=800" width="430" height="336"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zw9NhRS60kg/VI6HbcUoT2I/AAAAAAAACGk/BfZZQ6ghvPs/s1600-h/DSC00103%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00103 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00103 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JnooHRz2rJI/VI6HcXGP4cI/AAAAAAAACGs/rl7BpMfU2O4/DSC00103%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="342"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Needless to say we didn’t hang around for another day and in the morning we headed off to Tanjung Rhu at the top of the island. This is where there are some quite expensive hotels and the beaches are quite beautiful in comparison to the rest of the island. Soft white sand but unfortunately the water is still very murky and not at all inviting to swim in.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eN4EPV0kVew/VI6HeSILAsI/AAAAAAAACG0/FLKQHbFnzc4/s1600-h/DSC00111%252520%252528800x352%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00111 (800x352)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00111 (800x352)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_qTCGgtxJzI/VI6Hf-K3I_I/AAAAAAAACG8/iOkNDvN7vfs/DSC00111%252520%252528800x352%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="243"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We anchored the boat in a beautiful bay and had a gentle breeze cooling us down. It was so peaceful & relaxing. So much so we didn’t bother venturing ashore we thought we would do that the next day. Just on dark the wind and weather changed and came in from the north and put us on a lee shore with an uncomfortable swell rolling in. Nothing stays perfect for long on a boat.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpa0u4yo7xifbLm3hQ4Vzt7HrQwFxBXYFmXijeezQrBFt4JjOVOKWFuSfK9bKvbYvAmoecrv7ZKY8glpCOTTVG1hTbuXn18qzC-A-sa5t2NkqTjrn5EQhQ5O-HxXVc-wMyKiZbP4Vg48/s1600-h/DSC00113%252520%252528800x598%252529%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00113 (800x598)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00113 (800x598)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5XqlTm27sKM/VI6HihQ59EI/AAAAAAAACHM/4eTdiCzrFnU/DSC00113%252520%252528800x598%252529_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="361"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We didn’t hang around the next day, no point. We were not comfortable and we were not going to go ashore and leave the boat on a lee shore so we up anchored and headed on to Telaga Harbour just in time to celebrate Hunter’s 3rd birthday. Hunter & his sister Scarlet live onboard Honeymoon and are from Fremantle! Although they sailed Honeymoon from Queensland.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RL9cREKNhW8/VI6HkE4vtBI/AAAAAAAACHU/JCgGCbZk7Kc/s1600-h/DSC00116%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00116 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00116 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-spa5Esb5ghY/VI6HlvBXiZI/AAAAAAAACHc/XzIQopssHKI/DSC00116%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="361"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">The change in season is late this year, or so we are told. We went onto anchor at Pantai Cenang, the main tourist beach. It has lots of restaurants and bars and coffee shops ashore. Unfortunately though it also comes with jet skis driven by tourists who have no idea what they are doing and head directly for the yachts anchored and circle them round and round and round. A day or so of this and soon our smiling faces and polite waves turn to a grimace and gesticulating arms to shoo them away. They take absolutely no notice. One day we were ashore enjoying a massage and a coffee, when we headed to the beach for some lunch we were shocked to see how the weather had turned for the worse. A strong sw’ly wind had come in bringing a rolling swell onto the beach. TToo & other boats were being thrown around like bucking broncos out on anchor. We went to get into the dinghy to go back to her but a local jet ski operator advised us to wait unless we had lots of faith in our outboard. I’d say we have 90% and now was not the time we needed the 10% chance of it not working. So we sat on the beach and kept an eye on TToo and prayed the Rocna anchor would hold her safe. Black clouds rolled across the anchorage and the wind got stronger. After about half an hour there was a lull and the local said go now as this will probably turn around and come back brining rain , thunder & lightening. We jumped into the dinghy and got absolutely drenched getting out to the boat as it was still very rough. Picked up the anchor & headed off to find a safer anchorage. About an hour later as we were told the wind turned around and the heavens opened. But by then we were safely anchored elsewhere. No photos here either I must have been worried about TToo and forgot to get out the camera. But I did take a couple of photos at the next anchorage it wasn’t quite so rough.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-63xDiynR4_o/VI6HnDeURGI/AAAAAAAACHk/EeS_4p_4kec/s1600-h/DSC00126%252520%252528598x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="The shorts are still going" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="The shorts are still going" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dSkHJyBPIgA/VI6Hn1hqu8I/AAAAAAAACHs/EbI344bS6xE/DSC00126%252520%252528598x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="463"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MJQzEd0lv5Y/VI6Ho4zMg_I/AAAAAAAACH0/teiEPKslo0w/s1600-h/DSC00129%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00129 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00129 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EDs4DOUzKyU/VI6Hpmxoo4I/AAAAAAAACH8/X60j5VYpv_w/DSC00129%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="322"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We needed to do a visa run before Christmas. The boat gets to stay in Malaysia forever if you want it to however we have to depart every 3 months to renew our visa. It’s not a problem from Langkawi as the choices are endless. Air Asia flies out of Langkawi and fights are very cheap. Koh Lipe is a 25 mile sail and between Oct & May immigration is open for stamping tourists from Langkawi in & out of Thailand or Satun is a 11/2 hour ferry ride, but you have to stay out 3 nights.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bwbWFuF0-ek/VI6Hqs28vQI/AAAAAAAACIE/2HxwyXy4QIU/s1600-h/DSC00134%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00134 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00134 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WAM_zNxsatg/VI6HriAAwuI/AAAAAAAACIM/_LUdw4iEJc0/DSC00134%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="351"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We decided on the Satun ferry run and left TToo safely tied up at Rebak Marina. We booked into the Gleam Resort just outside of Satun. On arrival at the ferry terminal we took a local song-tau to The Gleam. Oh what a lovely surprise we got. A lovely welcome from Aa the owner & a cooling drink. Eight or ten individual bungalows built amongst a beautiful manicured garden and a pool at the end of the pathway. </font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-9qxxbVcL61FwtRpzLkY-0XI9gEEpKYZilh_KBf0cdm6coKC-F-QOW9Y10Rfj52HLMxxKBN_JoB8yokXgRl3MPDuVVly2kpk1PCa6nt1vlehNB-prw4puwKHqQ0LlKsasTwZ-07s8Ic/s1600-h/DSC00135%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00135 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00135 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tA_Sy89awfg/VI6HtgkvKkI/AAAAAAAACIc/A61GsCMQNy8/DSC00135%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="370"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8PEtZ7I8FfI/VI6Hukz6ZlI/AAAAAAAACIk/7iKPLKXB9Uk/s1600-h/DSC00139%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00139 (600x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00139 (600x800)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EK0wcD5vP7c/VI6HvTb89NI/AAAAAAAACIs/VviSpChRvmM/DSC00139%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="514"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zy2QKBYI4DU/VI6HwClCkuI/AAAAAAAACI0/Z3LKpKsiTEs/s1600-h/DSC00141%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00141 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00141 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CYxdqU9dfhw/VI6HxHjQYRI/AAAAAAAACI8/Da7q4R8it8A/DSC00141%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="368"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Our room was a good size with a huge king size bed, lovely bathroom and airconditioning. We had decided to splash out & spend a little bit more than necessary $50 per night including breakfast. In town probably $20. But we made the right choice. There were even complimentary bicycles for getting around and we toured the whole of Satun on them (it’s not very big!) We also spent a morning at the local shipyard to see somewhere else we could slip TToo if necessary. The owners of the shipyard picked us up & arranged a lift back for us. It’s a well set up yard with all the facilities one would need for major refit work and cheaper than the boatyards in Phuket. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A1R6N-PGavE/VI6Hx4l2JbI/AAAAAAAACJE/zCMf3tW_vu4/s1600-h/DSC00149%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00149 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00149 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3MJ4B_-d6tU/VI6Hy2fZjQI/AAAAAAAACJM/UNb5eBpEKRY/DSC00149%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="399"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y9TNn0DhCPo/VI6Hz4M4a8I/AAAAAAAACJU/nWHmEfr1_2o/s1600-h/DSC00152%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00152 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00152 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bT065auf29Q/VI6H1dOP1RI/AAAAAAAACJc/NIN-c2G2t84/DSC00152%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="396"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJECr4uq2WhtdSdxpTBPP4tc7XYhU6Yix1IS4rHgNfogNcqErk-2m3kIhTqMdtnexPWfbhtPG5wTj7foIS982-sJ3Sq0oinZB8nVMRorLtmqwmLv3OlTUSUkQgXJCBqYGzpkeY0HWgVI4/s1600-h/DSC00165%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00165 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00165 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BmEbSmoM_Cs/VI6H3FryNQI/AAAAAAAACJs/PwbdYCxEMGE/DSC00165%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofrPqXrj63v-yyiRptk8T4_mLnp8lnF4sMCNVKzS4eh8c4WMCOcjL50KqPul-L73PuRDqcKbOfP0vU4C9MgXR1lSeqymOmYQR_XpbaeVlMIySlAS4pm9jDyPBOxton6xq7KlpQy1yBO4/s1600-h/DSC00157%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00157 (600x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00157 (600x800)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6dK5vMFDxwM/VI6H63zUdkI/AAAAAAAACJ8/pdzx4RBqw-Q/DSC00157%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="512"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M66ouq9CcJs/VI6H8lIye0I/AAAAAAAACKE/74H7KSz5X7c/s1600-h/DSC00166%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00166 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00166 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jUhG7SWhO_s/VI6H-EXIenI/AAAAAAAACKM/KXLPGT9THSs/DSC00166%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We also met Eddy from Melbourne who had just cycled the final 150kms on his trip through Thailand from Bangkok to Satun. What a lovely guy and we spent the next few days talking of his cycling adventures with his wife. Each year for the last 4,I think, they have toured Europe by tandem for 4 months of the year. See it can be done, in fact anything is possible if you have the passion to give it a go.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1VsAtFO2Cvc/VI6H_65rQtI/AAAAAAAACKU/Gf-wCNW_dEU/s1600-h/DSC00200%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00200 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00200 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T_cyyiM8GxU/VI6IBTso0kI/AAAAAAAACKc/n4swoZGGc7Y/DSC00200%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="365"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Back in Langkawi now we are anchored at Telaga harbour and have been laid up on the boat for the last week with what I thought was Man Flu but realise now it must be far worse as I got it too.We both spent 3 days in bed sleeping as we had no energy to do anything but sleep. I think we must have picked up some sort of Asian flu/virus on the ferry. Or maybe it was that we had the aircon set on 16deg the first night in Satun and woke up almost frozen!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Hopefully we are on the mend and will be up and running again in time for Christmas which is fast approaching.</font></p> <p><font size="3">And that brings me to the purpose of this blog which is to wish all our blog followers a Very Happy Christmas and a may you all enjoy good health and happiness in the new year.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Our blog will continue as we head south after Christmas so check back in January sometime.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZX1-yJPCHOc/VI6ICRyHoPI/AAAAAAAACKk/LF8Bo2pqivI/s1600-h/DSC00224%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00224 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00224 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYRVa_k3Sdv95i-u0XkiIEtwzlOVuuEetbYWY1MZ7j5tLfehizKGKHQTA4jK8LjOSvjetOpU2iJh5JCdBCUhF4Yhk3MGYZ2hGOZAWwyRNtrUN_CPTJxta7XRe8g3Nk0ohMMkltj1hWJI/?imgmax=800" width="445" height="457"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-572148449464593272014-11-14T14:57:00.001+08:002014-11-14T15:56:41.633+08:00PENANG–a return visit<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">27th Oct – 10th Nov</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our first visit to Penang was on our way to Langkawi almost a year ago and it was a very quick visit. We decided to make a return trip there while we had time on our hands and spend a couple of weeks there as Jerry had to get his suit made and we thought we could enjoy Penang properly while we waited. </span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u17ItBrbgYU/VGWfmje4pLI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/TgpAp-lwWMk/s1600-h/DSC00778%252520App%252520Straits%252520Quay%252520%252528800x596%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00778 App Straits Quay (800x596)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uo-7ApBd65I/VGWfnmXwd2I/AAAAAAAAB4g/tU73UzwbpbM/DSC00778%252520App%252520Straits%252520Quay%252520%252528800x596%252529_thumb%25255B19%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="390" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00778 App Straits Quay (800x596)" width="502" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We checked into Straits Quay Marina rather than anchor at the junk anchorage which is in the middle of Georgetown and all the action. Being at the marina meant we had to take a bus into Georgetown but we could explore the island all day without worrying about the boat dragging which happens quite often at the junk anchorage. I am not quite sure why it is called so other than at change of tide the rubbish that passes the boat is quite sad, or maybe it’s because of what people actually hook up on their anchors from the bottom?</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BkZAymfNeoY/VGWfonuJ8-I/AAAAAAAAB4o/lYLpXjsG_vQ/s1600-h/DSC00785%252520Rubbish%252520in%252520water%252520%252528800x590%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00785 Rubbish in water (800x590)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BG6UYk5ltfI/VGWfpclrPVI/AAAAAAAAB4w/nehzy878y3o/DSC00785%252520Rubbish%252520in%252520water%252520%252528800x590%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="388" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00785 Rubbish in water (800x590)" width="505" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We soon settled into Straits Quay. Its a great marina, very well run by a retired Scottish Naval Officer, John, who stands no nonsense from anyone and runs a very tight ship. This means that the marina is clean and tidy, the water is scooped each morning to remove any rubbish lurking and believe me in Malaysia there is always plenty of rubbish in the water. The showers, toilets and laundry are pristine clean and a pleasure to use. Its location is not so convenient as the junk anchorage but Tesco's is 5 mins walk as is the 101 bus into Komtar, the centre of Georgetown. The marina itself has some very nice shops and restaurants and locals and expats often walk the boardwalk admiring all the boats in the marina. So we are asked by management to keep our boats looking tidy at all times! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDtYCN3poiEH1EzhTX750aETYb5GqKFZMaKXd3DohSJwhz9Xu00DiUGcTCyh3aKpt-J_K28qga3GGlheg5VymRB1h5fF484QEFi8oWLLFziQp7VaSuc9TjSFvV1KW1nFjVzDwq2UZJ5c/s1600-h/DSC00795%252520%252528800x504%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00795 (800x504)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9DIYqj_ai98/VGWfrBeDbRI/AAAAAAAAB5A/oIwm0Vd0s4A/DSC00795%252520%252528800x504%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="333" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00795 (800x504)" width="502" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first task here was to get Jerry measured up for his suit. We looked at a few tailors and prices varied from MYR 2800 down to as little as MYR 200 ($1000 – $71) ! We settled on using the DeePee Tailors at Straits Quay as he was highly recommended and close by for fittings. Jerry started at the bottom and worked up. I think this was the least painful way for him ($$$ wise!) His first purchase was socks, something he has not worn since leaving Australia then the shoes. Next we chose the suit and shirt material, decided on style and was measured up by Mr DeePee who we relied heavily on for advise as Jerry has never owned a suit. Last was the tie. </span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2_Cg_bB-f_M/VGWfr4QPoiI/AAAAAAAAB5I/2TVeE_jk_08/s1600-h/DSC00867%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img align="right" alt="DSC00867 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A0ldpUfvbx8/VGWfs-mLvpI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/eX_Xp5O9ysE/DSC00867%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="309" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00867 (600x800)" width="229" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MeikM4knu6s/VGWftlpmmfI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/DaDV97r42m0/s1600-h/DSC00812%252520%252528590x800%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00812 (590x800)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SG-9dk2BJxs/VGWfurH-_cI/AAAAAAAAB5g/KL8q17Z3Hpk/DSC00812%252520%252528590x800%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="309" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00812 (590x800)" width="225" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The suit fits and looks perfect and as much as Jerry has whinged and moaned about a) having to wear a suit, and, b) the expense of something he may only wear once, I can quietly let you all know that he secretly enjoyed all the fuss and bother and was no way going to buy the cheaper version at $70! After all it is his son’s wedding and he wants to look the part. Look at the smile in the second photo. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also bought my shoes to go with the outfit I bought while home so I am happy too. Penang is really a shoppers paradise with huge shopping malls that mingle in with tiny shops and street stalls selling just about anything you may want or feel the need to have. Being good yachties though we have not filled the boat with designer clothes and shoes or handy bits and pieces that we never end up using, just lots of nice food from Tesco and Cold Storage and a few DVD’s to watch when there is nothing else to do.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BZyWk3QxBUg/VGWfvtNA1vI/AAAAAAAAB5o/JbC8w8fxBz8/s1600-h/DSC00788%252520Brompton%252520Bike%252520Shop%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00788 Brompton Bike Shop (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pq8uS6ldt-c/VGWfwY0NRgI/AAAAAAAAB5w/r6Frqa9w9kQ/DSC00788%252520Brompton%252520Bike%252520Shop%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="342" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00788 Brompton Bike Shop (800x600)" width="438" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D1Op1W2sBCQ/VGWfxReXRkI/AAAAAAAAB54/eft_fSd_jWM/s1600-h/DSC00798%252520Tool%252520Stall%252520%252528800x592%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00798 Tool Stall (800x592)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FhfOFXNQ5t8/VGWfySrWAwI/AAAAAAAAB6A/KJeYnhPuPo0/DSC00798%252520Tool%252520Stall%252520%252528800x592%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="334" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00798 Tool Stall (800x592)" width="432" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5F8wJARdD4E/VGWfzL8JsYI/AAAAAAAAB6I/8Bn8eW9j9e4/s1600-h/DSC00799%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00799 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eaGmWr7o_-Q/VGWf0jVJYDI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/GDX2UUMhrLM/DSC00799%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="340" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00799 (800x600)" width="435" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IDZycNUUr1Q/VGWf1aRoW0I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/7ZSa_M3HjBQ/s1600-h/DSC00800%252520Big%252520Pants%252520shop%252520%252528800x663%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00800 Big Pants shop (800x663)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NNPDMhBmTPE/VGWf2SOTTMI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Y1CWGPsSOow/DSC00800%252520Big%252520Pants%252520shop%252520%252528800x663%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00800 Big Pants shop (800x663)" width="423" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JxtdSKvEsNE/VGWf3NDgOKI/AAAAAAAAB6o/EOWDbUmWpWo/s1600-h/DSC00824%252520coffin%252520shop%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00824 coffin shop (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8okiwqIJ4tU/VGWf3xl1VGI/AAAAAAAAB6w/3C-Ua8pYl2A/DSC00824%252520coffin%252520shop%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="321" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00824 coffin shop (800x600)" width="410" /></span></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sxt9MtGYor4/VGWf4qvd4tI/AAAAAAAAB64/ouqmn_g5Hpc/s1600-h/DSC00826%252520Rolex%252520shop%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00826 Rolex shop (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QxVVQGe7YCk/VGWf5STs68I/AAAAAAAAB7A/l6jpCtWV2tc/DSC00826%252520Rolex%252520shop%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="372" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00826 Rolex shop (800x600)" width="306" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">So many streets to wander and so many things to see This is just a small selection of things that caught our eye. It all gets very exhausting in the heat and humidity and we soon find ourselves in one of the many large shopping malls seeking a cool drink and a rest in the air-conditioning.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QuCVSSQHB4A/VGWf6rXbk4I/AAAAAAAAB7I/RYsj6jMGzdE/s1600-h/DSC00829%252520Ice%252520delivery%252520%252528800x597%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00829 Ice delivery (800x597)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-Bt6gJdb09_BxJqHpcaiZqL7tHfMQS79wBs-EkbwcVT26lQ1VHjnVviMT5xKY2-BmBJ2S54sIQykI5vkImjZKBYDcfutCiGsgcI2M_mJZwhyvflhnTSbt-jq7J3GK1TeH6V_-WVH8pA/?imgmax=800" height="326" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00829 Ice delivery (800x597)" width="419" /></span></a></div>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g-J7s39tcqA/VGWf8fhRdWI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/6GqIwNEvSTk/s1600-h/DSC00823%25252044gal%252520drum%252520fire%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00823 44gal drum fire" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-cN9tFb6Uh1ZzY-ASsODVSpY9cvhEyS9DCs9yHjd-O6_RidXoQGdw213eyjWSGE9X92WGHypLHZF-4jv14VgOZ2cnOomF89iWN8ZezAdSNg_bLThYtk2mBWvDpN15jV18N28DwmT3wk/?imgmax=800" height="421" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00823 44gal drum fire" width="310" /></span></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NDMeC_OtdCk/VGWf-ckGWGI/AAAAAAAAB7o/d6xM4p_vfG8/s1600-h/DSC00870%252520%252528599x800%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00870 (599x800)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z0HhmlMiSIs/VGWf_SKbUbI/AAAAAAAAB7w/8fUCElaMbJA/DSC00870%252520%252528599x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="405" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00870 (599x800)" width="299" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next on the to do list was a visit to the dentist and that all went very well. We were very impressed with the surgery the equipment and the efficiency of the staff. We both had our teeth cleaned in no time at all with one dentist and 2 nurses working at the same time. They used equipment I have never seen before and it was all over very quickly. The cost was very good too $35 each, much more affordable than home. Jerry returned the next day for a filling and that was $50!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So while we were doing medical stuff Jerry decided he would get his hearing checked out (just to prove me wrong, I think). I know he is deaf, its called selective deafness, he says its industrial deafness! We were advised to go to the Loh Guan Lye Specialist hospital not just one of the may hearing clinics around as at the hospital Jerry’s ears would get a thorough check. I thought we would have to make an appointment for another day, but no we were seen straight away by an ENT specialist who had completed his cochlear implant training in Melbourne. He thoroughly examined the ears and a hearing test was done. We chatted away to the Dr who was interested in our travels and he said that he understood exactly why we chose to attend to medical matters while in Penang after working in Melbourne. In Melbourne he only saw 15 patients a day and was orced to take lengthy morning and afternoon tea breaks. Whereas in Penang he sees 100 a day! and he said you don’t have to wait 3 months for an appointment! The whole exercise took about an hour and a half and cost $91.50. Yes, it’s confirmed Jerry has industrial deafness and also finds it harder to hear a women's voice. Apparently it’s to do with pitch? Is this another word for selective? I saw this ad and was rather hoping the Dr would advise he made a purchase as I could do with a new phone. Alas, it’s not to be, I guess I shall just have smile sweetly as I repeat myself yet again!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oUSbaBu64pwPmIR1A-O3DmTvGjy8-JA0TLhur5G6v9jaHlwikGz00u62g3-fh-6B2_rLiZPCoiu7bPGTLC2-XHVhr0n9DxyB4tEfcH2qK_CiOrBZup_PIeqUlTCHjGYgvL-oU2Jg97k/s1600-h/DSC00872%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00872 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-69ggQ4Yy-4g/VGWgB8Vtf8I/AAAAAAAAB8A/bGuFPdeYbZ8/DSC00872%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="358" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00872 (800x600)" width="458" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyday we took a bus to another part of Penang to see something different or find a particular restaurant. Around Georgetown there is a lot of street art on the walls that tell a story or the history of the area you are in. The buildings are interesting mixing old shophouses with new mega malls. There is an abundance of coffee shops, food stalls, food halls, restaurants serving any kind of food you would like. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j7Lfl0oghm8/VGWgCpw-4zI/AAAAAAAAB8I/2Wf_VuzzFkE/s1600-h/DSC00803%252520Street%252520Art%252520%252528597x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00803 Street Art (597x800)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fA6PcBcM4YQ/VGWgDkdIHwI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/_pfiWCNhqfY/DSC00803%252520Street%252520Art%252520%252528597x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="474" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00803 Street Art (597x800)" width="337" /></span></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6V_Y6i_VW-w/VGWgEuno3UI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/rWyxLspF3bM/s1600-h/DSC00818%252520Street%252520Art%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00818 Street Art (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4kArgKiHpS0/VGWgFc2DplI/AAAAAAAAB8g/qgkHCDz5l48/DSC00818%252520Street%252520Art%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="349" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00818 Street Art (800x600)" width="440" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh2_Xc8OWgSnajEPJxzGOVeLJb15XGnF1cw94e4WyyvlPetgcyVTEJ4ubxl3hf5e_7bRnSiZBSIq59vnKvwoABpR2eja0LzJP6df6sj1dcSmC0OnJgSkay0f28GfcUacJmCnTOpcXpNE/s1600-h/DSC00861%252520Shop%252520fronts%252520%252528800x524%252529%252520%252528800x524%252529%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00861 Shop fronts (800x524) (800x524)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VWc7WhkMIMI/VGWgHETVNOI/AAAAAAAAB8w/FsL1BdmmA9k/DSC00861%252520Shop%252520fronts%252520%252528800x524%252529%252520%252528800x524%252529_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="310" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00861 Shop fronts (800x524) (800x524)" width="449" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wkXpDwtcICA/VGWgIIpIavI/AAAAAAAAB84/kqWxdyHOSac/s1600-h/DSC00793%252520Mother%252520in%252520law%252520tongue%252520%252528599x800%252529%25255B27%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00793 Mother in law tongue (599x800)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XGr4fP0Gag4/VGWgJMUwfiI/AAAAAAAAB9A/8_FgQQExZSY/DSC00793%252520Mother%252520in%252520law%252520tongue%252520%252528599x800%252529_thumb%25255B24%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="494" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00793 Mother in law tongue (599x800)" width="368" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had heard about the duck & rice man who serves the best duck in town and went in search of him. You have to be there early, 12.30, as he sells out quickly. The ducks, rice and sauce are all cooked at home then loaded onto his scooter and brought into town.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cOJAlIe26ts/VGWgKZGDkgI/AAAAAAAAB9I/oQC58ASuiA8/s1600-h/DSC00854%252520Duck%252520man%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00854 Duck man (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sfVZjsAhMfI/VGWgM8y8OUI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/l0sFFZQtt4I/DSC00854%252520Duck%252520man%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00854 Duck man (800x600)" width="492" /></span></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ypJUtg5b1J4/VGWgNytfQ7I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/PkMmJH6kEgw/s1600-h/DSC00856%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00856 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tLoi93HgB_Q/VGWgO1Y_xkI/AAAAAAAAB9g/McQ2Dnein34/DSC00856%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="376" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00856 (800x600)" width="482" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Locals start queuing at 12.15 for their lunch or for takeaway. We were first to arrive and enjoyed a cool drink while we waited then we sat back and watched while the “performance” unrolled. How he manages to transport all this on a motorbike I don’t know and the sauce was hot and not a drop spilt. The duck was delicious the sauce even better and the wait was well worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cfci5Gi92Eg/VGWgPzQnUyI/AAAAAAAAB9o/muug_WSoE7A/s1600-h/DSC00858%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00858 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KrZkJFTTDRI/VGWgQwqfSdI/AAAAAAAAB9w/-HCaV70Dg0Q/DSC00858%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="350" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00858 (800x600)" width="448" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IA4CiSolBI8/VGWgRmVGIaI/AAAAAAAAB94/3jVjC5QiVnQ/s1600-h/DSC00859%252520%252528597x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00859 (597x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yd2x0pByY4s/VGWgSs77SNI/AAAAAAAAB-A/mGl6N4A9650/DSC00859%252520%252528597x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="432" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00859 (597x800)" width="321" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are many temples to visit in Penang but we chose only to go to the big one on the hill this time, called Kek Lok Si Temple. It is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in SE Asia, the temple of “supreme bliss”. It sits high on the hill overlooking Penang and is quite impressive. The walk to the top takes you through various smaller temples along the way. Unfortunately my picture does not really show just how big the Big Buddha is. Perched high on the hill overlooking Penang, made of solid bronze, it was quite spectacular.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eYFoXMpZxV0/VGWgTXXAS2I/AAAAAAAAB-I/Ekz4pULWr78/s1600-h/DSC00923%252520%252528800x599%252529%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00923 (800x599)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lkWxN0tQRhU/VGWgUcKE5fI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/khV79zYBtEE/DSC00923%252520%252528800x599%252529_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="376" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00923 (800x599)" width="461" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjFhMHeRRU2nCgxLM3sDnEWWj3yJY4imwIvR1Cqb7_6hvE0NNJMEpu87yM_k6ktjrSi21sVEtea5uH7Fat3cLTDopV85THsafQP4ozp0_zSG2K8Bs9g3H7kmsGQt7T1k2twUy7lGnhjo/s1600-h/DSC00932%252520%252528800x590%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00932 (800x590)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o6oGn1F2pz8/VGWgWQpzMuI/AAAAAAAAB-g/usKnUzqdE2M/DSC00932%252520%252528800x590%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00932 (800x590)" width="470" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-po7da19A2Rc/VGWgXThsKJI/AAAAAAAAB-o/Xk_0zuUFCwE/s1600-h/DSC00934%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00934 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QKbWNptWh8Q/VGWgYQTL7BI/AAAAAAAAB-w/4z9JF8077L0/DSC00934%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="357" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00934 (800x600)" width="451" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1pC7GYUTB-M/VGWgZM3s0VI/AAAAAAAAB-4/8Re3rju1Ai4/s1600-h/DSC00935%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00935 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HN17xCLX20o/VGWgaA3WxvI/AAAAAAAAB_A/rakZIm8N6_4/DSC00935%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="348" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00935 (800x600)" width="445" /></span></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mDQFbJPJ1go/VGWgbAOxg7I/AAAAAAAAB_I/NCVjUCpNK0c/s1600-h/DSC00936%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00936 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ucVQTTr77Q/VGWgcIHpWEI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/K3STa5oVO8U/DSC00936%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="507" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00936 (600x800)" width="378" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTpyDwIjri_dei_axPR5CsYexLg6K7uRfXGtZdtWVEzf4XVUDdHNfLh_QYYOejo8FyWxrECOM4RVHV5_ywD_Rl_wpfzLL_jxw4ep9j_qL1pQr21lzAG4JFNEG6Px7bFJEl1mKQ4AZiXg/s1600-h/DSC00941%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00941 (600x800)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vXiK1t1-slWWI1vsyYy-WYxMuO4dH-YYIr2VmoRWDnwCFNyt0qo6q63Bn6sDaWua7nH8pWZfR5NdWxAhe6GPiOvwnxzo2bCWX-OjO3X9iiCrOBdyB6bAzx9R9vkyc_7lZnSE7T0xBn8/?imgmax=800" height="449" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00941 (600x800)" width="335" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V6AslvHWYQU/VGWge4-ZXeI/AAAAAAAAB_o/bPBGI3Ck1i4/s1600-h/DSC00942%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00942 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-62B_ePXrfig/VGWgf8EkXyI/AAAAAAAAB_w/_7WN8S7FyTQ/DSC00942%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="365" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00942 (800x600)" width="467" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One day we took the bus to Batu Ferrenghi on the north coast. This is the tourist beach area and where all the big hotels are. Unfortunately we were there in the morning and nothing was open in the street apart from the one coffee bar. There were plenty of food markets and clothes stalls around but I guess they do not open until late afternoon early evening. Tourists here probably enjoy the hotel pool or beach during the day and only venture out at night when its a little cooler. </span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--6ayBgSebos/VGWgg9y9FjI/AAAAAAAAB_4/skyfAbM1H-8/s1600-h/DSC00817%252520%252528600x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00817 (600x800) (2)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BFDJqUMEkcY/VGWghndf8UI/AAAAAAAACAA/GHYRlwel7Lw/DSC00817%252520%252528600x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="499" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00817 (600x800) (2)" width="367" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEvLQ2s03l_41tyR0wTVCrzEk8i-r7Z2CxaiW7KWpY5bEdXyI8Ccr9bLRYF6EEzeMJkuNjOZt7WL5c71o-9hWhHSd7MYHSrJUNFee_A4IeaP6gKXfuomsYj1bCi5AJap8iCidTxo_xmA/s1600-h/DSC00814%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B23%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00814 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QGRfi_Y13hw/VGWndC-zVTI/AAAAAAAACAY/Ceb5i2KMsrM/DSC00814%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="335" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00814 (800x600)" width="429" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From there we went onto the butterfly farm which was different and quite pretty, if you like butterflies. I think if I were a tourist looking for somewhere to stay I would choose Georgetown for 4 days and Batu Ferringhi for 3 at the most.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u1C_0Vj4t0s/VGWnd5II-LI/AAAAAAAACAg/cyaro1kJHDA/s1600-h/DSC00880%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00880 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EDX6xCi39ew/VGWnekbSTBI/AAAAAAAACAo/04NDT5miMIs/DSC00880%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="229" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00880 (800x600)" width="285" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g25rKMv5Raw/VGWnfSEzN3I/AAAAAAAACAw/wrKfzx9GqdU/s1600-h/DSC00881%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00881 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--18Y-cjOGCc/VGWngFiHPPI/AAAAAAAACA4/jZR2MFvlWHE/DSC00881%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="260" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00881 (600x800)" width="200" /></span></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FyMRQuzy2KY/VGWng_wIDrI/AAAAAAAACBA/1-hdfTOuElk/s1600-h/DSC00884%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00884 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cA5LtoYHOqU/VGWnhsJETiI/AAAAAAAACBI/MCzDsGfiiW4/DSC00884%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="193" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00884 (800x600)" width="245" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TkMu6CffSE8/VGWnidIfYKI/AAAAAAAACBQ/0ZGSHP0EqIU/s1600-h/DSC00888%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00888 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yHJIYcg4Y_8/VGWnjck-OyI/AAAAAAAACBY/rMdVScK19sA/DSC00888%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="187" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00888 (800x600)" width="237" /></span></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qU2zepCR80E/VGWnkcu-WoI/AAAAAAAACBg/Hc0B5zL4I38/s1600-h/DSC00891%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00891 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EfidRIwqAfI/VGWnlTIFOtI/AAAAAAAACBo/N5JNdP7umaQ/DSC00891%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="184" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00891 (800x600)" width="233" /></span></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2jYu8U7D5VY/VGWnmd1liKI/AAAAAAAACBw/8jvG69XDK5Q/s1600-h/DSC00899%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00899 (800x600)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UG1WzB1vTzu_jr-3NgHcyG4eSghhEYPPBOAhb2ulrTaWiCnAOA2VDS_p7zq5aM7GI1jocz51SGXu871NNNfVnCK28k-GH99w-AjiHRNAFJ0EETkDbNfYOxfvdXMXYPpSM_9YYh6vIeI/?imgmax=800" height="190" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00899 (800x600)" width="241" /></span></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yq-aGyOtooQ/VGWnnyPggPI/AAAAAAAACCA/NTVaX7OSWBI/s1600-h/DSC00916%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00916 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ACVuT-3PPLY/VGWnpOkv2ZI/AAAAAAAACCI/nNpbQ1gD-WU/DSC00916%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="348" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00916 (800x600)" width="446" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was Halloween while we were there and we were so surprised when we arrived back at Straits Quay one night to find hundreds of excited, noisy children all in Halloween costumes racing around in groups led by a person with a flag and a whistle. They visited every shop in the complex and the poor shop owners had to give each and everyone a treat. Not only must it cost the shop owners a small fortune in lollies but I can only imagine how sick these poor children are in the car on the way home! We didn’t hang around too long, it was total madness but I did get a couple of pictures.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FiXbcUU3USQ/VGWnp_N2mnI/AAAAAAAACCQ/-kpcU2P39B4/s1600-h/DSC00847%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00847 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yuElRVtpSAU/VGWnq_j0leI/AAAAAAAACCY/7aI9XT1auSM/DSC00847%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="382" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00847 (800x600)" width="489" /></span></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cIxAv7ixNEU/VGWnriakGxI/AAAAAAAACCg/PiWCZO6oC_I/s1600-h/DSC00837%252520Halloween%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00837 Halloween (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g8yNUsE7XoA/VGWnshNMdLI/AAAAAAAACCo/Q219bC2Ae7Q/DSC00837%252520Halloween%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="457" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00837 Halloween (600x800)" width="341" /></span></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9924-6X3fLs/VGWnts-ylrI/AAAAAAAACCw/xRel7-ybvUA/s1600-h/DSC00840%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B23%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00840 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1fpjTCGjPI/VGWnvH-sp-I/AAAAAAAACC4/kPIaL6ieuZ4/DSC00840%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B20%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="452" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00840 (600x800)" width="333" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Penang is a great place to visit. It’s full of life from early morning markets to late night shops and bars. It’s all about food, shopping, history and culture.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4WSY-kcRpG4/VGWnv1wPVsI/AAAAAAAACDA/8t-sWhGEbR4/s1600-h/DSC00925%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00925 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AjGJMT29XD4/VGWnxAteOrI/AAAAAAAACDI/eDlqLZ3vU3I/DSC00925%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="318" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00925 (800x600)" width="407" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a nice sail back to Langkawi, (the new sails are great), stopping off at Bunting Island overnight. Just as we dropped anchor yet another thunderstorm rolled in but we were nice and snug where we were. We are anchored at Kuah and tomorrow we are off to do a lap of Langkawi and visit the anchorages we haven’t yet been too. Weather permitting of course!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wazPhzVbhq8/VGWnyKnQoBI/AAAAAAAACDQ/iw152oVXFc8/s1600-h/DSC00920%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="DSC00920 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lArKj-wKucA/VGWnznsGFqI/AAAAAAAACDY/Rr_WFvAE7xw/DSC00920%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00920 (800x600)" width="472" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-8346264154652776372014-10-24T15:39:00.001+08:002014-10-24T15:46:55.716+08:00Ship Shape & Bristol Fashion….. Again<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">22nd Oct </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Jerry says "Again" should read “Nearly” which means there’s always a job list.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We are back in the water and planning to leave the security and comfort of Rebak tomorrow. We have been working hard through Jerry’s never ending job list and are now at the point where the Captain is satisfied we have completed enough jobs and its time for him to take the Admiral for a sail before there is mutiny onboard! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Of course we are coming to the end of the SW monsoon. It’s hot and humid and every afternoon big black clouds roll in above us and we have a huge downpour reducing visability to almost zero. The good thing is it cools us down and fills the water tanks. But its not the best thing to be caught in when trying to sail somewhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The old girl, (Tigress Too) is looking pretty smart and itching to be released from the marina and get some wind into her new sails. However, the chance of that happening is very doubtful as wind is very rare up here at the moment except for the hour or so before a thunderstorm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We have changed the colour of the antifoul from black to blue as Jerry always found it hard to see what was going on underneath with the black antifoul. I rather like the new blue look. We managed to get hold of some propspeed to put onto the propeller, we find it very good at keeping the prop clean.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KAVVd0rKkjc/VEn7f6PPl4I/AAAAAAAAB1g/KfH7a8NB5bs/s1600-h/DSC00741-800x6006.jpg"><img alt="DSC00741 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b4UomRrF3X8/VEn7hfuEYzI/AAAAAAAAB1o/h6445vqONeo/DSC00741-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="374" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00741 (800x600)" width="474" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We painted the bimini top after a year of looking at it and doing nothing about it. It’s a challenge in the heat and humidity to get any sort of maintenance done, a) you sweat buckets as soon as you move and b) epoxy paint goes off very quickly once mixed. But I must say the bimini looks rather smart now all repaired, sanded and painted white. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Once back in the pen we opened our present to ourselves and put on the new mainsail and genoa. They look amazing and we can’t believe how bad our old ones must have looked. Still they were 25yrs old! The workmanship on the new sails is excellent. All we have to do now is go for a sail and test them. We went to put up the old staysail and as we did the luff tape fell apart. Why ever did we think this sail would not need renewing ? So that is now with the sailmaker and we will pick up the new one when we return at Christmas.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KyOFOEPkrBI/VEn7ibfpzkI/AAAAAAAAB1w/goPGO1DvJ3s/s1600-h/DSC00769-600x8009.jpg"><img alt="DSC00769 (600x800)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBsNX5vLMTMHD7IuuwYn3rWPtKJKzFFp_FYVqSMH4BP6VE8B2n_IywpioEGlTLaRAzTxp2_knw7o31FkvdhBtGgDXH8XsxL25bVMyps3EMxeuW-ek533eupxOIDEy7FEtBzdRjs5l86M/?imgmax=800" height="455" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00769 (600x800)" width="295" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I think I mentioned in the last blog I have a bad knee, the result of too much ladder climbing while home only made worse by another 2 weeks of ladder climbing while on the hardstand. I have been doing yoga and swimming laps on alternate days but the knee was not getting better and the swelling was not going down. So a friend here, Jan, took me off to see the very nice Professor Dr Shamsudeen or Mr Din for short, not to be confused with Mr Din we use for car hire.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I refer to Dr Din as the pin doctor, yes he is an acupuncture doctor as well as many other doctors I am sure and is a lovely gentleman with a good sense of humour. Now as I have a slight aversion to needles and anything that may inflict even the slightest of pain I was a little apprehensive about this visit but I’ll give anything a go to help heel the knee. What my friend Jan didn’t tell me was that not only does Dr Din stick pins in you he then wires you up and plugs you in asking you how much he can turn his dial on the little machine that sends electric pulses racing from pin to pin. I was very brave but when a thunderstorm started up together with lightening I did wonder about being plugged into 240v! But all was well, I have had 2 sessions now and while my knee is not heeled all the swelling and inflammation has gone down and its a lot easier to get around. Both Dr Din and yachtie Dr Sue who also examined my knee assure me there are no tears, ruptures, breakages, just an overstretched ligament that needs resting and some very tight muscles that need stretching and massaging. So rest it is, massages (lovely) and fortunately no more ladders to climb. A session with Dr Din is very affordable at MYR 40.00 which is about $14.00! </span><span style="font-size: small;">When I pluck up the courage I am off to see Dr Chew. Yes you guessed right, the tooth Dr. <img alt="Rolling on the floor laughing" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-rollingonthefloorlaughing" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tmXDFmj_UC8/VEn7kHQexgI/AAAAAAAAB2A/vtZcCFM3VNk/wlEmoticon-rollingonthefloorlaughing%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sjzxGkI2Bt0/VEn7lEvVp6I/AAAAAAAAB2I/7WwkAOIiiuo/s1600-h/DSC00772%252520Acupuncture%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00772 Acupuncture (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XioulkofSKw/VEn7mI5TAbI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/trHBcFQivtE/DSC00772%252520Acupuncture%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="319" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00772 Acupuncture (800x600)" width="453" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">23rd Oct</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We reluctantly returned the airconditioner this morning and left Rebak. It was we thought an extravagance we could afford ourselves whilst we worked on the boat and did a great job of keeping the boat cool inside so at night we slept like babies. In fact sometimes we were a little chilly and pulled a sheet over us!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It has been 153 days since we last sailed. I guess that’s why I was a bit wobbly around the deck on the way out of Rebak. </span><span style="font-size: small;">We are now anchored at Kuah, no wind to blow us here so the sails stayed packed away. Found a spot to drop the pick and within half an hour the heavens opened with a really good monsoon downpour. We are now chasing a leak in the head lining which is making its way down the wiring that feeds down the mast into the boat. This will be a tricky one to fix and will keep Jerry amused for hours no doubt. He is not a happy chappy <img alt="Sad smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-27AAoGwZvFs/VEn7nVSV6iI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/721B2IXHnUI/wlEmoticon-sadsmile2.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While out and about in town the other day we came across a cake decorating competition. Wow! what bright colours! Not sure I would like to eat any of these, Jerry was convinced they used plasticine to make the decorations. I think the theme was the ocean & weddings. here are a few snap shots that I thought I should share.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2TV4_30708U/VEn7p8GF-bI/AAAAAAAAB2g/lWnIFVQfjks/s1600-h/DSC00755-800x6006.jpg"><img alt="DSC00755 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iXi8awBnFE8/VEn7q0e1aFI/AAAAAAAAB2o/tMEpsC09jsY/DSC00755-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="345" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00755 (800x600)" width="459" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F7T0brQtUck/VEn7r5UytMI/AAAAAAAAB2w/4W1lOSPK87c/s1600-h/DSC00757-800x6005.jpg"><img alt="DSC00757 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5lPIsRdRgzE/VEoCFcQh_qI/AAAAAAAAB3A/gMZA1ivEg6k/DSC00757-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="358" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00757 (800x600)" width="458" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oi8ui_ODiCM/VEoCGinaA3I/AAAAAAAAB3I/EQDtqtBbW4k/s1600-h/DSC00760-600x8006.jpg"><img alt="DSC00760 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KfUS9ANz4ok/VEoCH4sr-pI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/05zZHUB8Q0I/DSC00760-600x800_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" height="311" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00760 (600x800)" width="230" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ts6AT0ktKaw/VEoCJNklaAI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/EDQbKJsNewM/s1600-h/DSC00761-600x8005.jpg"><img alt="DSC00761 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBkm_9C9DJ8/VEoCLIGQw-I/AAAAAAAAB3g/3DPICChIpi0/DSC00761-600x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="313" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00761 (600x800)" width="235" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When/if it stops raining we will dinghy ashore to but some internet then I can post this blog. Internet is always a challenge and has been very frustrating with its near non existence while we were at Rebak.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Next stop Penang, weather permitting, over the weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XKSmZOCr2yQ/VEoCL03eE1I/AAAAAAAAB3o/EPkEQbYzt7c/s1600-h/DSC00775%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00775 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x_MvO1D0O-E/VEoCNNsjnUI/AAAAAAAAB3w/AfuQ8K4Qv-s/DSC00775%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="381" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00775 (800x600)" width="488" /></a> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0Langkawi, 07000, Kedah, Malaysia6.35 99.799999999999955-19.172034500000002 58.491405999999955 31.872034499999998 141.10859399999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-50399383691366918102014-10-01T08:23:00.001+08:002014-10-01T08:34:12.724+08:00We’re back onboard<p> </p> <p><font size="2">Who would have guessed that a planned 3 month trip home would stretch to 4.5 months? That’s how long we were away for and the time just flew past. We were kept very busy and in fact we were both very tired & bodily weary by the time we left.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Firstly we had a house to tidy up in preparation to rent it out. A paint job on the outside, renovations to the kitchen and new cooker installed, garden weeded, uneven pavers re-laid, garage divided, and so the list goes on. Fortunately friends were around to give us a hand when needed. Then there was the more pleasant things, wedding dress shopping, catch up coffees, lunches, dinners, dog walks, yoga classes. We enjoyed some lovely evenings catching up over dinner with our friends. We especially enjoyed the cooler change of weather and for once we found winter in Perth quite pleasant. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UbJrNM_VkPY/VCs7o7TACrI/AAAAAAAABu0/9GqIZ_ncrZg/s1600-h/DSC00618-800x60024.jpg"><img title="DSC00618 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00618 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TTe67TR_7bs/VCs7qDXKcFI/AAAAAAAABu8/i8TZ1cbQgfY/DSC00618-800x600_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="348"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z6VnODpEWMc/VCs7sR4mwII/AAAAAAAABvE/lrpKBab5f1w/s1600-h/DSC00623-800x6006.jpg"><img title="DSC00623 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00623 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BBEhkuYX4CM/VCs7txPvSiI/AAAAAAAABvM/W6c-aH__qck/DSC00623-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UAjXGWbSs7w/VCs7wWd_-pI/AAAAAAAABvU/wq55YS_UWnc/s1600-h/DSC00673-800x60015.jpg"><img title="DSC00673 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00673 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vmt3oNc9vUI/VCs7yqKaADI/AAAAAAAABvc/-ysYMwHT6_o/DSC00673-800x600_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="347"></a></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A96oF1JyYjk/VCs72ICJOdI/AAAAAAAABvk/uxO7jRhNX8c/s1600-h/DSC00675-800x60015.jpg"><img title="DSC00675 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00675 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YaAQANmRjTc/VCs73EB6txI/AAAAAAAABvs/u18yQSQvFro/DSC00675-800x600_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="341"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Twf-bz5_Kt8/VCs75FyymLI/AAAAAAAABv0/1RmeuuBZlUw/s1600-h/14FerrisWay_1915.jpg"><img title="14FerrisWay_19[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="14FerrisWay_19[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SbJKrV2mzjM/VCs76BI2ffI/AAAAAAAABv8/Yb7Vt-4VWLM/14FerrisWay_191_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="314"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tEX9GaQRJ0E/VCs78MChrjI/AAAAAAAABwE/HVbGXJ5aCbk/s1600-h/14FerrisWay_3115.jpg"><img title="14FerrisWay_31[1]" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="14FerrisWay_31[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xqi38jmQWIg/VCtCQRGhUXI/AAAAAAAABwc/Tkh89F8ozlc/14FerrisWay_311_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="314"></a>Ben & Kate had just moved into their house and had a job list waiting for Jerry. Together Jerry & Ben built a front fence from materials salvaged by our friend Clive. This now keeps the 3 dogs in and means the front garden can be used to grow vegetables which Kate & Ben will be planting soon. Kate has got her “Sproutly” business set up down the side of the house. Growing sunflowers sprouts and the like and selling to restaurants. They have just installed solar panels and the list has begun for jobs when we return in February! </font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0EVIKnitujQ/VCtCRm1ErcI/AAAAAAAABwk/sbZZ7F8sjMo/s1600-h/DSC00600-800x60017.jpg"><img title="DSC00600 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00600 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1LzPXI0gZtQ/VCtCS5hHl0I/AAAAAAAABws/bbhAqM_8mn4/DSC00600-800x600_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="366"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VXPOQHpLdfs/VCtCUq2ZOVI/AAAAAAAABw0/YemwyEn7Gqw/s1600-h/DSC00607-800x6009.jpg"><img title="DSC00607 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00607 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MzwAGpitTH8/VCtCVkJQNbI/AAAAAAAABw8/qP-mJeD5oSI/DSC00607-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="372"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cQhr4c9eh9I/VCtCWo2affI/AAAAAAAABxE/fEkNT7AS_D8/s1600-h/DSC00597-800x60012.jpg"><img title="DSC00597 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00597 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FxhvSaVJlSc/VCtCXlWbQ4I/AAAAAAAABxM/XDjbVUifYnc/DSC00597-800x600_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="375"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GdUb4PrGJdE/VCtI9p5-eWI/AAAAAAAABxk/0O5Uthp1SCo/s1600-h/DSC00609-800x60034.jpg"><img title="DSC00609 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00609 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ReZZ-GXEm6I/VCtI_C7sdpI/AAAAAAAABxs/CZsWpUY0yOw/DSC00609-800x600_thumb28.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u9OV-5g5KAM/VCtJAh2RsGI/AAAAAAAABx0/0c81tlZokOk/s1600-h/DSC00612-800x60025.jpg"><img title="DSC00612 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00612 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lSivlLhZWLw/VCtJCSkWjeI/AAAAAAAABx8/ZJFGAwgz2sQ/DSC00612-800x600_thumb19.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M2f3zBK_tUw/VCtJDkB21PI/AAAAAAAAByE/sK5P8aVxQUM/s1600-h/DSC00627-800x60011.jpg"><img title="DSC00627 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00627 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1DqNG6yqtA/VCtJE0U5roI/AAAAAAAAByM/AHfSP9czk2M/DSC00627-800x600_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="380"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WmrugorB0iQ/VCtJGdBawLI/AAAAAAAAByU/ws8dayogu_0/s1600-h/DSC00629-800x60013.jpg"><img title="DSC00629 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00629 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DjfbxasVCHM/VCtJHl26RNI/AAAAAAAAByc/e6X0hUOIRyc/DSC00629-800x600_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="378"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V0vDaEoApUc/VCtJJR3BomI/AAAAAAAAByk/SQ3-EOZR7uY/s1600-h/DSC00601-800x60026.jpg"><img title="DSC00601 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00601 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9cuWer-gjDk/VCtJK2P7LVI/AAAAAAAABys/hE0CsNiuNDw/DSC00601-800x600_thumb23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="377"></a></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1IpxHEFqWk4/VCtJMOatN7I/AAAAAAAABy0/F9mV0lHXAFk/s1600-h/DSC00691-800x60016.jpg"><img title="DSC00691 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00691 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rj6txnnlspU/VCtJNYUuPcI/AAAAAAAABy8/-9YzBrbtMTk/DSC00691-800x600_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="374"></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">As most of you know Jerry loves a project and when we were last home he had promised Chris and Michelle he would build them some wine racks for their new house, a bigger job than Jerry first thought. But the wait was well worthwhile. All Chris has to do now is to fill the racks with 998 bottles! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IZkzL-fU7EA/VCtJO-MtZjI/AAAAAAAABzE/wdWe2vrh3xM/s1600-h/DSC00676-600x80016.jpg"><img title="DSC00676 (600x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00676 (600x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i5ELnOjbFPhmZLcSmkBKO_CH0fY7AVsFfB66F9JyoOvJG9KNRSzvpKzzJ5ANaQWFphaicazcl9Sqrs_7donvPyv4-vJc_tM-q298GD6CPgUfM7NyY7GG0yaSZ56beZt4KMKGA8h5aEc/?imgmax=800" width="297" height="397"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TqVfFgeJLH0/VCtJRuMNO8I/AAAAAAAABzU/9zFvpwo-GKg/s1600-h/DSC00683-800x60019.jpg"><img title="DSC00683 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00683 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yR-U7riNkxI/VCtJSk-jSMI/AAAAAAAABzc/oLbeidUciqk/DSC00683-800x600_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="348"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uLt83OIveRQ/VCtJUCE8PoI/AAAAAAAABzk/KqLSMA4Vuj8/s1600-h/DSC00693-800x60028.jpg"><img title="DSC00693 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00693 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vA-m1iytf9tr7UrEffjekt9__8yI5Z_fzyQaxjQzQLaJAClXGfaRVrZIfIYdbUS5JSxHDyUGWd80MzKALOAvRzv7VzTN3HTtbuUVfuxpTBTl-N6PaGOMXEz04act_i0itFPzaUdm_5E/?imgmax=800" width="445" height="348"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Meanwhile back in Langkawi TToo sat patiently waiting for our return at Rebak Marina. I had dreams of returning to find the inside of the boat covered in mould, birds nesting in the sail cover, maybe a rat set up home or wild monkeys taking things from the deck. All these stories of boats left for long periods of time haunted me in my sleep at night. But whatever we did to prepare the boat for leaving worked well as when we returned she was just as we left her. Well the outside canvas had a bit of mould on it and the decks were a nice colour of green where the rain had gathered but nothing that didn’t disappear after a good scrub down. Inside was perfect, maybe it was the weak solution of vinegar we used to wash everything with or maybe the moth balls we left around the boat helped, or the fan we left running (not running when we got back). Whatever it was it worked and all we did was air her out for a day and she was back to normal.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dju1y16KIiM/VCtJWpBsL0I/AAAAAAAABz0/hL3mOfI9mK4/s1600-h/DSC00698-800x6001.jpg"><img title="DSC00698 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00698 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LpYlHY9a_Ys/VCtJXwLnreI/AAAAAAAABz8/GMiG0TDfmI8/DSC00698-800x600_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="365"></a></p> <p><font size="2">We are now busy painting the bottom of the boat with antifoul and hope to return to the water next week. Living onboard while on the hardstand is not pleasant at the best of times and up here where it is very hot and humid it is definitely not pleasant. You can only work for a couple of hours in the morning then a couple of hours at the end of the day as the outside of the boat gets too hot to apply any paint and the inside heats up like a furnace. We have softened and hired an airconditioner. It sits above our front cabin blowing cool air through the boat. It makes sleeping at night so much easier and I am not sure what we will do when we leave the marina and have to give it back! Hopefully by then we will be a little more acclimatised and also it may not be so humid. Rebak has to be one of the best marinas by far to slip your boat as when it all gets too much we just go to the pool for a cool off and recharge the batteries and if I don’t feel like cooking at the end of a days work we just go up to the Hard Dock Cafe which is for the yachties only and enjoy a nice meal and a cold beer at very reasonable prices.</font></p> <p><font size="2">I am joining a few ladies every morning for an hour of yoga which is very pleasant. I seem to have injured my knee while home and my lower back is not too good, so I am hoping the yoga everyday will help with the healing. It’s also a very pleasant way to start the day.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Once we are in the water we shall take delivery of our brand new mainsail and genoa that have been made for us by Taskers in Thailand while we were in Perth. That is something to look forward to as the old ones are now 25yrs old and well past their use by date. Once they are up and we are happy with them then our sailing will begin again.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Yesterday was my birthday and so we had a day off work. A trip into town for some shopping followed by a relaxing massage for the 2 of us to ease away the aches and pains,then it was back to Rebak in time for a cocktail at the pool bar with Chrissie & Phil. A quick shower and back to the beach bar for happy hour with a few cruising buddies and then dinner at the hard dock cafe. I had a wonderful day and was made to feel very special with several renditions of Happy Birthday, cards and presents from friends, some of who we have only met in the last couple of weeks and messages from friends at home. Phil made me a Jimmy Buffet birthday cake (laced with rum, of course) and it was the perfect way to end a perfect day.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wKwDLWKjeMbVGk3VkAzdol4LKXZieKeLndu38qH-lSKvUUGdpvr97-oa1ZIff8DdSHBuxsXS6HIB35UQzIxNbrDA_X6aEq0cVy8qWBn42qQ0k-CfSQWsGGe_91PZszM4vqHJKIyBGt8/s1600-h/DSC00706-800x6005.jpg"><img title="DSC00706 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00706 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--89ktz2jSY8/VCtJbMoyAFI/AAAAAAAAB0M/ItsACe6Rj4g/DSC00706-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="342"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oQwPk-j4lhU/VCtJcbPzfxI/AAAAAAAAB0U/mW0FBwbnt6Y/s1600-h/DSC00714-800x4875.jpg"><img title="DSC00714 (800x487)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00714 (800x487)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7CAtAGha4tY/VCtJdoxmOAI/AAAAAAAAB0c/D-05dpO0s38/DSC00714-800x487_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="280"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wM2wJgk9IOE/VCtJfWV34AI/AAAAAAAAB0k/z6GG5t2FmlY/s1600-h/DSC00719-800x5145.jpg"><img title="DSC00719 (800x514)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00719 (800x514)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tUbG56tzoYk/VCtJg_0FGAI/AAAAAAAAB0s/ehqErV7_aHw/DSC00719-800x514_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="292"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GADGfxy00CY/VCtJidcukQI/AAAAAAAAB00/8wEs6HbaBYM/s1600-h/DSC00712-800x6495.jpg"><img title="DSC00712 (800x649)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00712 (800x649)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H5aBm-1O3Xc/VCtJj-jXZ7I/AAAAAAAAB08/w8EsL2jJrP0/DSC00712-800x649_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="243"></a></p> <p><font size="2">I maybe another year older but this cruising life makes me feel younger every day!</font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-13880855733183393702014-06-21T08:53:00.001+08:002014-06-21T08:53:48.572+08:00Home Again, Home Again<p><font size="2"></font> </p> <p><font size="2"></font> </p> <p><font size="2">Wow! I knew it was a while since I posted a blog , but I must say I am quite chuffed by the amount of people who have asked when are you going to update the blog! It’s been 2 months, that’s far too long, but we haven’t really been doing much sailing over the last couple of months for various reasons. A lot has happened over this time, not all sailing related though, but due to popular demand (LOL!) I will update you on what’s been happening. It’s also just over a year since we left on our journey, how time flies!</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uBye1W1EGA25Vd_XAVvM8z_vYneLS6H3G7qcsh6X9gHDXNnUK33TLsCH46GAJaI-OmrmgcJTLtEv0-OUJBryEjGXTT987fHjjwTZ6XHpDulCFbQOMt3ZSM1etJUiATDurRC0joOkDEo/s1600-h/DSC00512-800x60015.jpg"><img title="DSC00512 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00512 (800x600)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yyMTTrTc4Xw/U6P0LKEAZ3I/AAAAAAAABh0/n9Te_HYHbf0/DSC00512-800x600_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="362"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E4zDPmnfTWU/U6P0MffT4TI/AAAAAAAABh8/vYTDGjLVg58/s1600-h/DSC00517-590x80022.jpg"><img title="DSC00517 (590x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00517 (590x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-b-ltQUFy95CgT8pArGqwuJV8Q5mFeFycqdZpfC6-T6QnMACMWKb5Svxm58UbgM7tMnkWjbqnZUvj2GhT4-Jy6-kKzEyE7kbNESrVLbnszS8QPvMPmX6vFNNnXUpQOC69XZIu-F39lGU/?imgmax=800" width="299" height="412"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rMfjLgtO0B4/U6P0PDEG_wI/AAAAAAAABiM/IsUeTWHwqf8/s1600-h/DSC00519-800x58914.jpg"><img title="DSC00519 (800x589)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00519 (800x589)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawTxIape4zN0h1eyC5xTcmOzWpz6bqsugl7AwaVtRqGUAjwOqQ1Q5083Zbu7cdScmT_C3RaRI94Xl8jyudut6Vf7_WG8Fa6z_WXwqRcuVIfwGAcbNpX-k-w8umkPOxVwGrEgvEA29Kx4/?imgmax=800" width="479" height="368"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Having arrived in Thailand towards the end of April we made plans to leave Yacht Haven Marina to explore Phang Na Bay & then make our way to Krabi to enjoy some time with my girlfriend Carey who was holidaying from UK. Unfortunately though I had to make an urgent trip home to Brisbane as my dear father age 96 was in hospital with pneumonia & other complications. I got home in time to spend a wonderful day with him at the hospital and sadly he passed away 2 days after I arrived. He was a wonderful man, a loving and dear father & will be sadly missed.</font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8ikLeaqcT-Y/U6P1jBDpAdI/AAAAAAAABio/Lg9_-D7h-6o/s1600-h/DSC00497-800x61113.jpg"><img title="DSC00497 (800x611)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00497 (800x611)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WuXk0bI9Dxc/U6P1kaFlchI/AAAAAAAABiw/X4zJQr1cmRg/DSC00497-800x611_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="387"></a></p> <p><font size="2">On returning to TTOO we made our way to Krabi to meet up with Carey & Richard. We decided to berth the boat at Krabi Boat Lagoon & check ourselves into a condominium next to where C&R were staying. Krabi Boat Lagoon is very isolated, even getting there is quite a trek as you motor from one way point to the next, 6 in total. By the time you get to waypoint 4 you are starting to head up river amongst mangroves. At waypoint 6 you now have mangroves on both sides of the boat closing in on you and no marina in sight. You are asked to call the marina at waypoint 6 and they will assist you to your berth. After calling up on the VHF we were asked if there was a green post to our starboard side ? Yes there was and we were then told to turn to starboard here and come into the marina. Well the gap in the mangroves was about 15ft wide and had Jerry questioning my relayed instructions from the marina, but we made our way in a little apprehensively, watching the depth sounder very closely as it dropped quite rapidly. Just after entering and making a turn to starboard there was Krabi Boat Lagoon. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qixMHNQgldc/U6P1lnAv4jI/AAAAAAAABi4/kZvDnwsaPxY/s1600-h/DSC00510-800x57717.jpg"><img title="DSC00510 (800x577)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00510 (800x577)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WX7ijc5YipI/U6P1nvj_XyI/AAAAAAAABjA/8162sDlyRiI/DSC00510-800x577_thumb14.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="380"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Needless to say it is a very well protected marina but because of this it is also airless and very hot & humid. Also it is literally in the middle of nowhere, a good 40 mins by taxi into Krabi town. BUT , it is also very cheap and has a good hardstand area where many yachts had been left while the owners return home to escape the monsoon season.</font></p> <p><font size="2">We made our way to our condominium booked through Airbnb website – I highly recommend this for good reasonably priced accommodation. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XpFdfiUJ9eM/U6P1ovk3BXI/AAAAAAAABjI/fdFxgqY3JUQ/s1600-h/DSC00545-800x60019.jpg"><img title="DSC00545 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00545 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-StYI0-vi0DU/U6P1p2ASP4I/AAAAAAAABjQ/l5j8IakNnng/DSC00545-800x600_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="355"></a></p> <p><font size="2">It was directly opposite the hotel where C&R had booked into and we spent the following 5 days in their company. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UYa4RmxNns4/U6P1qzjPMXI/AAAAAAAABjY/YO84npBF_EQ/s1600-h/DSC00533-800x60018.jpg"><img title="DSC00533 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00533 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A3mGxT0pWpY/U6P1sWkmEPI/AAAAAAAABjg/RO6DTa6UG4Q/DSC00533-800x600_thumb15.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="353"></a>We spent our time lounging by the pool, talking our heads off, a few cocktails here & there, a massage or two and generally just having a nice time. For me it was just what the doctor ordered and helped me through what was a very sad time. Carey is my oldest & dearest friend and I have been waiting many years for her to visit me. Having survived and quite enjoyed her long (?!) flight from UK hopefully she will return for another visit soon.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JYta1Tr1kBc/U6P1tzn5mrI/AAAAAAAABjo/OmD1VA9JVgM/s1600-h/DSC00537-800x5905.jpg"><img title="DSC00537 (800x590)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00537 (800x590)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kq4qWANuf9c/U6P1vcGv31I/AAAAAAAABjw/A6Pa7hNh5bk/DSC00537-800x590_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="330"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w_kg-vv0yZE/U6P1wdkCIiI/AAAAAAAABj4/eXAHC6nc6nc/s1600-h/DSC00538-800x6005.jpg"><img title="DSC00538 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00538 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eyaggn_rM9I/U6P1xg3cEOI/AAAAAAAABkA/1uoysJ7dYLM/DSC00538-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="429" height="335"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dm_YqAjnCzw/U6P1zGmg-GI/AAAAAAAABkI/zHLgidrZmUI/s1600-h/DSC00550-584x8005.jpg"><img title="DSC00550 (584x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00550 (584x800)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M6VP-Urs8AI/U6P104hO1FI/AAAAAAAABkQ/aUGV2nJJtS4/DSC00550-584x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="432"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VqN62P3Zav8/U6P12N-AmRI/AAAAAAAABkY/dOORfQMUPPU/s1600-h/DSC00556-800x5695.jpg"><img title="DSC00556 (800x569)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00556 (800x569)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Em4yNhWyf7c/U6P13bC7yXI/AAAAAAAABkg/LtFwBcg5LXA/DSC00556-800x569_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="302"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f3qCMCWfppY/U6P14rXxQQI/AAAAAAAABko/Xxw__mWTmkU/s1600-h/DSC00557-800x6006.jpg"><img title="DSC00557 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00557 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUr3wZpSveQiSoyL3B5pmgoxC42r904epL2hg-xtud3_N7Q-7_yOHq1UA3ZDKJhfwsCpZQU5sHe33xQgXHJOEV40VApP9ko3tvyUIpqYTQkFFSDkZP6II1s7pQUPtblkmD825e3LEAy4/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="321"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0FGfkjHFdq4/U6P17U9EvMI/AAAAAAAABk4/EXCtoVwniDk/s1600-h/DSC00559-800x6006.jpg"><img title="DSC00559 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00559 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0ubVeBlIfGl_RYbb2Rlvim2o_8fb_3xeQN9gp7oryIHGOgqg4VAyBPNhRRckHzP54LPRh7I5Wj_iUazq7pzQXSB3prU1SGE5jrriIr1QdqqO55n3qV2_-G6XGB_R0gXfX-DeKz-5tjA/?imgmax=800" width="398" height="311"></a></p> <p><font size="2">With a sad farewell we returned to TToo and headed back to Langkawi . I have to admit it was a bit like going home! I feel very comfortable in Langkawi and we have spent quite a bit of time there. It’s a great island to visit and so many yachties make this their base so there’s always good company & things going on. We headed over to Rebak Marina & lifted the boat out of the water to leave her while we returned home ….AGAIN! This would be my 4th trip home in a year, Jerry’s 3rd ! Not what we had planned at all but things happen & so you just have to go with the flow as they say.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-np8Y6p25jDc/U6P1-AUM4tI/AAAAAAAABlI/-elFEFHqpzM/s1600-h/DSC00561-800x57615.jpg"><img title="DSC00561 (800x576)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00561 (800x576)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yA0qTtGg5uo/U6P1_RBUO_I/AAAAAAAABlQ/57iF0U02GaA/DSC00561-800x576_thumb12.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="333"></a></p> <p><font size="2">We were quite impressed with the professionalism of the staff who were operating the lifter. They took great care to see that everything went smoothly and that the straps were positioned correctly before lifting. They even sent a diver into the water to check the positioning of the straps under the keel!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cQ2mfN8o4ps/U6P2AthNPFI/AAAAAAAABlY/GQsNfEqiJIo/s1600-h/DSC00562-800x60010.jpg"><img title="DSC00562 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00562 (800x600)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxQzp1AcqQnnPS1MM-bVbl0f6PcI_XlDF5QiXKHs6NfDbCuXrNETbS5VO8ED9PiSoQzmYNlSZzdW0e19nH5U4YATZrYALtbVHILXjsKhamM29MRzSMRvTi7gKF3CKi7mklttsc6tNvlM/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="350"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MWrjpCPHf74/U6P2EcKp0JI/AAAAAAAABlo/K_ByrqMNgyU/s1600-h/DSC00565-800x5995.jpg"><img title="DSC00565 (800x599)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00565 (800x599)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NJyhyjBH0D4/U6P2FoXkeoI/AAAAAAAABls/bFs7ns33rlE/DSC00565-800x599_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="326"></a></p> <p><font size="2">But then we looked over the side and our diver appeared to be taking a rest! The Malays certainly take every opportunity possible to have a “doze off”</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hF-2spdKt-w/U6P2GvsffUI/AAAAAAAABl4/yyc9MpqRIL8/s1600-h/DSC00563-589x8005.jpg"><img title="DSC00563 (589x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00563 (589x800)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CJeL01Bw61I/U6P2Ie7MQiI/AAAAAAAABmA/S5dLSU7Ap5E/DSC00563-589x800_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="456"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8MQ4lWg6Ah4/U6P2J3UEoMI/AAAAAAAABmI/uMlnLr68X1E/s1600-h/DSC00567-800x5996.jpg"><img title="DSC00567 (800x599)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00567 (800x599)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hOLOQWJaB3I/U6P2L4MCEgI/AAAAAAAABmQ/pRcESb5QCwk/DSC00567-800x599_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="323"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j2SqklALacQ/U6P2M9CMD7I/AAAAAAAABmY/2CXCBTYdR4s/s1600-h/DSC00569-800x6006.jpg"><img title="DSC00569 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00569 (800x600)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-08XbpMxbn6g/U6P2ObO9LII/AAAAAAAABmg/9rDNXij0HxA/DSC00569-800x600_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="332"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Much to our surprise the weed & barnacles that were covering the bottom of the boat when we left Yacht Have had all disappeared. We can only put that down to the week in Krabi Boat Lagoon which is a good percentage fresh water. It had killed off anything growing on the bottom and it had all dropped off. It saved us a lot of scraping.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bZbFto-WTKs/U6P2Pns-UnI/AAAAAAAABmo/YwEhWa8V4T0/s1600-h/DSC00571-800x5885.jpg"><img title="DSC00571 (800x588)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00571 (800x588)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UIAuSjszmFo/U6P2RbG-xxI/AAAAAAAABmw/LO5SAgfPtqA/DSC00571-800x588_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="324"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x4NzMwcjqf4/U6P2StaishI/AAAAAAAABm4/8GQTkSUBoxA/s1600-h/DSC00583-800x6005.jpg"><img title="DSC00583 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00583 (800x600)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RRrmsTwW3Jk/U6P2Ty76-mI/AAAAAAAABnA/y0dzdXBacwY/DSC00583-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="321"></a></p> <p><font size="2">After a week on the hardstand we were more than ready to leave. The monsoon season was setting in & it was unbearably hot & humid. It was 32 deg during the day , 28 deg at night & 82% humidity and with no aircon on the boat things were getting a little tetchy onboard to say the least<img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-angrysmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Angry smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cXREW5E-Cmg/U6P2U38aQJI/AAAAAAAABnI/677gV8tA6KM/wlEmoticon-angrysmile2.png?imgmax=800">We were packing the boat up for 3 months so had lots to do as well as trying to get a little bit of work done on her bottom before we left. We took the sails down to store them only to find that the headsail was starting to rot quite badly, they are 20yrs old. So a decision was made to buy new sails & have them made while we are away by Taskers in Thailand. Thank goodness for the pool at Rebak, even if it was warm, a great place to escape to after working on the boat. The pina coladas and beers were still cool and the Hard Dock cafe meant we didn’t have to cook onboard at night. Sleeping was a challenge..too hot for both of us in the forpeak. We had 3 x 240volt fans & 3 x 12volt fans running to try & circulate some air so we could sleep. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m9S2lnxgLh0/U6P2WLVmldI/AAAAAAAABnQ/bIkfzX8eZsQ/s1600-h/DSC00589-800x5976.jpg"><img title="DSC00589 (800x597)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00589 (800x597)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NPsX2NV_t00/U6P2Xs8wvyI/AAAAAAAABnY/TURH5dcN5Bc/DSC00589-800x597_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="335"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Arriving back in Perth we thought we would freeze but the weather has been quite mild and we are enjoying a cooler change and also sleeping under a duvet. We are definitely noticing the difference in cost of living, WOW! Perth is expensive. Not something we noticed or cared about when working here but now we are not working its quite frightening!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yVG0wS92KN0/U6P2YuVN0UI/AAAAAAAABng/Ib7e2vtCY0A/s1600-h/DSC00595-800x5996.jpg"><img title="DSC00595 (800x599)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00595 (800x599)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_bw9AsAvGv5fcX1KyGjxTHQS0J2krzbo5fG-x4Ykw94ZkZyvKXY71cxX_5IlVglG8H_nXm2m4yWPx3bTbyWkNZ_gwomChmyM6OYoP6fxEIJdW_SleFWW4LA7jG0utzTptDr2NP89KDQ/?imgmax=800" width="421" height="334"></a></p> <p><font size="2">We are back in Fremantle just in time to celebrate my nephews 40th birthday. No doubt over the next 3 –4 months there will be a lot more social engagements. Ben & Kate have bought there own house & moved out of ours which means we have to do a few renovations and rent it out again. We thought we would escape the monsoon, spend sometime at home & also help B&K with a few jobs at their place and just enjoy being around family & friends for a while. </font></p> <p><font size="2">So I guess until we return to TTOO this will be may last post for a while, unless I have something interesting to write about or some photos to post. Maybe I can keep you updated on the renos! </font></p> <p><font size="2">We have had some great feedback from readers of our blog since being home. Its really great to know that people are following our travels and enjoy reading the blog. So stay tuned as we will return with more sailing adventures!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rwKksw28Nto/U6TXji34L-I/AAAAAAAABn4/l3evj-MLWWM/s1600-h/DSC00590-800x6005.jpg"><img title="DSC00590 (800x600)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00590 (800x600)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ohaTC5zd0d0/U6TXlBeKEUI/AAAAAAAABoA/lYmXrSmejII/DSC00590-800x600_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="348"></a></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-68668790778082471612014-04-06T10:56:00.000+08:002014-04-06T11:04:59.448+08:00Take a walk down the jetty at Yacht Haven Marina<p> </p> <p><font size="3">This blog is all about eye candy, dreaming, if only & what ifs.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We are anchored just outside of Yacht Haven Marina on the north coast of Phuket, far away from anywhere, in fact its in the middle of nowhere. So what draws people here or should I say people with boats as that’s all there is. We called in as a stopover on the way to exploring the islands in Phang Na Bay, you have all heard of James Bond Island where the movie Man with the Golden Gun was made, that’s where we are heading. We thought we would tie up for a few days, wash the boat down, laundry & a bit of shopping etc before we set off . It’s a nice marina, good showers, swimming pool (small), chandlery, yacht broker, couple of good local restaurants and that’s it! But at $30 a day it is a bit beyond our budget and so we are anchored outside and have paid $15 for the week to have use of the marinas facilities and be able to tie up when we get ashore. As you can see we are quite comfy here, out in the breeze which is much needed at the moment as its extremely hot & humid.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mbXUdQvkemk/U0C9RWG6KPI/AAAAAAAABXE/40iFW-ey1l4/s1600-h/DSC00392-800x5895.jpg"><img title="DSC00392 (800x589)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00392 (800x589)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J2modsJMVTQ/U0C9TVauiQI/AAAAAAAABXM/yg_oWTV6gPk/DSC00392-800x589_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="388"></a></p> <p><font size="3">So, why is the marina so popular. We took a walk around the jetties…over 3 days…it was exhausting in the heat!!</font></p> <p><font size="3">It’s quite obvious that this is “super yacht haven” and we were just in awe at the sight of them all. Most were being worked on as labour is cheap here and from what we saw the quality of the workmanship is excellent. A few of the boats are up for sale and some are based here. But all have a full compliment of crew onboard ready to take the boat anywhere the owner desires at a moments notice. The crew are very proud of their particular boat and wear their uniforms with pride it seems. Busy everyday washing and polishing the topsides and superstructure to mirror reflection perfection.</font></p> <p><font size="3">So we thought we would share some photos with you as I know most of you who read the blog do not mind a picture or two of boats.</font></p> <p><font size="3">ENJOY! But make sure you look at the last photo, it is by far the best and quite unique!</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IU8QCTs_XaQ/U0C9VKMG0DI/AAAAAAAABXU/8PDOiGtjYdE/s1600-h/DSC00378%252520%252528800x601%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00378 (800x601)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00378 (800x601)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Apyhavm4Qes/U0C9XUy4aTI/AAAAAAAABXc/PgyW7NbV0qE/DSC00378%252520%252528800x601%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="355"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kK2-yjmIeho/U0C9aNfqSOI/AAAAAAAABXk/iRrLk6XGN1s/s1600-h/DSC00379%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00379 (800x600)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; 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border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00447 (800x602)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilt5XFOb7FBT4CF5MxhPuSzalGpOy4XAEuGZPv9o0N46pMSRzaoF0EBQ44xCmqD5bpk1AN-1HxcZX0iZZDl1sC9k5oBDIauqf9erBToxzhQXtyMWdLjdhMetsCphOKKLxsBdIyUzgkx44/?imgmax=800" width="466" height="366"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8XbuULg9cQQ/U0DEAuhWphI/AAAAAAAABgY/wuJirv0P6-w/s1600-h/DSC00449%252520%252528599x800%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00449 (599x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00449 (599x800)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WyRwXtc5TeE/U0DEDCnU3GI/AAAAAAAABgg/ooTw038xOcU/DSC00449%252520%252528599x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="465"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3ei523MEBUQ/U0DEID6i9mI/AAAAAAAABgo/WpkVKhv-YJM/s1600-h/DSC00452%252520%252528800x601%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00452 (800x601)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00452 (800x601)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ROf3IqqGHAA/U0DEKypnmFI/AAAAAAAABgw/IoStv9VPyJI/DSC00452%252520%252528800x601%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="348"></a></p> <p><font size="3">But after all that dreaming when it comes down to it who needs money to enjoy themselves? This last picture proves it.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DXt8toQDJsI/U0DEOtfGrWI/AAAAAAAABg4/AoWptX4M3Vs/s1600-h/DSC00460%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00460" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00460" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-81RVFBKa8KA/U0DEUBrV7MI/AAAAAAAABhA/6D-7VgD7Yt0/DSC00460_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="348"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Made out of polystyrene blocks tied together, a few branches & twigs, some old cloth & a bit of rope. The guy on board was as happy as Larry as he sailed past us not a care in the world, just out enjoying himself while he can.</font></p> <p><font size="5"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-13403943519960155822014-03-29T16:59:00.001+08:002014-03-29T16:59:53.540+08:00On our Way North to Thailand<p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">We returned to Langkawi after Jerry’s op & checked the boat into Rebak Marina for 2 weeks of rest & recuperation or in this case Rebak Rehab! It seemed the right place to be as we (Jerry) could just lounge around the pool & do as the doctor ordered. It paid off because he is now fully recuperated and fighting fit again.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gGg2yYTgM7A/UzaDxdnZP1I/AAAAAAAABSA/Ok_Za2BQLsM/s1600-h/DSC00255%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00255" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00255" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a06_-XIldxU/UzaDzF6rqII/AAAAAAAABSI/SuH_MHPRctY/DSC00255_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="368" height="493"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ITYBWcem79I/UzaD3Wxr_nI/AAAAAAAABSQ/wAxZhkqi4GI/s1600-h/DSC00260%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00260" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00260" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qseJ3ECFSzw/UzaD5gQI5TI/AAAAAAAABSY/nE1OmC4pdfo/DSC00260_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="380"></a></p> <p><font size="3">While in Perth we applied for our 2 month visa for Thailand. We stocked up with all the essential items before leaving Langkawi and set sail on 20th March. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SB4lsolihyI/UzaD8fT4crI/AAAAAAAABSg/HrnnTi8pKNA/s1600-h/DSC00165%252520Duty%252520Free%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00165 Duty Free" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00165 Duty Free" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SHA5LeMJfWw/UzaD9kqzzeI/AAAAAAAABSo/XbhfFae_35I/DSC00165%252520Duty%252520Free_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="370"></a></p> <p><font size="3">You have about a week to get from checking out in Langkawi to checking in at Phuket. Any longer than that and the powers to be can get a little upset with you. But as it’s only 120nm from Telaga Harbour to Ao Chalong, Phuket we had plenty of time to stop off at a few places along the way.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Leaving the murky water of Malaysia behind it was a delight to be sailing (yes, we had wind) in clearer bluer water that was very inviting for a swim. We stopped the first night at Tarutao Island. The island was once a penal colony and it is said that it was infested with crocodiles! </font></p> <p><font size="3">Tarutao was one of the first islands to be declared a National Park and has a lot of walking trails, campgrounds and a cave that you can enter via a platform on pulleys. We did not go ashore this time as we had not officially cleared into Thailand and we were not sure if the rangers there, collecting 200baht pp, would want to see our papers. But we will explore more on our return journey.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Next it was over to Ko Muk, a beautiful island with a small resort on one side. We anchored in the SW bay just along from the entrance to Emerald Cave. This is an 80 metre passageway in the cliffs that opens out into a circular beach surrounded by huge cliffs and vegetation. It is called a “Hong”. Tourist boats come in there droves from 8.00am onwards and drop their passengers off at the entrance to the cave so they can swim through. We took the dinghy over just before the mass arrival and ‘beat the rush’ . Its extremely dark and eerie and I just could not see myself swimming through, the tide was right and so we were able to paddle through in the dinghy. A special place to visit if you can get their before the tourist boats arrive.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4Iz0DBg_zyQ/UzaEBuRrJuI/AAAAAAAABSw/hkFVtpDXupY/s1600-h/DSC00313%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00313" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00313" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b0ehkCl_I7I/UzaEC4qfmpI/AAAAAAAABS0/UR3m71UbXJk/DSC00313_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="374"></a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fxRH1Ml5ooQ/UzaEFo8lT9I/AAAAAAAABTA/kO_eMPsgyPk/s1600-h/DSC00298%252520Emerald%252520Cave%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00298 Emerald Cave" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00298 Emerald Cave" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aFm_NNWSeqI/UzaEHq0R2BI/AAAAAAAABTI/H8zikNYORt8/DSC00298%252520Emerald%252520Cave_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="351"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nz0I7d_aP8k/UzaEKeGTkqI/AAAAAAAABTQ/n51UR_AUxjY/s1600-h/DSC00306%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00306" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hmaPbygiPgI/UzaEPSvkp3I/AAAAAAAABTY/Mn2q4M-nEfY/DSC00306_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="353"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T65EdXPiOJ8/UzaER1ZqNKI/AAAAAAAABTg/Ah3kbAXuHi8/s1600-h/DSC00309%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00309" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00309" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UleKJ5eT60I/UzaETesK-bI/AAAAAAAABTo/StGyf6WLi5A/DSC00309_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="352"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sTnU4WCBM4o/UzaEWnbEhCI/AAAAAAAABTw/zcKEcB92Ugs/s1600-h/DSC00316%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00316" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00316" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yYEsv_xo8JY/UzaEX5JYk4I/AAAAAAAABT4/zMrNnBB4A1Y/DSC00316_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="345"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q4rkE6djf8k/UzaEbOcAxsI/AAAAAAAABUA/QYEI1e08uBQ/s1600-h/DSC00318%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00318" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00318" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f1bJxQq9v9s/UzaKbqULl4I/AAAAAAAABUQ/HacvlpzLZrg/DSC00318_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="437" height="347"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Koh Phi Phi Don was our next stop and I had heard a lot about this island from being - THE most beautiful island -in Thailand to – you visit once and that’s enough! I suppose it depends on what tourist guide you are reading and what mode of transport you have. Well judging by the amount of people there I can only say it must be special for some and I can only assume that because we are lucky to be on our own boat we get to go to very secluded islands and I just didn’t see it. But the people there on holiday certainly seem to be having a good time. We were anchored a good 1/2 mile offshore and I had to wear earplugs to bed to block the noise out from the bars ashore competing with their music, fireworks and fire dancing shows. It’s definitely a party island!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iXhtj34c_sQ/UzaKfC5FcTI/AAAAAAAABUY/YYV9342we0I/s1600-h/DSC00330%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00330" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00330" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FjVm_HmsPoc/UzaKh1PzP-I/AAAAAAAABUg/-dAJUDQl-Cc/DSC00330_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="387"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ecLaa2mHYeI/UzaKmMMb7gI/AAAAAAAABUo/N5AvhLN063o/s1600-h/DSC00324%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00324" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1hLzhdkpA1M/UzaKqrEPDII/AAAAAAAABUw/OSlw3QQYOMw/DSC00324_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="394"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TwfJsBN40wE/UzaKwP_1K-I/AAAAAAAABU4/6nvxgTGMSvk/s1600-h/DSC00332%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00332" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00332" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LiblDzby1Qg/UzaKyuTAXtI/AAAAAAAABVA/uzuQ9bpywDY/DSC00332_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="389"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ysXlmeFmibc/UzaK2NN-aAI/AAAAAAAABVI/y-z5HzOI9PY/s1600-h/DSC00325%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00325" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00325" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CfK_fxp44BU/UzaK4ytsSYI/AAAAAAAABVQ/H-tqvkCzIm4/DSC00325_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="470"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">We checked into customs, immigration and harbour master in Ao Chalong Bay at the bottom of Phuket Island. Anchored among the hundreds of boats there, we weaved our way through them all to the large pier that runs out from shore and found the dinghy dock.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YhLykZnVn1c/UzaK76anKnI/AAAAAAAABVY/8q-pjizvzJg/s1600-h/DSC00341%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00341" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00341" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uDzmCsZjPck/UzaK-lxoeiI/AAAAAAAABVg/6S6lIrAe0UQ/DSC00341_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="369"></a> We saw a few sights as we found our way through the anchorage and this one made us smile. Only is SE Asia would you find them doing such extensive repairs on a boat…in the water. Who needs a slipway!!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YxxY698qNEk/UzaLBUbv33I/AAAAAAAABVo/LbrUAiWWdU0/s1600-h/DSC00344%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00344" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00344" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OwPaJkRnp2s/UzaLCMVZrxI/AAAAAAAABVs/yHp8lHJwVLY/DSC00344_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="361"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ls_pPf50onY/UzaLE-Brw-I/AAAAAAAABV4/m5SaujGlKlk/s1600-h/DSC00345%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00345" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00345" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VTvqQaeOq9Q/UzaLLN4nMVI/AAAAAAAABWA/5Fx4Hsch10A/DSC00345_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="366"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">As well as longtails to ferry the tourists there are also a lot of very powerful speed boats. We saw these lining the beach in Ao Chalong. On one boat we counted 5 x 250hp motors! They make for a very choppy anchorage during peak hour traffic.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zSgSP-vQwaA/UzaLORq3leI/AAAAAAAABWI/pdDeLKuB9w0/s1600-h/DSC00335%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00335" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC00335" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Mp_1oKs_Fc/UzaLRH7iKKI/AAAAAAAABWQ/EbI0WnTUOcw/DSC00335_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="339"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A long walk up the pier, we didn’t know about the shuttle bus, took us to the official offices which are all now in one building which makes </font><font size="3">check in/out a lot easier. We had to fill in 5 forms for immigration, 2 for customs and 2 for harbour master. It takes forever and we arrived 30 mins before lunch time so we were not very popular with the very hungry harbour master. But we checked in all ok and were soon ushered out of the office so eating could commence!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We only stayed in Ao Chalong overnight as its very busy and really nothing there unless you need to do some shopping which was not the case for us. There are a lot of boats there that people have turned up on and just gone no further making Ao Chalong their home.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We sailed up to Nai Harn beach 7nm north and dropped anchor in a very nice bay with a beautiful beach, lots of sunbeds and some nice restaurants ashore. Unfortunately a westerly swell entered the bay in the afternoon so it got a little rolly. Nai Harn is a relatively quiet tourist spot, no noisy nightclub bars! Mainly Russian tourists..as is the case in most of Thailand so far and a few French.</font></p> <p><font size="3">We are now anchored at Panwa Beach just across the bay from Ao Chalong. It is a lovely beach to walk along or have a swim, with 3/4 restaurants ashore for drinks and dinner in the evening.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Compared to Malaysia, Thailand is more expensive in general, but we are still able to go ashore for dinner as its too hot to cook on board and I think the food is better and more variety than Malaysia. The scenery is much more spectacular with great limestone pinnacles rising out of the ocean.</font> </p> <p><font size="3">From here we will go around the bottom of Phuket island and up the east coast exploring the anchorages there and into Phang Nga Bay, before heading down to Krabi to meet Carey and Richard from UK.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_lQ-ts6DPyQ/UzaLT0GX3tI/AAAAAAAABWY/-hkct14R8YY/s1600-h/DSC00280%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00280" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uLS8BBOdbBQ/UzaLVGKM67I/AAAAAAAABWc/FZD_h7OM2iQ/DSC00280_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="330"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r_EgbG3sI2E/UzaLWbIqJvI/AAAAAAAABWk/toQKABbya2w/s1600-h/DSC00287%252520%2525282%252529%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC00287 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC00287 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0PqttAkJoy0/UzaLhuA6fMI/AAAAAAAABWw/_SoJaBCrteI/DSC00287%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" align="right" height="320"></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156357752725222222.post-71301554245988869842014-02-19T17:36:00.001+08:002014-02-19T22:28:52.594+08:00Ben & Kate join us for holidays<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjhSlsxNR9eh_j6vqRLXu90zqdMdkxd73J1gMZ7AE9l6INb1oI-sQBrxMNZb9o9gSxgNeQA-VWJuYImCVmaI1XGTP26r49S4llLw023x_Bi_zab3eaQgaICIzXDbCLSu6GXW8JRMlRgE/s1600/20140121_123027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjhSlsxNR9eh_j6vqRLXu90zqdMdkxd73J1gMZ7AE9l6INb1oI-sQBrxMNZb9o9gSxgNeQA-VWJuYImCVmaI1XGTP26r49S4llLw023x_Bi_zab3eaQgaICIzXDbCLSu6GXW8JRMlRgE/s1600/20140121_123027.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It has been a very relaxing start to the new year. Having arrived in Langkawi we decided to slow down, take in the surroundings and just enjoy being on the boat. We anchored off Kuah for a couple of weeks and attended to a few jobs on the boat while we waited for Ben & Kate to arrive for their holidays. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The first few days B&K had booked into the Bella Vista Hotel and took time to relax by the pool and also take in a few tourist spots.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6yird4AGgsg/UwR6egLMzpI/AAAAAAAABMY/IFqlM49AND8/s1600-h/DSC00024%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00024 (800x600)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZHfQ1U2Ic0-gppSe9naEIU3LYIarsP1h6jX3V4ZV-W13_iEAEdUcvuaf681KdUIQ-jedspuMM_9ucyUGCa80efZeaFnQBRCqhw122Vk93teIt4rGNNqmFbzwDH0-F_7Wph7x5VR5XkM/?imgmax=800" height="372" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00024 (800x600)" width="477" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Hiring a car in Langkawi is “cheap & cheerful” it’s a big decision on what price you want to pay MYR40/50/60 per day converts to AUD$14/17/20. No contract, no insurance, no questions asked!</span><span style="font-size: small;">Driving is easy and the locals are all very polite and forgiving on the road. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">B&K then joined us on the boat <span style="font-size: small;"> and we sailed across to the nearest Thai island of Koh Lipe, into clear blue water which was a refreshing change from the murky waters in Malaysia. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xxEmMXHpCvQ/UwR6h0SBLqI/AAAAAAAABMo/-UeAVYejMkM/s1600-h/DSC00060%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00060 (800x600)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08bYrToTg1geINT89KqOidduJhSfF3Y29O1mkIMPIsjmdOfO3OVsX1b7H-tEvWHhasALJPI25dkCI0q3T__kOSN55ynrvxb4yknz3QFzRUaW1_ncVgvQqTu-wksUzCBPxFJUIhWg2PwQ/?imgmax=800" height="369" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00060 (800x600)" width="473" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">All was well onboard at first and Kate took the helm<img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mrQoFPjnMlc/UwR6jV35r-I/AAAAAAAABM0/XhjFLzH3_kk/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AlrpQ6yfiMA/UwR6kp4In4I/AAAAAAAABNA/-KiFlD1EUmA/s1600-h/DSC00066%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00066 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c0pcgFuiEsc/UwR6llINP8I/AAAAAAAABNI/ob5lYOnC5ls/DSC00066%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="368" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00066 (800x600)" width="471" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But it wasn’t long before the wind & waves picked up and Kate got a little seasick and retired below to try and sleep it off. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kxXedE3AYI4/UwR6m4TFkhI/AAAAAAAABNQ/E_lTd5W4JaM/s1600-h/DSC00067%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00067 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bG4LSDSWGdw/UwR6nipF1qI/AAAAAAAABNY/bRHVMZOLIww/DSC00067%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="389" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00067 (600x800)" width="291" /></a><br />
But for us old salties we just sat back and enjoyed the ride.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VthAy9HTre7cDVvbZfJqCRwkS3w-GCQWXxm1nQOTu8FPiG5qQnesFcIiVTTLdG5_V78VcEu7L-RZrJ6bevxtMHW9ORlG5IgzOdJmAyL-P1xWHyLYIJrL-JA3IhF2uwKVtJZjofl74cw/s1600-h/DSC00063%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00063 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LlPNGl0h9GI/UwR6pgBaSrI/AAAAAAAABNo/6SuTcZGE994/DSC00063%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="300" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00063 (800x600)" width="383" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> We arrived at Koh Lipe and the anchorage was a little choppy so we decided it best if they check into a hotel ashore for their 4 days here. There are many ‘bum boats’ taking tourists out for day trips and they whizz past the yachts on anchor at full speed with no thought to the wash and wake they create. That with the strong wind that was blowing made it quite a choppy anchorage and not best for anyone who hasn’t had the experience of living on a boat before. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i-z2TFkOEtQ/UwR6qlX2P4I/AAAAAAAABNw/OL2os8CgykQ/s1600-h/DSC00094%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00094 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uOkIUUewcso/UwR6remt5ZI/AAAAAAAABN4/tViUkB-n-Y0/DSC00094%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="321" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00094 (800x600)" width="411" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Koh Lipe is no longer the quiet undiscovered island it was 12 years ago. It is now almost overloaded with tourists pouring in from the mainland everyday on day trips or for an extended stay at one of the many hotels that have been built. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But we still managed to have a very relaxing 4 days here, swimming, snorkelling and generally just lazing around on the beach. So much so that we really didn’t want to leave.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ep62oSq4c7k/UwR6smEfWwI/AAAAAAAABOA/po00UT24yeo/s1600-h/DSC00085%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00085 (800x600)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNomWgmq6qffK6xh562DdKjzVoaDD5Eg7f3c3QQ2uRiE714GWOOtVOxwFhN8jqTlfMkpGuYXfVLL0m6MCR7oSqlA4_Qn0TxkbWovQFtfek04kQ-CFZoQQvN8wgvBva8UP_GEcFjMwvmrw/?imgmax=800" height="323" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00085 (800x600)" width="413" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xpBql-sjTyU/UwR6udlZ2UI/AAAAAAAABOQ/ZC0DTvGE4Pk/s1600-h/DSC00093%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00093 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-whZWGdrHiGU/UwR6vFSVcFI/AAAAAAAABOY/fEJ24qC2rxU/DSC00093%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="325" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00093 (800x600)" width="416" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3cCO8vwEHU0/UwR6wUAW8vI/AAAAAAAABOg/LdgRdsWGZcI/s1600-h/DSC00088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00088" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SpDz_qs-Y-o/UwR6xah96_I/AAAAAAAABOo/lfyI-UCuFJ0/DSC00088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="328" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00088" width="420" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uKuxfMHsFOA/UwR6yd0-5kI/AAAAAAAABOw/mUi8Jaaa1QA/s1600-h/DSC00021%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00021 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PuwAjPV5474/UwR6zRDrb6I/AAAAAAAABO4/zdbRK8giLs4/DSC00021%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="325" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00021 (800x600)" width="416" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Back to Langkawi and this time we checked into Telaga Marina and B&K checked into a nice hotel just along the beach from us.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNlyMq_ONjU/UwR60owgVHI/AAAAAAAABPA/RhEx0ZuMagk/s1600-h/DSC00099%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00099 (600x800)" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrE2Xb-ppsm_UvdzmDA_2eopD4kSDdrNOYdRK6yIbMcgFtmnAPrGzouURQM1zMs-22mf3UzLL00SWp9nL8Udbf5n9kOKlwHszPZVdlnBiMDkUtJppH2-ZrNaIYkiRM0_sB6h9DykE1M0/?imgmax=800" height="396" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00099 (600x800)" width="296" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oDFJqTgCrwE/UwR62SrKTzI/AAAAAAAABPM/Elr2deX0HxM/s1600-h/DSC00134%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00134 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iHZPbXY7USI/UwR63a1h6aI/AAAAAAAABPY/KNyXGcDWVI8/DSC00134%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="402" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00134 (600x800)" width="295" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Once they got their room sorted out and an upgrade to a very nice one overlooking the ocean it was back to exploring Langkawi. They hired a scooter for the day and zipped around the island while Jerry & I did boat jobs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dm-OxODy34E/UwR64vDNSCI/AAAAAAAABPg/f6Rp-Dmz3WI/s1600-h/DSC00125%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00125 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3E1CGQOfk_0/UwR65lm7JqI/AAAAAAAABPo/hJMb2JaNOhw/DSC00125%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="359" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00125 (800x600)" width="460" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We took the cable car to the highest point on Langkawi which was quite spectacular. I am not fond of heights so the trip was a bit scarey for me, especially as I sat between Jerry who discussed the pros & cons of what could go wrong with machinery and Ben who insisted on sticking his head out of the small window whilst leaning on the door that didn’t lock! Just like he did when he was little. But it was well worth the nail biting experience and I am glad I have ‘been there, done that’! </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVtpRgI6Fkn9ZnyKDWei0FPIdtBr9u4SkPtQIiMi0bfxv227r5jrhq2y7X7UUFVCanT8EbNWuAb7ftYLK7j5zg5rSyWG82TgnLGDNbXoFCuXzG6UHAfkdXnU0Z9iBKG8sv2lHFjpRNZ4/s1600-h/DSC00105%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00105 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O3Y4XfrpZvg/UwR67xzZXPI/AAAAAAAABP4/-5qyvvFMFlc/DSC00105%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="343" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00105 (800x600)" width="439" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zUX6OKEjyuI/UwR69I6VcLI/AAAAAAAABQA/t9AFJxzNQYM/s1600-h/DSC00113%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00113 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0wMSOl17_XU/UwR69_AzQbI/AAAAAAAABQI/Uq5DHwXRcWc/DSC00113%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="357" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00113 (800x600)" width="457" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EjsSSUccJ-c/UwR7AP-15VI/AAAAAAAABQQ/0cICSI2--kE/s1600-h/DSC00111%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00111 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Fq54K1ZFfU/UwR7A6FBDLI/AAAAAAAABQY/TLXHoPySq0I/DSC00111%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="359" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00111 (800x600)" width="460" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We are now back in Perth as Jerry has finally had his double hernia op that he has been waiting on for 2 years. Returning to TToo this Sunday where he will continue to rest for a couple of weeks before we head up to Thailand. We are thinking that a couple of weeks back in Rebak Marina where we can enjoy the luxuries of the resort will help with Jerry’s recovery…it’s a tough life!</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H0OpEILmGsE/UwR7CzOPmYI/AAAAAAAABQc/lc19u291C8U/s1600-h/DSC00033%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00033 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2gENpAhvdYE/UwR7D7MZuuI/AAAAAAAABQo/7mMahHNmGiU/DSC00033%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="354" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00033 (800x600)" width="453" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RQNCdxOPLIY/UwR7E70y6OI/AAAAAAAABQs/B4JwMPPWAgE/s1600-h/DSC00121%252520%252528600x800%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00121 (600x800)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rFyQdnu33K0/UwR7FnKS3oI/AAAAAAAABQ4/bLWgY2-gNTo/DSC00121%252520%252528600x800%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="404" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00121 (600x800)" width="302" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r73bH9YufuM/UwR7HDl4tBI/AAAAAAAABRA/gqsgKfYo2mI/s1600-h/DSC00130%252520%252528800x600%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00130 (800x600)" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KQxQDMEmZXo/UwR7IPrcKsI/AAAAAAAABRI/r4n_GmHlu8I/DSC00130%252520%252528800x600%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="358" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC00130 (800x600)" width="458" /></a></div>
Jean and Jerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05082358275334339925noreply@blogger.com0