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barneyanddiane

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1 Trip
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Trips:

Barney and Diane

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January in the Bahamas

Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas


Visiting the beach
After a quiet Christamas in Treasure Cay it was time to explore some more of the Abacos. We visited a few Islands, this photo was on Lynyard Cay in the way to Little Harbor, home of Petes Pub, where we enjoyed a nice lunch and some punch or two.


Surpisingly chilly at times
The weather in the Abacos at this time of year was fine most of the time, but surprisingly chilly when the North wind blew.


Playing with the Christmas jigsaw
Luckily when the weather was not so good we had present to play with from Christmas


New years eve dinner at the yacht club
For New Years eve we were back in Green Turtle Cay. Richards treated us to dinner at the yacht club.


New Years day Juncanoo
New Years day saw the Junkanoo parade. Traditionally the slaves of the origional settlers were given very little time off, one days a year, usually new years day, so they celebrated. The tradition continues as parades and festivals all over The Bahamas. The parade consists of bright costumes and most of the participants banging loud drums. Just what you need with a new years day hangover.


Ever vigilant
The proceding were organsied in laid back Island style.


Hammock Testing
When the weather was fine we had time to test the new hammock.

Hammock Testing


If I can just get it started
We also visited Hope Town and Great Guana Cay, then returned to Marsh Harbour for Richard to catch his return flight.

permalink written by  barneyanddiane on January 10, 2011 from Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas
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Christmas in the Bahamas

Treasure Cay, The Bahamas


Stocking by the fire of course
After our long journey and many adventures to get to this new country, we needed a rest. What better excuse than some Christmas celebrations.


Richard visted for christmas
We were joined for 2 weeks by Richard (Dianes Dad). Richard joined us in Marsh Harbour, unfortunatley without his luggage, so we waited a couple of days for it and found the time to stop up on bottles of Christmas cheer, mainly rum and Baileys. After no luggage was forthcoming Richard bought a shirt and we set of for Treasure Cay.


Windy Boxing day in the Bahamas
The weather was expected to be quite windy around Christmas so we found a good spot in the middle of the Treasure Cay Marina resort, battened doen the hatches and hung up our stockings.


Christmas presents
Christmas was spent openning all our lovely presents and scattering the content around the boat.


Christmas dinner with al the trimmings
Di made us a fantastic turkey dinner with all the trimmings. In case you are wondering its not a pint of Baileys, we just dont have a gravy boat. Baileys came later.


Beers in a beach bar on a chilly boxing day
On Boxing day we headed out to a local bar for a beer and lunch. Richards luggage finally arrived so he could change out of that shirt.


Traditional walk on the beach at christmas
We enjoyed a short walk on the Treasure Cay beech, meant to be one of the top 10 beeches in the world. With the white sand and turquoise water it was OK, but we found many more places just as nice, but unspoilt by development and tourists.




permalink written by  barneyanddiane on December 25, 2010 from Treasure Cay, The Bahamas
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Crossing to the Bahamas

Lake Worth, United States


A rare view of othe boats sailing on the ICW
In the last stretches of the ICW the weather was warmer, the winds gentle. On very windy days we stayed on the canals and sailed in calm waters, on reasonable days we sailed offshore and when there was no wind we rested or did some jobs. Surprisingly few boats used sails in the ICW, even with a fair wind. We feel we inspired a few to try.


Fellow sailing boats on the ICW
Of all the other boatswe met on the ICW heading south, this was the only one that sailed all the way. He had an old Sea Gul outboard to get him through bridges and once lit a fire on deck, but later said it was not a good idea on his wooden boat. He was mad as a brush.


Fuel dock with the big boys
In Lake Worth we filled up with all that was cheap in the USA. Fuel at a super yacht marina and endless trips to the super market for food and beer, and lots of stuff for future projects to keep us busy.


Cleaning the fore peak, before
Whilst waiting for the weather to be favourable we continued with the improvments on Sea Gal. Di cleaned the forepeak.
Here before.


Cleaning the fore peak, after
And after.


Di painting the fore peak
Later painted in time for our Christmas visitor.


New mug rack
I made a nice new mug holder to hit my head on.


New sauce rack
and sauce rack for our HP, marmite and peanut butter.


Smooth pasage across the Gulf Stream
Eventually the weather forcast was good to head across the gulf stream for the Bahamas. We left very early in the morning the make the best of the days light on arrival, had a very smooth crossing to memory rock.


Sailing on the ICW
We arrrived in Bahamian waters and hoisted our yellow customs flag. This stays up until you clear customs, which was a few days as we had some weather coming to hold us up.


Clear blue water of the Bahamas
We enjoyed our first view of the clear waters of the Bahamas, with the white sand giving an amazing turquoise on a calm day.


Stormy weather over Great Sale Cay
The first night we anchored on the east side of Great Sale Cay. The recomended anchorage is on the West side, but we had a strong westerly forecast for 48 hours. Our anchorage was not the best and quite bumpy and times, but when we dragged anchor we had 50 miles until the next piece of land. Not so for a couple on a Bavaria in the western anchorage who dragged onto the beach and had a US CG helicopter take them home. The saga playing out took our minds of our own discomfort.

THe weather soon cleared and we made our way to Green Turtle Cay to finally check in and enjoy arriving in a new country.


Cocktails in the Bahamas at last
Any woe's were quickly forgotten with our new stock of rum and a 'pain killer' cocktail.



permalink written by  barneyanddiane on December 12, 2010 from Lake Worth, United States
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Down the ICW to Florida

Norfolk, United States


Waiting for the lock
We left Deltaville and headed down the ICW to find some warmth further south. We finally met with snow-birds heading south for the winter, which made the trip more interesting, if crowded. Here we were waiting for the lock to Enter the Dismal swamp canal, early in the morning.


In the lock at the Dismal swamp
In the lock with other cruisers bounbd for The Bahamas


Dismal swamp. Not dismal just long.
Once in the Dismal swamp it was a long days motor down a tree lined canal. A little different to the alternative of rounding cape Hatteras with an opposing wind.


Staff accomodation is never glam
And more to see on the canal than on the open sea.


You wouldnt want that up your stern
Tghe canal had some funding to dredge the shallower parts with this pretty mean looking tool.


Testing the washdown pump
Whilst under way we had time for some work. Barney installed a new wash down system to jet wash the mud from the anchor when we pulled up black stuff from the bottom.


DI working hard making chushion covers
Di continues with the sewing projects.


Working hard growing the porn tash
Barney also worked hard at his new porn tash. Didnt last long.


Sunset on the ICW
Always enjoyed the sunsets in the sheltered anchorages.




permalink written by  barneyanddiane on October 15, 2010 from Norfolk, United States
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Heading south from Maine to warmer places

Rockland, United States

After spending the Summer enoying the peace and beauty of Maine, we then realised why it was not so busy, it was getting cold pretty quickly. So like good snow-birds, we headed south.


Newport Bridge in the mist
First stop was Newport RI for Barney to complete a 2 week yacht master course and exam.


GFellow students on the Yachtmaster course
A week in the classroom, then a week off to hide from a gale, then a week day sailing to get my Yacht Master Offshore CI. Its been a long time coming. Passed with flying colours, I think I was the only one in doubt. Got a good qualification and met some great new friends.


Cruise ship
Whilst we were in Newport we met up with an old repping friend if Di's, Michelle, who was working on this cruise ship, so we got to have a look around. We still prefer our SeaGal.


Sewing cushion covers
After Newport we headed back into the Chesapeake, and a quick trip to Annapolis, MD. We did some shopping in SailRite for sewing materials and Di started on the long project of renewing the blue fabric on the boat. First step was the cockpit chushion covers.


Supplies!
Next stop was Deltaville to visit a few friends in our favourite boat yard. Liz and Chris on Zulia were still completing the longest fitout in history ( 3years and counting). We stocked up on beer. After exhaustive research we discovered that Virginia was the cheapest place to buy beer on the east coast of the USA. $11 for a case of 24. It wasnt enough.




permalink written by  barneyanddiane on October 1, 2010 from Rockland, United States
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Back to Sea Gal for another Summer in New England

Deltaville VA USA, United States


It took away from France back to our yacht
It took us 2 minutes to decide that our yacht needed us. We took the cheapest flight we could find, which was via Iceland ( only a couple of weeks after a big volcano erupted and closed europes air space for a week)


Viking beer in Iceland
As you can see we were happy get moving and back towards Sea Gal.


Viking beer in Iceland
Having some appropriately named Viking beer in Iceland to celebrate.


Hard work in the boat yard
Back in the yard with with Frankie and the gang.


Hannah & Crystal
Meeting Hannah the new member of the team.


Glad to see her lifted back to the water
We were very happy to see Sea Gal lifted out of the stands and put back in the water for our next adventure.


The Liquidator ( sounds like a kitchen appliance )
A few sights to get used to back in the USA, the rather over powered boats that you see on the waterways, this one of the more lurid examples. Loud, gas guzzling and named after a kitched appliance.


Dont walk to beach, drive.
I remember in my childhood driving for miles down country lanes to then walk to deserted beaches carrying our lunch and towels to find the perfect deserted spot. The exact opposite seems to be driving your truck on to the beach and parking next to your neighbour just so you dont waste any energy that may be needed to flip the burger on the BBQ.


Our second fish ever !
Whilst waiting for Di to get ready to go out, which is not usually very long compared to your average woman, I caught our 2nd fish ever. Lucky for the fish we were going out, so he went swimming.


Finaly started to paint the deck
We finally started the long and awkward job of painting the deck, particularly awkward when you are living on the boat. It took about 7 months in the end.


Sunset from Newport
A quick stop in Newport on the way north to book a Yacht Master course and admire the sunsets.


Small islands and lobster pots to avoid
We headed up to Maine again to explore the small rocky inlets and islands, trying to avoid the lobter pots on the way.


Low tide
Tidal ranges are high, but anchorages are plentiful and often empty.


Leaving a perfect anchorage
Places like this held us for several days before we felt we better move on to the next.


Another anchorage in the forests of Maine
The next was just as nice as the last.


At one with the solar panels
A skipper at one with his solar panels. Extra 2 installed this year to make 4 kept us self sufficient in the sunnier climates. In the rainier places ( like Gloucester ) not so much.


Mount Desert summer 'cottages'
We made it as far north as Mount Desert where we spend the week hiding from a hurricane and admiring the large and small holiday cottages that graced the shore.


At anchor in Maine, Penobscot Bay
In general we just enjoyed spending time in a peacful and temperate land drifting here and there on our home, Sea Gal.

permalink written by  barneyanddiane on August 14, 2010 from Deltaville VA USA, United States
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Delivery trip in Greece

Athens, Greece

After a long winter of work we were ready for a holiday and managed to grab a last minute booking on a charter company delivery trip. The trip was for 3 weeks starting in Nidri, Lefkas, Geece, where we first met. Taking a Moody 31 'Sami' to her Summer cruising ground In the NW Aegean.


Dinner with old friends
We spent a couple of days in Nidri and caught up with old friends who still lived in Greece.


Our Moody 31 Sami
Then left on 'Sami' to catch up with the rest of the Fleet of 25 boats for the journey through parts of Greece that many charter flotillas do not go. Lots of nostalgia as this was a route I had done myself a few times with the same group of boats.


Interesting Beer
Tried not to tell old stories of 'how I did it in my day', mainly by keeping busy drinking beer like this tasty local brew!


Through the Corinth Canal
We had the joy of sailing through the magnificent Corinth Canal.


Traditional Corinth canal dress and drink
And made sure we had on the traditional Coninthian Costume.


Sunset Nisos Stera
Watch magnificent sunsets from parts of Greece we had not sailed.


Swiming
Swam in turquiose waters.


View from the top of Nisos Kyra Panagia
Climbed to the top of deserted islands.


Refreshment at the top of Nisos Kyra Panagia
and enjoyed the rewards of a tough climb.

All in all a lovely was to spend 3 weeks. Unfortunately this was not earning us money, so we headed for the south of France to try to bag a job on a super yacht.

After 2 weeks of hard job hunting we headed to Italy for our first job. Unfortunately although the boat was lovely, the owner was not and we ended up back in France.

The season was well under way, work was thin on the ground, and we had our own yacht waiting in the USA. It was a tough decision on what to do next.




permalink written by  barneyanddiane on May 20, 2010 from Athens, Greece
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End of a season on Sea Gal

Gloucester Courthouse, United States

We spent the last couple of weeks on Sea Gal enjoying the Chesapeake autumn, and looking forward to central heating when we found a house to live in.

End of season sunset.

We enjoyed the last few sunsets and took some friends from the boatyard for a sail, to remind them of what it was, or show them something new.

End of season sail

Sea Gal finally got hauled out for the winter into Shroeders Yard and tucked up with anti-freeze and zip-lock bags.

Lifting SeaGal at the end of the season

Before we left there was a party, for some it was the end of the summer season, for others the start of the winter migration to the Carribean, for the rest an excuse to drink beer and eat oysters.

Oyster roast

Lucy and Rick from 'Flying Cloud' are heading to the southern carribean

Shroeders end of season/new season party

We had time for a quick visit to the UK. Barney caught up with young neice and nephew Josie and Rory. Both getting bigger by the minute.

Rory and Josie

We were also lucky enough to be in the country for Paul and Marys wedding in Godstone. It was great to catch up with lots of old school friends, and very nice of them to all come to one place to save us all that travelling.

James and Becky


Bob and Nuala


Paul and Mary getting married

In December 2009 Diane and Barney started a new job in a luxury ski chalet in Veysonnaz, Switzerland

Barney had a new ride to drive in his job at Hidden Dragon.


Barney's wheels at the Hidden Dragon

An old friend, Lindsay, came to work at the Hidden Dragon chalet as the house keeper.

Lindsay an old friend, housekeper al the Hidden Dragon.

Jon the chef picks out a new handbag.

Jon the Chef at Hidden Dragon

We met Carol Sneddon who was the therapist it the chalet

Carol, therapist at the Hidden Dragon, wears a helmet at the bar, go figure.

After half the winter season we moved back to Klosters and Davos. Stayed with an old friend Teresa and soon started work in the Chalet Tivoli.

In Davos we enjoyed the skiing and the stuff that comes after( and before and during )


Barney and Diane

In Davos the scenery was beautiful and the vallies peacful.

A stream near Klosters

Sometimes the job included some strange duties, such as igloo building.

Igloo

permalink written by  barneyanddiane on January 11, 2010 from Gloucester Courthouse, United States
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Speeding South

Yorktown, United States

After a week in Newport it was time to move on. We sailed on to Grotton CT to visit Dave who we met on the course and his wife Sue. After waiting for a few days for the weather to let us out we sailed down the Long Island sound and through New York. Spent a day washing clothes, then sped south whilst the wind was good to Ocean City MD. Our longest single trip yet of nearly 200 Miles.

After a rest in Ocean City we sailed another overnight trip to a creek near Yorktown VI. The weather then turned cold and rainy and we stayed huddled below waiting for some sunshine to help us on the last stretch of the season back to the boat yard.

permalink written by  barneyanddiane on October 10, 2009 from Yorktown, United States
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Fire fighting for the STCW 95 basic traning

Hartford, United States

We stopped in Newport RI for a week in order to attend a 5 days course. The STCW95 basic training is a requirement on many commercial vessels and will enable us to work on larger yachts. The highlights of the course were the day spend fire fighting in Harford CT and meeting lots of people in many different parts of the boating industry.

Di looking sexy

How come everyone else look sexyin this stuff


Making a mess

Barney spraying with his hose


Meeting lots of new people

Hanging with real firemen


Di with her big hose

Fighting big fires with big hoses



permalink written by  barneyanddiane on October 5, 2009 from Hartford, United States
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