Barney and Diane - barneyanddiane

This travel blog has moved

barneyanddiane — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sadly, and with lots of work, this blog has moved to Blogger.

http://barneyanddiane.blogspot.com/

If you want to know why, then its a combination of things, this blog is only web based and we have infrequent internet so to try to encourage more blogging I am blogging on a blog that can be written offline.

This blog also seems to muck about with my pictures, if they dont have unique names when uploaded then they get all messed up later, even to the extreme when I found a picture replaced by someone elses photo on one of our posts.

So in summary, blog off.

Summers officially over in Canada

barneyanddiane — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Its cold in Canada

Last week it decided that the summer was over here in Canada. The temperature dropped by 10 degrees and the weather forcast was warning of frost at night. So its time to pack up this house and move south to Florida where the sun shines all day, apart from a 3pm when it rains for 20 minutes to keep the humidity up.

The drop Big Chute Avoids

Before we left there was time to visit a few more places up here. Along the Severn Trent water-way, which connects many lakes with canals and locks so pleasure boats can by pass Niagara, there are a few interesting variations on the classic lock. The Big Chute marine railway was made so you don't have to ride these rapids.

Big Chute sled

This sled lowers in the water at one side, you drive your boat in and it is lifted into slings on the sled.

Big Chute marine railway

The sled then is lowered down these tracks to the water below. A 10 minute journey, sounds hairy to me.

Kirkfield lift lock

In Kirkfield there is a hydraulic lift lock. There are two boxes on large hydraulic rams. You drive your boat into the box, the doors are shut and the top lift is loaded with a foot more water than the bottom lift.

Kirkfield LIft Lock

When the brakes are taken off up (or down) you go just with the extra weight of water. Fast and fascinating.

Blue Jays ball game

We also managed to visit down town Toronto and see a base ball game. Key points to note, beer is very expensive, $10 dollars a can, glad we smuggled in some wine gums.

Star batter with broken legs

This is the Blue Jays star player who didnt score any points, or runs, or rounders, or whatever they are. Looks like he had a problem with his legs too poor guy. Lastly, if you are a Blue Jays fan, it is not a good idea, like one young lady we saw, to paint the initials of you team name on your cheeks, it may give people the wrong impression.

Delivering Jet Ski in the cold

So we are packing up the house, putting away the tennis court, jacuzzi, boats and golf courses. Di bravely voluteered to drive the Jet Ski to the storage place across the lake on a chilly day. Roll on florida.

Sound advice

One important note from this sign on my soon to be ex-lawn mower; it seems to be saying, when driving over toddlers, do it in reverse.

Headin' south

So its time to head for warmer climes, at what more appropriate a carriage than this, luckily we dont have much luggage.

Summer in Canada

barneyanddiane — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When in Canada

When we have the chace of some more days off we visisted Algonquin National Park further North. Mostly trees, lakes and paths. We felt obliged to take a quick trip on a canoe. But after 15 minutes paddling and unable to find the sails we turned back.

Rainy day walks in the park

We walked some of the shorter trals in the park and enjoyed the views. The weather was mostly kind, apart from when we put the top down on the car or went for a walk.

Smaller cabin on the lake

We stayed in a lovely log cabin oin the lake.

Old stuff in Algonquin logging museum

Visited the logging museum and learned all we needed to know about chopping down trees in Canada. Could wait to get back and start up the chain saw.

Old stuff in the Algonquin logging museum

Driving around Canada

The drive was always enjoyable.

Quiet rivers

The scenery peacful.

Enjoying the speed boat

When we have time we like to go for a spin in the boat. Although its nice to be back on the water bouncing along at speed with all that noise does not compare to the tranquility and serenity of drifting along under the power of the wind alone.

Enjoying the speed boat

Our new home on the lake

barneyanddiane — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Beechcroft House

This is Beechwood, our new home for the Summer. A beautiful House on the lake.

Spacious bedroom

We have a very comfortable apartment with a large bedroom and huge lounge.

Our lounge

Woodchuck, or Groundhog, that lives under the porch

This is our closest neighbour who lives under the porch.

Lunch above the falls

After a hard first two week in the height of the Summer season we drove to Niagara on our first day of and had lunch in a resturant at the top of a Tower overlooking the falls.

The fleet

The cars we get to drive, and clean.

Beechcroft House

Some of the expansive lawn, that needs mowing.

Beechcroft House

Barneys tractor

But we have the tools for the job.

Dock on the lake

The large dock on the lake.

Dock on the lake

Some people visit the farm, or it comes to you.

During one busy party a petting zoo came to visit for the kids ( and adults ) to pet.

UK visit with tree swinging via NY

barneyanddiane — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New York tourists

We left Sea Gal in a hurry. Just enough time to cover the hatches and show Geoff how to work the bilge pump. We flew via New York on the cheapest deal we could find, which meant a 9 hour stop over. We decided to make the most of our time and caught the train into the city for a bit of tourism. After a couple of hours walking and shopping the tourists were a bit jaded.

Happy at last

But this put a smile on their faces, along with a fat boy lunch in our 'usual' resturant under the Empire State Building. Most people visit this building to go to the top, we are usually in a hurry or cant afford the rise, so go to the basement instead for beer and burgers.

Going Ape team

Once back in the UK we spent a few days in Bristol and Bath with Lindy, Fiona, Bill, Rory and Josie. The a rush round the UK to Kingston(Jerry), Lindfield ( Jason et al), Ipswich (Jams), Doncaster(Natalie) and finally to Ganton to see Iris and join in with her 70th birthday celebrations.

Yvonne the monkey

For the main event we went to a Go Ape facility which has you swinging around in the trees and travelling down long zip wires.

Stepping stones in the trees

Diane on the zip line

Ready for the zip wire

Iris managed to complete the course and here she is with a big smile about to jump from the top of a tree to zip wire 200ft above the car park.

Iris above the car park

We had a wirlwind 10 days in the UK, but managed to catch up with many of our nearest and dearest.. so on to Canada and a new adventure.

Turn around, heading north through the Exumas and on to Nassau

barneyanddiane — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Collections from the deep

We had reached the southern most tip of our winter adventure, and thought we had better head back to the USA to find some work to fill up the cruising kitty. We still had a month to get back to time to see some more on the way back.

Getting better at catching them. Two in one go.

In a stop in our favourite Saddleback Cay we managed to bag two lobsters in one trip, good for us as we didnt tend to spend long in the water as we had no wet suits and we didnt go to far from the boat with our small rib.

Di made lobster thermadore for supper

Di made some lobster thermadore with this one. I also love them on the BBQ with some butter.

Di's definition of decedance

Dis definition of a good life is two bikinis on the line. Even is this climate your bikini is not dry from your first swim of the day before you feel obliged to jump in again.

Di finished the new Bimini top

We also had time for some boat work. Here Di is seen with all her recent creations, the two new sail cover/stack packs, the bimini cover and the cockpit cushion covers. Finally getting rid of the dated blue canvas look.

Carriage ride

After the Exumas we stopped in Nassau for some more traditional tourism. Very busy side of the Bahamas that is all that most tourist see. A shame for them, but keeps the rest of it quiet for us. Horse carriage rides are a Nassau tradition.

Straw market in Nassau

The straw market is another Nassau 'must see' although all these attractions clustered around the cruise ship terminal make it busy.

Dee Dee and Di, old school friends

Through the wonders of face book Di found an old school friend Diedrie (Deedee) Graham who lives is Nassau. We met up with her and met her family. It was great to have a local guide and to see some family life. We had dinner at the cricket club, drove around the back street of Nassau and had a lovely family dinner.

Cruise ship parking in Nassau

Leaving Nassau we were not sorry wave goodbye to the cruise ships and the crowded beaches, the noise and the polution and head on the the Berry islands for a final fill up on quiet.

Favourite evening passtime

In the berry islands we managed to find some peaceful places a couple of beaches and even time for a fire or two before a trip back to 'real life' of working.

High quality BBQ food with custom bean tin handle

South from Gorgetown to the Ragged Islands

barneyanddiane — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Still amazed at the blue

We left Georgetown and the crowds of cruisers and headed to the Ragged Islands, or Jumentos Cays as they are also known. These Cays are less inhabited, more spread out and with less shelter than the Exumas, so in theory quieter and off the beaten track. There were still a few adventurous boats to be found wandering in packs as was to be expected as it is the one of the 'uncharted' areas that have just been charted!

Fishing works

The water was as blue as ever, clean and full of fish. Mainly we caught Baracuda. Scary looking and often not good to eat as they have poisonous ciguatera they retain from reefs, we took no chances and put them back.

Baracuda in a box!

Sail covers finished

On most of the Islands we saw no-one, the occasional pack of cruisers all huddling together. We got weather forecast from an old SSB radio. Although we had no proper antenea we clipped it to the rigging and managed to get good reception and enough forecast to know when to sail and when to stay. Di had finished the sail covers and SeaGal looked smarter every day.

Another anchorage

Most days were spent sitting at anchor, with the occasional sail to a new Island. A few walks and swims ending in a BBQ.

Beach BBQ

Our favourite evenings were spent sitting on the beach burning drift wood, enjoying BBQ lobster and Conch and a cold beer.

Sunset BBQ

Then watching the sun set over the boat and wondering what to do the next day. Swim, sail, fish or bugger all.

First of many,

We eventually found or first lobster and after an underwater Chase managed to catch him. Slowly getting braver, sometimes even without the gloves.

Di's handmade card from things on the boat

Di made this fantastic B'day card for one of her nephews with bis from the beach and the boat. Old main sail and topside paint made the boat come alive.

February and on to George Town

barneyanddiane — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We continued south.

Waderwick Wells

The next Island was Waderwick Well, which is also the headquarters for the Land and Sea Park. Many days amusement was has listening the people on the radio calling up Waderwick Wells and me thinking of the Monty Python 'Welease Woger' scene from Life of Brian.

Sunset at anchor

The park had many moorings, but charged lots of money, so we anchored near to the park headquarters and had a much more peacful time.

Trees in holes

We walked the trails ashore to explore the natural beauty and to get into holes with trees.

Quieter anchorage

Sunset were always good.

Making the stack pack

Di continues with the sewing projects, here making the main stack pack.

New screens

I made some new screens for the companion ways.

Swimming Pigs

Further south was Staniel Cay. We made sure to visit the swimming pigs, who were enthusiastic to see us at first, then just lay down to sleep as soon as they realised we didnt have any food.

Scrubbing the bottom of the boat standing on the ground.

We found another difficult to enter anchorage with very shallow water in behind Thomas Cay in the Pipe Cay channel. JUst deep enough for the boat to float and shallow enough to stand and scub its bottom.

Conch hunting with Paul and Liz

In Staniel Cay we met up with Paul and Liz again who took us Conch hunting. They dont run fast, but the bigger ones seem to be in the deeper water so take some finding.

Di caught a lovely pair of Conchs

After diving to find our fill we went to a beach to receive instruction on how to extract the meat from the shell and which bits to eat and which bits to chop.

Preparing Conch

Lots of work cutting slimmy skin off.

Making Conch fritters

The end results were lots of tasty conch fritters.

Busy anchorage at George Town

Further South is George Town. The end of the line for many as they spend the winter here. There is a large sheltered anchorage, shops, water fuel and a lively social life. Although an idilic setting it didnt feel very away from it all with so many others in the same spot. Trying to find a spot for you dinghy on a beach was never a problem before.

a Mix and Mingle

We took the opportunity to fill with food, rum and water and even had time for some socializing. Here at a 'bring a plate' ( with some food on it) to a rather lovely beach.

The quiet side of Stocking Island

It was still easy to find some peace and quiet if you walked for 15 minutes to the other side of the island.

Husking coconuts

Paul and Liz took us to a driftwood bar made on the beach and amused themselves watching us trying to get into some coconuts. After a couple of weeks it was time to head on south to some less travelled paths.

On to the Exumas

barneyanddiane — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Crossing to the Exumas

We had reached the end of Eleuthera, the weather was getting better, it was time to cross to the Exumas. We had a beautiful crossing and anchored behind Ship Channel Cay. Not a great anchorage and a bit rolly for our little boat. Then next day we moved to the smallest anchorage we could find. We had to enter at high tide, and then we only had 5ft of water. Difficult to enter, but very sheltered and quiet. We spent a few days relaxing and swimming.

Allens Cay anchorage

The next stop was Allens Cay, famous for its Giant Iguanas. The anchorage got pretty crowded as it was the normal first stop from Nassau. Every afternoon tripper boats would unload on the beach for 10 minutes, then rush off and leave us in peace.

Iguanas in Allens Cay

First lobster supper

We bumped into Paul and Liz from Jalan Jalan who we had met in Rock Sound. An english couple who had been around the world, and now sail just around he Bahamas. The english humour took a while to remember, but we soon remembered how to be dry,sarcastic and talk about the weather. Paul turned up to our boat with a spare lobster tail. He had ben fishing and got a bit carried away, so we helped him out and enjoyed our first lobster dinner, of many.

Our favourite anchorage

Further south we found our favourite anchorage, deserted due to the difficult entry, but sheltered. Plenty of snorkling, with a few lobsters to find. A well on the island for fresh water, what more could you want.

The first Stack Pack made, and its maker.

DI found a few days to concentrate on the project of renewing all the blue canvas on the boat. With the cockpit cushions completed, the next was the sail covers. We decided to make Stack Packs so as to make the large main easier to control. Di made the mizzen stack pack first so as to practice the design on a smaller scale. It looks and works like a dream.

Exploring into Shroud Cay

Next stop was Shroud Cay. This first Cay in the Exumas Land and Sea park. We explored the rivers and mangrove swamps in the dinghy.

Ray, our friendly guide

We followed this friendly ray through the island as he showed us the deeper parts of the river.

Meeting the ocean on the other side

At the other side of the island where it meets the ocean was a beautiful pool for swimming.

Resting after a hard day

AFter a hard days exploring there was just one thing lef to do.

Treasure

On to Eleuthra

barneyanddiane — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Glass window

From the Abacos we thought it time to head further south in search of warmer climes. We crossed to the North of Eleuthera from Cherokee Point to Royal Island in the company of several boats all choosing the windy Northern weather to fly accross, rather that the prevailing southerly. We would meet up with with many of these boats time and again as our paths crossed on the voyage south.

After Royal Island we went through current cut and crossed to anchor near this bridge that joins two parts of the Island that bairly touch. It is known as the glass window.

First beach BBQ

That night we invited the crew of Vontana, Ryan, Alexis and Luma, to our first beach BBQ, first of many.

SeaGal and Vontana watch or fire

Pyramid

We continues south, found some very cheap moorings in Hatchett Bay, some very cheap rum in Governers Harbour and then ran to Rock Sound to hide out another weather system. This picture taken when we went ashore for a picnic to escape from cabin fever. Maybe not such a good idea after all.

Root cave

As the weather improved we explored this town and surroundings. This cave system south of town has some amazing root systems growning down ito it and was a great place for a picnic with our new friends.

Exploring root caves

January in the Bahamas

barneyanddiane — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Christmas in the Bahamas

barneyanddiane — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Crossing to the Bahamas

barneyanddiane — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Down the ICW to Florida

barneyanddiane — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Heading south from Maine to warmer places

barneyanddiane — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Back to Sea Gal for another Summer in New England

barneyanddiane — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

Delivery trip in Greece

barneyanddiane — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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.

End of a season on Sea Gal

barneyanddiane — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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

Found it

barneyanddiane — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A boat that needed love

After much search we found the boat for us, and Sea Gal was her name.

First launch

After a quick survey and cheking that the engine started she was launched ( we handed over lots of cash too) and we were yacht owners.

Still floating

We spent a few days fixing up the essentails and filling her full of food, beer, water, diesel and all the 'stuff' we had bought for our new home. Then we were off.

Speeding South

barneyanddiane — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

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.