After a three day trip, we at last arrived in Sarandi, Albania and love it here. The country side is beyond our greatest imagining and people so friendly. The fresh water spring, Blue Eye was in a rain forest type setting so picturesque. The ancient Greek Roman ruins, Butrint indescribable. We are off to Corfu this […]

Hair cut for 5 euro and eyebrow pluck for 2 euro – what a difference to the $50AUD+ we pay for a trim in Oz and Europe. To put everything into perspective, the average monthly wage was $400 euro per month. We departed for a mid – afternoon motor to the isle of Corfu: a […]

Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage site, and what a magnificent story it had to tell. An assortment of Roman Villas, temples, cemeteries, in conjunction with Venetian and Ottoman castles made this site unique. Set within a massive lagoon in which dense vegetation has once more run wild, and in sight of the mountain range that separates Albania […]

High in the mountains, traipsing across a rickety wooden bridge in gently falling rain, one was carried back to the rainforests of Asia. It was here that Blue Eye dwelt: a fresh water spring which has its beginnings in Corfu. Water of the deepest most vibrant blues, turquoises and greens gaily burbled from the ground. Yes, […]

People here were so friendly here and their spoken English better than that of many native English speakers: children commenced learning English and French in year four of school.

5pm sun setting we approached Seranda, Albania. High mountain peaks enshrouded in thick grey clouds drew ever closer. Hillside grasses of drab olive greens were interspersed here and there with what appeared to be low shrub like bushes. Well into the bay, signs of civilization were as small villages became visible to the eye.   […]

That famous saying of Bob’s: ‘What could possibly go wrong!!!!’ He shouldn’t say it. Now the toilet is playing up, and the weather is perfect for departure!  

Excitement had built over the day as our 20:00 departure time from the marina for our three day sail to Seranda approached. A final check of the weather, course plotted, and at last, after a long seven months, Gratis was out upon the waters. Fishing boats and ships galore made for an interesting first night’s motor to the […]

Engine fixed, improved weather, it looks like this arvo is it – touchwood!!! The weather is refusing to keep to the predictions at the moment.

Thanks to a slight engine issue which Bob is currently sorting out, our departure from Sicily has been delayed until tomorrow.

With strong winds predicted in the Marina, outside work at a standstill, and departure postponed,we headed into Ibla where winds were practically nil for the day. An exquisite old town, our taxi driver – Giusuppe regaled us with history and recommended a fantastic restaurant that wasn’t hard on the pocket. Taxi: Taxi a Ragusa Giuseppe Cassarino […]

Gratis, newly painted with her new decals on show, is at last back in the water. Are we departing any time soon? No. A southerly wind going by the name of the Scirocco (link on winds of the Mediterranean below) is on its way. Like the Mistral, it is strong and creates unpleasant conditions. The result: at this […]

  Breakfast completed, we loaded Little G2 with a picnic lunch and camera kit. Heading westward we explored the shoreline. With frequent showers falling, it sadly meant my D700 had to remain in the case and I had to be happy using the 1AW1. From the water it is possible to see how rugged Rodrigues is: […]

Insert the bolt, sikaflex, tighten the nut, on to the next….. Our girl is looking great!!

Between bad weather, the two foresails yet to be returned and Bob’s glasses requiring repair, it will be Friday before we depart. First stop, Saranda, Albania so Gratis can be stamped. She can only remain in the European Union for 18 months max, otherwise 18% of her value must be paid in tax. Places on our […]

Yes, we found it! Sheep Milk Powder from Germany. www.en.medesign.de/frontend/shop/showArticle/sheeps-milk-powder/240 The price is on par with Australia, and the order was processed and delivered quickly.

Tight spaces, join shaping by Sam – a trained shipwright – marking, drilling, measuring: the lot. And that was just the fitting!

and what a difference it makes already.

Sanded. Biaggio taping, then painting. Doesn’t our girl look beautiful topside! The guys in Marina di Ragusa boatyard have done a magnificent job.

The top section of the rubbing strakes is going on today.