Sunday, March 30, 2008

Week 1 in Las Palmas Gran Canaria

This has been a big week in Las Palmas Gran Canaria for us.

That's right, Karen and I let the lines go from Rubicon Marina Lanzarote after 32 days and set sail for an overnight trip to Las Palmas Gran Canaria. The trip itself was almost uneventful passing through the reknowned acceleration zones with not much of a fuss at all. We sailed the entire voyage (with the exception of exiting and entering the harbours). This is a first for us and the entire trip would have used only the smallest amount of deisel - so cheap as well. The only event on the trip was a dance with a fast ferry as it turned across our bow to pass starboard to starboard and then shine a very strong spotlight on our boat. From my reckoning, we followed the colregs, turning to starboard to ensure we would avoid him before he turned across me so I am not quite sure what happened. Maybe he didn't see me.

On arriving in the marina with 24knot winds we were assigned a 8m berth down a narrow lane - needless to say , with these winds, I could not make such a small berth, and after a scratch from one of the neigbouring boats, we moved over to a much more appropriate sized berth on pontoon 17. The guys on the other boats on the pontoon were quick to assist in tying up and we were safe in Las Palmas. Although I was a bit shaken by the parking experience.



We were greeted by Nick Jaffe, a young Australian we met in Baiona, Spain before Christmas. He is sailing his 26ft Contessa from Holland back to Australia solo. For those of you, like us, who don't know a lot about boats and sailing this is a small boat. We were expecting him to have already left Gran Canaria, but like a lot of people he had been waiting here for parts for two months. Nick is doing this with the help of sponsors on next to nothing - check out his web site - www.bigoceans.com .



We have been making new friends and there a more cruising sailors here than anywhere else we have been so they have been helpful, offering advice, drinks, information and assistance where-ever we turn. Bill on Spangle has spent alot of time helping and even cooking us a vey nice fish dinner. I must admit being envious of Bill's wi-fi antenna that seemed to work as well as my expensive one imported from the States.



Kath and Bear, an english couple (from NZ) who have been cruising since 1982 are a wealth of knowledge and have suggested not putting a time limit on our trip.

On Wednesday - Ivan (the Terrible by his own admission) arrived on a 54ft Amel Super Maramu 2000. Bill, Maryann and I helped him tie up and when we were finished, he asked us if we spoke French - which none of us do - but when he said - "Voulez vous un apperatif" we all understood and we boarded for a glass of wine and a tour of the boat. On Thursday evening, Karen was invited over for the tour and we spent 2-3 hours conversing in a combination mainly French, a bit of English and a lot of sign language. It is amazing how much can be understood without a common language - we got tips on anchoring, use of the inverter, washing machine and dishwasher etc. The Amels are very nice 1/2 boats with a rich and warm finish inside. There is a definate difference between the feel of a single hull and a multi-hull.

Nick finally left on Friday after some final repairs to the mast light - and he was off for a 27day + sail to Barbados - alone. Ivan did explain that smaller boats handle rough seas without the crashing of waves - but somehow Nick's boat still looked very small as it left the marina.


He was followed a couple of hours later by a Kazakstani boat - carrying the country's first circum-navigation crew -complete with camera man. It left twice - the first time being filmed then they returned for the cameraman. This was necessary as the crew started off with eight in Kazakstan but by the time they were ready to leave here were down to four including the cameraman.



We have also done some sightseeing - mainly around Las Palmas -Santa Catalina and the old town.


We visited the house Christopher Columbus stayed in when in the Canaries and learnt more about his voyages of discovery. It said he went to his grave convinced he had found a quick route to China. He also had some very convincing charts of this continent. I took some photos in the museum of his boat and was promptly scolded by the attendent.

Unfortunately, I also had my bike stolen - the cheapest new bike in the world with 18 gears and Karen and I had a matching pair. Someone took bolt cutters to my 8mm wire lock and fleeced it in the middle of the night. All those blogs about security of the Las Palmas marina seem to be true as people told me of bikes even getting stolen off boats. So yesterday was spent finding a new bike. I have found the 2nd cheapest bike in the world 20km from the marina but am trying to find a route to get it home - non-mountainous and non-freeway - not easy on this island. Hopefully tomorrow I will be mobile again.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

And the Oscar for best stunt goes to Karen Donovan in Agadir to Lanzarote

So,

if anyone was wondering what we were doing at mid-night on our 16th wedding anniversary - please watch this video.....
 
We edited it for hours and only finished it for your viewing at about 1am. It gives you an idea of the comfort and tranquility of motoring in moderate and winds.

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: carla and kenny
DATE: 4/4/2008 10:04:35 AM
i feeeel sea sick just watching this -----

REPLY:
AUTHOR: Karen
DATE: 4/5/2008 8:59:37 PM
Matt did not only feel sea sick, he was and made me clean it up -----

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Phil Gray
DATE: 5/15/2008 12:02:54 PM
Very professional video guys. What software did you use for edit. Sorry to hear about your bike. Spanish people are pretty good, but often poor by our standards. Stay safe and I wish you fair winds. -----

REPLY:
AUTHOR: Where2
DATE: 5/15/2008 12:09:32 PM Phil,

Thanks for the comment - great coming from Brisbane as I am a Queenslander that wandered down south for 20 years before taking off on this adventure! I just used Windows Movie Maker that comes with Vista - easy to use and a bit of fun!

Cheers

Matt & Karen -----

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bear and Kath
DATE: 5/16/2008 12:49:16 AM
Is that really Karen doing that stunt or did you use a stunt double? She hot. Looks like you guys are having a blast, good to see.

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: John D
DATE: 5/19/2008 12:53:16 PM
Where's the bucket?

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne Foster
DATE: 5/20/2008 7:34:57 AM
You would think with all that time on your hands you could conquer some videography expertise?! Hope you are both well and still alive-has there been any dead calm moments? All good in Melbourne town-same ol same ol really. Little M due in 3 months-feeling healthy and can't wait for work to be done!!
Great to get the blog-will now subscribe. Love the Furphys -----

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Anne
DATE: 5/20/2008 7:53:01 AM
I'm pretty sure Phil was being sarcastic about your editing software...
jdsajfldjsf
sorry-the dog stepped on the key board-by the way, how are yours....? I still think Doggone was a great name for the ship!

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Where2
DATE: 5/23/2008 6:50:29 PM
I think Phil was being very sincere and probably knows a lot about video editting - do you Mrs Furphy? (Phil help me out here buddy......)

Friday, March 14, 2008

Phone orders for Pizza

Well, last night I dialled in for take-away pizza to Lani's Snack Bar at Marina Rubicon Lanzarote. Although they speak Spanish mainly, the order was understood, a time was given and the pizzas when collected were right - so far better than most of my favorite take outs back home. But wait there is more. The pizzas were fantastic. Karen's Vegetale was enjoyed by her  on the night and and I for lunch the next day - this is the first time I have ever enjoyed a pizza with no meat - I never thought it was possible.

Now we didn't do this blind - we had had lunch here before and the toastees are great as are the hamburger and good prices to.

So the take out number is 928 51 9041 - but if you are thinking about calling from home - don't forget the country code of +34 and remember they could be cold when they get to Aus.


 COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Caju
DATE: 3/18/2008 11:02:20 PM
Sweet life, Fair winds and lot's of happiness in your new rumb line from Caju Mari and Kaique

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: wendy cadby
DATE: 3/19/2008 8:35:45 AM
Hi Karen and Matt. They do deliver to Oz I checked. Put them in a special parcel and arrive hot hot hot not. Things have been interesting here. Zo had car stolen at knife point and two days later found torched at Box Hill. Nice place Melbourne - Ferntree Gully. You two watch out for pirates though. They wont take just a car they take boats/ships/catamarans. If you keep us entertained enough with your travels we pop over to see you next year. I wanted to go this year but Josh is doing his 3rd year pyschology and Im sure Zo wont look after him. Im actually writing this at work instead of working which seemed like a good idea. Have great fun you two. You can do anything Karen you are WOMAN. MY gosh I cant believe I know someone sailing around up there. It is just great. Better go the boss is hovering. Love Wendy

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: andy
DATE: 3/19/2008 8:24:59 PM
no domino's on the marina!??
you do realise, by having this website, it will be all to easy for me to get distracted from work! it's great!
great stories!

REPLY:
AUTHOR: Where2
DATE: 3/20/2008 9:53:20 PM
Andy, just blame me - Ashley is used to having a problem like me for 20 years now....

When are you coming over

Matt

COMMENT:
AUTHOR: dave
DATE: 3/21/2008 12:22:34 PM
I prefer my vegie pizza's with ham and salami. he he
You know how I like my vegetables. Eventually sent you a couple of pictures. Will get some more soon.
So KFC tomorrow then :)