Older posts are listed on the links at the bottom of the blog and on the right hand side column. There are also links on the right hand side that will take you to separate pages that cover some of the issues we have experienced. We also note a few people and companies (very few, most we have used have been great) that have let us down. If you have queries, would like waypoints or details on a destination, feel free to send a message, (link at the bottom of the page) .

Monday, May 3, 2010

Christmas 2009


It’s that time of year again and we are about to embark on what may be our last road trip down South for a while. We have overstayed our time in the Gold Coast while we fixed all the problems that the engine, transmission, generator and ‘dodgy’ mechanic gave us (fingers crossed) and when we return from seeing the family it will be anchors up, sails up and hopefully wind up, for a trip up the coast and around the top to Darwin before June 2010.  Here we intend to join the ‘Sail Indonesia’ Rally and with around 150 boats make our way through Indonesia and Singapore, and on to Malaysia and Thailand. This could also be the departure point for a westward passage through to the Mediterranean and Europe. Woo hoo, BIG adventure. Here’s hoping.  The link will take you to the Sail Indonesia site if you would like to have a look.

www.sailindonesia.net

There is not too much to whinge about being ‘stuck’ on the Gold Coast the weather is glorious, we have made new friends and the Southport Yacht Club have done all within their power to make us comfortable, welcome and accommodated in berths and on swing moorings. We have also had the chance to catch up with cruising friends we met in Sydney when they sailed up here recently.



Surf beach on South Stradbroke Island

 South Stradbroke sunset

You may recall the crew has been busy repainting bits of the boat over the last year? Well, she has finished – at 8:00am Thursday, 19th November (around 12 months). Unfortunately, too early for a champagne at 0800 hours but she made up for it that night.

Below are the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos. Before - Sydney Note: stained blue decks. After: P lease Remove Your Shoes.


Mum and Dad in Sydney

 

 Nice newly painted decks

Over the last 4 years (since our departure in April 2006) we have taken some great photos, seen lovely places, met wonderful people and had ‘things’ happen to us that no-one would believe and we never tire of looking through our photographic memories or recalling stories. We have learnt a lot about sailing (crew and skipper both), cruising ourselves and people and hope that everyone has an opportunity in their lives to do something similar to what we are fortunate enough to do.  It has been hard work at times, disappointing at times and sometimes emotionally draining but for the majority fantastic. We are closer and richer for the experience. It is very hard to leave children and family, but we count ourselves fortunate that we know they love us, as we do them. Our family is extremely important to us and we very often talk about our children, family and friends. You are all constantly in our hearts. OK, that’s enough I need a tissue!!  Although Bluestone has had her mechanical dramas she has bought us safely into port each time, sure and strong and we have total confidence in her ability to endure what may lay ahead (don’t know about us so much, but we will try)!



Here we are, skipper and crew


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