First Bimble in Richards Bay

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Mon 11 Nov 2019 23:57
First Bimble in Richards Bay,
South Africa - YAY
![]() ![]() We chatted to Trevor and Kimi as we
made the final turn to The Small Yacht area, very busy, it was decided that
rafting up to Slow Flight (arrived a couple of hours before us) was our
best option. I brought us gently in as Bear and Trevor sorted the ropes that
would hold us secure. A big thrill as the engine went off at ten to ten. Huge
hugs from our neighbours as Fred and Maria (who had anchored overnight in the
tug turning pool) were encouraged to come in and raft up alongside
Espiritu. Everyone helped and then Suzanne came in on Nehaj. I
didn’t stand too close to the edge as the ground was bucking and
weaving.......then I happened to hear someone talking about diesel and the next
thing we are shaking hands with Lionel, go-to man, taxi and yacht-friendly
helper who would pick up our empty jerry jugs in a flash. Back to Beez
to finally and very proudly do this particular flag ceremony. Rod and Mary
(ex of Sheer Tenacity now a new lady) gave us our South African flag for Christmas back in Opua, New Zealand.
Rod told us to think of them as we raised our “Flying Jockstrap” – his words not
ours. Bear went out on deck and got to the
task.
![]() ![]() ![]() Flag held,
joined by the ‘Q’ flag as a message spread through
the dock that Immigration was waiting for us in the
cafe. Not only chippy (dropping from 34 degrees in Mada to 22 here was a
bit of a shock and needs warmer clothes and then did the rain come
down.
![]() As I tottered up the few step I was
given the very best of sunny welcomes. Hugging the
lovely lady and many others we entered the scrum. I have no idea how many boats,
some had arrived Saturday and Sunday were now crowding around a single official,
poor chap. It was lovely to see friends from Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany,
Holland, Mexico, Philippines, Sweden and the USA. Some crew who have been here
several days awaiting a weather window piled in to chat about passages, damage,
weather but top topic was the thunder and lightning of last night.
![]() Three boat crews form
filling.
![]() ![]() There was friendly banter as skippers
showed off their variously shaped boat stamps but Trevor
stole the show with his paper imprinting one, meanwhile Kimi clearly needed a rum and coke. Once our Passports were
stamped for three months we all decided to stay put for lunch.
![]() ![]() Bear and Suzanne “married up” on a
two-for-one deal on hake and I had cheeseburger, giving Bear my roll. Delicious. Then Lionel
popped in to see if anyone wanted to finish clearing in with a lift to Customs
near town.
![]() ![]() Trevor and Kimi had planned to go
with C. Coquin on the morrow, so we filled the car with Suzanne, Fred
and Maria, and ourselves and headed off. Lionel was a font of knowledge and told
me all about the wreck marker buoy we had passed just before we entered the
port. I would look up the harrowing story of SV Smart later tonight (no
fatalities thank heavens). Suzanne was first to fill
in her forms, Fred and I were busily copying each
other. Lionel was so impressed when we all stepped
out in under ten minutes. We had been looked after by a lovely lady who
gave us our outward papers to fill in, ready for our return. Next stop SIM
cards.
![]() ![]() Lionel dropped us at a swank looking
mall replete with Christmas decorations. To our left
a gorgeous fruit and veg shop.
![]() Pep. Ooo a
shop for a new can opener, I’m currently using mine like nail
clippers.
![]() After being welcomed by a smashing
promoter, we were handed to Brent who patiently sorted Sim cards times four.
Very amusing for me to sit and watch the shenanigans.
Some time later we headed for the Farm Market, there is also a Woolworth’s here
but not the Woolies we Brits used to know and love.
![]() ![]() With the fridge still not working we
had to bypass all the colourful and neatly laid out
veggies.
![]() Bear’s muesli mix (when I have run out of
all the Malaysian stuff) will be very sexy indeed.
![]() This was just a fleeting visit but
oooo’s and arr’s slipped from my lips. Just about everything we could ever wish
for and need in a language we can understand – a real treat and the colours. The BBQ meats made us giggle, some of the
sausages were about three feet long and prawns the size of fists. We made do
(for today) with a pawpaw, bananas, French stick and I was treated to a jar of
fat gherkins. Back to the marina with Lionel, all checked in and now to plan our
next move. Probably sharing a hire car as the weather will be atrocious for
several days.
ALL IN ALL A VERY BUSY
DAY
A SPEEDY AND EFFICIENT
DAY |