Graptolite - Waltzing with Grapto Under the Stars
Graptolite's Sailing Log
Martyn Pickup & Heike Richter
Tue 30 Jun 2009 07:42
This is my second watch since I left Grapto about 9 months ago. We are on
our way from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Rhodes, Greece. We left Cyprus after
stocking up on some nice things to prepare on the way. After Martyn finally
caught the attention of the Customs official (and wasn't arrested for bad
remarks about the Cypriot administration...) we sailed off into the most
wonderful sunset. Memories of "Titanic moments" kept coming to my mind. Just
to find out that this Odyssey had prepared a little challenge for us because
the sea was really rough and I lived mostly on Stugeron. Only around noon we
either caught calmer seas or I finally had accumulated the right dose in
order to enjoy champagne and taramosalata together with lots of the
skipper's attention.
Martyn finally decided to creep up further to the Turkish coast in order to
escape the rough weather which even soaked the front cabin bed... again! It
was a perfect move since this is the first night I can really enjoy my night
watch under an unbelievable dark sky with the most wonderful stars shining
on Grapto. Last time I saw the stars from Grapto I even saw the Southern
Cross. Different now, because I am wrapped in long trousers and skipper's
fleece since the nights in the Med seem to be much more chilly than I
expected. It is pretty unusual that I see lots of ships during a night watch
and the lights of Rhodes already appearing in the dark sky as well as the
lights of little Turkey towns slowly fading into the dark. And it's
wonderful to feel Grapto dancing and waltzing under my feet again, slowly
making her way through the waves. It's good to be home again!
Heiki