Re: 07-10th May
Osprey
John Bowering
Wed 10 Jun 2009 18:30
"Notes from a Small Boat alongside Horta Quay" - well, we motored in the
last 5 miles to Horta, and after an excellent piece of helmsmanship by John
we were tied alongside the reception quay at Horta Mariner by 2000 hrs on
Sun evening.
The whole crew was glad to have arrived, none more so than Kuki who was
stood waiting on the quayside within 5 mins of being secured while John &
Charles sorted themselves out. It was while Charles was grabbing a quick
shower that Kuki started shouting "Charles get up here", well Charles could
not understand this and finally appeared to find that SC Ted's brother
"Small Bear" had somehow appeared on the quayside with a Union Jack flag.
Well, being a boy of small brain, Charles could not fathom this - asking
Kuki if she had bought it all the way from England, at which point Charles's
parents jumped out from behind the diesel pump. Well, that was quite a
surprise! Anyway, after introductions we hit the pub for a well earned
drink and meal on dry land.
Monday saw John & Charles complete the arrival procedure in the morning -
customs, immigration, diesel, water etc. Then without further ado, and with
Charles parents, Rodney & Anne, we moved to the best berth in the marina -
just inside the inner breakwater against the wall. About this time things
got even louder with the arrival of Anita & Aku - so we know had an extended
family of 7 orbiting Osprey. This was amply demonstrated by lunch, which
was a raucous affair to say the least! Charles & John spent a considerable
time walking to and from the Chandlers sorting out shore power, shore water
etc - oh the joys of being back in the EU! The afternoon the combined Patel
Ladies went shopping - ensuring that there is plenty of food for the next
leg, including chocolate, crisps and some other essential sundries.
Monday night saw all parties, quite randomly ending up in Jai Ling Chinese
restaurant. Whilst there, the call came in from Reverie & Callisto - THEY
HAD ARRIVED!. So Charles nipped down to the reception quay to say hello,
and all the crews met up on Osprey later that night for a drink. It was
great to finally meet Mike & Chris, Simon, Hilda & Alex - the party finally
broke up about 2330 hrs, with everyone feeling tiredness from the passage.
Tuesday morning saw torrential rain, and John up to his armpits in the Bilge
whilst Charles was sent out in the rain to get various supplies. The boys
completed the Generator, Gearbox, Bilge & Engine servicing - including oil
change, oil & fuel filter changes, bilge sensor cleaning. There was one
interesting moment, when after changing the oil & filter on the main engine
when it was restarted there was a considerable oil leak - not planned,
anyway John soon sorted. The afternoon was spent completing the servicing
of heads, cleaning various items and other minor items.
Today a tour of an island - really exceptional, considering the howling
wind, the driving rain and the low mist hanging 100m above Horta. Anyway,
the Bowering/Patels headed off one way - with John driving like a rally
driver in the manual Nissan Micra! No more need be said. The Corbetts' set
off in a more sedate manner. Well, there is a quite stunning volcanic
Caldera - except the mist ensured you could see nothing. The hope is
tomorrow will prove better - it is quite a change after days of sunshine,
and Charles is most upset as Kuki claims his tan is already fading, Anita
has suggested spray-on for the Metro!
As for Kuki, apart from a few forays onto Osprey to collect clothes left
behind after she jumped ship quicker than rats from a sinking ship on
Monday, the only trace remains the thousands of long black hairs that have
got everywhere! Anyway, she has dispensed with the patches, reclaimed dry
land and with it her own individual style and volume level.
Now, I must go as it is time for sundowners on the terrace with Osprey's
Crew, the associated family members and the crews of Callisto & Reverie -
the only issue being the lack of sun, so it will merely be downers of the
alcoholic variety!