Hop to Oeiras and Quix Question to Pete
Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Fri 4 Sep 2015 10:38
We have had a small water leak in the main engine. I know it is water
because the stain is pink from the anti-freeze. Most considerate and
comforting to know that the weather can throw freezing temperatures in the
Caribbean and our Yanmah 100Hp main engine will not freeze! It was Monday
morning and we had wanted to move on to Oeiras because it was offering a 50%
discount to us ARC yachts and Cascais, while very nice, was the most
expensive marina we had visited and we had been there longer than any marina
before. The problem was that Oeiras was full every time I tried to secure a
pontoon. So Monday we thought we would have no better luck in getting in to
our next planned stop. I had spoken to them by phone and they would ring if
a place became available. Heard that one before. To make our time productive
I therefore decided to seize the opportunity to see if the local Yanmah
agent could take a look at our leak. By the time I had decided to do this it
was already mid-morning. The agent spoke perfect English and within an hour
was aboard, identified the leak as a coming from the turbo gasket and would
need tightening. He was to return at 1400. Of course he never did. At 1500
the long awaited call from Oeiras came. They had a pontoon waiting for us.
Would we come? You bet! But, what about the half- finished warranty turbo
job? The Agent's office said Lourenco had left for the day. I explained that
we were leaving in an hour. Lourenco magically appeared to finish the job.
So it was we left late in the day for Oerias. Only 8 miles, but in my haste
I had not reckoned on the tide in the mighty Tejo River into Lisbon. It was
a full 3 knots against us, so 8 knots under engine was only 5 knots over
ground. Thankfully it was only a couple of nautical miles to our marina.
Won't make that mistake again. So here we are, Oeiras.
What a welcome. Helping with our warps to the pontoon is pretty standard
when short-handed. However, I have never before received a "welcome pack."
Moreover, it did have useful stuff like local maps etc. Additionally, a
complementary car service to the supermarket and train station to central
Lisbon. Plenty of bars and restaurants 50 metres from Shelena. This looked
ideal. It gets better. The smiling Raqel at reception omitted to mention
that free bread was delivered to our yacht every morning too! Bliss at last.
We will stay here until Rachael and Adam arrive next weekend. We have
already checked out Lisbon on a tram, tried their rail service and enjoyed
the city. I actually like the panoramic photo best. Amazing what the iphone
can do.
While here I knocked on the door, so to speak, on a yacht that appeared to
have something in common with Shelena. Now our good friend Pete is a clever
man. Reputedly, a mathematics professor who does not enjoy his day until
completing the Times crossword. So to Pete (you know who you are), You have
a clue in this diary entry. A further clue is buried in an earlier diary
photo. Can you tell me why Shelena is not properly dressed? Answer on a
post card addressed to; Shelena, Where Ever You Are, World Oceans. Top
prize; Personal satisfaction and a happy day!