Our First Taste of ‘Pirate Alley’
We now enter Pirate Alley. What does it hold in store for us?
Our First Taste of ‘Pirate Alley’ Read Post »
February 2010
How A Convoy Should Work
Here starts the convoy. This is a formation devised by Lo Brust, the rally organiser, to safeguard the boats as we began our journey through ‘Pirate Alley’ Although still in ‘safe’ waters Lo wanted us to get used to the formation as it was difficult to sustain, as we were to find out. This is where the arguments start…
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They’re Still Dreamin’
Meet Dan and Mary, a gregarious couple from the Great Lakes. Whilst their boat is called Still Dreamin’ they certainly have their feet firmly on the ground. This is a fascinating podcast profile of the two Americans who are taking part in the Vasco Da Gama rally. I think I only asked one question in the 20 minute interview!
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Cowries, Turtles, Ospreys and Graves!
The moment we stepped ashore on Sadla Island our senses were on fire. Like something out of a Jules Verne novel this volcanic island was teeming with wildlife. These pictures are some of my favourite nature shots, especially the sunset ones. Make the most of these pics because from here on it the rally starts getting tough. The smiles will be replaced by grimaces as the fleet prepares itself for 700 miles of hell!
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Move! Move! Now! Go!
The fact we were kicked off Mersa Dudo was a blessing in disguise for Sadla Island is an absolute gem. In fact those who had managed to get ashore on the first night waxed lyrical about its wonders on the evening net. Tony of ‘Full Flight’ and I arranged to go ashore early next morning as he had discovered nesting turtles on the eastern shore.
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Fan Belts And Braces
In the night as we were circling some hazardous rocks our fan belt decided it had had enough and sheared off. The cooling system, therefore, was not doing its job.
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Woofers And Tweeters
Pat and Tony are country people at heart and it’s always a joy to talk to them about various aspects of nature as we travel towards India. In this brief podcast recorded on a windy day we board ‘Full Flight’ and learn about their time back in the South Downs in the UK. Dog lead and binoculars at the ready…
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The Adventures Of Mutley In Freedom Bay
In my last post on Massawa I made the bold statement that Eritrea was my fave country I have ever visited. This was due to a number of factors, not least the people. It’s anchorages like Freedom Bay, however, that make Eritrea a top spot for nature lovers and yotties. Freedom Bay was a large expanse of shallow water surrounded by incredible volcanic mountains. I suspect very few humans have ever gone ashore here. Even we only made it to one of the little islands and a spit of sand where I got some great shots of pelicans and ospreys. Another top anchorage and, finally, all the rally participants meet up together for the first time since Egypt!
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Medical Aid For The Locals
Time to say goodbye to the people of Eritrea. Unbeknown to us as we continued down the coast of this beautiful country we would no longer meet Eritrean people, save for a few fishermen. Some of us did meet a few more locals, who were in need of some medication.
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Fenkil: Celebrating Eritrea’s Independence
We return to Massawa and Liz, bless her, went down with the nasty fever that was spreading amongst the yotties. It was a shame because she missed ‘Fenkil’, which was the 20th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence. We had originally been told that all foreign yachts were to have left Massawa before the president came to do his speech but we later learned that actually the town would like us to stay and celebrate with them. What an honour.
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Rudder Hell: Running Aground
We finally leave Egypt, at least officially. Having done the paper work to exit Egypt we made our way southwards, only to run into some nasty southerlies. With a lack of protective anchorages from southerlies we opt for Luli, which is a good 13 hours away. Unfortunately this meant we made the anchorage at the end of the day. It caught us out and three boats hit coral, one with some serious consequences.
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Asmara: The Capital City In The Clouds
Part Two of the Asmara pictures, these ones of the city itself. Hopefully you saw Part One this morning of the road trip. The pics of the city itself are better than the ones of the bus journey to Asmara because we passed through the cloud cover and were back in the sun, giving me better light to take some snaps. Enjoy!
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The Road To Asmara
A trip to Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is essential. Do it if you have the chance because it is a wonderful city perched in the mountains above the clouds. For us, coming from Massawa, we took a four hour bus journey up through the mountains, stopping off half way for sweet tea. The journey was more impressive than the capital itself, as these photographs will testify. Yes, more snaps for your viewing pleasure folks, the first page of which starts with the journey from Massawa to Asmara. The Asmara pics will follow shortly…
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Massawa Town In Photographs
You’ve met the Kids of Massawa, which was our last blog entry, now see the rest of it. In this series of images I’ve attempted to capture the diversity of this wonderful town. Some great shots here…
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The Kids Of Massawa, Eritrea
Welcome to the second poorest country in the world: Eritrea. Could have fooled me though. It is as rich in culture, nature and people as any country I have visited and I’d go as far to say that it is quite possibly the most beautiful country I have ever visited. My first afternoon was spent meeting the local children who had no problems striking a pose for the camera! Check out these cheekie chappies…
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