We celebrated the Italian victory over France of the World Cup. Watching the game in Cannes, we were careful about attacting too much attention while rooting for the Italian team.
Pasquale and Captain K get ready to take in the nightlife ashore in Porto Banus, Spain. Porto Banus was a great place, fun, busy, lots of girls (this from Pasquales' perspective) and wonderful shopping. Captain K got the D&G hat you see in the picture and Pasquale of course, a sweater from Armani.
Between the stalactites and stalagmites Pasquale explores St. Michael's Cave which because of the excellent acoustics has been turned into a concert hall.
On our trip into Spain to check out the marina at Porto Banus, we came upon a fountain with tiles to represent all the winds. The wind that prevented us from coming into Gibraltar for 6 days is know as a Levanter. It is a strong wind that blows from the east through the straights of Gibraltar.
Our "rock" tour also included a close up and personal encounter with the famous Barbary Apes that live on top of Gibraltar. Legend has it that the Bristish will leave if the ape colony dies out.
On June 14 we were treated to a ceremony to mark the Queen's birthday. The Governor inspected the troops and bands played in the Casemates Square that during the Spanish occupation formed part of the old town.
Our "rock" tour included going inside the World War II tunnels that honeycomb the limestone rock of Gibraltar. Cannons are mounted on the shear cliffs that overlook Spain. One siege lasted 4 years when in 1779, Spain tried to take Gibraltar while Britain was preoccupied with fighting against its colonies in the American Revolution.
Lady A arrives in Gibraltar after being delayed 6 days in Cadiz, Spain due to gales in the Straights of Gibraltar. We are safe and sound and ready for an exciting summer in the Med (when the wind stops blowing!!!!!)
Keeping with tradition of painting the name of the yacht on the harbor wall, the crew of Lady A proudly displays our contribution, insuring a safe return home. From left to right, Captain K, Dennis Kelley, Engineer Bill and Lisa Kelley.
The Captain and Engineer relax at the famous Peter's Cafe Sport in Horta, Azores. Please check back for more pictures. Our departure has been delayed another few days so we will try to post more in a day or so.
Our island tour came across an unexpected sight. A hugh ship loaded with containers had grounded on the north side of the island and although no lives were lost the ship seems unrecoverable. She is aground in a bay in relatively shallow water but the pounding waves make it almost impossible to get the cargo off loaded.
Lady A alongside the wall in Horta, Azores with Pico in the background. The new marina is nice but very crowded. Since this picture was taken 3 more large motor yachts have arrived and have rafted next to us, two deep along the quay.
We have been watching the weather, waiting for a window that would allow for good weather for the 1200 mile leg to Gibraltar. Some significant wind and seas are delaying our departure from Horta.
The good news is that it will give me a chance to post some pictures. Please check back for the lastest updates.
Lady A arrived this morning in Horta after 9 days at sea. The island is just as we remembered it from our visit in 1984 when we sailed Coeur de Lion into the same harbor. We plan to spend about a week here for a well deserved rest and then head to Gibraltar where we will begin our Summer season. Pictures to follow.
We are in Bermuda after a 3 1/2 day trip from Savannah. The weather has deteriorated and we are revising our plans for the next leg. Instead of heading for the Azores, we will start out toward Madeira which is about 500 miles further ( the new worry will be having enough fuel) and then about 6 days out will make the decision on whether to continue to Madeira or make a left hand turn up to the Azores. There are several gales in the Azores area so we will basically head straight east to try to avoid them. The next leg will take from 9 to 12 days depending on our destination. We are in contact with weather routing daily so will have continual updates. Don't worry, we will be just fine! Sorry about no pictures, but will catch up when we get more time.
Pasquale is flying home to Italy for a visit before rejoining the Lady A in Gibralter. Shown here in Trellis Bay on Beef Island, BVIs. We will miss him during our Atlantic crossing.
Engineer Bill and Captain K at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands. The Lady A is in the background, Med moored (stern too to the dock).
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Dramatic evening sky over the tops of Mega Yachts at Isle de Sol Marina in St. Maarten
Dog Days in St. Barth. Pasquale finds a friend on the dock who gobbled up three hamburgers.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Pasquale takes us for a ride in the Jeep in St. Maarten.
Pasquale spent the Christmas holidays fishing with the kids along with the watersports. We turned on the new underwater lights that attracted the fish so they had a good time.
Bill takes a spin in Antigua after getting insurance. We spent the day getting registered, Antiguan drivers license and tags. The trike is great but the roads here in Antigua are not the best.