Sailing adventures of CRAZY LADY

Too busy to blog and too tired to type!

2010-06-12T20:43:00.007+10:00

The abominable snowman Mt Wellington Hobart

Mt Wellington after a day at the beach.

A winters day at the beach

Autumn leaves Jenster behind

Sorry, but we must apologise for our lack of blogging of late. We have decided to sit out the winter in Hobart. So that means that we aren't sailing much. At the moment you could call our blog the "Stationary Adventures of Crazy Lady".

Yes we are still living aboard and enjoying it.

As a matter of fact the advantages of living on a yacht are numerous.

To fill in our time we have decided to get jobs.

Actually that's not the real reason, we have run out of money!. (not surprising at all.)

It's amazing how much we spent living frugally in our 6 months of cruising.

Jen is working as an RN at a modern facility just up the road from Wrest Point Casino.

It's about 5 minutes walk from our berth at The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. (our membership is pending) Soon we will be very royal indeed.

I've been employed as an OHS consultant.

My 1st project is as Site Safety Manager on a $34 million upgrade of a commercial fish food factory. I feel really lucky to have scored a job with a company that has such high integrity and a very similar philosophy as myself when it comes to work site safety.

My philosophy is: "its got bugger all to do with work, its all about what you do on the weekends" This is why you have to stay safe at work.

Tasmania's weather is not as bad as I expected.

Yes it's cold, we have had snow, sleet and ice, but its bearable.

Jen would like to add that its only autumn, and thats just the conditions inside the boat.

In summary we are back on the chain gang.

Sorry to those who we worried by our lapses in blogging, and thanks so much for your concern and phone calls.

Jen & Glenn

Inspirational Jessica Watson.

2010-05-15T16:36:00.004+10:00

Kevin says she's a hero to all young Australians and young women.

I say she should be a hero and inspiration to all Australians regardless of age.

NSW premier Christine Keneally's speech probably one of the best I ever heard from a politician, and I quote. "those that don't take risks never win"

Jess says she just a normal girl with a dream, that worked hard for it.

Do yourself a favour and watch this!!!

2010-05-07T20:34:00.003+10:00

I loved this show, you can watch it online at SBS, link at the bottom of page.

Disable Bodied Sailors

One man, one boat and one motley crew, all with one mission: to complete the world’s most dangerous and deadly ocean race. This is the story of the Sailors with disabilities, a crew where broken backs and missing limbs present no obstacle.

Sailors with disabilities is committed to changing society's perception of people with disabilities (visit the website for more information and follow the show on Twitter here).

Setting out on their 17th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is one mighty crew; led by skipper David Pescud, they have twice won their division in the Hobart, and are World Record holders for circumnavigating Australia.

But this year there are going to be big changes onboard the so-called Cripple Express. David is missing key positions on his boat, and he wants them to be filled by new crew members who have never sailed before. And, they’ve got to be disabled.

In the months leading up to the dangerous Sydney to Hobart yacht David and his core crew of disabled sailors initiate a new group of keen but unaware contenders with a multitude of disabilities, including missing limbs, broken backs, degenerative diseases and stroke suffers to sailing.

They learn the ropes of sailing in a baptism of fire through storms and swells, and in wet and wild conditions. But there are just a few spots available on the boat.

In the end, only those who skipper David Pescud is convinced can handle the physical and mental torture of the world’s most dangerous open water yacht race, will get their ticket to Hobart.

Link to shows online.

http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/disablebodiedsailors/watchonline/page/i/1/h/Watch-Online/

The program makes great viewing, and Jen & I thought we did it tough.

Highly recommended.

Glenn

Crossing Bass Strait Again!!

2010-05-05T16:16:00.006+10:00

Doing it tough again crossing Bass Strait

Loading on.

Well I promised this blog about a week ago, but I got a little excited over the perfect waves I've been riding down at Bruny Island.

Anyway, some say that crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania is really a cheat's way of doing the strait, but I have to say that this way it was much more comfortable and restful. We were loaded on at about 6pm: you drive through a boom gate where they give you your room key. Then you drive into the hull of the ferry and park, unload what you need for the night and go to your cabin. Too easy.

We left the dock at Melbourne at about 7.30pm. It took 2.5 hours before we got to the entrance of Port Phillip Bay. Travelling at 20knts that's a bloody big bay. After a couple of beers and an announcement from the captain that a gale warning had been issued for the strait that night, we went to bed. The next thing I remember was Jen waking me at 6.00am to say that we were docking in Devonport. So there Ken, it was almost like the crossing in Crazy Lady!!

Now back to my reference about the hoons.

What is your definition of a hoon?

A young guy with a baseball cap on backwards in a hot car?

Right?

Wrong!!!!.

After what I've witnessed it's a middle aged (50 or 60 something) bloke driving a rally car.(Blokes my age that should know better)

It all started in Melbourne while we were lining up to board the ferry. All these old blokes in hotted-up cars revving the guts out of them. I thought to myself perhaps these rally cars were all badly tuned, and that the constant revving was to keep them running while loading.

(I was trying to give these silly old buggers the benefit of my doubt)

Later when on board The Spirit of Tasmania I overheard that Targra Tasmania was on in the coming weeks: hence all the rally cars.

The next morning at Devonport it was the same bbrrrmmmm, brrmmmm, brrmmmmmm, as we were unloading. after having a lovely nights sleep this was starting to give me the sh*ts.

So I thought it's my turn to return the favour. As we were driving out of the terminal, I noticed to my delight that there were at least 4 rally cars behind me. I was proudly driving the Hi-Lux Ute, which believe it or not is no speed machine, and like the law abiding citizen I am, I decided that being under the speed limit was my best course of action. Four loudly revving rally cars with impatient aging hoons trying to get around me in a built up area= Great fun!!

Unfortunately the highway appeared, and they all overtook us in quick succession.In the next 25kms, we were to have many more old hoons in hotted-up rally cars overtake us.

We were feeling coffee & breakfast deprived and to our luck came across a bakery road house. Unfortunately the carpark was full of: you guessed it, hotted up rally cars. After finding a carpark space between 2 of the above cars, we rushed into the cafe to get our caffeine fixes. It was full of blokes my age and older wearing tight black leather pants and matching jackets.

An unexplained hush fell over the cafe as Jen and I entered. We were feeling a bit under-dressed in our board- shorts and T-shirts at 6.45am. I did have my beanie on and those in the know can attest to how good I look in it. We quickly ordered our breakfast as the tempo of conversation gradually returned to normal. We devoured the coffee & brekkie.

We left the cafe eager to resume our journey to Hobart. The carpark was full of even more middle aged hoons , standing around discussing the up coming rally and admiring the sounds of revving cars whilst happily inhaling the noxious fumes. As I walked past the group I mumbled "bloody old enough to know better". We hopped into the Ute, and I wound the window down to overhear the snide remarks from the assembled "hoonage". I quote "spose he thinks he can enter The Rally in that heap of shit". I quickly reversed out pointing the exhaust in their direction, then put my foot on the clutch and started to loudly rev the thumping 2.8ltr diesel. The "hoonage" erupted in a loud cheering mob, and I quickly and bravely made my rocketing exit.

Jen slunk further below the dashboard in utter shame.

Still in Kettering, Hobart Friday.

Brunny Island again!

2010-05-01T18:12:00.007+10:00

The left looks good, you should have seen the rights

in my secret spot.

Lines of groundswell.

Waves, waves and more waves, we sat out the low pressure system the other day in the marina, with some gusts reading 52 knts . The result a beautiful groundswell pumping into cloudy bay.

These pics show you the swell but not where I surfed. I wished I took my camera, but its a 1 klm walk thru the bush, a paddle across a lagoon, walk again around the headland and half klm to paddle out. Look at the sandbar on the map and you will see what I mean. I was lonely surfing it by myself.

The Lost Weeks

2010-04-26T12:45:00.003+10:00

2 houses with views, The Great Ocean Road.

The 12 Apostles

Glenn with Casper.

A school of fish, Torquay Surf Shop.

We are now back in Kettering Tasmania, and looking forward to spending the next 10 to 11 months in Tassie exploring. We are now packing Crazy with more books, DVD's, warmer clothes etc: that we salvaged from our house.

So the last few weeks have been lost in a swirl of organising, getting rid of things, travelling and having adventures.

I sold our old Merc (1982 300D Merc in imaculate condition, Gormsby was his name) on Ebay, the guy who purchased her lived in Melbourne and was going to fly up to Tabourie to pick her up. I offered to deliver Gormsby to Melb for him. This gave me one last great road trip in poor old Gormsby, I was sorry to see him drive off into the sunset in Melbourne.

We have purchased another vehicle for getting to the inland and out of the way places in Tassie, a 1996 Toyota Ute 4x4 extended cab 2.8D off our friends Dave & Gerti who have given us a great warranty 5 years or 500,000klms. Not bad for a 14 year old car. So Jen drove the ute (truck Jen's word for it) down to Melb.

Someone told me there was no need to book on the Spirit of Tasmania, because it is the off season, so I didn't book. Imagine my surprise last week when I rang and tried to get on, sorry no vacancy's until Sat night. No one told me their was a hoon rally, Targra Tasmania on this week, so trailer loads of hoon vehicles were being transported down to Devonport. No room for sensible 4x4's. More about Targra Tasmania later.

So we had about 6 days in Melbourne, after 2 days of eating myself silly at the Queen Victoria Markets, we decided to take a 3 day drive down The Great Ocean Road. This was a good move, as I hired a surfboard and had some great surf on the way. I also brought a 4/3 wetsuit on sale in Torquay to help keep me in the water through the tough Tassie winter. Now if you don't know, Torquay is the capital of surfing in Australia, not only do they have miles of great surf beaches, the whole town economy is driven by surfing. Fortysix years ago, when I started surfing who could of imagined that!

As usual we loved our trip along The Great Ocean Road, someone commented to me, that Jen & I love everywhere, I guess we love the adventure of travelling and seeing new places, although I have been down the GOR a few times, this was Jen's 1st trip. Yes and she loved it too, especially our visit to the 12 Apostles.

Next Blog: Our next trip across Bass Strait in 40 knts plus, or how to do it the easy way, and our drive down through central Tasmania.

Glenn

Why you should never pull a funny face!

2010-04-16T09:34:00.004+10:00

1. Someone might have a camera handy!!

2. You might have cruel friends with to much time on their hands.

Click Link and give it time to load.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/vATsDdj4iV5PEB9g?cmpid=jj_fb_self

I've always wanted to be a sex god.

Thanks Fiona!!!!!!!!

Nearly done here in Tabourie, back to Tassie Monday.

New Competition .com .com .com

2010-04-10T16:10:00.005+10:00

Would you buy a slightly stained wetsuit

from this man?

Glenn at the Garage Sale

Seeing how Bruce, Denise and Brenna were so good at Tie me anchor chain down, and the fact that I'm becoming so tech savy with the internet.

We have made the decision to change over to Wordpress, where we can have a more user friendly and better looking blog with more options.

This will involve getting a new domain name. So we are looking for your suggestions.
Should it be: sailingadventuresofcrazylady.com

crazyladysailing.com

adventuresofcrazylady.com

sailingcrazylady.com

crazyadventures.com

Or if you can come up with a better name, we would love to hear it. Like to try and keep the Crazy Lady name in there somewhere.

Now this includes all you lurkers out there, please help with a new name.

Had our Garage Sale today, we are now a lot lighter on stuff.

Packing up your Life: Part IV

2010-04-06T10:58:00.003+10:00

STUFF!!!!!

Some of my record collection, after some sorting.

I'm not really sure what part this is, but those that know me well will realize that I have packed up and gone 4 or 3 times before.(won't admit to being thrown out) I will tell you this it does not get easier with age.....

Try this for an exercise, start at your front door, taking one room at a time, look around at your possessions in each room. Make a list of all the things in each, that you could live without. We have done this and have realized, that most of its just stuff!!!

As I came into this relationship with Jen, owning 5 pairs of slightly used and undersized underpants, and 1/2 a mortgage oh + my record collection and Cd's. I know all about the STUFF phenomenon.

Mmmmm, my record's and Cd's have to stay. Sorry I can't live without them. Speaking of records, here is another experiment, get out your old lp's, hook up your turntable and hear the warmth of good old vinyl. I must admit I have been doing that and loving it. Bit hard to play records while sailing across Bass Strait.

I know I'm wandering all over the place as usual, but we have gathered our stuff, selling it on ebay and having a massive garage sale this coming Saturday, the bad news is we missed the classified add deadline with the local paper, and now have to try and do it with posters and word of mouth!

I got slammed on Sunday arvo, while surfing a local beach break. The waves were about 4ft and breaking into about 18" of water, very nice and hollow. After pulling out of a great tubing right hander, I started to paddle back out, when I saw another wave peaking on the sandbar. I tried to paddle over it, but alas I was too late, the wave picked me up and slammed me shoulder 1st into the sand. This jarred my body with incredible intensity, knocked the wind out of me as well. I managed to hobble home with my mates, trying to act brave while my body felt as if I had gone 3 rounds with Mike Tyson. When I got home I was able to cry and have Jen apply 1st aid and potions and liniments, for the broken bones that I never had.(thought I did) These injuries have so far kept me out of the water for 2 days as I'm still very sore. Think I will be right for Wednesday.

Glenn

We are back in Tabourie

2010-03-31T20:59:00.000+11:00

Quick post to say we are back at home to organise garage sale of the century and rent out house so we can continue cruising in Crazy Lady.

I'm disappointed at the lack of entries in our great song writing competition. Have Bruce and Jen set the bar too high? Surely you can do better than that? Denise? I know your dying to have a go!

Congratulations to Fiona and Johnny Jenkins who have sold up and starting their trip around Aus in a caravan. I will post a link to their blog site soon.

We will continue the blog from home, watch how we manage throwing our life out the window, and seeing how it pans out.

On a sadder note: Today I found out a Cameron Boyd died, he went quickly from pancreatic cancer. I met Cameron when we were both 15 years old, when friends and I caught the train down to the Boneyard in Kiama, from the Gong, for a surfing weekend. We both kept running into each other over the years, through surfing, he was a real waterman, super-fit and a nice guy. RIP Cameron.

Glenn

Your chance to join in and help us write our song.

2010-03-29T20:16:00.010+11:00

Rolf in his Satan worship days!!

What an evil looking dude.

From Jen:

Inspired by a “hum” first thing this morning I have created a new version of

TIE ME KANGAROO DOWN. ( an Aussie favourite)

We want your inspirations too: feel free to add your own verses.

Spoken:

An old yachtie lay under his sail: sighing and drying;

In his last gasps he said to his love:

Sung:

Can you grab me some beer, Dear

Can you grab me a beer;

‘Been twelve hours and I’m feeling the fear, Dear

A carton of Boags if you’re near......altogether now

(Chorus)

Tie me anchor chain down, boys

Tie me anchor chain down;

We don’t want dragging all 'round boys

So tie me anchor chain down.

Don't be such a big goose, Bruce

Don't be such a big goose;

A bowline isn't a noose, Bruce

Its more fun sailing when it's loose!!!....altogether now

Post cards to people we know, Joe

Post cards to people we know;

The internet’s running real slow, Joe

Snail mail’s THE way to go.....altogether now

Weather pants a little too tight, right?

Weather pants a little too tight;

Turn them ‘round and they’ll fit you alright, (might)

Wore backwards they look such a fright!!......altogether now

Bake me a fresh loaf of bread, Fred

Bake me a hot loaf of bread;

Hold back on the laxatives I said, Fred

Cos’ I’m not blocking up the head. (toilet).......altogether now

Go set the main sail again, Glenn

Set the main sail again;

We’re flapping and off course again, Glenn

I’m comfy, resting in the den.......altogether now

The dinghy’s found the wind vane, Shane

The painter’s found the wind vain;

Untangling is a real pain, Shane

Mutiny: is home on the plane.......altogether now

The Blog, the boat and other things.

2010-03-28T10:36:00.007+11:00

Ken & Lynn from"Get a Life" trying to race

Crazy Lady. We had to double reef the main and

drag warps behind Crazy to give "Get a Life" a chance.

Jen at Cloudy Bay Lagoon

Glenn: "nice legs" walking the dog!

Why keep a blog I've been asked?

Not only is the blog an easy way for family, friends and interested others to keep up with our trip, but it has also become a quick and enjoyable diary for Jen and I.

The map, the pics and our thoughts keep us up to date with ourselves. (does that make sense?)

Over the last 3 months or so we have had an incredible journey and not only physical, but also within ourselves.

When we left in December our thoughts were to give cruising a try and see where it would lead: "nothing ventured, nothing gained", as well as to see how we felt about it.

A recent comment by our Tabourie next door neighbours Denise and Dennis probably summed up our common anxiety, "We fear Tabourie will loose you both to your new way of life - and who could blame you".

No, we will not be leaving Tabourie forever. We both enjoy Tabourie and have made some really great friends that we love and both miss often. We have decided to keep going on this trip of unstructured discovery. What this means is that we will be back at Tabourie very soon to have a massive Garage Sale and rent out the house for a while.

Travelling by yacht is a slow process that gives you time to really look around and think. I guess we have both been doing a lot of thinking. We have decided which things are important and not so important. Family and friends can't be replaced, and neither can memories.

Stuff like possessions :TV's, stereo's, appliances, gadget's and furniture may be. (not LP's sorry winni)(nor iphone's)

Now I'm not preaching here as a yacht is one of life's great material extravagances, but what a way to go!!! The freedom experienced by travel is something that must be tried.

Yes it's so slow and our boat is.

You can live almost rent free and you can anchor out most of the time.(says Glenn now in marina) The wind is free, but seldom blowing the direction you want it to. If you don't like your neighbours pull up the anchor and move.

At first we thought that what we were doing was a little radical, or unusual but in the last 3 months we've met many different cruisers and travellers "all in the same boat" as us, from USA, France, Germany and Australia. It's not a perfect lifestyle by any means, but there are always new ways of challenging yourself. I mean look at Jen, who would have thought even a year ago that she could cross Bass Strait almost singlehanded??? There is always something new to see, and on a boat there is always a job or 2 on the go.

So how long will we be cruising?

We don't know.

How long will we stay in Tassie?

We don't know but maybe we will start to head north (back to the mainland) by the end of April. We could stay here until this time next year.

The great thing for us(?liberating) is that there is no real plan.

Whatever we feel like doing at the time will suffice.

Maybe in 6 months time it will be a different story, and we might want to give it up and go back to a normal life, who knows?

While ever we are enjoying travelling and sailing on Crazy Lady we will keep going.

Neighbours in Tabourie beware: we will be back this WEDNESDAY for 2 weeks.

Glenn

Leaving Port Huon to explore Port Cygnet Conservation Area

2010-03-24T20:45:00.006+11:00

This photo is for those with a skilled nautical eye;

these are the leads into Port Huon Marina!!!.

They light up at night just like Christmas poles.

Expansion works including dredging to 3.5 metres and the

installation of a huge travel lift began the day before we left.

Expect Port Huon Marina to have a higher profile in the future.

Cygnet Sailing Club with two extraordinary timber

Herreshoff ketches receiving a good makeover.

(triple planked cold molded Huon)

We left Port Huon as winds on the river increased to

30 knots. Glenn had to seek shelter under the dodger.

Photo doesn't really capture the drama of the

unexpectant wet male.

This photo is for Bruce and Sue.

Cygnet is very pretty, and the coffee and cake

are really yummy.

No on locks up their gear in these parts.

On Tuesday we retreated to the calmer waters of Cygnet having been hold-up in Port Huon for just a bit too long. I guess we just got bored. I didn't even win the battle of enrolling in the Boat Building Diploma. ( a life changed commitment to be sure). (Well at least I tried by whinging)

Cabin fever had started to corrode our patience.

The trip was a wild downwind motoring event with a steady 30 knots westerly to stern.

Lots of river waves passing us and heading out to the main channel.

A wet ride for some.

We are really enjoying this anchorage, its beauty and proximity to the little township but tomorrow we'll head off to visit another new cove/bay.

Thanks for following our blog

Jen

Jen visits the Timber Boat Building School, and I won't let her enroll!!

2010-03-21T19:57:00.004+11:00

Huon pine slabs and planks being transformed

into a yacht. Did you know that Huon pine does not

disintegrate in water? (7% oil) It is a protected species.

It grows very slowly and most living specimens are

1500 to 3500 years old. Timber craftspersons are still

using century old stock thats been found floating

around Tasmania or lying around in the forests. WOW!!.

These timber plugs cover the copper nail heads.

Beautiful.

Jen dreams of Diploma in Timber Boat Building!

(I feel right a home here, signed Jen.)

Not content with forming the "Beach Boys" Brian,

Dennis and Carl become boat builders.

When it comes to enthusiasm its hard to beat Jen. Those of you who know her will understand what I mean. Today we visited the Timber Boat Building School (TBBS in future) at Franklin. Jen has been dying to visit here since before we left Tabourie in NSW.

We are staying at Port Huon marina, which is about 17 klms away from Franklin. We could have motored up the river to Franklin in Crazy Lady, but apparently the channel is a little tricky. On chatting to Zed and Fay the marina managers, they offered us the use of their car. (again these friendly and helpful Tasmanians.)

Jen has been pestering me about doing the Diploma of Boat Building at this School. It's the only one of its kind in Australia. The present yacht is in it's second year of construction and the current students will eventually donate 11,000 hours. The wood for the yacht is all Huon pine.

Does this sound like fun to you???????

Jen will now continue the story.............

What can I say: I didn't have enough time to really look around and all of the students (six) were off for the weekend. There was no one to chat with about the options of the course nor to share the "feeling of the place".

The only person available was the woman at the front desk who I presumed was part of the founding couple. (generous and far sighted people).

Glenn spent time discussing with her the virtues of traditional fibreglass yachts, and she was somewhat narrow in her opinion, or so I was told. Thank goodness another unsuspecting couple came in to the centre.

Amazing place and truly informative and it smelt soooo nice. ( fresh and sweet)

Jen

Quick Note: New Feature.

2010-03-20T18:23:00.002+11:00

You can now email our posts to your friends or others that might be interested.
Just click on the envelope near the comments at bottom of the post.

A Big Day: Part 2

2010-03-18T21:16:00.000+11:00

Port Huon Marina (? once a paddock carpark)

Genuine "locally grown" Tasmanian Huon Apples.

Tasmanians are wonderful generous people.

Looking out from the pub towards the marina.

Earlier today:

An Echidna walking beside us on Bruny Island.

This little fellow wasn't at all in a hurry to hide from us.

Exhausted.

No time for lunch.

Got to get moving.

The weather is perfect.

The Huon River awaits.

After 3 or 4 hours of motor assisted sailing we arrived at the friendly Port Huon Marina, a tiny little village with floating pontoons, water and power and very hot showers.

It seriously looks like a car park in a paddock that someone made into a water hole.

The management handed me a bag of fresh picked Huon Apples.(the real thing!!!)

I'm off to bed, feeling full and contented after a country pub dinner of lamb cutlets, vegies and gravy.

Tomorrow its Franklin.

I finally get to visit the famous Timber Boat Building School...I'd love to be one of the 6 candidates selected each year.....in another life perhaps.

Love

Jen

A Big Day! Part 1. Cape Bruny.

2010-03-18T20:37:00.000+11:00

2 Fat Ladies sat looking at this sign

and went no further.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse: 1836

Looking across to the mainland.

Bruny Island: Lighthouse Beach offshore in

NE wind and great beach breaks.

Bruny Island: Looking NE from the Cape.

For 2 nights the loom of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse has been beckoning me, like a moth to a flame(or a mosquito to a Navman screen)

Today we walked the 8 klms from our anchorage to quench our curiosity.

The pics tell the story.

I also answered my question and found another surf beach further south than Cloudy Bay, but I have been told there are other surfing spots further south.

Glenn

Is this the End of the Earth? or the Garden of Eden?

2010-03-16T15:20:00.000+11:00

Next stop South Pole. Is this Australia's most southern surf beach?

I guess I should have put that reef in the main!!

25 knots and no where to go.

End of the Earth or Garden of Eden?

Please double click this pic to see what I mean.

Looking out to Cloudy Bay.

Now these Tasmanians are getting a bit aggro with me for letting the secret out about how good it is down here. It seems they like to keep it to themselves, but with my big mouth, blog and new job with the Tasmanian Tourist Dept, word is getting out.

Because we own a South Coast 36 yacht, they think we are NSW millionaires. Crazy Lady is now the most prestigious boat in Tassie. So those with a bigger, newer, brighter boats than ours will be treated like interstate billionaires. Absolute royalty!!!!

Today we left Dover and sailed to Mickey's Bay. it is a quick row and walk to Cloudy Bay on Bruny Island, I love this place. I think Cloudy Bay might be Australia's most southern surf beach? I'm not sure so I will try and do some research. (if you know, please let me know) Bruny Island has the cleanest water in Australia. We will be staying put for a few days.

Glenn

Does it get much better than this? Bruny Island!!!

2010-03-14T21:21:00.000+11:00

Jen's stoney faced mascot.

Can you find Crazy Lady in this picture?

Anchored off Bruny Island.

Penguins on Parade!

The Neck Bruny Island.

The end of another perfect day in Tasmania,

Bruny Island.

Gee its cold down here in Tasmania, another 25 degrees Celcius again today. Clear skies and light winds. A relaxing sail down to The Neck on Bruny Island.

Best I let the pictures do the talking. (for once)

Jen & Glenn

Who the "Bloody hell is Lara Bingle" and why should I care.

2010-03-11T22:00:00.000+11:00

Crazy Lady in the city Hobart

Sea Sheperd opposite us in Hobart.

My new wetsuit for surfing Tasmanian waters

Funded under the federal governments insulation program

My new theme: "Adventure before Dementia"

Bloody Lara Bingle, really who cares? Another 2 bob flash in the pan, media wanna be. Does anyone really care?

Now why my rant? After escaping the great "Varnishing Boot Camp" and leaving on the next flight to Sydney, I was immediately flung back into the TV, media, instant headline crap, and inconsequential trivia, how can they justify Lara giving the finger as the main headline on the 6 o'clock news. Being on a boat for 3 months without watching TV, made me realize that I've not missed much, in the "real world". Do yourself a favour and throw your TV in the garbage or sell it at your next garage sale.

Back in boat world, now Jen's description of me escaping the varnishing, was not quite true. I had made work commitments last year and had to fulfill them, but I was quite happy to miss all the chaos created on the boat. After 10 days away from both Crazy Ladies, I have decided, that I will give the return to Sydney to work thing a big miss. Now don't get me wrong I love training people, but leaving the trip was a hard thing to do. Having said that, it was great to catch up on family and friends, James (my son) http://jameslovecomposer.blogspot.com/ came down and stayed with me for a few days. Thanks to those who showed their hospitality and had us over for food and drinks. Al and Kaye, Gerti and Dave, yes we can can eat and drink us Love's. I hope you have restocked your larder for our next visit!!!

Jen and I had a great walk around Hobart yesterday, in my humble opinion it is one of the great cities. Try a walk to Sandy Bay thru Battery Point, the houses are unbelievable, I don't mean big or modern. Most of them were built in the 1800's. Of course Jen wanted to buy every second one.

Now once again I must tell you of the friendly Tasmanian spirit. This morning I was looking for a place to buy diesel, I asked the skipper of a abalone boat where? He told me the nearest servo was about 4 klms away, and insisted that I get my fuel cans throw them in the back of his ute, he drove me up and back, then asked me on-board to show me charts of Bathurst Harbour and explained the best route's etc: Speaking of Bathurst Harbour, Al gave me a book when I was home in Tabourie, about Deny King. The skipper of the abalone boat knew all about him Al!! He is a Tasmanian legend.

The Sea Shepard "Steve Irwin"(bloody Steve Irwin" couldn't they come up with a better name? all he used to do was annoy the crap out of wildlife) is moored just across from us, I thought that Jen might have signed up with them and gone off to fight the Japanese whalers.(yes she had for a moment considered it)

We are leaving Hobart tomorrow, after the Salamanca Markets Jen wants to stock up with fresh fruit, vegetables and jams. I want to have a German sausage on a roll. We will be heading further south to explore Bruny Island (cleanest air in the world) and further afield. Bruny Island has some of the best surf in Tasmania, and I won't be leaving it until I've sampled some.

Ok, thats all I can think of at the moment.

Glenn

Jen VARNISHES while Glenn VANISHES

2010-03-11T19:00:00.000+11:00

Finished job on drawers

Jen's very clever plumbing

Saloon doors sanded

Guardian of the head (toilet for landlubbers)

Steps re-finished and shiny wall

Yes, there has been a gap in the blogging. Sorry, but it's Glenn's fault.

I only had to mention internal VARNISHING and REFURBISHMENT in one breath and turned around to seek his opinion on this, to find that Glenn had taken the first available flight out of Hobart!!

So finding myself alone, and without blogging abilities I made a plan for a frantic 10 day renovation makeover. Before I could make my first purchase of essential supplies from Hobart's most expensive chandlery, the kitchen (galley) water tap system started spouting a fountain of water out everywhere.

I bet you didn't know that I had plumbing skills.

Of the four pipes to be reconnected three had varying diameters of connections in old style measurements, and two of permanent copper pipes were without threads.

See photo of neat end results.

Overkill could be the expression to use to describe my varnishing activities. Generally a few broad walls (bulkheads) were in good condition but looking a little tired. These responded well to a secret recipe given to me by my sailing mentor: Ken Miller. (refreshments supplied by Lynn). Water ingress had over the years caused dark staining to lovely teak fittings. This troubled absolutely no one but me.

I hate dark interiors and the "log cabin" style, and had struggled not to paint the interior gloss white...dark corners only.

So what's the big deal?

Doing anything to the interior of a boat requires a lot of tiresome shuffling: stock piling cushions and books and carefully stowed gear into all other available empty spaces only to do the same roundabout of moving the next day as some progress is made. Each area had at least two applications of "rejuvenation" and I found that I quickly tired of it all. Unfortunately once I had started to improve one area everything else looked shabby. (the curse of the home renovator).

Anyway the gangway steps made by "Winnie the wonder" of Tabourie now look pretty special, and the aft cabin is a lot fresher and brighter. The saloon now glows golden in the afternoon light and not a trace of stale smells exists.

I didn't complete the entire job but made a dent into the worst areas.

See photos

Bye for now

Love to all

Jen Jen the busy Hen

Its Over! We have reached Hobart..the adventure continues.

2010-02-26T21:27:00.001+11:00

HELP!!! where is my team when I need them.

Glenn with Lynn and Ken

Jen and Denise enjoying Hobart's coffee

By the time you read this blog, I will be asleep. Yes its over! We have made it to Hobart.

We have accomplished the longest time ever recorded in the Sydney to Hobart Race. We left the Cruising Yacht Club in Rushcutters Bay on 5.30am Tuesday 5th January 2010 and tied up at Kings Pier Marina Constitution Dock Hobart at 1pm on Thursday 25th February 2010. I make that 51 days!!! Can someone work out the hours for me, I'm not very mathematical. Don't worry Jen's doing it for me. 1,231 hours 30 mins.

Was it fun? Yes!

Was it memorable? Yes

Was it scary? At times, see 1st day to Jervis Bay Story, see crossing Bass Strait Stories.

Was it nutritious? Yes, especially Irish BBQ.

Was it educational? Yes, we know left from right now.

Was it relationship building? I think so? It was when we last spoke.

Did it improve our sailing skills? Of course.

Do I know where anything is on the boat yet? No

Highlights: Not in any order. Actually its a coming down the coast order.

Sydney Harbour, Rushcutters Bay and Crazy Lady's superb manoeuvering ability.

Jervis Bay, rain making ceremony.

Moruya River, and meeting Wally, and the outboard motor affair.

Bermagui, rest & relaxing.

Eden. Rain and finding new deck leaks. Meeting like minded cruising sailors.

Crossing Bass Strait. And the moon rising at 5.00am

St Helens. 1st impressions of the friendly Tasmanians.

East Coast of Tasmania. Bloody beautiful, spectacular water ways. Australia's best kept secret....

Arriving in Hobart. A truly great city, so many interesting boats, so much good coffee.

Lowlights;

The way we were treated in Ulladulla Harbour. Bloody fishing Co-op. Hopeless.

Team Crazy Lady:

Jessica Watson has a behind the scene team, and guess what, so do we. If you think we did this alone you are sorely mistaken, yes we were on the boat alone and sailing ourselves, but we had a serious team working in the background. They must take some credit for our record breaking time too.

Weather Guru's and Tasmanian Anchorage Guides: Ken and Lynn Miller

Hobart Port Co-ordinators: Aaron and Janey Graham

Land Based Hobart Welcoming Committee: Denise(over the fence)Rodwell

Cuisine Advisor: Gerti and Dave(Lobster Pot licence not required) Slevin

Aquaculture Sponsor: James(winni)Patterson

Alcoholic Beverage Suppliers: Eth, Al and Kaye of The Tabourie Cellars,

Tasmanian Alcoholic Beverage suppliers: Ken and Lynn Miller, Denise(over the fence)Rodwell

Training Co-ordinator: Ginny Gerlach from Cruisability

Cheerleaders: Sue and Bruce Munro.

Thanks to anyone else that's been silly enough to follow this mayhem.

But its not really over yet, we have only just begun...........................................

Jen's "short cut" to winning the title of the Slowest Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

2010-02-24T18:11:00.000+11:00

Entry from Captain Catnap's log (alias Glenn "Uncle Whingy' Love)

Today we took one step closer to completing the 2010 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

We were thinking of strategies to try and cut down on our ever increasing record time to be the slowest boat to ever finish. (You may recall that due to unfavourable weather patterns in 2009 and despite our best intentions we made our start much later than all of the other competitors).

Now you may call Jen competitive, perhaps, but I don't have a sporting competitive bone in my body. Today she came up with a cunning plan to cut down our expanding record time.

Boredom will drive her to many things.

After studying charts, cruising guides and chatting to other "WAFIs"=. Wind Assisted F#@k*n Idiots, (the Tasmanian Water Police told me that one) Jen told me about the Marion Narrows and the Dennison Canal= the best kept secret outside of Tasmania. Most importantly the short cut would involve both smooth and protected inland waters.

Jen continues the story:

How bizarre:

Today we sailed directly towards the shallow end of a dead-end bay looking for the obscured entrance to the Marion Narrows. The closer we sailed, the less we trusted the chart-plotter and the paper guides. Birds were beginning to flap and fluff as we glided past their sand-level roosts.

Just in time, the opening revealed itself with the orange leads lining up in the scrub as predicted. We began a long and shallow motor trip towards the "man with the bucket" who guarded the draw bridge at the exit of the canal.

Have you ever been out on a tinny on a reservoir or inland lake; perhaps Warragamba Dam or even Lake Burley Griffin? That weird feeling of being on a big dam on someone elses property surrounded by gently sloping paddocks. I took 100's of pics but none could capture the feeling.

It was all fairly well signposted with the red and green indicators but somewhat inaccurate in places. We chose to sail only over the green-blue water path and not the bright yellow-green areas which were obviously sand. Sounds obvious but required constant vigilance. (not much room for error). This just went on quietly for an hour or so with absolutely no inclination by us to rush

Eventually we came to the next apparent dead-end of this "mysterious inland waterway".

After radio contact (Ch 16) with Tony "Dennison Canal" we crept forward towards some old sheds and decrepit machinery. We trusted a series of weathered port and starboard markers and we were lead to a laneway!! (yes, a water version of the lane behind our old house at Parkes.) An actual laneway that somehow became a narrow watery canal just the right size for Crazy to slip through.

The local traffic was stopped and school children began to wave and cheer.

We felt rather regal.

(Not sure how the bridge opened or closed though)..

But all of the fun was tainted by one major disappointment:

We had looked forward to a special moment for days leading up to the planning of this passage. The highlight would be the partaking of a time-honoured Tasmanian tradition: the dropping of a few dollars and a beer into the Bridge Keepers "bucket on a stick".

The bucket is traditionally poked out as a boat passes by, not at all legal and always done very surreptitiously. Unfortunately a bridge maintenance crew were present and actively painting during our passage. The Keeper reluctantly kept his stick out of sight.

Within minutes of passing out of the canal the passage entrance was once again undetectable to the casual eye.

It was all very "Lord of the Rings": Hobbits into the "heart of the mountain" style journey.

Love to all

Jen

ps: Glenn now suspects I'm mad, but right now he's outside arguing with a seagull about a sausage!!!.

Tasmania; Beautiful one day and bloody beautiful the next.

2010-02-23T13:11:00.000+11:00

I know I've been a bit slack on the blogging of late, but I do have a good excuse. The Crazy Ladies and I have been sailing down the beautiful east coast of Tassie. I would have to rate the east coast as spectacular, the anchorages are remote and the water is soooooo clear and vivid in colour, its a source of continual amazement. (check our map & zoom in to see what I mean) The camera does not do the colour justice.

We are constantly amazed by the helpful locals and fellow sailors who go out of their way to offer information about safe anchorages etc: eg: Dave from SV Josida (the sailing pope mobile)was concerned we had nowhere safe to sit out the gale, that is blowing at the moment. (50 knot gusts) He gave me the phone number of West Marine a local mooring contractor. I rang him and he directed me to one of his own moorings, telling us to use it as long as we liked, no charge.

Here is a quick rundown on where we have anchored since leaving St Helen's.

Long point: as expected it's a headland that is protected from NE winds, a beautiful sandy beach with good potential for surf.

Sleepy Bay: good place to sleep. Jen needs to describe this place, as words fail me. Boulders & cliffs with vivid orange stripes, closely encompassing a beautiful crystal clear bay.(see pics of anchor in water and cliffs) This bay is around the corner from Wineglass Bay. We had to bypass it as the weather was not favourable.(we will visit on our return trip north)

Schouten Island: Moreys or Crockets Bay, Enjoyed freshly caught fish, by Dave. (as above) Beautiful protected cove with white sandy beach guarded by Bear Mountain. Inhabited by a colony of territorial fairy penguins. Can you really complain about being woken by their calls at 4.00am as they head off to work?

Shelley Beach Orford: Lovely spot. If the wind drops later today Jen and I will drop the dingy in the water and go for a walk.

Enjoying fresh cooked fruit scones, locally made berry jam and coffee whilst I type this. So as I've said before and I will say it again:....." Its a tough life but someone has to do it."

Hopefully tomorrow we will head to Hobart to complete the longest Sydney to Hobart transit in the history of the race.

Glenn

ps: Ginny and Spirit Silver Edition arrived safely in Eden.

St Helens: the Friendly Town.

2010-02-22T17:51:00.000+11:00

St Helens reflections

Crab pots

Friendly Marine Rescue delivering tomatoes

Glenn models for small change

local mosaic reflecting friendly community

We had already left St Helens and were well underway ,motoring through the St Georges Bay towards the notorious 'bared entrance' when the marine rescue vessel appeared to escort us, as arranged.

The five crew were waving frantically at us.

Had we forgotten to pay our bill somewhere?

Had we lost a piece of vital equipment?

Were we on fire?

I couldn't think of why the frantic crew wanted our attention, as they pulled up alongside of us in the rushing tidal waters.

An outstretched arm with a plastic bag revealed the answer.

We had apparently forgotten to take our present with us: a wonderful array of homegrown tomatoes!

Our stay in St Helens was full of such friendly incidents.

We wanted to hire a car for two days, and were able to use the "for friends only" car for two extra days without charge.

A lovely retired couple (who had lived in Narooma years ago) invited us to lunch and drove us out to their property. We admired the million dollar view, as their daughter, a chef served us our best coffee we'd had in months.

The staff at the laundromat were so welcoming and chatty that I nearly joined in to help with the ironing.

St Helens is the first town for sailors on the north east coast , and is close to the spectacular Bay of Fires. It is very pretty, but unfortunately stories of "the bar crossing" put lots of yachties off. We phoned some hours ahead of our ETA and were escorted for over an hour and then directed into a suitable marina berth by the St Helens Marine Rescue. We just can't believe the Tassie people.

Jen.

Spirit Silver Edition, Cruisability and Ginny Gerlach all in Launceston.

2010-02-17T20:00:00.000+11:00

My life before cruising was driving. I had to drive all around NSW conducting training seminars, averaging between 55,000 to 60,000 klms each year. So on Saturday morning while walking down St Helen's main street, I said to Jen. "I'm so glad we don't have a car, I'm enjoying not having to drive."

Jen went to the supermarket, while I grabbed a local paper and went for a coffee. Suddenly my attention was drawn to an article on the Wooden Boat Rally happening in Launceston that very weekend. I knew that Jen would love to go to the "rally"and at the same time catch up with Ginny Gerlach, our sailing instructor from Cruisability, who would be flying down from Yeppoon, to pick up her new yacht "Spirit Silver Edition"(do you know Yeppoon is? "next to your fork.")

So what do you know? The next thing here I am driving a crappy Mitsubishi hire car, along 200 klms of crap road, Tasmanian style. ie: winding, hilly, potholed and cluttered with Grey Nomads snailing their way to Launceston. I hate driving!!!!!

The timber boat rally was great.(we will do another post on that soon)

It has taken me awhile to get to the point of this blog. Cruisability? When I was trying to encourage Jen to partake in this adventure, a country girl at heart (see previous blog) Jen knew nothing about sailing, whereas I knew you needed wind. We researched, and found a couple's sailing course with Cruisability.

http://www.cruisability.com.au/

Go to training and check-out the hot models.

Ginny was able to teach us to communicate, and to sail together as a team. I didn't realize how important this was at the time, but the Bass Strait crossing proved to it to be an invaluable tool.

Ginny flew down from Queensland to pick up her new boat. "Spirit Silver Edition". Spirit is a very famous yacht in Tassie, its previous owner Ken Gourlay was the oldest person to circumnavigate, unassisted in record time of 180 days, breaking the previous record by 5 hours.

To read his story and that of the boat go to:

http://boatpoint.com.au/features/2007/the-ken-gourlay-circumnavigation--pt-1-10326

Jen and I felt in awe of Spirit, as Ginny excitedly showed us over her, and pointed out the design features that made this yacht so exceptional. We hoped that as we slept on "Spirit" the vibe of the boat would infiltrate our souls. (trying to beat Jen with that one)

Safe trip home Ginny.

Thank you to all the messages, emails and phone calls wanting Jen to write a book, BUT based on one "arty farty" post, to all of you I say phooeeeyyy. I have my supporters too.

Glenn

Pics: Spirit Silver Edition crosses the finish line. Ginny and Jen somewhere on Spirit.

Watery thoughts from a country girl at heart

2010-02-11T14:06:00.000+11:00

I was staring through the lifelines at the water rushing past the side of Crazy on our way towards Eden. I became aware of the realization that the ocean was undergoing a definite change in character, and was it was becoming more viscous?

Previously the watery play grounds of some of the more pristine areas that we had visited further north were light, splashy, enticing, happy and almost playful. A holiday mood. A frolic. No real fear of being "lost" and "out of sight" if someone should fall in.

The water nearer Eden (Twofold Bay) looked more serious, thicker and official.

I thought about the bloody slaughter of whales and the fragile men perched in open timber vessels, of the dead. I felt sad and also began to feel vaguely worried. We had brought the grey skies with us. "It's just some rain"I thought, knowing that suppling and refueling of the yacht would now be much more awkward. But even at the anchorage in the still area the clear waters were a darker turquoise than I expected. A "wolve in sheep's clothing" as if trying to imitate the fancy colour of a memory that was once known and now corrupted by time.

If I knew the earth to be flat this water felt like the edge of the known world.

The changes became more significant as Gabo Island finally passed and land moved away.

I could now see exactly why these waves troubled me.

They were short and abrupt, a crisp navy in colour with a visible intense detail.

They were without contamination of light or debris.

They were the guards of of the seas ahead.

They were the military and we were in their zone.

I could define the boundaries as we sailed through the check point.

These seas meant business.

No games, no laughter, no frivolity, and no good times.

Their white caps on the crests were clean cut and vivid, and did not integrate with the blue below.

I watched the land slip away and was astonished to note the ordinariness of the trees and cliffs. It had the appearance of a poorly worked landscape, a lazy artist who had smudged olive green and rust brown into the background by using a careless blending of the thumb.

I lay down in the lee-berth inside the warm cabin. I stared at the ceiling. It pulsated for a second or so. Was this a panic attack?. I calmed my mind. We were about to sail over a very angry strait of ocean that had claimed thousands of lives. Out of the sight of land.

The next time on deck the ocean surface looked restless, an energy was being held firmly in place by a heavy handed ruler. No wave was individual but all were seething with a bad temper. The depth of this smoldering extended to thousands of metres below our boat. I found a childlike comfort in focusing my vision on the rectangular frame of the lifelines, but not beyond.

The landing of the fog around Crazy Lady came as a comfort. Bland weak wet grey mist everywhere. I could now easily deny the existence of all the outer watery unknowns. I was happy to be in this dangerous state of total denial, a good but bizarre place to live.

The calm waters of the fog looked thick, limp and oily. They irritated me. They seemed so fake. I knew they wouldn't last. They meant something else was on the way. The fog lifted and the bland disappeared. I was bashed all night long on the nose of Crazy. A southerly that was not forecast had intruded my night watch and as helmsman I was on trial. This was not a time to call for Glenn's help. I needed to prove myself worthy enough to commit this trespass. Determination, and protectiveness of my crew just kept me at the wheel.

I came on deck in the daylight. The water's surface was now firm and alive, fit and active and very muscular. There were no longer any mindless threats by waves out of sheer spite. Flinders Island had been sighted. A friendly coast guard had called us by name. We were in the substantial Tasmania waters, strong in body and robust.

I'm beginning to relax a little now. In writing this I'm trying to make some sense of all of these raw new sensations. It's been a bit hard for a country girl at heart.

We've Done it, we've crossed Bass Strait!

2010-02-11T10:54:00.000+11:00

It's hard to believe that we are now in Tasmania. We are both tired physically and emotionally, but you expect that after a solid 52 hours at sea, concentrating on sea conditions, weather, navigation, seasickness, 10 hours of pea soup fog(wish I had learnt to work the radar) and trying to get some rest.

Since my 20's I have dreamed of sailing across Bass Strait, to me it's the Pigeon House mountain of sailing!(not Everest). I always thought it would be on a racing yacht in the Sydney to Hobart. Well thats the macho image I envisaged. But time has moved on and I have mellowed and maybe a cruising yacht was the way to go, and go the Crazy Lady did.

Really I have to hand it to both "Crazy Ladies" Jen and the boat, both handled the trip a whole lot better than me. " I never get seasick anymore" was my cry in Eden, so no medication for Glenn.

The crossing got off to a great start, with 4 other yachts in Eden all excitedly discussing the great weather window that was to appear on Monday. We all agreed that Monday was the day, with the wind turning North East and the 2 metre swell starting to decrease. There were two route choices on the table, either down to Deal Island, rest and then on to Flinder Island and rest; or straight to Tasmania. Three of the five boats chose the islands route. Can you guess what I chose? Yes that's right,... straight to Tasmania!

It was a Bass Strait crossing, right?

It was my dream, right?

Can you guess which way I will be coming home? Virgin Blue or Jetstar.

So back to the story: all yachts left on the Monday but not all at the same time. We left by ourselves at about 1.30 pm on the Monday. We waited for the NE to kick in so we would be off to flying start. We had a great sail down past Gabo Island and into the night on a twenty knot noreaster. We had many dolphins as our escort, there would have been about a 100 I think. We were pushing 7 knots and the swell was helping the keep the speed up. By 11pm yours truly was down for the count with violent seasickness and also Jen was feeling continuously sick as well. So it was decided that we would have a 2 hour on, 2 hour off watch system. I went down to sleep first. I was surprised to wake at 5am and look out to see Jen helming with the wind howling and waves crashing either side of the boat. I came up to take over, to be informed by Jen that she was hallucinating, hearing dogs bark and had fallen asleep a few times only to be woken as the sails flapped when the boat went "off course".

Next day the wind finally dropped to a weary calm, so on went the motor. We motor sailed all day and into a sea fog, that you could see coming miles away. So far on the trip we had not seen another ship, boat or anything, except for the lights of distant oil rigs early on in the trip. When surrounded by fog alarm bells started ringing in my brain. Now surely is the time that we will see another ship!!. If we do will it be too late to avoid collision? Surely I could get the radar to work. This went on for 10 hours, while looking in wonderment at the radar, a foreign language to me, wondering if sea clutter could be ships. At midnight on our second night we were hit with a mild southerly change. This meant that the wind was now on the nose for the rest of the trip. Speeds of only 2.4 knots were common (usuallly 6 to 8 knots can be expected) as well as lots of wild crashing waves over the front. Enormous thuds shook the Crazy as the hull hit heavily into the water (and woke a confused Glenn). Two weary sailors arrived at Binalong Bay (Bay of Fires) at 5.30pm. We are on a mooring and its a bit rolly but its safe.

Thanks Jen, you are truly my heroine after this trip.

On a sadder note for my son James. His grandfather Noel O'Keefe died a few days ago. Noel was a quite, dignified man and a top bloke. I know that he has had a great influence on James and had helped him grow into a fine young man. He will be greatly missed by all and I'm sorry that I was unable to attend his funeral.

Pics: Bass Strait Fog, only 99.9 nautical miles to go, just a few of the farewell committee at Eden.

Glenn

James Love: Composer.

2010-02-05T18:12:00.000+11:00

Are you interested in music? If you have ever wondered about the composition process, my son James has now started a blog on just that. Here is the link.

http://jameslovecomposer.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html

Proud Dad,

Glenn

Eden, seems like Rain Making Ceremony was a great success.

2010-02-05T17:26:00.000+11:00

Friday 5th February: Still in Eden awaiting a weather window to sail to Tasmania. Yes I did mention weather which at the moment is very wet!!! The locals at Eden are very pleased to see us, because we have broken the drought. They really need to thank the flood magnet Johnny Jenkins, if you remember his rain making ceremony in Jervis Bay:

http://sailingadventuresofcrazylady.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-01-13T00:43:00-08:00&max-results=7

We are at the Woodchip mill anchorage riding out the southerly change. There are four other yachts here at the moment and we are all waiting for the weather window for Bass Strait. Interestingly two of the yachts are from overseas. We have met Jim and Christine from "Twelfth Night" a Passport 40 yacht. They have been circumnavigating now for 12 years, they hail from Rhode Island USA, and obviously love the lifestyle. They have already given us some great tips that have helped us immensely. The other international boat is from French New Caledonia.They have a Beneteau Oceanis 44 (Bruuuuuce) and sailed from N.C. to Coffs Harbour and down the coast for a trip across the strait, and they loved Ulladulla!!! The other 3 yachts including us are all aussie's.

We are all anxiously watching the weather for the great leap of faith to Tasmania, and either Sunday or Monday, seems like the go. Jim and Chris have been now waiting 3 weeks for the right window. Luckily we all have internet onboard and everyone has a different opinion. What did mariners do before wifi?

To all of you that think this is an exciting lifestyle, think again. There is a lot of waiting for right weather and getting very wet in the dinghy. But it beats sitting at home watching TV with the comfy slippers and pipe.

Pics: Woodchip Mill Anchorage; A house for sale in the main street of Eden, and the Bald One bails out yet again.

In Eden!

2010-02-02T18:01:00.000+11:00

A pleasant motor sail today from Burmagui to Eden. Snuggled up in Snug Cove.

Time to go to sleep.

Glenn.

Bermagui a pleasant surprise!

2010-02-01T20:38:00.000+11:00

Our stay at Bermagui has been fun and most importantly relaxing. The time has come to move on, and that means further south to Eden.

Bermagui was the main star of the Billy Connelly movie "The Man Who Sued God" We have been lucky to meet one of the cast of the movie. "Rosco" he features at the very beginning walking through the caravan park carrying a pair of flippers. So good was his performance, he now works at the Fisherman Co-op, offering a welcoming smile and chat to yachties and fishermen alike. We were really impressed with the friendly staff and facilities, because this is still a working port and fishing is the main income, everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Speaking of facilities, they have recently opened a new complex, with 3 restaurants a wine bar, fish and chip shop and several boutiques. Put Bermagui on your itinerary!!

Pics: Jen getting a fix at the clinic, view from the wine bar and "Crazy Lady" mixes it with the Trawlermen!!!

Captain Compassion and Legless Lovey

2010-01-31T10:27:00.000+11:00

Guest Blogger: Captain Compassion.

Last week while paddling around on my Stand-up-Paddle-Board in the Moruya River, I saw a disabled man in a Walker Bay Dinghy. He was very low in the dinghy with his head and shoulders appearing just above the transom. It seemed obvious to me that he had no legs. This image was made even more convincing because also in the dinghy was a woman with a fluffy hairdo, who appeared of normal height and was shouting commands at the poor legless man.

At home I spoke with my lovely wife, a nurse, about the physical help required for the disabled man to enjoy the simple pleasures of getting around on the water. It also made me think how lucky we both were to have our health and legs.

A few days later while paddling around the river, I noticed a South Coast 36 yacht anchored across from my real sailing vessel "Dare to Dream". As a fellow yachtie I decided to go over and introduce myself. Glenn was sitting in the cockpit, chatting away to me when the wind suddenly changed direction. To my surprise a Walker Bay dinghy drifted around the starboard side of his boat. Almost at the same time a fluffy haired Jen appeared on deck. I tried not to look into the depths of the cockpit, to see if Glenn had any legs. Curiosity eventually won the day, and to my surprise and relief he was sporting two well turned legs and ten pink wiggly toes.

We invited Jen & Glenn over for drinks on Friday night, and I then proceeded to get Glenn really legless. But that's another story.

If you would like to help disabled persons enjoy sailing please go to the following link:

http://www.sailability.org/au/australia/

Fair Winds

Captain Compassion.

Pics: A 'real sailing vessel' "Dare to Dream" at Wollongong Harbour, and a squat Glenn in the Walker Bay dinghy.

In Bermagui.

2010-01-26T16:14:00.000+11:00

We left Moruya this morning Australia Day. No wind so we had to motor down to Bermagui. On the way we had a fantastic stopover at Montague Island, this is a must do!

We could not believe the colour of the water, see pic. Camera cannot do the colour justice.
Also dropped in on a fur seal colony. Gee fur seals have a unique odour. (Jen says a blokey stench)

Bermagui is a working fishing port with great facilities for visiting yachties with friendly staff and fishermen. Great new buildings with a Cafe, restaurant, wine bar, fish and chip shop and most importantly clean showers, all for $20 per night. We will stay here until the wind returns from the north. Friday or Sat.

We will miss Moruya and look forward to a return visit, on our way back.

Jen receives 2 marriage proposals!!

2010-01-25T17:36:00.000+11:00

Sunday afternoon, when I was relaxing on deck with a coffee, 2 fellow yachtsmen paddled over to have a quite chat with me. I immediately offered them coffees, but their attention was drawn elsewhere?

You see the reason for their unannounced visits was to ask if they could marry Jen.

Why I asked?

Well apparently they had been observing Jen washing and polishing the hull of "Crazy Lady" for the last 3 hours, while I relaxed on deck.

Ahh, its a tough life.

Glenn

The Irish BBQ.

2010-01-24T21:18:00.001+11:00

Ask yourself what do you think are the major contributions that the Irish have made to Australian culture? Did you answer: a distain for the monarchy, religion, guiness, Irish jokes, river dance concerts, Van Morrison, Enya, Jim Owen, St Patricks Day, Father Ted, Irish backpackers, gift of the blarney, leprechauns or potatoes? All answers are good, but misguided.

Before this weekend Jen & I would have answered any of the above, but now we have had the pleasure to experience a traditional Irish BBQ. You may be wondering whats so special about this BBQ.

To start with this BBQ comes in a large flat cardboard box. This was carefully opened by the Irish BBQ Master, to reveal a foil tray 40 x 80 cms, extremely generous sizing for the task at hand, a wire grate and a small white paper bag which rattled. The next essential element was a southerly buster, gusting up to 75klms.

We then observed the lighting ceremony, which involved the construction of a pizza box size windproof 3 sided shelter, a faulty cigarette lighter and a small fire resistant wick of paper. After witnessing this important ritual, the ignorant Aussie (Glenn) naively offered to speed up the ignition process by utilizing petrol from a nearby discarded "demon possessed" outboard motor. The offer was declined as a flame miraculously appeared.

This was only the beginning.

We watched in reverent wonderment, as the white paper bag burst into flames to reveal several small black crunchy stones. One stone began to smoke. Great cheers of merriment erupted from the assembly. It was explained that cooking could not begin until all stones had turned to grey. As the chosen stone turned the required colour, our stomachs began to rumble in anticipation.

Several hours later the cooking process began, when some other black stones obligingly turned the required colour. More cheering from the hungry crowd. The food was then carefully arranged on the grate; a delicate selection of international sausages.

Time passed slowly.

We were then privileged to observe a natural phenomenon. While one sausage turned a gentle golden brown, the 15 others migrated around it to share the warmth. The presiding Irish master of BBQ's selected twigs of a certain size and shape, to turn the resistant cold sausages. At this stage 3 live specimens jumped off the BBQ preferring to lie in the dust, rather than wait any longer. They were quickly herded back on to the not so raging inferno to suffer a slow and painfully boring death.

Time ticked by.

To our amazement, before we knew it all the snags were perfectly cooked. It didn't take more than a few seconds for them to be devoured, with tasty turkish bread, mustard and condiments.

After all food was consumed, the tray and all its contents spontaneously combusted, presenting another challenge for BBQ master. When we last saw him he was waist deep in the cleansing waters of the Moruya river, tray in hand and geyser like steam rising from his shorts.

So ends our fable of how the Irish BBQ became popular in Australian culture.

Happy Australia Day 2010.

Thanks Dave & Gertie, we had the best time and the food was delicious.

Pic: Glenn & spot the Irish BBQ.

Dinghy MANoeuvres

2010-01-21T21:12:00.000+11:00

OK. So I admit have been a bit casual in taking my turn at skippering the dinghy.

I decided that the time had come to regain the skills I used with the previous run about, an inflatable. (and easy to balance toy) This new (to us) hard plastic dinghy is our work horse and we use it often. Glenn just sort of fits very nicely in the drivers seat next to the outboard.

The calm aqua waters of Moruya Bay seemed to be the perfect learning area.
What I hadn't counted upon was the importance of passengers being strategically placed equally in both weight and seating configuration, AND the fact that Glenn just loves action and just can't sit still.

The steering seemed strangely erratic as I carefully concerntrated on the job at hand, watching for all of the small splashy waves and ripples. It just didn't make sense to me that the course could change dramatically for no apparent reason. The trip was from the town wharf back to the entrance of the river and I was growing increasingly dispondent at my futile attempts to master such a simple task.

Glenn kept offering incredibly obvious and useless hints to assist me. In frustration I glared at him and noticed the bleeding obvious. Everytime he turned around to advise me or leaned over to enjoy the water (continuously) he was actually steering the boat with his well endowed posterior: HIS BUM!!! When I pointed this out to him he took offence and stood up and waved
his arms towards our destination. Yes the temptation was very real at that moment to make a sharp turn to port side but I used my self control and firmly asked him to stay still. Begrudgingly he did.

Not being one to take blame to heart, the ever cheeky and resourceful Glenn has since taken to experimenting with many different possible ways of steering hands free. My favourite so far is the "Cleopatra" pose. I spied him doing this one in a quiet backwater while I was on deck using the binoculars. He had a side lounging pose stretching over the top of all three seats with his right leg delicately extended and his well articulated toes holding onto the tiller. That's the kind of guy Glenn is! (pray for me)

This kind of thing happens every day.

Bye for now
When the tides and the weather align favourably we'll be off to Bermagui.

Love to all
Jen

We love Moruya! Will we ever leave?

2010-01-21T17:50:00.000+11:00

Moruya River is a hidden gem. Crystal clear emerald water , great surf spots, fantastic protected anchorage with great views and right on the beach,(check our where we are) friendly and helpful locals, lovely country town a 1/2 hour dinghy ride away.

We are having a great relaxing time here, can you guess that? The funny thing is we only lived about a 50 minute drive from this cruising sailors paradise, and it is only a 3 - 4 hour sail from Batemans Bay where our boat was moored. We wished we had discovered it earlier.

Like I said we are having fun down here, made some new friends. Martin & Karen from "Dare to Dream" a 38ft fibreglass cat. They know people that know us through the coxwains course, oh you mean the "Crazy Lady" from "Crazy Lady" was heard.

Jen and I have been having cooking competitions, with Glenn's hot bread, Jen's muffin madness, pork roasts, green garden salads, BBQ chops, mustard and lime chicken, and lots of drinking of Barefoot Radler and freshly perculated coffee. Ah what a life! but someones gotta do it!

We were leaving Monday, but tide suits better for a Tuesday sail south to Bermagui.

ps: stay tuned for very funny but true stories of the Legless Lovey and the Demon Possessed outboard and the Irish BBQ.

Pics: View from anchorage and how's the colour of the water?

Glenn

New Feature.

2010-01-16T14:41:00.000+11:00

While sitting in Moruya River, waiting to be hit by a thunderstorm. I have added a where we are map. If you click to enlarge the map, it goes to google maps where you can see it in larger detail and satellite view. (pic view)

If you look at all the pins it also tells you where we have been. Click on the pins for what happened.

Cheers,

Glenn

1st Surf! Barlings Beach. 2nd Moruya River Mouth

2010-01-16T13:16:00.000+11:00

I finally had a surf yesterday, (Friday) now don't get me wrong I have been surfing in the last month. This surf was special as I had to paddle from the boat, at Barlings Beach about 1/2 mile from shore. It was a great small malibu wave. Unfortunately the swell continued to rise over night and we spent the worst night ever on Crazy Lady.

My good mate Winni (James) Patterson drove down to Moruya this morning, (Sunday)for a surf. We ended up surfing the Moruya river mouth, right next to the bar you have to cross to get into the river. This ended up being almost a 4 hour surf, when paddling back in we found another great break on the inside to amuse us for another couple of hours.

Then back to Crazy Lady where Jen cooked us Bacon & Eggs, ah life is tough.

Looks like a week of good surf in Moruya, can't seeing us leave here for awhile. Maybe Friday or Saturday depending on weather and tides.

Pic: My mal resting behind the stern after a long session at Barlings Beach

Goodbye Batemans Bay.

2010-01-16T12:31:00.000+11:00

After spending 4 days in Batemans Bay, we motored down to Barlings Beach (about 8nm)in crystal clear glassy conditions.

We really enjoyed our time in the marina, where both Jen and I worked on various projects, repairs and upgrades that became apparrent on our shakedown cruise to Pittwater.

Thanks must go to Jeff and Jason at BB Marina who went out of their way to accomadate us, especially considering they were really busy allocating spaces for the extra boats in the Bay, for the Tollgate Fishing tournament. Thanks again Jeff, hope to catch up with you in Hobart.

I must also give thanks to Paul McDonald from Batemans Bay Marine, who delivered a sucker pump down to Crazy Lady as we were leaving the dock. A sucker pump. (for Glenn) Paul gave me some great advice for servicing my outboard motor, "Glenn don't #%&@# touch it again!"

You see I had the difficulties after I serviced it! It stopped working, oh Betty!!!

Denise and Dennis our long suffering next door neighbours, thanks for mowing the lawn, and the emergency coffee and fruit slice, yes I did finish it the next day. Thanks again! Denise we want to catch up with you in Hobart as well, please keep in touch.

Pics: Early morning glass Snapper Island and Goodbye Batemans Bay

Jessica Watson.

2010-01-16T12:24:00.000+11:00

This girl is a legend, makes me proud to be a old Aussie.

http://youngestround.blogspot.com/

I hope all the critics and naysayers are now eating humble pie.

Well she may have rounded Cape Horn but I just crossed the Moruya River Bar.

Pic: Ella Pink Lady Surfing in 40knots Cape Horn.

Cutest grandchild in the world

2010-01-13T21:38:00.000+11:00

Here is Matthew, my grandson. Very cute.

Jen.

Projects and mould.

2010-01-13T19:43:00.000+11:00

I've been feeling that since we set sail a month ago I would have liked just a few more days to prepare Crazy, to make her more of a "home". I know that most people never really feel that their boats are ready for a trip, and it does require some wisdom to know the point at which the boat is sea worthy, comfortable and capable of cruising. Boats always need improvements and updates with ongoing maintainance as much a part of life and routine as washing dishes etc.

We are back in Batemans Bay marina now, on a small break before trying to sail south once again. I'm thrilled because we have ELECTRICITY and that means that I can finally attend to the sewing projects that have been on my mind. Some of you (my sisters) will not be at all surprised to know that I have several rolls of fabric onboard as well as a walking-foot sewing machine. This machine lives in a special area under the navigation table. I created the perfect sized locker with the help of a jigsaw, and am very proud of the results.

I wish I was a carpenter so that I could do clever wood projects: such as a timber floor, or extra shelving inserts, but I'm hoping that with a few screws and canvas I can create specific storage spaces for all of the homeless odd shaped items. Everything has to have a specific spot to live, otherwise the boat swallows up all of the small stuff into the bases of the lazarettes, only to resurface when the boat is for sale.

I have a few cane baskets that act as attractive hold-alls in the galley, but I'm fully expecting that as the sea salt continues to saturate the air they will grow mould. Actually mould is a continual issue for sailors. Opening up the boat is the first thing we do once we've stopped. Crazy was very neglected when we purchased her, and was a mould filled stinking bucket. Sugar soap for the ceilings and huge quantities of vinegar with lemon oil and elbow grease for all timber areas made for a good few months of asthma. I still spray vinegar and orange oil regularly which also gives the interior a nice warm glow. I turn over the mattresses daily, and have invented a mesh layer of shade cloth ruffled in opposing directions to aerate under the foam.

The exterior deck and hull also need constant attention. Salt water attracts moisture and Crazy loves throwing up spray. Then everything feels sort of slimy. Really dedicated sailors: those who are "house proud", splash around in the rain scrubbing things during downpours. I'll let you know if that obsession overtakes Glenn.

I'm just finishing this blog some days after I started: the computer previously ate two lengthy attempts.

Started writing this in Batemans Bay, but we are now in Moruya.

Bye for now
Jen

The South Coast is Unique!

2010-01-12T17:33:00.000+11:00

It's the old saying you don't know what you have got till its gone.(or your gone)

We recently spent a week in the Pittwater region of Sydney. Now don't get me wrong its a great cruising area, and there are so many hidey holes, anchorages and places to visit, its a lovely place. I think that Alan Lucas rates it as the best cruising grounds on the NSW coast.

I may beg to differ with Alan on that point, called me biased, call me a local. On returning to the south coast, Jervis Bay to start with, I couldn't help think that its a far superior cruising location than Pittwater. The positives far outweigh the negatives.

Negatives 1st, there are limited facilities for yachts. In other words, bring everything with you, including fuel. The anchorages (with limited public moorings) are on either side of the bay, and you need to watch weather conditions carefully. With mobile phones and mobile Internet connections this now relatively easy.

Now the positives, ever wonder what its like to anchor in an aquarium? Well you can in Jervis Bay, the water is so clear you can see the bottom and all the fish at The Hole in Wall anchorage, Dolphins are in seen regularly, on most sails. Sailing is something you can do in the Bay without wind shadows(Pittwaters biggest problem) great runs with good clear breeze are the norm. Shopping and provisioning can be done, in Huskison and Vincentia by anchoring off these delightful villages and taking the dinghy. Oh and above all, less crowded, 6 yachts moored at Hole in Wall last week. To our yachting friends in Sydney, Bruuuce & Sue/Lynn & Andrew/Robb & Katrina check Google Earth, look at your charts and take the time to come down and enjoy what Jervis has to offer. Believe me its well worth it.

I also made another south coast discovery yesterday. On the sail from Ulladulla to Batemans Bays, while Jen did some mundane chores at our land home. Winni James Patterson & I had Crazy Lady flying in the 20 - 25 knot North East wind. We found ourselves an hour and a half ahead of schedule. (tide schedule at Batemans Bay that is)

We decided to stop at North Durras, on your nautical charts known as Point Upright. The possibility of a surf was on our minds. We knew this was well protected from a North East wind. No surf, (as usual) but what a great anchorage, its obviously been missed on all cruising guides. The water was very calm and swell free, as we anchored in 4 mts of sand bottom crystal clear water.(see pic above)After a relaxed lunch and swim, we braved the gusty conditions for an hour long sail to Batemans Bay.

Pic: View from the anchorage Upright Point.

Glenn

JJ returns to JB

2010-01-09T22:27:00.000+11:00

With level one water restrictions in place, Shoalhaven Council decided drastic measures needed to be taken. Former Jervis Bay resident John Jenkins was summoned back on special consignment. His mission which he chose to accept, was to sail to the centre of Jervis Bay, to arouse the rain gods, to once again bring forth heavy precipitation.

You may be asking yourself, why? what is so special about JJ, what can he do to summon rain?

Although not ready to reveal his special abilities, I can tell you this, he now resides in the Belligen Valley on the northern NSW coast and in 2009, he was able to conjure up 5 major floods alone. In rainmaker circles his name is mentioned in hush tones as the "flood magnet"

What has Crazy Lady and her crew have to do with this meteorological phenomenon? We were chartered to take JJ and his members of the rain making tribe to the centre of Jervis.

Now JJ and Glenn go back many years, and it was JJ who introduced Glenn to the gentle art of keel boat sailing. Glenn who is not the sharpest tool in the shed, should have realized that something was amiss, when in lesson one JJ suggested that running aground is the 1st skill required. He then demonstrated how to run aground, this story will be told at a later date.

Included in the the rain making team , were Fiona JJ's long suffering wife, who supplied much needed refreshmentsts, Jen's daughter Brenna was also asked to provide her helming skills, for the difficult task of finding the dead centre of Jervis Bay. Jen's contribution, was master of ceremonies, after her success at recent renaming ceremony. Brenna's friend Craig offered support by wearing his ancient ceremonial beads.

We had a great day, but we have still not received any significant rain in the region. JJ says it's only early days yet. So residents of Shoalhaven, please prepare for a major flood event.

Pics: Brenna at Helm, and rain making team.

Crazy Lady is now heading south for Tassie.

Just too busy looking and singing!

2010-01-07T18:52:00.000+11:00

In Jervis Bay Marine Park

Last night at about 10pm, when we were getting ready to sleep Glenn went up on deck to attend to a final anchor check. (totally naked as old surfers like to be.) By the torchlight he could see not only the sea floor below us but also a miriad of inquisitive fish. We both spent the next hour exploring the water around us by torchlight. I whistled and sang a variety of folk songs and christmas carols to our real life aquarium friends. I wanted to know if they would respond in anyway. Unfortunately they were tone deaf.

That may sound strange to you, but I recently sang "Little baby Jesus" and "Away in a manger" to a pod of dolphins south of Ulladulla. (My theory is that the melody transends the differences in the species, and that all creatures may enjoy the sounds of soothing music, as babies do). Anyway after a while the main pod of dolphins finally left us. Only one dolphin stayed swimming with us as the yacht sped forward. For the next 45 secs. this solo dolphin swam up side down, tummy up to me just under the water's surface. Anatomically it was all very interesting. I kept singing. And then it was gone. I think that specific dolphin was communicating with me. Not really sure what it all meant.

Glenn and I have been thinking about how little time we have to watch TV or DVDs now. We just keep noticing so many other things in our surroundings that fill up our time. We also often feel totally exhausted.

The previous entry: Glenn's storm story, was seen by me in a totally different light. I remember watching the anvil shaped clouds forming for several hours, then the development of a long long white sausage cloud, and above this for as far as I could see, a narrow horizontal green haze band. All very visual. I do not recall any noises at all. The movement of the seas, the plunging of Crazy down into enormous gullies and sea spray pelting (and cleaning) the decks are very clear memories for me.

Just random thoughts of mine but I thought they might give you some insight into why we are out and about on the water.

Love to all

Jen

Not all Beer and Skittles this cruising life.

2010-01-06T12:43:00.000+11:00

When we started this blog, we promised the good with the bad. Yesterday was bad!!! Not all bad, but enough to make it bloody bad.
The plan was sail from Rushcutters Bay Sydney to Jervis Bay, about 90 nautical miles. When I awoke at 3am and felt too tired to get up, that should have been a warning. I slept another hour then decided it was time to leave. After breakfast and refueling we left at about 5.35am. The forecast was for 15 to 20 knots from the NE perfect for the trip south. We had a relatively uneventful sail down past Botany Bay, Cronulla and Wollongong, with Winni the wind vane steering. We were actually relaxing and taking turns in having little cat naps.
We were sailing about 15 nautical miles offshore, trying to pick up some east coast current.(you know the one that Nemo rode down) We both noticed storm clouds brewing around Kiama and Saddleback mountain. These soon developed into a full on thunder and lightning storm, which was quite spectacular from our position out at sea. Little were we to know that the effect this storm would soon have on us.
Jen was happily watching the display and strange cloud formations and colourings, when she pointed out an extremely long light grey rolling cloud running parallel to the visible shoreline. Meanwhile the wind was building and we were flying along at about 6.5 to 7 knots, great fun.
I noticed it about a minute before it hit. I looked to my right and saw the water frothing and foaming, and what I would call a squall line with spray flying everywhere. I yelled to Jen who was relaxing below, to come and give me a hand to furl the head sail. When bang, it hit with a vengence, and I mean vengence. We suddenly entered a world of chaos. The noise is hard to explain, rigging screaming, head sail flogging out of control, lightning flashing and cracking and the water around us was white with foam and spray. Luckily I was wearing my brown underwear. My first instinct was to go below and hide under the bunks with my head under the pillows. Dear readers do not abandon faith in me yet. Although I'm a self confessed coward at heart, I could not let down Jen or Crazy. With bullets of blinding rain and wind playing havoc with my hair do, I sprang into action. I tried to pull the furling line in, but the storm was too strong for ordinary measures. I attached the furling line to the main sheet winch and was then able to furl the sail. This brought the boat under control. The storm subsided almost as quickly as it came, but during the height of the onslaught our wind instrument recorded gusts of between 50 - 60 knots. We then continued our journey to Jervis Bay with about 1/3 of head sail out in 25 - 30 knot winds.
Now you may think the story ends here, I wish it did, but there is more. We finally arrived at Jervis Bay just on sunset.(it was beautiful as well)The wind then started to gust again from the NE between 30 - 35 knots as another storm cell passed to our north. With reduced sail Crazy Lady revelled in the conditions with speeds of 8 knots over ground and spray flying in all directions ie: a face full of yours truly. Now this was fun. Unfortunately darkness descended all too quickly, and boy it was black dark. We now had to find an anchorage, easy you might say, but not in unfamiliar waters. With no visibility, we were reduced to using the chart plotter and the depth sounder + dolphin torches. I can't do justice putting our feelings at this point into words, suffice to say that we finally found a mooring at approximately 10.45pm. It was a long bloody day!!!!
Lessons learnt: Always be in an anchorage well before sunset. Don't rely solely on marine weather forecasts, check general weather for thunder storm warnings etc: Don't do such long distance day sails, without a contingency plan.
Footnote: Despite my attempt at humour all the above is true.

Pic: Crazy Lady blasting to Point Perpendicular.

Sailing into 2010!

2010-01-03T18:07:00.000+11:00

Time flies when your having fun, here we are into the 3rd day of the new year! Whats happened since Pittwater? well New Years Eve was a hoot! We were anchored up in Smiths Creek, up near Cottage Point. Bruce and Sue once again played host to a tasty dinner. Also joining us were, Lynn and Andrew from Mischief and Andrews wonderful sister & brother Patrina(hope Ive spelt that right?)from London, and Nigel (aka Simon) from Brisbane. After dinner we rowed to Rob & Katrina's new boat with a crowd of other folk from the CCC, this resulted in more guitar playing and singing, sorry I was soooo drunk and nearly dieing from dehydration and heat exhaustion, Rob I really would have liked to continue playing but. Hope to catch up with you all in a couple of months, when we sail north from Tassie.

New years day was right off for me, my plan was to leave Smith Creeks at about 8am and sail to Cronulla, but see above. We ended up leaving at 11.30am and by the time we motored out to Barrenjoey, I needed another lie down. We grabbed a mooring and I slept all afternoon. (no more bloody drink for this boy)

Fast forward to the 2nd, we left bright and early for the planned sail to Cronulla. Flukey winds and not wanting to to start the motor, left us floundering off Sydney Heads when the sky went black, and I mean black!!! We were hit with a massive downpour that was soooo heavy you could only see about 50 mtrs in front of you. If it wasn't for the compass and the chart plotter, I would not have known where I was.
Jen says it was one of the weirdest experience's she has ever had, its really hard to explain what it was like. The attached pic does not do it justice. We ended going into the harbour and anchoring in Rose Bay. We decided that the harbour view was to our liking and have decided to stay a few days before continuing south.(now thats a great thing about this cruising stuff)

We are now berthed at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (from here on in known as CYCA)for 2 days. I decided I needed a shower or my clothes were leaving me in protest over the smell, getting laundry done, going shopping and taking my faulty laptop power supply back to Jaycar. I got lost on arrival and went down the wrong finger at the marina, and I had to bid a hasty retreat.
Now reversing a full keeled yacht is no easy feat, because there is very little control. Adding to the pressure of performance anxiety, were the bevvy of well heeled spectators.(crew of Ichi Ban nursing a broken mast and Play Station 3)As usual they all seemed to appear on deck just as I realized I had to turn around. Now tell me you don't believe in miracles, but Crazy Lady sensing my fear and the impending doom, spun around in a boat length, leaving both me and the CYCA members, including all the marina's armchair admirals gob smacked. I waved to them all as I casually motored to the correct pen, with a renewed confidence. Now Crazy Lady sits proud amongst all the multi million dollar yachts.

Pics: Couple of Crazy Lady at CYCA and downpour.

Heading South Tuesday!

Glenn

Jen is Tops!

2010-01-03T10:51:00.000+11:00

We are now in Sydney Harbour, sitting out the southerly change that went through last night. Anchored in Rose Bay, with a million dollar view of the bridge and harbour.
I was asked by a friend the other day how it was going and how did we actually get it all happening. He also pointed out to me that Jen,s posts were more on the practical side, where as usual mine were on the fun, fun, fun side.(didn't someone write a song about fun?)
This started me thinking what things would be like without Jen on board. Well I can tell you now this whole adventure would not be possible without her, she is the one that organizes all the practical bits and pieces, her enthusiasm knows no bounds. This trip was something that I have wanted to do for over 30 years, but without the help and support that I have gotten from Jen, I would still be sitting at home dreaming about it, or sitting in the boat with smelly dirty clothes, eating jatz, cheese and chips.

Behind every hopeless bloke there is a very capable women. Thanks Jen!

Glenn

ps. She doesnt know I'm posting this!!!!

Pic: Jen a rose in Rose Bay!!

MY WATERY WORLD is now MY LIFE.

2009-12-31T12:28:00.000+11:00

The challenges of the water are not only about staying afloat. We've had training for that.

Now that we've lived aboard for two weeks we've been learning to deal with: washing, bathing, cooking, washing dishes over and over again, hygiene, hydration, cleaning, (with water tanks of a capacity of several hundred ltrs, exact amount unknown), leaking seacocks, leaking toilet connections, total toilet failure requiring total replacement, sailing a dinghy and then loosing the gear overboard as speed boats zoom past, keeping our living quarters dry and lowering humidity, water ingress (unexpected leaking cabin roof in directional rain), and just having gear fall "in the drink" requiring a quick update on knotting techniques.

I've developed a few tricks: I use lots of paper towels to wipe food off utensils after meals prior to washing up. I often use a tallish rectangular container instead of the sink which makes a deeper washing bowl using less water. I've been given a rotating hand cracking washing devise that works on little h2o. The rinse water is used for toilet flushing, or general deck cleaning.
When away from marinas we have a "bird bath" in a big flexible plastic tub and scoop warm water over ourselves, then flush that into the bilge for pumpout. When the kettle boils I always put excess hot water into thermos flasks. These keep it almost boiling for almost 12 hours, and can then be used for bathing etc. We try to stay away from marinas that often charge $ for very little in return. However, laundry facilities are enticing. We've managed fairly well despite the unseasonal damp! Only one day of good sunshine, and another with good drying winds.

Ventilation is important for moisture controll and we try to have every window open when possible. I flip the double mattress more or less daily, because condensation build up will lead to mold and mildew (allergies, asthma). We have painted floorboards and use throw down mats because marine carpet holds moisture and stinks really quickly.

Oh and vinegar is a great clean-all, it inhibits mold growth, and I apply it in a spray bottle. A drop of detergent helps too.

Anyway that's it for now: we're off to PALMBEACH, having successfully anchored off the beach overnight for the first time. We'll be using the dinghy (rowing, because the outboard has given up the ghost)to transport our groceries. Our dinghy"MAD MAN" is now our life line to civilization, and needless to say we've had breakages with the simplest of oar locks several times. I'm now titled "Jen will Fix it".

As someone said: Cruising is about sailing from one exotic destination to another to attend to expensive repairs.

Anyway happy new year 2010
Love to all
Jen

ps: as yet no surf for Glenn and the three borads.

Party Hard at Pittwater!!!

2009-12-30T19:54:00.000+11:00

Well whats happened since our last update? We sailed from Cronulla to Pittwater on Sunday in company with Chilli Heat with Bruce and Sue at the helm, well in company for awhile that is until we lost sight of their stern. We elected to sail with just our head sail and were achieving 7 knots in the early blustery conditions, when arriving at Sydney heads,and as conditions eased, Chilli Heats crew decision to sail with double reefed main and head sail proved to be a winning combination. But hell I'm the lazy sailor and was happy to coast to Pittwater with our original sail configuration. Winni the windvane steered Crazy all the way with a minor adjustment here and there. We are now experiencing nice weather, after days of rain, rain and more rain. The weather has certainly been a challenging introduction to our new way of life, but we are still not deterred. We are finding the challenges and relaxation to be quite envigorating. We have met up with some old sailing friends and Bruce and Sue held great party last night on board CH for 10 people(well done again B&S), with delicious Chilli Beef, which proved to be a all round favourite(especially the next morning with Bruce's toilet) It was great to once again play guitar with Rob until the early hours of the morning and the enthusiastic go go girls and back up singers kept all others in the anchorage awake! Another big night is planned for New Years Eve. Right now we are anchored in the shadow of Barrenjoey Lighthouse and a whisper away for a glassout and a surf in the morning. We hope to be heading south on New Years Day!

Pics: Jen,Rob & Nigel relaxing, Bruce and go go girls, Winni the windvane(in no special order)

Hobart to Sydney Yacht Race (The great escape from the Gong to Cronulla)

2009-12-26T21:14:00.000+11:00

I know you all thought we were heading south. ie:Turn right on leaving the gong. Ex tropical cyclone Laurence firmly stopped that plan. The outlook for the next week is almost certainly winds from the south. After learned and lengthy consultations with Bruuuuuce and Sue of Chilli Heat, who were meeting us in Jervis Bay we decided that Pittwater northern Sydney sounded very enticing.(anything anywhere but THE TYRE.) Great sail to Cronulla in wet windy rough conditions, and Crazy Lady once again proved that she thrives in this challenging sailing conditions (20 - 25 knots)
Off to Pittwater Sunday.

Glenn

Tired of the TYRE!!!!

2009-12-26T21:00:00.000+11:00

We docked at Wollongong Harbour for our Xmas visit to our families. This is definitely a working fishing harbour. A massive industrial "Mt Isa" style tyre and a catermeran with wide ball style fenders separated us from terra firma. The chasm was often impassible and require the climbing skills of a mountain goat. T shirts and shorts are now covered in black scuff marks(no laundry facilities)I got battered and bruised. The strong winds from the north east and then the south with drizzling rain, proved too much for me and we decided to leave Wollongong on Boxing Day. Enough was enough, not to mention the nocturnal irritations of Dooff Dooff drug selling sex fiends parked just over in the harbour carpark. (and that was just Glenn)

Jen

Getting to know Glenn, still a mad surfer

2009-12-23T23:05:00.000+11:00

What a tiring few days it's been.
Glenn is so keen and enthusiastic about this sailing adventure. His three surfboards are lashed onto the lifelines. (Thankfully a fourth was sent home with a neighbour). I am the crew responsible for the mooring (driving) of Crazy and have trouble seeing over the dodger down to the bow at any time. Now my view is obscured by the board cases. I sort of park by Braille with the help of vague and at times dramatic hand signals. Fortunately I can't actually hear anything Glenn is saying.
I'm not sure if any of you realize that surfing and finding a really good wave is the basic motivation behind our trip. We see this as a shakedown cruise to sort out any problems in our systems. I am often just tired by Glenn's relentless optimism that the wind is right for a sail. The sails are set and then we sit back and watch them flap and slop about. He is never really discouraged by the fragility of the weather, and is great fun to travel with.
I'll try to contribute more often to this blog, at the moment I mainly act as an editor.
A big hello to our newest blog followers, "Uncle Simon and Lynda my sister, Miles and Izzie" in England. Thanks for following; also to the Tabourie crowd of friends, especially Little Sue who I really didn't get to say goodbye to, (the ginger extract is a big help) and my amazing work buddies. Could someone send my love to Molly?
Thanks
Love
Jen

Long overdue update, and Wollongong Harbour arrival

2009-12-23T15:53:00.000+11:00

Pics Crazy Lady leaving Ulladulla Harbour, still pulling out the head sail and having a blast of a sail to Jervis Bay, Friendly faces night before naming ceremony, and Jen 25 knot gust no worries.

Thankyou to everyone that turned up on Friday night to help us officially name CRAZY LADY. The generosity of our friends seems to know no bounds. I won't name you all here, but Moet was another treat, as well as the special xmas cookies and cakes,(I promise I won't eat them till xmas day), the 3 books are brilliant(have not stopped reading McTavish,) and the timber work and stairs are fantastic. Best of all your company is priceless, THANKYOU!!
People seemed to come and go till about midnight,(Jens work mates later than most). The delivery crew from Secret Men's Business (Sydney to Hobart contestant this year) left for Sydney at about midnight. We helped them cast off. They would probably be in Sydney by the next morning, Sat morning!!!!!. They rafted up next to us, while they enjoyed dinner and a few ales at the famous MARLIN pub. They won the meat raffle and were quite festive on their return. Jen and I were invited on board to see what a $2million racing machine looks like. Picture yourself in a black tunnel with bunks stacked along each side and heaps of small 3 LED lights and just a computer on the middle line, and that just about sums it all up. Anyway we were given a weeks supply of meat as a treat.

Saturday, saw a late start after showers and breakfast. We set off at about 11.30am with help from Big Al and pics(see above) from Kaye. It was one of the best sails we have had in Crazy Lady, with constant 20 knot winds blasting us along at about 7 knots. The boat and crew handled these conditions beautifully. We picked up a national park mooring(3 attempts)in the beautiful Hole in the Wall area in Jervis Bay and had a nice BBQ and were in bed by 9pm. More on Jervis Bay in the coming weeks when we return to spend some relaxing times there.
The plan on Sunday was to go straight thru to Wollongong, but sloppy seas and no wind soon made for a quick change of plans. We motored to Greenwell Point, about 20 nm from Jervis. My plan was to go up the creek and stay on the jetty at the caravan park. I had stayed there previously on Anembo, our slightly smaller previous boat. I must have forgotten some details in the past few years, because our new boat which is slightly deeper unexpectedly grounded in what should have been a deep channel. After kedging off (note the use of the nautical term) the sandbar, and much to the entertainment of cheering locals leaning over their balconies we picked up a public mooring in the river. Sounds smooth but it wasn't. The fun doesn't end there though. Later when lighting the BBQ under the continued gaze of curious locals, the cover of the Kettle that Jen spent 8 days making, blew into the water. My 1st thought was that its only a cover, no worries. I'll let it go. With horror I remembered how proud Jen was of this item, and being a natural born hero that I am I sprung into action. I leaped into the as yet unused dinghy to retrieve floating cover. One big problem being that I overlooked the stability of a regular dinghy which this was, and very different to an inflatable. Well you can guessed the rest, a complete and dramatic capsize of the dinghy with me(fully clothed) in the water and one oar floating speedily away with the outgoing tide to join the BBQ cover. Not to be deterred by the laughter of the locals, I quickly regained composure and was carefully assisted into new dinghy by Jen. I then did my best Hiawatha impersonation with the remaining oar, and rescued the cover and lost oar but nearly lost a boat hook in the process.

Monday and Tuesday were rest days in Greenwell Point. Locals very disappointed. All we could manage was some very erratic rowing with a faulty oar grip against the strong tidal flow. We transported large quantities of washing to and from the laundry, and I carted 15-20 litres of fuel about a kilometre along the foreshore. Jen scrubbed the grubbiest parts of the Crazy with a scrub brush and Jiff for hours in the pleasant afternoon breeze.

Wednesday: today: now. Wollongong Harbour.
We left Greenwell Point early this morning about 5.15am and motored all the way to the Gong to arrive at about 11.30am. Not a bad run averaging between 5.5 and 6.0 knots.When we arrived we were greeted with 2 fire rescue trucks who were called in on a false alarm. Good timing as they helped tie us up when they realized that we didn't need rescuing. They then spent the next half hour discussing my surfboards. Next came the Customs officers who wanted to know what country we were from???? I finally convinced them that Tabourie Lake was in Australia, we just look different. After an hour of stuffing around dealing with the above, the Coastal Patrol vessel came into the harbor, with 4 crew glaring out of the window at me??? Yes, I had tied up at THEIR spot, so we had to move forward two metres. And then the police pulled up to watch us as they enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips. (has someone not told us something....)
Tomorrow it's off to buy a new toilet, (did I mention that this trip started with a major toilet malfunction before we even sailed out on the first morning?) and to get the outboard motor fixed, which is why the dinghy oars are so vital at the moment.(Bruuuuuce I just can't wait until I see you again)Who said this cruising lifestyle is exotic????? A leaking toilet, too much washing, fading communications systems and no time to get ashore to prepare for Xmas. Oh and if you were wondering about why we are late with the blog update, its because my invertor had some conflict with neg. wiring that I as an electrician created and was able to solve all by my self. Jen's off shopping with Brenna, and I hope they bring back some food. I was incharge of the food shopping prior to departure but foolishy thought that snacks would get us through. (see earlier blog) I think I might get my 1st surf in the morning at the beach were I learnt to surf at 45 years ago.
We look forward to your correspondence and comments (and whinges if you know me well).

Jen might say something when she gets back.

Cheers,

Glenn

Quick Update

2009-12-20T13:56:00.000+11:00

After a brilliant day of sailing from Ulladulla to Jervis Bay, We are now in Greenwell Point. We motored up here early this morning, because there was no wind we decided not to continue to the Gong. Great night on Friday at the renaming ceremony,(thanks to those who turnrd up) pictures to be posted once we get to Wollongong, as well of more details of yesterdays sail and Jen stealing the meat raffle tray off the crew of Secret Men's Buisiness, we have run out of power due to some fault with the invertor (anyone know a good electrician) so I have to keep this brief. Complete blog and pictures in the next couple of days. The good news is that Jen is now baking muffins in the new oven, to celebrate our first grounding this morning.

Glenn

Goodbye Land - Hello Water.

2009-12-17T21:18:00.000+11:00

We have moved aboard, after a really crazy day where I kept forgetting what I was doing before I got it done. What do you mean, I hear you ask. One example, I decided to do the shopping for provisions, to help Jen out while she was busy organising everything else. Anyway after an hour or so roaming the aisles of Coles filling a trolly with all my favourite goodies and arriving at the check-out to have it all added up by the very efficient check out person, when Glenn realises he has no way of paying for it, ummmm I did offer to take all the things and put them back on the shelf, but the supervisor was called, and I was politely escorted from the store.

Our neighbours Dennis & Denise, kindly fed us tonight then drove us down to the marina, we are very lucky to have such wonderful next doorers.
If the weather is good, and its look like it will be, expect us in Ulladulla Harbour Friday arvo.

Glenn

Last sleep at home tonight and Ulladulla wharf BOAT NAMING ceremony Friday

2009-12-16T21:31:00.000+11:00

We are both feeling somewhat strange tonight, trying to comprehend the start of our sailing adventure on Friday and the change of pace, lifestyle and finances that casting-off will bring. We probably should be really organized by now, but we both keep thinking of things that "must be done tomorrow". Today the liferaft and dinghy have been installed into their new positions, and tomorrow the food and kitchen pans and clothes.
I'll miss my bed, because it's so comfortable for my "nurses back". I'll miss our new bathroom and laundry which is still a novelty even after 12 months. I'm struggling to decide what clothes to take because space is so limited. I want to take a range of personal sentimental things and photos too but the salt air may cause them to deteriorate. The sea motion also breaks lots of things.
All of the decisions that need to be made on the details of arrangements is exhausting, but tomorrow night (Thurs) is the deadline because we will sleep on Crazy Lady from then onwards. We will make an early start to sail up to Ulladulla from Batemans Bay on Friday morning. The renaming ceremony of Crazy Lady (making it her official name and deleting the previous one) will take place when enough friends and "bubbly" have arrived. I hope to see many of you there at 6 or 7ish at the wharf.
Bye for now
Jen

Graduation Day!

2009-12-16T19:39:00.000+11:00

We had a great day on Monday at Brenna and James uni graduation. It was great to see them both rewarded after 5 years of hard work.

Well its Wednesday night and we have just returned from getting the boat ready, I installed the new liferaft today and a few other bits and pieces. We set sail on Friday morning heading north to Ulladulla, for Jen,s renaming ceremony. The weather looks perfect to have us in Wollongong by Sunday afternoon, we will sail to Jervis Bay Sat and then to the gong Sunday, all being well.

(Hey Mick thanks for the message, mate we are already missing you down this way, we will in the harbour at the gong all next week, so if you get a chance come down and pick me up and we will go surfing.)

We move on to the boat tommorrow nite, so I will try and do a post from it, and try out my new mobile internet connection.

Boat Naming AGAIN!!! Ulladulla Harbour Friday Afternoon.

2009-12-13T20:59:00.000+11:00

Well too tired, to say to much tonight, but if the expected southerly arrives Thursday nite, we will sail to Ulladulla Friday morning. Jen wants to de name & re name Crazy Lady at Ulladulla harbour Friday, all the usual suspects including Jens work colleagues + The Lake Tabourie Old Gay Surfing Association. This will also include a Bon Voyage for Jen and her long suffering crew.

I finally finished work last Friday, and have to admit that I felt totally underwhelmed, I was expecting great burst's of euphoria from myself, I think having all these things to think about(what to take/or leave behind) before we go is kinda mind boggling, and those who know me, understand I caan only do 2 things at once and one of them is sweating.

Jen has done a wonderful job getting Crazy shipshape in the last week, I'm really proud of her.

Speaking of proud, Monday will see 2 proud parents at Wollongong Uni, as Jen's daughter Brenna, and my son James both graduate with double degree's. One must ask where do they get their brains from? We might even post some pics of the great day here.

Those wanting sailing news will have to wait a few more days.

Glenn

2009-12-06T20:51:00.000+11:00

"Three metres will be more than enough for the job." said Glenn. I had my doubts.
On Saturday Dave willingly (!!!) lent a hand installing insulation around the engine room/space of Crazy Lady. It's a tight dark smelly space. The silver jigsaw in the photo shows the very last scraps of the awkward stuff being "patchworked" to fit onto the last door. I can't believe Glenn was so close to being right this time. Dave and Gerti: a big thankyou, you helped make yet another THANKLESS BOAT JOB into a delightful day.

Crazy's new stairs were installed on Friday. It's a shame that the photo is so poor. We no longer have to impersonate spiderman climbing down into and out of the cabin. Glenn dismantled the bulky unsafe steps without realizing how incredibly practical they were. Luckily our good friend Winni (James Patterson) had the skills to create a new set of steps that is so well crafted that it blends in with the established style of the interior. There's even a good luck messages signed under the top step. It was a wonderful day for me, watching him work with such precision.

Many of our neighbours are taking the chance to say farewell now.
This week I'll begin to load onboard every possible thing that we might need. The hardest part will be finding logical places to stow things and creating the master list of WHERE TO FIND IT. I've counted 84 different hiding spaces already. I should be really muddled by the time Glenn returns from his last day at work on Friday.
Bye for now
Jen

Interesting 2nd last week!

2009-12-03T18:53:00.000+11:00

I only have 6 more working days left, but hey who's counting? I had an interesting experience yesterday, training non english speaking Sudanese refugees Work Site Safety. We had an interpreter, who struggled to comprehend my sense of huuuuumoor. The irony of it was, that they had escaped from a war torn country, to then spend 2 years in a Kenyan refugee camp, and here I am talking about how not to get hurt at work. Doh!!
Anyway they had a great time and laughed all day(what was that interpreter actually saying?)The Sudanese women were questioning my manhood, because they wondered at why I have only managed to sire just one son. (but he is a lot smarter than me)

More big boat news this weekend.

Glenn

Jens last day at work and the countdown begins.

2009-12-03T18:36:00.000+11:00

Jen finished work today, as our big adventure draws nearer. We have included a pic of the farewell poster Jen made for the staff at Sarah Claydon, Milton. One thing is for sure, the place will be much quieter without her cyclonic movements up and down the corridors. I'm certain I would get no arguments from her collegues, who have often threatened to pay me to keep her at home.(Frankie)The ransom has yet to be paid so we will be berthing in Ulladulla harbour in approximately 2 weeks time. So please start the collection now!!!

Come Monday

2009-11-29T20:23:00.000+11:00

I have only 8 more working days left before I'm finished work, and commence on my 35 year old dream. Lucky for me its become Jen's dream as well. Jen finishes work on the 8th Dec. I'm amazed at how lucky I am to have a partner that shares my passion. Today we took another step closer as we started to stock the Crazy with favourite things from home, like books, DVD's etc: All music is going via Iphone:(we are so up to date with technology,!!!, remembering this is coming from a man who said the CD would never catch on???).
Today I vaccumed the bilge and degreased the motor, because of the mess from changing fuel lines earlier in the week. I'm as green as Malcolm Turnball so no dirty bilge water into mother ocean.
The pics posted are cruising and surfing guides that we loaded on board today and hope to utilize over the coming years. (thanks John King for your keen ebay and Aldi skills, also Aunti Shirley and John.)
You may be wondering why the title of the blog is Come Monday? We are very fortunate to have wonderful neighbours, Dennis and Denise, who lavished us with nautical oddities as a bon voyage. (Thanks but we are still recoving from the heavy night). Included in their gifts was a Jimmy Buffet CD, with Come Monday on it. This song has special significance for Johnny Jenkins(flood magnet @ Belligen) and myself when in our teens we did a great drunken rendition of same song, in the now defunct Scarf Brothers.
We are getting quite excited as our departure date nears. Standby for more posts in the coming 2 weeks.

Glenn and Jen(editor)

New stove

2009-11-21T12:23:00.000+11:00

Here is a pic of the new stove, and Jens super designed and manufactured Lee Cloth. Now I can cook and feed the crew. Just exactly what Jens always wanted, someone that can boil water, whilst sleeping soundly in the new lee cloth.

The 64 mts of chain is sitting in the anchor locker, but not really worth a pic. I only have 13 days left at work, but who's counting. Another dust storm has covered the Crazy in dust and mud again, out comes the scrubbing brush and water.

Glenn(blogged from my iPhone)

Tuesday 24/11/09

Another big day, I finally convinced Paul from Batemans Bay marine (Paul is our hero, he saved Crazy Lady from certain death last year, when she broke her mooring and decided to go sailing without us) to come down and go over the engine with me and show me how to maintain it. We ended up re-organising the fuel system to make it simpler for me to understand. We spent the day renewing and re-routing all fuel feeds, replacing filters bleeding the system and servicing the motor. Ummmm I think that OHS training is a much easier job. Jen was on fire helping us with tools, clamps, coffee and cake. How come she knows where everything is????.

Glenn

1st Post.

2009-11-13T20:31:00.000+11:00

It's about a month before we head out on our sailing and surfing adventure, and we are intending to just "give it a go". This afternoon, I finally put my Aldi folding bike together, this hopefully will be my only form of on-land transport for some time to come. (I've been driving at least 60,000 ks a year for the last 10 years for work). I will be very happy to never drive again. The last 6 months have been kinda blurry, with both of us working our arses off, (me whinging alot) and fixing Crazy Lady in preparation her for the big trip. The next few weeks will see us bringing it all together, but if the boat's not ready before the departure date we will still go and do the little jobs on the way. What's the plan you ask? Well our plan is that there is no plan; just go with the weather and cruise. Tomorrow we will install the new stove/oven and another 64 mtrs of new anchor chain.

We will try and update this blog every few days in the hope that friends and family can have written proof that we really are totally mad, and indeed the perfect crew for CRAZY LADY.

Glenn