Part VI


The Gib'sea 37 moored in the marina in Cascais

Having found myself a boat that's sailing to Las Palmas in the Canneries, I have finally achieved my second goal. 

The boat, H. Breed, is a Gib'sea 37 equipped with radar, AIS, auto-helm, two large Genoas, water maker and a pleasing but sparce little galley. It also has a large, well-protected cockpit, two double aft cabins and a massive double bow cabin. The boat was sailed down from Fredrikstad near Oslo, earlier this summer. The 3 man Norwegian crew are about to start a two-year, around the world adventure, beginning with the 5 day sail to Las Palmas on the 15th or 16th November, where they'll pick-up their additional crew member.

Gunnar was left aboard as boat keeper. I met him in Skipper's bar in the marina. We got chatting and have subsequently become good friends, meeting for a beer and a chat most days. Last night I stayed aboard with him and have left the majority of my kit at my former Hotel, where I stayed for nine nights.

former whaler, Gunnar is a very serious sailor...
Gunnar comes from a long line of whalers. His great, great grand father spent most of his life at sea; Gunnar is pictured here with the precious old knife left to him by Noah.

In the winter he hunts for moose and aardvark in snow covered pine forests, where he enjoys his small log cabin. The Norwegians prefer to eat their meat raw, so cooking on board for me should be minimal because they live on a diet of raw meat, nuts and muesli. They have removed their gas cooker to make space for an additional freezer.

The skipper and other crewman return to the boat on 13th November when I'll meet them, then plan and provision for our trip. Before their arrival, I plan to help Gunnar scrub the boat and tidy it before they arrive.

Post-match Why is it that whenever England get beaten, I'm always surrounded by the winning team's supporters..?
Probably the best known bar in Cascais is O'Neills. Much post-match humiliation for me with Gunnar, Francesca, Mark and Samantha who's a Bok; she only speaks Afrikaans and is probably the laziest barmaid in Cascais. We've had loads of fun here, they have different singers every evening; some have been very good - particularly Pedro, a lovely guy.

So I flew home last night for seven days to recuperate. I'll use this time to take care of some business, plant some more shrubs in my garden, visit my mum and cook more goodies to take with me next Tuesday, when I'll return to Cascais.

My sons met me at Luton airport late last night; I'm planning to take them out for dinner next weekend to celebrate both of their birthdays. My next post will be just before leaving for Las Palmas in about 10 days time.  I'll have a few days to live with my other crew mates before loading my kit bag aboard and setting sail again. 

I'll probably be going to church next Sunday in Shutford...


Comments

  1. Porky & Beluga cook at sea5 November 2019 at 14:52

    I really should add a footnote to my last post because I've had a number of people (some I've no idea who they are) who are concerned about me living on raw meat for 5 days. I thought there were enough clues in the post for everyone to get the fact that I was messing a little. In future, anything WRITTEN IN ITALICS, please don't take toooooo seriously... x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Porky & Beluga cook at sea6 November 2019 at 01:44

    I mean 'aardvark in snow covered pine forests...' that really would be a first.... 🤣😂🤣

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aeron Tall Ships9 November 2019 at 13:03

    Can I suggest an appropriate dish? We had “alias Mousse AKA Moussaka“ tonight..... ☠️

    ReplyDelete
  4. seostar216 June 2020 at 07:36

    An oven like this is usually more affordable than an electric one. cooktops

    ReplyDelete
  5. david jackob23 June 2021 at 04:38

    You telling good information about Gas Cookers check another best modern gas cookers Dubai from
    Gas Cooking Ranges I have had a good experience with them.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Porky & Beluga cook at sea11 September 2021 at 08:38

    Thanks so much for your kind words, I'm delighted you enjoyed reading about my adventures...

    ReplyDelete

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