Saldanha Days

Having been in Saldanha Bay for nearly a week we have had plenty of time to get into chill mode, while still fitting in the odd chore. Last week was pretty chilly but the arrival of spectacular summer weather this weekend definitely made up for it. We spent Saturday alongside the pontoon at the club, allowing us to do the last few things that require a decent amount of electricity and fresh water. Kate and I spent the whole day doing two weeks worth of washing using the clubs scaryingly temperamental twin tub washing machine, an experience and a half! We have been doing a fair amount of reading, eating and planning for the first part of our journey. The great weather inspired the boys to hookup a towing system to our tender, in preparation for our future surfing adventures, and braved the freezing West Coast water to test it out. It was very entertaining to watch but I'll wait for the warm water in the tropics to give that a go.

The predicted weather has been fickle but we're hoping that things will line up for a departure on Friday, lets hope. In the meantime we have set up our chores schedule which entails four categories: Cleaning of the Heads, Cooking, Surface cleaning and Dishes. Each day we rotate the tasks, all in the hope of keeping our home a clean and happy one :). In the next few days we will somehow make a plan to get to the Vredenberg Mall to buy our fresh goods (life without a car is something to get use to), add a few more lighter sockets to the saloon area and do the final water top ups while we wait.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

So Long Cape Town

We had a great week in Hout Bay, with lovely spring weather and loads of visiting friends. It was sad to finally say good bye to Cape Town as we headed up to Saldanha Bay, our final South African destination. The wind was perfect, pushing our old, heavy laden lady at a whipping 5 to 6 knot average. We made good time and arrived safely at 5 this morning, picking up a mooring buoy and heading straight for bed. We've spent the day taking it easy and testing out our tender boat,  as we begin a real cruising life where we can only reach land by boat. We plan on spending about a week here waiting for the right weather window for the big crossing to St Helena Island. Happy days, the adventure has begun. 

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Farewell False Bay

The last couple of weeks have been insanely busy in final preparations for our trip, with plenty of administration and stocking up on food and other supplies. Melody officially became our home this Saturday as we organised things for our departure. We had numerous visitors and had to say some emotional farewells to amazing friends who have supported us endlessly during the last two years. Our first stop is Hout Bay, a good test sail and close enough to home to fetch the few things we have inevitably forgotten.

We were beaten in our early start on Sunday morning by all the fishermen from the Harbour Island angling club, who set off at dawn for an angling competition in the Bay. It was a great opportunity to say our farewells to all the members who have become our friends during our stay in Harbour Island. We will miss our neighbours with their humorous comments, tremendous support and good spirits towards us and our adventure, thank you for two incredible years. In disbelief we finally waved good bye to Harbour Island, only to be met by Janneman, Johannes and John on Peanuts sailing along side us as we bid farewell to our home port.

Rounding Cape Point is always an exhilarating experience and even though the winds were unfavourable and we eventually needed to start our roaring engine, the breath taking beauty of the point is something that one can never quite explain. The waves break against the rock face with intent force and the radiant blue beats up against the green Fynbos and clear white sands, it is both powerful and peaceful at the same time. Nature is alone somehow at this point.

Hout Bay is our first stop in our journey and entering the mountainous bay made this adventure of ours real . We have FINALLY begun. We will be in Hout Bay for about a week so pop in and pay us a visit. 

Viv

Published first on offtheline.co.za

Happy Dance

I had come to terms with the fact that the existing cushions on the boat would be a permanent feature in my day to day life during our travels. The misfits were too small for the benches after the refit and the fabric had become old and dated but at least they were soft, so they would do.

 Helene, our friend and talented interior designer, saw the problem and together with The Trumpet Tree Social Café  came to the rescue, offering to make us cushions that fit the adjusted benches as well as upholstering them all. The new cushions look unbelievable and have turned our floating house into a home that reflects all the hard work we've put in over the last year and half. I still can't believe how fortunate we have been and every time I climb into the boat my inner architect does an elaborate happy dance. The different greys from the L-bench and the Pilot bench complement each other,  the contrast between the white walls,  grey fabric and dark wood trims works so well and somehow we've managed to colour coordinate with all the grey canvas on the exterior of the boat.  A work of genius from all our parts - happy me!

I would like to thank Helene for her huge effort and to The Trumpet Tree Social Café  for making it happen. If you are ever in Stellenbosch pop into their courtyard for a beer or two, behind the historical Oom Samie se Winkel in Dorp Steet -  It is one of our favourite spots in town.

Viv

First published on offtheline.co.za

Friends

Our talented friend Rory and his beautiful wife Erla brought their two gorgeous little girls, Bailey & Isla-Dean, to visit us on the boat a while back. Rory & Erla were at my birthday party two years ago, where this whole dream started and they have never stopped supporting and believing in us or doubted that this dream would ever be realised.

Our team is blessed to have many friends like Rory and Erla. It is those kinds of friendships that help to motivate us through the bad times, when things are rough, and to celebrate with us when everything goes well!

Thank you to ALL our friends who have made the effort to come and see the boat, to those who have contributed to our dream and those who have helped to keep us going with uplifting words of encouragement.

Your support means the world to us and we hope to be able to give back even more than what you have blessed us with!

 Kate

First published on offtheline.co.za