Sorting Out Day
In the night there had been a mini wind shift with 20 Kt winds coming from the East – a 180 degree turn and this blew us around enough to turf us out of bed and to check all was ok. The anchor held with no problem.
When we got up it was a typical blue sky warm day and we watched people walking their dogs on the near beach and the horses grazed on the dunes or wasteland. We had to wait until about 3.30pm for the workmen to sort out the pressure switch (for the port freshwater system), the rear heads (loo) and the temperature gauge on the engine.
Ferugado had impressed and the idea of fresh fish was still in the air. So a party was dropped off at Ferugado and I was able to buy a replacement oar and some washers at the Boatyard. The refill of the gas cylinder would have to wait. I returned to pick up everyone to find they were enjoying coffee and cakes and so when in Rome (or not as the case may be) I joined them. We then collected our provisions, raided the supermarket and headed back to Stormbird.
Francesca, Isabel and Rosanna went to Portimão to have their nails done and to lunch and we others stayed on board and had a light lunch. It was very hot some 30-32 C.
The workmen came on time and soon fitted the pressure switch and I had ordered a spare and I watched them fit it –so I could do it next time. The grommet at the back of the old one had rusted hence why it was leaking. In terms of the heads they thought it was the return valve which was faulty – allowing material from the loo to backfill into the bowl- not nice. Ironically it was called a Joker valve!! – not that funny. Luckily they had one on stock and once fitted – it worked – so that was great. Message to myself to order some more spares so I could out joke the joker. The temperature gauge was sorted once the terminals were tightened.
I queried the bill but paid it as I was glad to have resolved the problems and we wanted to move on to Faro from where F, I &R were flying the next day. Just as we were leaving Portimão I got a phone call- they agreed they had made a mistake and could I turn round and they would send a man with cash as they were not sure how to credit my credit card. So I turned round and a little man came out in a boat with a sealed envelope which I managed to grab from his dinghy. They repaid me 50% - quite a mistake and they apologised. So at least there is some honesty in this world!!
We headed along the coast and by 8.00pm we anchored off Albufeira- the cobb (barbecue) came out and we had fresh sardine fillets for starters and fresh bream (all bought very fresh in Ferugado that morning). Delicious.
Change of Plans- the plan was to go to Malaga and for the wives to fly back and for new crew Keith W, Keith (Commodore), Peter S and Angus F to join to sail to Madeira and then to the Canaries. However we realised with the orca issue that there were risks going to Malaga there had been an attack around Cadiz a few days earlier and one on Gibraltar harbour.! Even if we got there safe and sound with only being able to day sail/motor and to limit the depth to less than 20m – we would not have time to go to Madeira. So after lots of emails and chatting (including wives changing their plans) it was agreed we would only go as far as Huelva and that the guys would hire a car to get there on the evening of the 13th. It just reminds me that no matter how much planning you can do you have to be prepared to flex and change.
So all in all a sorting out day.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions – do email me on
hine.nick9@gmail.com