Elaine, however, spent her morning reviewing and updating all the For Sale material in readiness for putting Paw Paw on the market, as well as completed another sales transaction; this time for some of our Cruising Guides, Pilots and Flags. This was in addition to delivering the rope we sold yesterday, after receiving payment. Our “For Sale” kitty had started.
By evening the strong wind that was forecast, arrived and howled most of the night, giving us both a rather interrupted night’s sleep. Although we’d added additional docklines, as 30 Kts of wind howled through the marina, the fetch of which had all the yachts bouncing up and down, it was the constant clanging of halyards, squeaks of docklines and water slapping against the hulls, that provided a cacophony all night. Regardless, though, we still managed to enjoy another barbecue for dinner. It was nice to have the propane to do this again and, fortunately, the wind didn’t blow the flame out.
The sporting event continued today, as did the howling wind and the incessant talking by the compere, the latter starting before we even had breakfast, complements of Roy; bacon and croissants. As the wind blew stronger, he’s voice grew louder; he was screaming in the end. Regardless, we had chores to complete today; washing the decks, cockpit and helmstation and Paw Paw’s interior, as well as getting the laundry washed and dried. Given the wind, the washing was dried in no time at all, including the sheets and pillowcases. It was the Starbrite that became the miracle solution for the day, removing the weird yellow marks we had in spots over the deck. Thankfully we were able to find this spray again at the chandlery in Gibraltar.
It was dinnertime by the time we finished everything, both a little tired and weary after a busy day. Having a headache after listening to the commentary and thumping music that was still going on by the time we sat down to dinner, only added to our weariness. Even Roy could count in Spanish now!
Our thoughts, however, go out to the cruisers in the Balearic Islands, who are currently experiencing hurricane strength winds, causing extensive damage and groundings. The unpredictable weather and marginal anchorages were our main reasons for leaving the Balearic Islands when we did, choosing to cross to the Spanish mainland earlier than intended, where there was more chance of getting protection in a berth of a marina, a problem many cruisers are now facing in the Balearic Islands, forced to stay at anchor in these hazardous conditions.
