14/01/09, Clarkes Court Bay Marina, Grenada
This Cruise Liner was just leaving, but some beautiful boats around....
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14/01/09, Clarkes Court Bay Marina, Grenada
One of the days before I left, the three of us, our friend Barbara, Glyn & myself, got a taxi and did a bit of sightseeing before doing a shop for Glyn. We went to the St Georges Yacht Club and had a lunch and beer. The colours in the water just don't look the same on a photo.........
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14/01/09, Clarkes Court Bay Marina, Grenada
This is some of what we have been dreaming about..........
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12/01/09, Grenada
After 22 days we finally see Grenada. Early morning on the 1st Jan we thought with the wind we had, the boat speed on the log and the miles to cover, we would not make it in before dark but by 10:00 I noticed that the log was showing 4-5 knots but the GPS was showing 6-7 knots over the ground, we decided that we may just make it in so increased our sail plan and got moving at 7-8 knots but with 13 miles to go and the land well in sight, we had to abort and stay out at sea for another night, we docked at 10:00am on the 2nd January.
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Glad to read yous are doing well.
We are back in SA for good, well sort of. I (Brian) arrived in JHB in June 2008 and headed to Zimbabwe for a contract. MMMMmm Yvonne arrived back at the end of October. Due to circumstance in Zim I was pulled off site and the contract ended so back to looking for work, at least we are back in SA. We have been up to Imagine and though she is need of TLC, she is doing fine and it is great to be back on her.
Wishing you both the all the best for 2009 and may the elements be good to you and Pizzazz.
Please keep in touch
Best wishes
Brian & Yvonne
12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
We were surprised at the amount of traffic we came across being 300 to 400 miles off the coast of Brazil, we even saw 2 tugs towing a Oil Rig past, this was 400 miles off the Amazon.
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
So at least we still had Xmas presents to look forward to......
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
Then on Xmas eve we got one of our worst storms ever. This is where I steered the boat for about an hour, thinking it was just another squall, but eventually I got so exhausted, we decided to hove to, and packed everything in the cockpit inside, we both went below and shut & locked the main hatch. We both sat and watched it for a while but we were both so tired, so we had 1 hour on and one hour off duties. This lasted for over 30 hours, before we saw any signs of it lifting......
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
This sunset was very unusual, it looked unbelievable.....but did it mean something........
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
Then we started getting a breeze again, and sailing with he dodger down, hatches open.....felt great.
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
Yes we did also get some rain while motoring through the doldrums
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
No wind......no swell....just peace and quite
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Is this the calm before the storm? Luv Francois & Mads
12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
Then we got to the doldrums where there was no wind and we had to do a lot of motoring. It is an unbelievable feeling sitting out at sea, far away from anything, no wind, flat water and no engine......so quite and peaceful....very special, but then when sailing on a schedule........after a few days it can become frustrating.
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
Then we crossed the equator and had to do the ceremony, we made up the necessary attire with cardboard and tin foil....
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
We also had some really great sunsets....and the boat sailing along at a nice speed on flat seas...
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
It was just wonderful sailing....
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12/01/09, Brazil to Grenada
So the first week we had some great sailing, as per the brochure.....
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01/11/08, Argentina
It was magnificent.......
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01/11/08, Argentina
Then we were off to the Iguazu Falls which is something to see. We spent 3 days here at the Sheraton Hotel which is located on the Argentinian side, and within the National Park, which was great as it was all just within walking distance to see it all. We went on a boat ride that took us right into the falls, where you get soaked...but was fun, our trip included a ride down the river and then they dropped us off and then got onto a safari truck and then toured through the thick bush of the National Park.
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01/11/08, Argentina
Our evening out to dinner and Tango show was very enjoyable....including our Tango lesson......
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Looks like we are just behind you!! We look forward to following your blog! Brazil sounds fun.
01/11/08, BA, Argentina
The shopping is unbelievable and the mall's are really something to see.
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01/11/08, Argentina
This used to be the old harbour, the buildings on the left were all warehouses, but now expensive restaurants, but some beautiful yachts around....
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01/11/08, Argentina
Another pic of the buildings in Buenos Aires
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10/09/08, Buzios, Brazil
Then all good things have to come to an end, so I am now back in Angola, Glyn in Benoni, South Africa until the 2nd October when our next adventure will take place.
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We are really looking forward to starting the journey as well.
Thinkung of you guys lots
Francois & mads
Benoni rocks!!!
Benoni rocks!!!
10/09/08, Buzios, Brazil
Buzios has many bay's with many great beaches. On this beach, just where the water laps up onto the beach, it was like somebody had dropped gold dust, we could not believe it, we tried taking photo's of it but it was for our eyes only..
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10/09/08, Buzios, Brazil
The village of Buzios is all just like this photo, lots of bars, restaurants and curio shops. Live bands play at night in most places and our last night we were out until 3:00am and our transfer vehicle to the airport, arrived at 7:30am, it was great though so had to catch up with sleep on the way to the airport.
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10/09/08, Buzios, Brazil
We could not believe our luck with the choice of hotel and room. We got a glass of champagne on arrival and were given 15 minutes of free massage...In the room when we arrived and after cleaning each day, they sprinkled flowers on the bed and in the toilet!!! The service was great, we had a fab time here, we were sorry it was just too short...
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10/09/08, Buzios, Brazil
After spending 7 days in Rio, we transfered to another hotel in Buzios for 2 nights, which was about 2 hours drive north of Rio and what a wonderful place this was. The hotel was just outstanding and as for the views from our hotel room......
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10/09/08, Rio, Brazil
There are some very cleverly done Sand Castle creations, but this one had so much detail.....
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10/09/08, Rio, Brazil
Another shot from above....
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10/09/08, Rio, Brazil
Reaching the top of Sugar Loaf is actually done in two stages. The first car ascends over 700 feet up Urca Hill affording marvelous views of Corcovado Mountain, the Niteroi Bridge and Guanabara Bay. Transferring to a second car then elevates you an additional 1300 feet to the top where spectacular views of Copacabana and other beaches can be admired. It is breathtaking........
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10/09/08, Rio, Brazil
One afternoon we went on a City tour and a visit to the Sugar Loaf mountain, which also had some beautiful views
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
This is a typical shot of the Copacabana beach front area. The paving pattern is typical only for the Copacabana Beach, where it can be seen on T-shirts.
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
So here is the famous statue from close up...
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
This is a view of the yacht club and anchorage from the statue of Christ, including Sugar Loaf.
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
This is a view of the Copacabana beach area, from the statue of Christ. To get there we travelled by train through the largest city forest, the Corcavado National Park. The view from the statue of Christ above the city of Rio de Janeiro is world famous. The 710 meter mountain of Corcovado is crowned by the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is 30 meters high and has a 8 meter pedestal with a chapel in honor of the Lady of Aparecida, patron Saint of Brazil.
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
The views from here were stunning.......
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
Again, Copacabana beach front, with the statue of Christ in the back ground.....if you can see it.
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08/09/08, Rio, Brazil
Here is the famous Copacabana Beach in Brazil with Sugar Loaf in the back ground.
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
Here Pizzazz rests on her mooring on washing day...
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
This is the main street of our fishing village Jacare. At the end of this street, we can catch either the train to Cabedelo or Joao Passoa, or we catch the FREE bus to Intermares to do our shopping or to go to the beach.
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
This is the place we had lunch at...prawns, oysters and batata fritas (french fries)...and beer.
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
On our sail to Porto Velho, we passed this Bus Ferry, where they have installed a bus, without the wheels and chassis, onto a boat. They have a few of these Ferries operating on the river.
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
We were invited by Tom, an American friend, for a 2 hour sail down the river, to a place called Porto Velho, where we anchored off and had a lunch. This is a picture of Pizzazz on her mooring as we sailed past.
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08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
This is our local beach at Intermares, where they were having a surfing competition. It is known at the Surfers Beach Bar.
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Suppose we should say 'sorry that you are back' but we hope the time goes quick and you will be back in Brazil before you know. Brazil looks really good and we are getting more and more anxious to be there as well. Today is the big day and we will update as soon as things have happened. There's a big storm raging and the nerves are on end once again. Look after yourselves and talk soon. Francois & Mads
08/09/08, Jacare, Brazil
Well I am back at work and Glyn is in South Africa. We had a fantastic time in Brazil this time. The first 2 weeks or so we did a lot of walking around and also found out how the bus system works and ventured further away each day. This is a photo of our outing to the big city of Joao Passoa. We caught the train in, and spend the day walking around the shops and markets, and stopping for an odd cerveja (beer)
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12/07/08, Jacare, Brazil
So this is a shot of the Marina where Pizzazz is moored right now, so looking forward to our return........
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Checking to see how your trip is going. Hope you are both well. Wanted to wish GlennieH a Happy Birthday! Hope to hear from you soon!
12/07/08, Brazil
So after 17 days at sea, we entered the river into the port of Cabadelo, but we continued up the river to a place called Jacare, where we found a Marina. For the first few days we anchored off the Marina and some local restaurants and enjoyed the festivities everyday from the restaurants. Everyday at 16h00, the bands from all 4 restaurants would start playing loud.....I mean loud music, then at 17h00...everyday...they would have a guy dressed in white playing the Balero on his saxaphone, but not just playing, he would walk out from one of the 4 restaurants and get into a small boat, like canoe, and then the paddler would paddle this guy while he stands in the boat, up and down in front of the restaurants for about an hour. The restaurants are packed out with people every night, and then afterwards the bands would continue playing. In the week the bands stop at about 19h00 but on weekends till early hours of the morning, they definitely have spirit and enjoy their music, we enjoyed it as well.
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12/07/08, South Atlantic
From about 2 days out of Brazil we did get rain squalls which come with strong winds and rain but luckily for only short periods, but does make some hard work.......
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12/07/08, South Atlantic
This leg was our best sailing we had, we sailed for 10-12 days without adjusting anything, just reading, relaxing and just keeping an eye on the compass, and then we caught a big one............which kept us going for days.
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12/07/08, South Atlantic
Just another sunset.....
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