Silly East Wind!
30 October 2011 | Esperance Bay Western Australia
Sue Watt
There are white caps in the bay. The seas have been quite roll-ey while we've sat here at the wharf in Esperance. It has been lovely and challenging at the same time!
The wind, from the East has kept Peter on his toes ensuring the lines are secure and set up in such a way as to keep us off the wharf and moving comfortably with the action of the sea.
Yesterday, when the wind really whipped up the sea it was somewhat stressful for a while as we had to reset lines and make adjustments. At one point, when Peter was tying some ropes to pull the boat off the wharf while the strong wind was blowing it on, the fender we had positioned to keep us away from a couple of bolts that were protruding from the wooden structure slipped and the boat rammed against the bolts. This has caused a little bit of damage to the board that runs around the boat that we step on to get on and off. Thankfully though this is repairable and no damage was done to the hull. Tensions were up there for a while!
Today, although there are still some big winds and the swell is keeping us bouncing, the lines Peter has added are good and are keeping us sitting comfortably. In addition we were able, at low tide, to grab a tyre from a post from some earlier time in the history of the wharf, and reposition it so that it protects our side from the posts and bolts. It's not always simple smooth sailing!
Our weather router, Bob, has said it will be a few days before the right weather for us to begin the next stage of our travels can begin and so between adjusting lines and associated tasks, we have been enjoying Esperance.
The best news is that right next to the wharf is a little café - The Taylor Street restaurant. When we first got off the boat I spotted it and wondered what would be the chances that it would be a place that would make a decent latte. In a moment of optimism on our first day we wandered in. Oh the delight! Yes, truly - there is a barista who can make coffee! I shall be more than happy to support this little business for the days that we remain in Esperance - how delightful for it to be so very close!
Meanwhile after beginning to restock the boat and catching up on some laundry there hasn't been a great deal to do. There has been time. Time to just relax and snooze, catch up on sleep lost on day/night sails. Time to chat to people.
Actually that takes quite a bit of time. People come past all day and have a look. 'She's a beautiful boat', they say.' I'm envious'. 'How old is she?' 'Wow, what a yacht!' - just some of the comments this morning! We are sometimes down below and then hear Peter chatting to the next person who arrives!
It's a lot of fun to be off the boat and walk back, with others in front and behind, all looking at the new boat in town, and then be the ones to get on board!
Yes, we do rather like her!
Liam has been fishing. Last night someone caught a huge squid so he popped out with his squid jig on, but no bites. Then this morning lots of boys were on the wharf fishing. He had a go but nothing so far. I must send him back out so we can have fish for dinner!
Erina has been busy with the camera. As always!
When we first arrived in Albany she quite enjoyed using the camera. Snapping away. Then she discovered that she was getting some good shots. Really good shots. It's been fascinating to watch her develop her skills and what is clearly emerging as a talent for getting a good shot. Next year she can study photography as part of her year 9 program - she's really looking forward to that! It will be her birthday while we are sailing across the Bight. She has already been thrilled to have had a cake made for her by our lovely Albany friend, Jenny Rickerby, on the morning we left Albany, and we have been thinking about how to celebrate while sailing. We've decided to have our celebration this week - she chose the 1st which is Tuesday. We will have her presents, special dinner and cake then. Then on her actual birthday we won't run the risk of forgetting, or being confused and getting the day wrong or any of the other things she has read happen to people while sailing! Apparently Jesse Martin totally forgot what day it was and then was crossing the date line and got even more confused so missed his birthday completely! While this probably won't happen we thought it would be nice to celebrate while in a place where I can guarantee being able to cook a meal and a cake! Then on the day of her birthday we will do what we can manage but not leave her feeling forgotten in any way!
So the next few days will see us continue with restocking bits and pieces spend some time reading and relaxing, get lots of coffee, chat as people pass. Yes, more and more I am loving this cruising life!