Barbecue with some German friends.

We’ve been having some unseasonal wild weather here, that’s Warrior For Life bouncing around in the photo.

We’ve been having some unseasonal wild weather here, that’s Warrior For Life bouncing around in the photo.

Our afternoon beach walk

Our afternoon beach walk

Our afternoon beach walk

Rowing in with Mogs after our beach walk.

I was helping my friend Colin take his yacht from Alvor to Portimao to haul out for maintenance, no wind so under motor.

Glorious evening Alvor

Gave my old engine a new look, washed it down and a new coat of paint.

Out for lunch with an old friend Karin in Olhao

The Madonna being taken through Coulatra

Out with friends in Faro

I seem to have adopted a doggy friend, Lilly.

The entrance to Alvor.

Aerial view of my winter base Alvor, an absolutely gorgeous little lagoon and town.

One of my favourite anchorage’s, Faro channel.

Heading off to anchor and do nothing for a week.

Warrior with her new paint work. Really hard months work.

In Bruce’s yard ready for a makeover.

My crew, Mogs and Pim.

Leaving the fuelling pontoon in Portimao.

Italian friends visit Orietta and Francisco.

We had 10 days of wind and rain but weather change today, sun back, yippee.

Afternoon walk.

This is my winter anchorage here in Alvor with it’s short dingy ride for my morning walk with the boys.

Fantastic sky last night

November 5 temperature in the shade, fantastic

My lovely granddaughter Iona thinks this is a good likeness of me.

Can’t believe it, my Australian family came to visit me here in Portugal.

We had a wonderful Sushi meal last night.

My Australian Lee family arrived in Alvor yesterday, unfortunately weather not so good but Iona and I made the best of it.

Orca attacks in Portuguese waters triple. In recent years, the number of attacks by orcas on sailboats have increased along the Portuguese coast.
Orca attacks in Portuguese waters triple. The phenomenon is still being studied by biologists who, so far, have not found an explanation for the increase. According to SIC, the Atlantic Orca Working Group has revealed that 51 interactions were recorded in 2020, a number that more than tripled in 2021, to 185.

Back to Alvor and Mog’s favourite beach.

Finally succumbed and got my new dingy, the old one was embarrassing.

I’ve removed the wood trim at the base of the mast, there was a persistent leak which came from somewhere around here and the teak was beginning to look tired.

Decided to completely re gelcoat the aft cabin.

Evening looking from Alcoutim to Sanlucar de Guadiana

Since getting back from Australia I’ve been stopping with Denis a the house and he’s been feeding me five star, this is his latest offering.

At last, managed to get to Australia and spend some time with the family especially my gorgeous granddaughter Iona. Had an amazing time especially due to the generosity of Gemma and Charlie.

Left Alvor on May 29 heading for Alcoutim but here I am with a broken raw water pump on engine, replacement on it’s way from Netherlands. I am leaving Warrior and crew there and flying to Australia at last to see family and very excited to meet my new granddaughter Iona.

One of the many wild flowers along the beach walk.

Out on our usual morning walk

There is a wonderful array of different flowers on the land adjoining the beach that we walk on each day.

After a few days of treatment it started to clear up but I think he’s going to be left with a scar.

According to the vet Mogs has developed a fungal infection, don’t know how he got it, having to bath it twice a day and treat it with an ointment.

My friend Colin the tattoo artist just gave me this, thanks Colin

Pim is a great big softy

Caught up with old friends Alex and Arne on their massive catamaran Ly while they were in Portimao marina.

Celebrating St Patrick's Day with friends at the Lounge bar Alvor

Pim’s a lovely cat

My new tattoo, In Zen Buddhism, ensō is a sacred buddhist symbol often referred to as the Ensō circle also called the Circle of Enlightenment, the Enso Circle, the Infinity Circle and even the Lost Symbol of Reiki. Lovely job Colin.

Christmas Eve and walking on beach, it must be over 20°C. Obviously Mogs doesn't want to go back to the boat yet as he's keeping behind fence. Left him for an hour, I went to have a cup of tea with Colin, then back called him came running jumped in dingy and back we went, what a cat.

On our way to the beach for our morning walk.

My new tattoo, by artist Colin Crook. It’s a whirling dervish, I’m very interested in the Sufism tradition.

Mogs found this snake on the beach, not very big about 3cm, I think it’s a horseshoe snake.

Colin's dog Bella and I enjoying a bear on his boat, typical maniac Jack Russell, never stops.

Centre is my new winter mooring in Alvor.

Looking towards the town with a beautiful evening light.

Mogs and I making our way back to boat after an evening walk.

I had a wonderful day with Bjon and Berit catching up with Estrella and Johannes who I first met in the Canary Islands about 7 years ago. Fantastic food fantastic company.

The other day when heading for our morning beach walk Pim to our amazement jumped in and swam, Mogs just couldn’t believe it in fact neither could I.

Today took Mogs as usual went back for Pim and they had a great time exploring together.

Ginger cat Pim is not a natural sailor and is not comfortable getting in the dingy, I don't like to stress him out therefore he has not been ashore for three months. As we are so close to the lovely beach yesterday I put him under my arm and put him in the dingy, not happy but when we reached the pontoon out he jumped and had a lovely time exploring. He came back to the dingy put him in and back home, success.

It was the funeral of my former wife Lis today, poor girl she had been suffering from MS for a number of years. We have three wonderful children Ben, Gemma and Thomas who will miss her tremendously as will her partner Tom. It was a lovely service with family and friends, a wonderful send off. Because of Covid, Ben who is in America, Gemma Australia and I Portugal were not able to attend but it was streamed on line. Our love goes with you Lis.

Robert and I went to the local Sunday market, great fresh veg fruit and a great deal more. Then had breakfast.

Great English breakfast with Robert, first met him up the Guadiana a few months back.

Mogs yesterday evening, clew, on left

Alvor sunrise

Came across this pooch keeping an eye on what’s going on in central Alvor.

Mogs and me on our early morning walk.

Silver Girl, Nigel and Nadine’s catamaran anchored near me.

Out celebrating Nadine’s birthday

What’s going on out there

This is what can happen when you don’t work out your tide highs and lows, after a few hours he came up ok

Sailed from Coulatra to Albufeira to anchor overnight, absolutely crazy, every kind of speedboat and anything that can go fast on water zooming around, boat rolling like hell just waiting for evening and it stops which eventually it did, left in morning for Portimao.

Warrior For Life at anchor in Coulatra lagoon with about 60 others, it’s getting busy again after the long Covid lockdown.

Virtually back to normal here in Vila Real de Santo António apart from masks in enclosed spaces.

Amazing news, Ben has bought a three bedroom house with close to half an half an acre of land in a secluded cul de sac close to Richmond Virginia.

Beautiful sunrise in Faro channel.

Handsome Pim posing.

Mogs making up to Karl when he visited us.

Ben and two of my grandchildren on the beach in Faro when they came to visit in February 2011, happy memories.

An afternoon walk with Mogs on an island near to Faro

It’s a lovely place to be very peaceful.

From anchorage to Faro. I’m pleased to say it’s much cooler here than up river.

At anchor in the Faro channel as there were no free moorings, it's about a mile to dingy into the marina.

Finally left the river after the lockdowns and headed to Faro, great to be sailing again.

Warrior on my mooring down river from the two towns.

Had some food poisoning which lasted 24 hours but Mogs looked after me. All good now.

Iona looking so very cute

In the shade this afternoon, just waiting for some mail to arrive and then down to the coast where it should be a little cooler.

Evening with friends. We are now able to live normally here Covid restrictions lifted apart from entering enclosed spaces such as shops then masks.

IPMA ISSUES YELLOW LEVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING FOR NINE DISTRICTS

PRECAUTIONS DURING HOT WEATHER

The YELLOW level warning for high temperatures will be in place from 0900 hrs Friday 9th July to 1500 hrs 10th July and maybe be extended.

The districts affected are: Beja, Faro, Castelo Branco, Evora, Guarda, Lisbon, Portalegre, Santarem and Setubal.

The IPMA state: "On the 10th, the maximum temperature values ​​should vary approximately between 33 and 38°C, with the exception of the western coastal strip, where they should be lower and vary between 24 and 30°C, and in some places in the interior of Alentejo and Tagus valley, where values ​​of around 40°C can be reached.

During such period DGS Recommends:

• Seek cool environments (preferably air conditioned);

• Try to keep the heat out of your home: close the blinds or shutters and keep air circulating inside the house; keep the house as cool as possible and avoid using the oven.

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 5 pm.

• Wear loose (cotton) clothing that keeps most of your body covered, as well as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses;

• Choose the coolest hours to travel by car.

• Do not remain inside parked vehicles exposed to the sun and do not leave pets in the car either;

• Avoid strenuous physical activities;

• Pay particular attention to those who are more vulnerable to the heat, such as: children; the elderly; the chronically ill; pregnant women; people with reduced mobility; people who work outdoors

I’ve now got my Covid 19 inoculation, fantastic

Lovely cactus flowering at Alcoutim castle.

My gorgeous granddaughter Iona dancing, so sad that I have not been able to get to see her in Australia because of this horrendous Covid-19.

At last, managed to get to see my wonderful friends Bjon and Berit in Tavira. As usual, fantastic food and we we took a short tour of some small coastal Algarve towns.

Sunday afternoon with Martin and Gabriela after Martin returned home after a spell in hospital.

Celebrating Louis birthday with his silly hat and hair, great night at Miragem.

Enjoying the evening sun on a friend’s yacht Ly.

Well it's been a strange year with Covid - 19 rampaging around the world and Brexit. I really couldn't have been in a better place here, on the Guadiana river in Alcoutim, Portugal. It's been very civilised, more or less isolated from all the stresses of Covid, we've all been able to move around albeit wearing masks and distancing. Brexit is throwing up all sorts of complications, one of which is proving that our boats were in the EU on December 31.

Gemma and Charlie have bought a house in Bangalow. It’s a beautiful original 1911 Queenslander which has been beautiful restored. Bangalow is 10mins drive to Byron Bay. It’s a a lovely little town. Big congratulations

Morning mist Guadiana river

Looking across the Guadiana river to Sanlúcar de Guadiana

Beautiful afternoon, Coulatra Island, Faro

I’m towing Noble Warrior ready to be taken in to Bruce’s yard.

Ships cat Mogs and Pim

My gorgeous granddaughter, one year old, wow where does the time go

Nothing much to say really

Ready for an evening out on Armona

Orietta enjoying a swim in the Atlantic at Farol

Orietta finally arrived here after 7 months of lockdown, Covid 19 and numerous cancelled flights.

Lilly and I heading for pizza Monday on the schooner Bouno Onda

It’s pizza Monday on the schooner Bouno Onda, always a great evening

Up the river in my inflatable kayak, came across some monster crocodiles 😂

Just sorted out the barbecue ready for Sunday

We still have some fun in these days of lockdown, Sam and me

Orietta has been taking advantage of this Corvin 19 lockdown to produce her jewellery. We are going to make a selling on-line shop for her very soon

Gemma’s fantastic drawing of Iona

My beautiful granddaughter Iona unfortunately she is in Australia and her I am in Europe, she’s just gorgeous.

Mogs has taken to spending time with Tony when he fishes, I think Mogs was a little puzzled as to why Tony put the catch back in the water, not a nice one to eat very bony

Out for our evening walk with Mogs and Pim, lovely evening, weather is getting warmer now.

Denis and I making a visit to one of our favourite places, The Beach Bar

Mogs with his friend Budy, Pim and Mogs stop with Buddy’s owner when I go away

Our locally produced Olive Oil with its interesting label

At the airport waiting for my flight during the Covit - 19 epidemic

After our lunch we headed for a few drinks to our favourite watering hole

With two of my best friends Louse and Karin on their boat Rita

Went to stop with Thomas and Rachel in Dundee on my way back to Portugal

At Orietta’s place in Rivalta di Torino, Northern Italy

Orietta and I when visiting her in Italy, had a wonderful time

BBQ at Roberts, I did my man thing, great day, great people, great music

Christmas Day dinner at Mika and Denise’s place, fantastic food and fantastic company

Happy Birthday

Orietta from Italy made real pasta for us on Warrior. You have to say this with an Italian accent to get the real flavour

A reflective moment during one of our searches for Roelf

We lost one of our cruising community, Roelf must have slipped over the side of his boat at about 1am and disappeared. There has been a massive search but no luck at the moment.

He was eventually found and we had a wonderful remembrance service for him.

Our new Guadiana River Rats logo.

Mabel and Stanly waiting for Gail

Me in Carlisle

Drinks after our Sunday flat chicken lunch which takes place twice a month during the winter

Thomas and I when visiting him and Rachael in Dundee

Lovely day in St Andrews.

Paul and John on Coulatra Island

We are heading to the Faro lagoon where I have the loan of a mooring for Warrior whilst I am in the UK.

Celebrating Nadine's birthday

Had some friends on board to have chilled white wine and fresh oysters straight from the sea.

Two very good friends

Young Sam, well he is compared to us oldies and his mobile which he uses to great effect to record his life in and around Alcutim or wherever we are.

Lilly and I got invited by one of the local fishermen Si Ze to an evening meal prepared by him, it was delicious and very special for me.

We had some rain this morning.

Pim and Mogs love it in the yard, feel bad taking them and back on the water

And back in again, job done.

Had a slight accident when working on boat but all is well, healing nicely.

On hard for the past ten days to do bottom job, now nackerd. Warrior launched and now on mooring in Faro lagoon, bottle of child white wine and great cheese then bed early

Mogs and I went to visit friends Clair and Tony two of his favourite people particularly Tony

Jean Luc's catamaran for dinner.

As we were chatting after the meal, John noticed a light passing and on investigation it was a large catamaran dragging. John, Lily and I jumped into my dingy and went over eventually woke the crew, it was threatening to collide with an anchored yacht. The skipper, John and Lily went forward to deal with the anchor, I took the helm and steered it away from potential danger, we re-anchored it safely.

It's all part of being in Coulatra, dragging boats happens a lot here as soon as the wind rises, makes life interesting.

Great to be sailing again. Heading from Guadiana to Coulatra and then Faro to take Warrior out and do anti-fouling. Still love Alcutim and Sanlucar hope to see you in Autumn.

After the massive task of removing the old tradmaster deck covering, filling, sanding numerous times, two coats of primer undercoat and finally two coats of anti slip paint Warrior looks much smarter but there are still jobs to be done.

I think summer has arrived, lovely and not to hot

I had been visiting the Lee family in North Carolina and after a 50 hour journey, Denis and Mika collect me me from airport and we had a wonderful fish lunch.

On my way from Little Washington to Durham airport I stopped with my lovely friends Donna and Igy, it was fantastic to spend the evening with them.

I stayed in this lovely place, the home of Bill & Al

I was recently visiting my family in America and decided to head down to Little Washington and catch up the all the lovely people that looked after me.

Take the cameras out and I will sit in it

A lovely early morning start on the Guadiana

Over the last couple of weeks I have been installing an electrical windlass. I can't believe how much easer it makes lifting the anchor. Also started taking off the old deck covering as it is beginning to disintegrate, it's a big job but no rush. Once the deck is ready, none slip paint.

Sunrise on the river. Well, it's been a very different season this year. A slow run-up to summer, cold spring then into summer temperatures, August registered 49 degrees upriver. We then had a very wet and relatively cool October, November. Last year, in October & November I remember we were still in shorts and teeshirts, not this year, cold and wet

Mogs has had a tuff time over the past couple of weeks. Firstly, he developed a urinal infection, went to the vet was put on inflammatory meds which took two weeks before he was clear. Just got over this and his head, in front of ears, erupted in lumps and sores. Got some meds for mites and it cleared up. Last night on the pontoon down river he was attacked by a dog from another boat. I had to get him out of the water and he has an injured leg. He was very uncomfortable last night, a little better this morning but may need to take him to vet. Pim is fine.

UPDATE:
All well, it was an elbow injury. Mogs responded well to antibiotics and now back to normal

A serious temperature in Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana especially as it's towards the end of September. I was on the coast, much cooler.

Dangerous times, could it be a repeat of last year - I hope not

Is it a storm and lightening or smoke from the fires that are currently burning here in Portugal. The local town of Monchique was partly evacuated as flames close in, still burning three days later. Temperatures are well up, in some parts 40's +

Mogs posing when we were on a mooring in Faro Lagoon

You can't get away from a great sunset Faro lagoon

Thomas and Rachel got married in Kelso on May 26. It was a lovely wedding and I had a wonderful time.

Don't ever take sides against the family... a wonderful time at Thomas and Rachel’s wedding

Sunday lunch get-together - first Sunday in the month

Alcoutim Labour Day and Sardine Festival celebrations.

Alcoutim Labour Day and Sardine Festival celebrations, grilling sardines

Early April morning on the Guadiana

Gail flower arranging

My old pal Ozzy passed away recently. Many happy memories of this great character. We will all miss you my old friend. All my love goes with you.

Happy Bifday Mr Black

A great few days with Gemma, Charlie, and dinner with Berit and Bjørn, not sure where my new friend came from but alcohol was involved!!!!!!

Gemma and Charlie came to visit me for a few days

Looking across the Guadiana from one of the old customs lookouts

Just installed the new hot air diesel heater, its going to be warm this winter

Heads down – on the way back to Anchorage and passing under Faro rail bridge 30 minutes after high water springs

This is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricane seasons in recorded history, hurricanes Harvey and Irma both set records this season

Through Sept. 12, there have been 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). This is well-above average, given the 30-year average for the entire season is 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

Hurricane Irma was an incredibly powerful and destructive storm that broke many records. Irma's maximum sustained winds were at 185 mph for 37 hours, setting a new record for length of time a tropical cyclone maintained winds of that strength anywhere in the world, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a tropical scientist at Colorado State University. The previous record was 24 hours set by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Irma is one of only four hurricanes with at least 185 mph winds in the Atlantic on record. The other three are Wilma (2005), Gilbert (1988) and Allen (1980). Hurricane Irma is also the strongest storm on record to exist in the Atlantic Ocean, outside of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Irma is also the strongest storm on record to impact the Leeward Islands, where catastrophic damage has been reported.

Harvey and Irma both made landfall in the U.S. as Category 4 hurricanes, marking the first time since 1851 that this has occurred in the Atlantic.

Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on Aug. 25, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph and Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys on Sept. 10 with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, as well.

In general, Category 4 or 5 hurricane landfalls are rare in the U.S., with only 27 on record. Therefore, it is quite remarkable that two such landfalls took place in the U.S. in the same year.

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2017-atlantic-hurricane-season-records-notables

A catastrophic year for the Caribbean Islands

Dominica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, US & British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominican Republic, Barbuda, St Martin & St Maarten, Puerto Rico, Barbuda, St Barts, Cuba, Haiti, Saint Barthalamy, Anguilla

Summary from the Guardian Newspaper
Antigua and Barbuda

Barbuda, the first island to feel the force of Hurricane Irma was devastated by its high winds, with Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, saying 90% of buildings had been destroyed and 50% of the population of about 1,000 people left homeless.

The island is now a near-deserted disaster zone. Almost all of its 1,500 residents left for the sister island of Antigua, a 90-minute boat ride away, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Jose.

“The biggest problem in Barbuda now is the fact that you have so many dead animals in the water and so on, that there is a threat of disease,” said the island’s foreign affairs minister, Charles Fernandez.

The devastation is not like we’ve ever seen before – we’re talking about the whole country … of Barbuda being significantly destroyed.

Critical facilities including roads and communications systems were ravaged, with the recovery effort set to take months or years.

Anguilla

One person died in the British overseas territory, said Ronald Jackson, executive director of the Caribbean disaster and emergency management agency, who added that “police stations, hospitals, school facilities, three or four emergency shelters, a home for the infirm and the aged, as well as the fire station”, along with many homes, had been damaged or destroyed.

The UK foreign office minister, Alan Duncan, said: “The initial assessment is that the damage has been severe and in places critical.” the island suffered more damage on Saturday from category-four Hurricane Jose. The storm forced the closure of airports and halted emergency boat traffic over the weekend.

St Kitts & Nevis

The Prime Minister, Timothy Harris, said St Kitts was “spared the full brunt” of Irma, but warned of “significant damage” to property and infrastructure, as well as power failures.

St Martin and St Barts

Fourteen people have been killed, and more than 100 on the Franco-Dutch island. France said 10 people had died on its side of the island, while the Netherlands said the storm killed four on the Dutch side, called Sint Maarten, where 70% of the infrastructure has been destroyed.

St Martin’s 40,000-plus population have been evacuated to Guadeloupe. Women, children and the most vulnerable are receiving priority at the overstretched airport on the French-run side of the island.

Virgin Islands

Five people were reported to have been killed in the British Virgin Islands and the National Emergency Operations Centre was destroyed. The governor, Gus Jaspert, declared a state of emergency and said he was heartbroken by reports of the deaths.

Natalie Drury, a resident of Tortola, the biggest of the British Virgin Islands, told the Guardian: “We desperately need help as soon as possible. Food, water, shelter. I’m extremely concerned about health and safety – there is sewage absolutely everywhere.” Drury confirmed that there had been widespread looting in the wake of the storm.

Some residents had been evacuated from the archipelago. The amphibious assault USS Wasp evacuated hospital patients from St Thomas to St Croix and Puerto Rico. The Norwegian Cruise Line used one of its ships to evacuate 2,000 tourists from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Four people are confirmed to have died in the US Virgin Islands, with a government spokesman predicting the toll would rise. Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency and a major disaster. There were reports of extensive damage to buildings, and of land entirely stripped of vegetation.

Puerto Rico

Lashing winds and rains have left more than a million people without power and tens of thousands without water. Images from the island showed flash flooding, and hospitals were forced to rely on generators.

Three people – two women and a man – have been confirmed dead, and rescuers are searching for the missing. Waves of up to 30 feet (9 metres) were reported.

Governor Ricardo Rosselló has also declared a disaster in the tiny islands of Culebra and Vieques, to Puerto Rico’s east, which were hard-hit by the storm. So far there has been little information from the islands.

Dominican Republic

Pictures from the Dominican Republic – where Irma passed to the north – show widespread damage: flattened buildings, downed trees and power lines. The coastal resorts of Cabarete and Sosua were reported to have seen storm surges, and more than 5,000 people were evacuated across the country.

Haiti

Irma continued its path across the north of Hispaniola – the island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti – taking down a key bridge between the two. Heavy rains thrashed the north coast and several areas lost power.

Two people were reportedly injured in the northern port town of Cap-Haïtien when a tree crashed into their home.

Turks and Caicos

Life-threatening wind, rain and a storm surge as Irma pummelled the British territory with winds of 175mph (280kmh).

Electricity supplies had failed on Grand Turk, which meant water production was also out, governor John Freeman said.

The director of tourism in the Turks and Caicos, Ramon Andrews, is reported as saying there has been no loss of life on the territory. He added that all visitors were safe and accounted for.

Bahamas

The Bahamas escaped the worst of Irma’s wrath, with no casualties or major infrastructure damages reported despite several downed power lines, toppled trees, debris and roofs damaged.

The Bahamas prime minister, Hubert Minnis, said his government had evacuated people from six islands in the south to the capital, Nassau, in the largest storm evacuation in the country’s history.

Cuba

The centre of Hurricane Irma cleared the Cuban coast and entered the Florida Straits.

Irma made landfall – the first category five hurricane to do so in Cuba since 1924 – on the Camaguey archipelago, just off the northern coast, with wind speeds of 160mph (260kph).

Along Cuba’s northern coast, tourists were evacuated and residents of coastal towns told to move inland. More than one million Cubans were evacuated before the storm, according to local media, along with 10,000 foreign tourists from beach resorts. The disaster alert level was increased to maximum ahead of Irma’s arrival.

There were no immediate reports of casualties in Cuba but it caused significant damage, and enormous waves lashed the Malecon, Havana’s emblematic seafront, with seawaters penetrating deep into the capital.

USA

East coast has had its fare share of problems due to this severe weather. The Keys have been decimated.

And the latest Hurricane Nate to hit the Americas

Hurricane Nate brought flooding and power outages to the US Gulf coast as it sloshed ashore outside Biloxi early on Sunday, the first hurricane to make landfall in Mississippi since Katrina in 2005. Nate killed at least 21 people in Central America.

The storm hit with maximum sustained winds near 85mph but weakened to a tropical storm as it moved inland, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. As of 5am ET, Nate was centered about 80 miles north-northeast of Biloxi and moving north-northeast near 23mph.

At one point, Nate’s eye move over Keesler Air Force Base, where the NHC hurricane hunter planes are kept, the center said. No major damage reports

Back in the water after having my hip replacement and doing some work on the boat, the last few hours have been stressful trying to get the rudder back on, thanks for all the help from friends

Yard bill has been paid and that's it, leaving the yard after a couple of months ashore, cats aren't going to be very happy being at anchor after all that freedom, I feel sorry for them

The crew and I out for an evening stroll

This historic area as well as a nature reserve. Bruce's yard where Warrior is just behind the sign

Yet another meal with Bernie & Yvonne in Bruce’s yard here in Faro, they really look after me. Bernie has done a few jobs for me, a weld, and a bracket to hold my new hot air heater

Yvonne and Bernie looked after Mogs and Pim while I was in the UK having my hip replacement, thank you very much. I am now back in Portugal and able to walk without any aids after only six weeks - fantastic

I left the Guadiana River a few days ago to finally get my hip replacement surgery done in Hexham, Northumberland. As I will not be back for around four weeks, I sailed down to Bruce's yard in Faro where Warrior was lifted out and put on the hard. I stopped over at Culatra Island a short distant east of Faro the capital of the Algarve. The island is 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) in length and 100 to 900 metres (330 to 2,950 feet) width, with no roads but interlaced with wooden walkways and reminds me of the Outer Banks east coast US. Paul, a friend of mine had an engine breakdown so I gave him a tow down the Ria Formosa and we were lifted out together. My boat Warrior For Life and his Noble Warrior, two old Warriors together.

Pim snoozing after a hard night exploring their new home

Mogs on Noble Warrior

Warrior For Life with Noble Warrior on tow alongside heading down Ria Formosa

Culatra Island a short distant east of Faro the capital of the Algarve. The island is 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) in length and 100 to 900 metres (330 to 2,950 feet) width, with no roads but interlaced with wooden walkways and reminds me of the Outer Banks east coast US.

Two old friends Louis and Karin who were also at anchor in the lagoon

The logoon at Culatra

The crew chilling

On the pontoon in Alcoutim. It’s been exceptionally hot to the start of the summer.

I first meet Berit and Bjørn and their magnificent Hudson Force 50, Temerity, in Rabat, Morocco in December 2011. We then sailed together in the Canary Islands where we had some great times together, as they are very generous hosts. They have a lovely apartment in Tavira not far from Alcoutim and invited me over for a traditional 'Norwegian Dinner' which included a leg of lamb and lasted all afternoon and well into the evening. It was lovely meeting them again and enjoying their company.

Every Sunday the cruisers get together, have lunch and do a great deal of talking, drinking and laughing!

Cheerio, to some very good friends Rika and Andrew who are leaving the Guadiana to go sailing. Possible next stop Azores - stay safe

Summer solstice party at some friends

A three-day Contraband Festival, to pay tribute to the mostly forgotten hunger years evoking memories of the Spanish Civil War and other historical events of the 1930s and 1940’s when smuggling was carried out up and down the river. As part of the celebration a temporary pedestrian floating bridge was constructed over the Guadiana River

It’s been chilly in the mornings

Karin took this photo of Mogs and I heading off to do some shopping. He will insist on sitting on bow even after having fallen in a few times. I just need to say ‘going for a walk’ or ‘lets see some friends’ and he jumps into the dingy, he then just hangs around and when I get back ‘lets go home’ and he is back in the dingy

I was very recently at a fellow cruiser and friends wake, there was a very pertinent reading that I really identified with, and I would like to share:

I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know - unless it be to share our laughter.
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.

For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.

Quote by James Kavanaugh

I was recently taking photographs for some friends and one of their cats wanted to help

After a few weeks of nursing my engines starter motor along I finally relented and purchased a new one. What a difference, it now starts first time

I sore the New Year in with friends Barbara & Mike and Ann & Peter, a wonderful evening, lovely meal thanks Barbara

I recently went to the UK to start the ball rolling on getting my bad hip sorted out. My son Thomas kindly came from Scotland to look after the cats for me. When I got back I stayed a few extra days in Ayamonte marina which is on the Spanish side of the river Guadiana, its great marina, very sheltered and a short walk to the centre town

A friend took this photo of the crew and me while we were in Ayamonte marina

December on the River Guadiana

Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on the last 5 years and 10,000 miles under keel of my lovely sailing boat, Warrior For Life. Traveling from here, the Rio Guadiana River, Portugal & Spain, to east coast America and North Carolina to see my son Ben, wife Wendy and my wonderful grandchildren Samantha, Christopher & Susana. There were a few stopovers, Morocco, Canary Islands, Caribbean islands, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, and the Azores islands, then back to my starting point with two Atlantic crossings under my belt. It feels a little unreal, a little blurry, I almost want to do it again to make it more concrete and savor the experiences more fully. I may have actually done this if it was not for a troublesome hip and a few other things that need some attention this body is getting old. I fly back to the UK tomorrow and Carlisle to get back into the NHS system and get the ball rolling, I think I need a new hip. Thomas kindly volunteered to look after the boat and my two crew Mogs and Pim and he arrives from Scotland today

Another lovely morning here on the Guadiana. I think there must be 100 yachts of all nationalities at anchor up and down the river around Alcutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana

Winter here on the Guadiana is very pleasant, chilly in the mornings around 12 °C but it soon warms up and by lunchtime you can be in shorts and tee shirt 20 °C+

My son Thomas and partner Rachel flew from Scotland to spend a week with me on Warrior. Here we are on the Rio Guadiana river at Alcoutim on the Portuguese side with Sanlúcar de Guadiana, Spain in the background

After being away for 5 years, it was absolutely fantastic to come back to the Rio Guadiana and the Guadiana International Music Festival. The festival has been taking place since 2013 and this year it was exceptional and as I was taking these photographs I watched every performance. So much talent from many parts of the world, it's a must for 2017 and you should make it 'a not to miss event' for your diary - a bonus is its free.

After fixing the engine and leaving Largos I came into Portimao anchorage at midnight and bless my cotton socks it was ramming, I did find a spot but had to move in the morning as I was in the fairway for the fishing boats. A beautiful spot

After crossing from the Azores I have been anchored outside Largos marina for 7 days splitting my gearbox from engine and replacing the drive plate. Not an easy job with boat rolling but job done and all working again. I have a few washers left over should I be worried

Farwell to Eddy and Almuth on Single Malt who were my Atlantic crossing buddies as they leave Largos on their continuing passage, hope to catch up with them before they leave the Algarve

We left Ponta Delgada Marina, in the Azores at noon on the 4th September bound for Portimao, Portugal, this was to be my last 800-mile passage crossing the Atlantic. I had started my adventure from Portimao in December 2012 and more about this in the future. Another yacht 'Single Malt' with Eddy and Almuth on board had left about 30 minutes before also bound for the same place. We made contact over the VHF radio and Eddy very generously offered to share his weather reports if we were able to keep in radio contact. We called each other twice a day and he gave me updates, and a social chat. It was absolutely fantastic knowing what to expect over each 24 hours.

We had a mixed bag, wind from the North, NE, South and SE as well as a little from the West, mostly fairly light, a few fronts came with rain during the first 24 hours but no strong winds. It was remanisant of my Bermuda to Azores passage without the long calms. On the evening of the 8th I had been running the engine to charge my batteries up as I did each day for the night, switched it off, heard a strange noise and when I ran the engine again found that the gearbox was severely damaged and inoperable so no mechanical power just the wind. Next day Eddy called me, I gave him my bad news and he told me his, the boats battery charging system had stopped working but he managed to resolve the problem to some degree.

I was going to head for Faro where there is a very good DIY boat yard and I have friends there at the moment. I know how to remove and replace the gearbox but the repair may prove expensive and not what I expected to be dealing with on my return to the Algarve. Eddy suggested Lagos, the first marina as you enter from the Atlantic, he has a contact that deals with such things, my main concern is the cost of being in the marina for any length of time on top of repairs. I am writing this having been becalmed for 5 hours and a little depressed.

We had a mixed bag of wind conditions over the next few days. On the 11th / 12th the wind was SW and steady, it was a great days sail, comfortable and relatively fast. Around midnight as predicted the wind went NW, a front came through and with it 30 knots of wind and torrential rain. Luckily I was expecting something and was well reefed down so no problem. When the squall left the boat started to roll very violently with the following seas and the headsail boomed out and running down wind his continued on and off for the rest of the passage, the crew got a little fed up with this as well did the skipper. For those interested, I made the whole passage with just the Genoa pulling me along. It just seemed to work as sometimes I was running down wind or just off, I didn't need deal with the main as well, my bad hip was glad about.

I got to Largos at 11.00am on September 14 and anchored outside the marina, had a shower, and went to sleep as I was knackered after 10 days with intermittent shuteye and during 12 hours or more none as I was crossing the shipping lanes with big ships coming or going from the straits of Gibraltar. We were so close at times I had to call them up to make sure they new that little me was there and we were not going to collide, a little nerve racking especially at night although there was moonlight. Thank heavens for AIS, Automatic Identification System, it identifies the vessel by name or NMEA number, distance from you, direction of travel, closest point and time of contact. When it gets down to .34 of a mile and a few minutes I get nervous, for them with their sophisticated radar and AIS etc they should know, its not knowing that they know. Yachts have known to have disappeared under these conditions or just left a peace of rigging attached to the ship.

Another flat calm on the Atlantic between Azores and Portugal

My friends Barbara and Christoph our last meal together, Mogs, Pim and I will miss them, we have spent some great times and lovely meals on SY yacht Tauras. Thanks guys stay safe and keep in touch

We are having a party on Taurus with Barbara and Christoph

Can I eat it and where do I start. I filleted the flying fish that landed on board and they both enjoyed it

Poor North Carolina being pounded by Hermain, glad that I am not there now it wouldn’t be very nice

This is how close we came to the Tropical Storm Gaston 6.30 Saturday

On my last long passage I took this photo, can you see a cat riding a cloud or am I going cat loopy. I have seen this before, must be an omen - a good one I think.

For the past week I amongst others have been hiding in Ponta Delgada Marina from Hurricane Gaston which was heading our direction. I am happy to say that it is burning itself out and has been downgraded:

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR...
* FLORES AND CORVO IN THE WESTERN AZORES
* FAIAL...PICO...GRACIOSA...SAO JORGE...AND TERCEIRA IN THE
CENTRAL AZORES.

As soon as this has passed I will be making the final part of my Atlantic crossing to Portimao from where I started from in December 2012. From there I will head back to Rio Guadaiana. I am really looking forward to my son Thomas and partner Rachel flying from Scotland in October to spend a week with me, it will be fun

UP DATE: It looks like I got away from east coast US just in time as its experiencing tropical storm Hermine, and are predicting the worst storm for a decade

Leaving Flores Andy and Sophia in Oceana and Warrior made a fast passage to Horta and then from there an even faster one averaging 6.5 kn to Sao Miguel and Ponta Delgada Marina. The following day we were taken on a tour of the island by a friend of Sophia, which included a swim in a thermal spa, a fantastic botanical garden and then a meal cooked in one of the thermal pits that we had seen earlier in the day

Sophia and Andy enjoying the spa

Looking down on Ponta Delgada marina where you are made to feel really welcome and great facilities. Apart from Flores I had to stay in marinas in the Azores but at 10.19 euros a day they are affordable compared to mainland Europe

Party time and a BBQ on the dock in Horta with fellow cruisers Andy & Sophia Jan & Carolyn, Barbara & Christoph and.

I had a great time in Flores and meet-up with Barbara & Cristoph from Austria and Andy a fellow Brit. Sailed from there to Horta and left my mark with all the other thousands - it's a tradition here - bottom left

Mogs, Pim and I left Bermuda on July 11 at 1.00pm after a short stay of six days. It would have been nice to stay longer and explored a little more but at least I will not be spending money the cost of living is astronomic, loaf of bead $4.45, Spray Cranberry juice a whopping $7.45 and apples $1.09 each.

Once again the weather conditions were not ideal for the 1700-mile passage, light winds and possibly no wind for a while but I was eager to leave the Hurricane belt as soon as possible It’s been ominously lacking in activity. The hurricane centre has pronounced that there are possibly 14 waiting out there, a local Bahamian told me that his shark oil has gone very misty which is ominous! Also the sailing season moves on I really need to be in Portugal by early September before the weather systems start rolling down the Portuguese coast.

We left with a brisk tail wind so had my headsail pulling me along till the early hours of Tuesday morning when it fell away and then went to the NE, no good for me so I just dropped sail and hung around. The dilemma that I was wrestling with was to motor my way or conserve fuel for later when I may run into dead zones with no wind. The decision was really made for me as I kept running into very light winds or no wind at all. I finally decided to motor northeast and catch the Gulf Stream near 40 latitude, as it would help me along my way. I picked it up at 38 latitude and slowly crossed it to get the best result for me. The following days were a mixed bag, very light mainly southeast winds or no wind at all. This was a continuing pattern. I had been becalmed for 24 hours on the 28th so decided to use some of the remains fuel and see how far I could stretch it. I motored for 4 hours and came within 125 miles of Flores, becalmed again, very, very frustrating. I now only had about two gallons left which I needed to conserve. At 3.30 am on the 30th a very light south south easterly came along, up went the sails and I was able to lay my course but only at 2.5 knots but I was moving and in the correct direction. Same story it disappeared so went to sleep. On the 31st at 3.30 am I suddenly woke up there was wind from the south, up went the sails again and we were doing 6 knots on a course of 120 degrees which I had not been able to make for over a week. Yippee, that stayed with us until it slowly doped 17 miles from my destination on went the engine and a few hours later I was at anchor. I used the reminder of my water for a hot shower and went to bed.

What about the cats. Pim who had been a scared cat suddenly got his sea legs and settled down to the rolling and pitching, noise did not freak him out whereas Mogs hates the noise when I worked with the sails bolted for his safe zone. Pim came up on deck and watched me, he always does every thing slowly and you could see him working the move before attempting it, in fact good seaman ship. You could see them getting board at times then they would have a wrestling match. They have now been on shore leave and back on board, Mogs has made friends with the boaters next to me and now I have two friends.

Mogs doing his bestest thing with paper bags, he just loves them

Dawn in the Atlantic sailing down wind

Tense skipper and cool cat

Leaving St. George’s, Bermuda. I had been anchored just in front of the white building

Don’t you just love them they make my day

After a day staying on board recovering from the passage I decided to go ashore. There was a sailing yacht tied alongside, I looked at the guy sitting in the cockpit he looked at me and said 'hello Roger'. It was Lee, we had spent a lot of time together on the Rio Guadiana in Portugal back in 2011 - wow. As you can imagine, we spent time reminiscing over a glass or two. It was fantastic to catch up with him again but I am sorry to say he left today July 8 to make his way back home in the US.

I am waiting now for a weather window for my next long passage to the Azores, 1,700 miles at about 100 or so a day. As of today its not looking very promising for the next week, so will just keep monitoring conditions

We left Oriental NC on the 29th and headed straight to Beaufort, left the last marker at 1.30 pm. The first three days were hard work, I knew it wasn’t perfect weather ahead but needed to get moving. Thunderstorms kept coming through every few hours with very wet rain. I wanted to cross the Gulf Stream as fast as possible so motor sailed some of the way. I don’t like the GS it feels like there is a big hand under the boat shaking it about and sometimes just trying to stop you, I have crossed it three times now and have great respect for it.
I new that there was more settled weather further south around 32 latitude so slowly made my way south, got there on the third day and sunshine, wind SE,S, SW and I did not touch the sails apart from sheeting in or easing out for the next 24 hours, the winds were light but not in a rush and could relax.
Moggs new what we were up to and settled in, Pim was traumatized at first, but about day 4 started playing with Mogs and I, looks more resigned to the experience and eating OK. He has stopped sliding over the place and started to sway with the motion, a breakthrough. I wonder if I should have left him with family in Cary. Mogs started to do the deck rounds at night and came back with flying fish and promptly devoured them but wasn’t going to share so cut one in half for Pim, he still has no idea where they come from.
After clearing in at 10.45 am on July 5 at anchored in Saint Georges Harbour Bermuda just off the town after 635 miles. Sleeped on and off for most of the next day.
I suddenly realized no more walks with Mogs down to the board walk, no friends coming round, family not just two hours up the road, missing Washington already.

Goodbye to two great guys, Al and Bill. So generous, they keep turning with bags of provisions for my Atlantic Crossings. I had a great stay in their lovely home over looking the Pamlico – Thanks guys

Cheerio to Little Washington all the great friends I have made and my personal unpaid chauffeur Charles. Over the past few weeks he has been driving me all over the place collecting parts for Warrior as well as my groceries. I don't know what I would have done without him, I will miss his company, a truly lovely man.

I will be heading out of my second home this week ready for a weather window for my first leg of my Atlantic crossing, Beaufort to Bermuda. I have had a fantastic time in this great little town. The locals have been so welcoming and have really looked after Mog, Pim and me. When we had a really cold spell, Dee and Mayi brought me home made soup & bread. Rick, the dock master and staff also looked after Warrior when I left her for a couple of months. I will really miss this lovely place, it will always be a home from home for me.

Ben, Wendy, and the Grandkids came down for their last visit before I leave the US to head back to the river Guadiana, Portugal from where I started my adventure in December 2012. I will truly miss them and this great little town. I have been wined and dined and welcomed into people's homes, I will always have happy memories of my time in east, North Carolina - happy days

I got back to Little Washington last week after being with Ben and family for over a month. When Mogs and I go for a walk he gets mobbed by Mockingbirds who are nesting nearby. Because of this aggressive behaviour the locals call them 'Cat Birds'. They swoop down and hit is bottom which he finds very disturbing, sometimes he actually lets me carry him which is very unusual

Well spring has sprung but it has been a slow start to the warmer weather. A high over southern Canada has been sending down cold fronts but there are signs that this pattern should be changing. When I arrived in North Carolina last April I was in shorts and tee shirt but definitely no this year.

I have spent a couple of months with my son and family in Cary. Over the next couple of weeks I will be preparing to leave for my Atlantic crossing back to Portugal via Bermuda and Azores. I left the Algarve in December 2012 and will have covered about 10,000 miles, should be back around mid to end of July.

We had snow, which then froze, and a northerly wind with a wind-chill of -21F. The nice thing was that my son Ben cam down so we just battened down turned up the heat and ate pizza.

Some of the locals must feel sorry for the mad Brit on his small boat in this bad weather as they have been bringing me home made soup, bread, cookies and fruit, I love North Carolinians