THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ON THE SHAKEDOWN CRUISE;

1. Cap'n Dave is now officially renamed Cap'n Tweaky in keeping with his incessant tweaking of ropes (okay, lines, sheets...whatever) when we sail anywhere.
2. I get sick a bit.
3. The wind (now formally renamed Marvin as discussed previously in my ramblings) blows, and by that I mean it completely sucks!
4. Stuff slides about on a moving boat even when you think it won't.
5. My inner chicken has started developing balls, especially when it comes to facing weather that is less than clement. Anatomically incorrect to suggest that poultry have bollocks but I can say that as I own the poetic licence here.
6. The weather can be a fickle fiend and is no friend of mine when it's not being nice.
7. Vacuum seal all perishables, especially crumpets as mould is the enemy of fresh baked goods.
8. Going to the toilet in high seas and when the boat is heeled is especially awkward.
9. Weather forecasters can't!
10. Kwells... 'nuff said.
11. Though in the middle of the water, dust still gathers in the boat. How does that happen?
12. You can never have enough munchies. :)
13. I can cook up a storm on two hotplates.
14. I'm a little bit in love with George the auto pilot as he allows me to do stuff without having to worry about messing about with the boat.
15. Silicone is the most wonderful invention when it comes to space saving but beware of the cheap stuff. One go of the steamer and it shredded.
16. Containers, containers, containers of every size, and label everything!


THINGS DAVE HAS LEARNED (far less interesting than my erudition)
1. Reef early
2. Ignore deadlines unless absolutely necessary.
3. It's pointless trying to make headway to windward in heavy seas
4. Gentlemen never go to the wind.
5. Trust the boat as she's done it all before.
6. Dave also loves George (nothing suss!)
7. Diesel is expensive and motors are noisy and smelly and hot... i.e. use the motor a lot less!
8. Triple check the weather.
9. Don't do anything to panic Terry because she cries and then I feel bad and feel like I need to buy her loads of presents and stuff... possibly new clothes or chocolates... or … oooooh diamonds and shiny stuff (ahem.... I'm sure Dave feels this way... really)


I will most likely add to this list as time goes by. I'm sure the BIG TRIP will teach me lots.
And speaking of the BIG TRIP, as I type this, the date is January 15th, 2013. With any luck, by the end of this month we will be on our way, renovations and weather willing.

Dave is in the middle of building a shelf unit over the nav desk (see picture of the rear.... he's done a great job so far) and a few bits and pieces. I need to sew another pair of fitted sheets, we have to sell the car and the trailer and then that's pretty much it. End of an era, beginning of another. Another turn of the compass.

Please stay tuned and watch out for more exciting adventures and misadventures as we bring you our interpretation of travelling around the perimeter of this beautiful country from the seaward perspective. Coming soon to a blog page near you!