Finally back - time for the first voyage of discovery

30. November 2014Katja Henke

After two days back in the heat I had acclimatized me again something and Sunday at noon stood me so inclined, to explore the surroundings of the port closer. After a brief tour of the very well-maintained apartment complex with a children's playground and a small supermarket we went to the beach. If one were to follow the coast further, could be determined in Maspalomas achieve a good half hour. Or so we thought if.

Since there is not as much variety was offered at the harbor, got us in the mood for city and people. So we moved to the advent of coffee with brought, homemade cookies together go. Unfortunately, there was a long stretch of coast in the current water level walk impassable. Since reversing for me but not out of the question, I decided, so that we could walk to the cliff along and above - of up there so wonderfully green and well maintained golf course applied also looked much more inviting. And he was not even fenced. So what should happen? I just losstiefelte, Dietmar followed me then cursing and scolding alarm, because he did not want to get one of the golfers on the cap.

The golfers were eyeing us suspiciously while, but apparently we looked so harmless or perhaps dangerous, that no one dared, to contact us. We were lucky, because all the players seemed to understand their craft so far, that we were not shot by a stray bullet. After a quarter of an hour we approached unmolested the end of the course. As far as everything was already went well. But now a new problem emerged in the form of a two-meter-high wire fence at the end of the square on. Now that would really not have been necessary L Just when we decided to turn back, I discovered a large gap in the fence. On the other hand we find ourselves in a moment while dry rain reservoir, but the last meters to the beach promenade should probably also to master yet. And as so often in life, solved this problem by itself Seconds later ...

"If your on the promenade well, You go here best through the sewer tunnel! Then you can easily climb up on the left side of the wall. "Came a voice from the darkness. Ok, what now? Ignore or go? If you will kindly responded to German, you're definitely curious first. Inside the tunnel it had set up a homeless domesticated. This told us willingly and very polite the way forward. Perplexed, we found ourselves three minutes later on the boardwalk again.

After a little adventure trip we still enjoyed the stroll to the bustling promenade with restaurants, Hotels and shops. Back to the port but we chose because of the falling darkness a less exciting itinerary. By taxi it went safely through the illuminated streets back to the SUMMER.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to something special: A can of brought by Kerstin and Tommy bavarian white sausages with sweet mustard. At first we were the "canned white sausages" something reserved about, Finally, we were just real and fresh white sausage from the local butcher used in Allershausen. But after the first bite we enjoyed genuine feeling in Bavaria evening pleasant 20 ° C in Gran Canaria.

Goodbyes, Birthdays and finally together again on board

30. November 2014Dietmar Henke

Last Friday promptly at 17:37 landed the jet of Norwegian Airlines on Gran Canaria. The end of the five weeks since well cultured Strohwitwer-existence approached in large steps. In other words, Katja was back on board! Not, that it would have been boring or too quiet, but the joy on my "better half" was great. The luggage was next to all kinds of personal items and a travel bag, which was well stocked with tasty and above all homemade Christmas cookies. It worked out well, that we were on the way to Las Palmas with the car by Lars von catamaran JOY OF LIFE and his two friends Michi Hamburger and Olli, to the birthday of Frank (HIS CAYLUNA) and Torsten (THE INFINITY) to celebrate together. We arranged for almost three months ago in Lagos, that we all want to meet on this day in Las Palmas again, to toast the good time together, before our paths would probably separated for a long time. All of our friends wanted to cross the Atlantic in the next few days and continue their journey in the Caribbean continue, while yet another year, we in the Canary Islands, the Azores and spend on the coast of Spain and Portugal want. The ceremony was held in a Chinese restaurant with an excellent range of delicacies instead. After a big "Hello" Katja distributed in small bags some of your Christmas cookies in the round. There is such a thing with the Christmas atmosphere at 26 ° C and shorts. In Germany people drink mulled wine and brandy punch and cold from the nose, while we are isotonic drinks and ice cold beer on the table have J The evening was a great success, especially since even had joined us a few other sailors, the worried with your stories for a lot of joy. Around midnight we were all in high spirits again back on the boats. The evening was really fun!

The next morning, Katja finally got to admire our new wind generator on the equipment rack. Two weeks ago, I ordered the part in Germany and then with the help of Lars, who runs a hamburger forwarding, to Gran Canaria exported to our "Yacht in Transit". Here I learned very interesting information about customs and formalities. All things, may again be determined later very useful. The second wind turbine has the task, to optimize our energy balance and recharge the batteries when we are at sea or at anchor without shore power on the go. I have to admit, I was really proud of, as the generator then the first time supplied power and the new masts, on which it is attached, almost perfectly-fitted to the instrument carrier. Once you've made yourself such an installation, then you know the more appreciated, what our Yacht Service Gutowski has done in Grömitz over the winter all in good working.

This morning at 06:25 picked us up the alarm clock from the bunks. In gut 30 Minutes we definitely wanted Lars, Michi and Olli adopt yet. Just in time for sunrise, the trip should go to Grenada in the Caribbean. The three guys were very dear to us from heart, because we had spent a very good and extremely fun time together. So sad was the farewell to one side for us, so exciting and thrilling is the trip for the 3 His comrades. Once these machines were started and solved the stern lines, it also went quickly out of the harbor out to the west. Tonight at 19:00 UTC, we will set up the radio on and ask 12.356Mhz, as it is this going so.

In the coming days, we still expect the CAYLUNA SY and SY INFINITY to a stop here in Pasito Blanco before these are then sail to Cape Verde and the Caribbean.

Anyway, we are looking forward, that we are together again on our SUMMER and will soon leave for pastures new. The berth is here to 3. Paid in December and slowly we also want to start planning again. But always nice and slow, so my dear wife can be completely healthy again. Our trip is fortunately not a "sprint" but rather a "long-distance race" and that is known not to be decided in the first round J

On to Leverkusen – a colorful bird and a brisk beetles

22. November 2014Dietmar Henke

The past two weeks have run an unscheduled for us and once it has been confirmed, that life is not really predictable. It began with Katie's surprising message about three weeks ago, had to remain much longer than expected in Germany due to a pending OP. Of course I wanted to stand by my Katja at this time and had booked a flight to Cologne / Bonn. At the airport I put it as a souvenir for a talking parrot in the backpack. If they already have to see in the morning from the window of your triple room in the sad misty sky, it should nevertheless be able to enjoy at least the pretty and colorful bird with hooked beak. Just in time before departure on Friday luckily got the message, that the OP was successful. Throughout the day kept me Beate (Katie's mom) about the events up to date and in the evening I noticed a sigh of relief when Katja me after the “Wake up” said, that as far as your go well. With this message in luggage journey home was then much more relaxed. Arrived shortly after midnight in Cologne was waiting Katie's friend Karen on me and brought me to Leverkusen to our apartment. It was a very nice feeling, that all the time was always someone there for me. The past week then designed primarily as, that the day was reserved for Katja and I usually spend the evening at Katie's parents.

So DC on Saturday morning we went to Katja to Cologne. Katie's friend Karen had lent me your VW Passat for the whole week (!) and therefore I needed only 30 Minutes for the trip to the hospital. The room was in the 5. Floor and I was glad, that Katya had brought the whole ordeal seemingly well behind. Even the bird did not miss its effect and got the same a place on the bedside table. It turned out, that the OP has been considerably more complex than planned. Katja but only meant, that she was glad, that the doctors have done such a good job. Two hours later I was on my way home, because Katie's loyal friend Anja and Beate also wanted to come. In the evening, I told you then “Good night” and then went on to Aachen. Ralf and Kerstin our sailing friends from the SY Lothlorien invited your friends traditionally a Feuerzangenbowle a. Somehow I felt after the last 36 Rotated hours as indicated by the Wolf, but of course I was glad I was also very, Ralf and Kerstin by our expert learning in Brest and the beautiful time together in the Marina, to see again. So I spent a very nice evening with delicious punch, delicious food, nice people in a beautiful house. For a subsequent Gastgeschenk I must still leave with something, because I did not get to the range.

Actually, more spontaneous, I visited then the end of the week my old buddy Gerd from Düren, who had risen recently, a new race car. After his call, if I would not even look at me the good piece, there was no stopping. One of the few things, I really miss, is the track. From the hospital, there were only a few miles to his house. After a great “Hello” with Gerd, Mike and Marco I felt really good. All these guys I've known for many years of the race on the Nordschleife. With Marco, Walli and Benni could I 2011 the best ever for me 24 Go-hour race on the Nordschleife. Team spirit, a great atmosphere and a great car made this race a very special experience for me. It will appear on my personal hit list always on top.

The boys told with such enthusiasm by the “VW Fun Cup” Racing series, I felt transported back directly into the time, as we drove RCN. These were some of the nicest times ever on the Nordschleife. After the evening was clear, that we are together in 2015 the 25 Would deny hour race in Spa. The anticipation is huge! 🙂

On Wednesday I was able to pick up my Katja from the hospital. Together but everything is much more fun. Yesterday we went for me back to Gran Canaria on our SUMMER. Until then Katja on Friday 28. November comes back to me, there is still a lot to do. I'll probably Verholen our SUMMER to Las Palmas in the north of the island, because there the birthday party of Frank and the farewell will be held by some sailor friends, which are then sail to the Caribbean. Katja und ich wollen auf jeden Fall dabei sein 🙂

Einhand not Gran Canaria

6. November 2014Dietmar Henke

When Katja told me a few days ago, that they would fail for about five weeks and we could not go as planned sail together to the Canary Islands, I went in the next few days then all sorts of thoughts through your mind. We were determined at 28. November sein auf Gran Canaria, because our dear friend Frank wants to celebrate his birthday by the SY CAYLUNA there. At this feast he had invited all of our sailing friends, have confirmed their attendance and the. Because we wanted to be here, because the time was too good together with them in Spain and Portugal. Then all the other towards the Caribbean would break, while we only 2015 would cross the Atlantic to.

So we decided together on the phone, that should go in it towards the Canaries. Now the question arose only when and how. After studying various weather forecasting services is a good departure date showed on Tuesday, the 4. November. Then I would arrive on Thursday at noon. Unfortunately, this was the time period too short, to find another Crewmember. Reiner had our friend from Allershausen / Bavaria someone much to my regret only a few minutes before posting, snapped up the last flight before the nose. Also war klar, that I probably had to sail alone.

Then somehow I wanted to go alone. The challenge just seemed too sexy and with each passing day, where I could adjust myself mentally on the subject, increased the confidence in me. Not sailing worried me, but rather the handling of the big boat when dropping and especially when equipped with mooring canvas. This of course comes the issue of safety at sea. For the first two days were permanently 5-6 Winds with gusts of 7 announced, what is already a proper announcement. Even dealing with the possible lack of sleep and struggle with the fatigue employed my thoughts. After all, led the 320 Nautical miles over the open sea and without a possible port, if something should go wrong. My dear friend Uwe but has really helped me with his wealth of experience. He sails for years his 43 Foot yacht alone in the Baltic Sea. He told me, that it was perfectly normal, if one was nervous for days before dropping and that it go just as any other. Danke Uwe 🙂

On Tuesday I had set my alarm clock to six. On this day a new chapter should begin for me on the subject of sailing. So excited I was already half past four on the legs and whatever I tried, it simply was not possible to me, to lower my pulse. The preparing of the ship for departure was almost routinely and unobtrusively: Close seacocks and hatches, Check Cards and Systems, put away all, which may fall, Preparing linen and sheets and of course cook a pot of tea. Then everything was clear as far as the expiry. My task was now, our SUMMER safe and "one-handed" (alone) in 2 Bring ½ days from Madeira to Gran Canaria in the Marina "Pasito Blanco"!

Promptly at 06:42 the horizon began to brighten. The sun rose slowly up and the moment had come, start the machine. The wind was coming from behind low and had calmed down a bit for a few minutes. Everything else went as planned almost alone. Evaporation in the Vorspring, Pre-lines going, Behind Spring release, Machine backwards, Get Vorspring tightly and then release. We have not even touched the neighboring Lieger, as the SUMMER shoved out of the box. Die erste Hürde war also genommen 🙂

Shortly after passing the exit port I put the autopilot on track 177 Our Grad. Thereafter, the Fender was collected and stored all mooring. After two hours we were out of the wind shadow of Madeira and sailed out with good 6 Knots to the south. Everything went well. About four clock I was a bit tired and lay down in the salon for a snooze. I had my security to "Timer" on 20 Provided minutes and had to get up, to turn it off again. After getting a panoramic view into the distance and then lie down again. The haute towards good. After some time, then returned also the peace of mind and I could actually get some sleep. The wind now and again quite strongly to. At times the anemometer showed gusts of 27 Knoten an, which was not a problem for our SUMMER. Before nightfall I had the sail area for the night significantly reduced. Nevertheless, we made a good trip to the seven nodes.

What really surprised me very, was the fact, that was not to see a single ship on the radar or AIS. On Wednesday around noon we passed the island "Selvagem" and left them on the starboard side. Here is going to live only two researchers and explore the bird world, otherwise the island is uninhabited.

I'd almost feel guilty, I drove with seeded Troll on the island. Since then also happened already the first "Malleur". Because of the high waves and cross lakes we drove a decent lurching. Here, then, the fishing line had snagged on the propeller of the wind generator. Since it was too dangerous, to rise to the Rehling, to untangle the mess, I cut off the leash. The bait I had of course previously obtained by hand. My concern was, at that very moment a fish might bite and would tear off the generator. The bait was designed for a tuna and can be quite large. Das Problem war, that our current supplier of the batteries was now out of service. Autopilot, Navigation, Radar, Radio and refrigerator consume a lot of energy and so I had twice a day starting the generator, to replenish the batteries.

The next problem was then wait not long in coming. During routine check of the bilge I saw with horror, that there was a lot of water in the engine compartment and also in the nave. But now I have got a little scared. Thank God we have many bilge pumps on board, then immediately took up their work. The rest I had to manually pump out. These were about once more 70 Liter and I already have the arms hurt. I immediately went on causal research. Gott sei Dank, was it but no shutter or the like. Due to the high waves from aft to the stern of the SUMMER was very much seawater leaked into it by the processes of the lockers in the locker. From there, the hoses running from the generator through a hole in the interior of the vessel in. Unfortunately, these were not properly or when installing the system. permanently sealed. The issue was now high on my "To Do" list. After the shock I was really done with the nerves. Here come at once very strange thoughts in a highly.

The last night was not a problem and there was enough time to rest. Our SUMMER is a really good ship and provides great security.

Time up to the minute I put the SUMMER then the next day at the "Welcome" pontoon at the Marina. The wind had abated somewhat and I was well prepared. After the clear inward I got the number of berth. Before it came to the last maneuver of the day, I peeped me the place exactly. To assist me in charge has sent two Marineros on the boat. The three of the parking was not a big problem and worked out great. No one wanted to believe it up, I had been traveling alone. Das gefiel mir natürlich sehr 🙂

Ready to use, but very satisfied with our performance, I closed SUMMER yet on the country outlet and gave her a thorough wash as usual, to remove the salt. As it is always so nice: "Only the horse and then the rider"

The rest of the evening went as follows: Sims Katja, The shower, Food, Sleep. Danke SUMMER! What an experience!

Under close observation

5. November 2014Katja Henke

Since morning at seven clock yesterday morning he is traveling alone, my captain. Of course I do not like, but what should I do. Of course I would prefer it. But at least I'm pretty close. Es lebe die Erfindung des Satelliten-Telefons 🙂

At noon, we could not normally talk over cellular network, then the distance from Madeira was unfortunately too large. But I got a few pictures, I do not want to hide from you.

So Dietmars day started well at this ungodly time (siehe Foto). Outside it was still dark and I had to think long, when we left the last time so early. Since yesterday was the strategy for his first one-handed laying maneuver, but still it was for him a strange feeling, drive off alone.

The first call I received as arranged directly after it left the port and set the sails had. The first hurdle was taken before. He had mastered alone Easy Storing and the journey could begin. We still use the land near (and thus the mobile network), to talk about a bit and so I was least acoustically with this, Dietmar as a group sighted whales. I am really looking forward to the pictures, obwohl live natürlich schöner gewesen wäre 🙂

The wind was unfortunately distracted still very weak and strong in the land cover of the island of Madeira. A short time had run with the engine, but with increasing distance from the land of the wind veered to the right direction and also participated in strength to. So then I was able to follow the Internet, as the SUMMER with speeds between six and eight knots south made good progress. Only the weather forecast makes me a little uneasy, there had formed exactly on Dietmar way a strong wind zone. So had the evening for the first time the satellite phone to believe it and I was relieved, when I listen to voice Dietmars. On the SUMMER everything was ok, although the wind had freshened considerably and yet already established a pretty high wave. Dietmar had therefore greatly reduced the sail area and looked quite confident now his first-hand counter-night. To calm my nerves, we agreed, to call all two hours.

So I felt like the next morning as I had even watched through the night on the SUMMER. Dietmar had the strong wind to 30 Node coped well and sounded on the phone and the circumstances of freshly. So we moved us during the day on e-letter, to the board cash to spare some. Thus, the mails were shooting during the day again more to the meal planning as the weather events, because the wind had clearly lost on day one force.

In the night I will have to miss out on further inspection calls and hope, to be maintained by occasional emails to date. Tomorrow at noon Dietmar will then reach Gran Canaria. Then I make three crosses and look forward, dass ich die nächste Überfahrt wieder live mit dabei sein kann 🙂

Planning is overrated

1. November 2014Katja Henke

If all had gone according to plan, I would be sitting back in the warm sun in Madeira. When I look around me but so, Although it is warm and the sun shines, aber Madeira ist das definitiv nicht 🙂 Irgendetwas ist wohl schief gelaufen…..

Reason for my stay in the country have included some doctor visits, which were routinely on the calendar. And apparently I'm like a car in a age, where ever notice hidden defects at TÜV. So the doctors now imposed ban sailing and I had a “Werkstatttermin” arrange for mid-November. Nothing really dramatic, but you must fix just yet. The end of November I will be fit to return to the SUMMER again.

Unfortunately, our travel schedule was now but a little confused. Actually yes stood at the next island group. Upon my return, we wanted to sail to the Canary Islands and spend the cold winter months. For Gran Canaria visit had been announced and the end of November would leave from there many of our friends in the Caribbean.

At the moment we are trying, to get all these dates under one roof. The design looks like, that the Dietmar SUMMER brings to the Canaries and then I come across this again there. We'll keep you up to date, if the planning is concrete and ripe for.

Until then, I use here in Germany the forced break, to do all the things, which have accumulated. In addition, it is also very nice, time again with “old” To spend friends. Denn direkte Gespräche sind doch nicht mit Emails zu vergleichen 🙂

Even from a distance I try Dietmar course support, as well as I can. Whether it comes to the mooring organization on Gran Canaria or telephone Kitchen Tips, I do my best, if I can not already be on site as planned.

Diving is fun

31. October 2014Dietmar Henke

After the stormy winds of the last few days the Atlantic was now calm again. Every day was clearly visible, as the salty wet became increasingly clear as usual and allowed the clear view down to the bottom of the harbor. After all, under our boat we had a water depth of 9 Meter. So turn back to the best conditions on "Scuba Diving" with ester and Marco of "AZUL DIVING". In Hinblick auf meinen permanent gewachsenen Waschbärenbauch sicherlich eine gute Entscheidung 🙂 Katja ist ja vor 2 Flown days after Leverkusen, to a number of upcoming appointments and work through exactly this situation I wanted to use, to move into a tougher stance on the pounds body. In order to combine the pleasant with the useful, I had booked a few days ago before a course for the next higher diving license to so-called "Advanced Open Water Diver". Meanwhile, Katja and I already completed a couple of dives. With each further digression we could the testimony of Marco "the best dive is the next dive" always agree more. With experience in the hitherto unfamiliar environment under the water surface also increased our well-being and sense of security.

Part of the course includes a dive at a depth of 30m. Previously, the limit allowed for us was 18m, which indeed is quite decent. Today it was so far as! For this event are esters and Marco had chosen a special place, the one but could only reach by boat. Promptly at 09:30 began the briefing for the dive, was planned with acetate as my "personal" Guide. Esters and Marco laid as always great value on, on the one hand to explain the area and the planned schedule in detail and to convey to the other making the necessary safety precautions and theoretical foundations. It was important to know, for example,, that the air consumption at double depth also doubled and significantly more nitrogen is accumulated in the blood, of the appearance in a so-called safety stop 3 Minutes in 5 Meters is again largely degraded. Now the time had come, wo die Themen Tauchplanung, Zero time, Safety Stop, Air consumption, Nitrogen narcosis and flow with more seriousness were applied. Which is precisely this professionalism gave us the good feeling and confidence necessary, to be with them both in very good hands. After 45 Minutes we were through with the briefing and it was time, to squeeze into the suit. My God, I'm glad, dass das Ding so elastisch ist 🙂 Schnell noch Maske, Hood, Fins, Taken flashlight and dive computer under the arms and then it was already going on. As always everything was perfectly prepared and the heavy equipment was ready for use on board.

The 250 PS des Yamaha Außenborders hatten leichtes Spiel mit dem Boot und wir kamen relativ zügig 🙂 am Zielort an. Our destination was located at the easternmost point of Madeira. Directly in front of us the rocks towered steeply from the sea. Here you could still clearly feel the fierce swell of the last days. The waves breaking on the shallows, and some outside the flow was further partially very strong. Just the idea, having to go through with our SUMMER here, caused a slight horror in my head.

Esters made a small test round and signaled us, that it was time to follow your into the water. Also on board was also Jürgen from Berlin. Jürgen had his underwater camera and appeared for several years in all parts of the world. A quick check of the systems and in "Three" we went by a backward roll into the sea, after all, was the 22 ° C hot. Slowly we emerged from. Immediately introduced himself as usual this wonderful feeling of wellbeing a. Only the bubbling of the regulator broke the silence. After a relatively short time my dive computer 31,8m indicated. The colors of many fish, Coral and stones get a blue tint, because with increasing depth, the short-wavelength red light is absorbed. One was different than usual. Because of the strong swell it went on like in an elevator and down and back and forth. It took me some energy out there to swim, where I wanted to also point. Esters and Jürgen were in it but very experienced. I constantly had to watch, I kept enough distance to both. After some time we went but still very good. Somehow I had the feeling, I pretty well had the issue with the balancing under control, for problems to keep the depth, I'd rather not.

After a good 40 Minutes showed the bottle a pressure of 50 Bar and we started as planned with the rise. Top Marco was waiting for us and took us to the weights and buoyancy compensators from. With some strong flippers and join forces entry into the boat easily managed. On the way back we were then all agree, that the area was beautiful and our team worked well.

In the afternoon, the dive number two was on the program. We again reached a depth of 30m and were treated to another great mining district on the doorstep of Madeira. I never thought, that diving would be so tiring. I felt as limp as long gone. To get me back into the boat, Marco had to help vigorously. On the return trip I was still nauseated, because I drank some salt water after surfacing. Blame yourself, if you take the regulator out of his mouth too soon and not enough air in the BCD pumps. Wieder was gelernt 🙂

In summary,, this day was extremely instructive and good for my confidence. Many thanks to Marco and esters of www.azuldiving.com, who really did a great job. That makes you want to Me(and)hr.

As already said: „the best dive is the next dive“ 🙂

Finally change – we take a boat trip :-)

23. October 2014Katja Henke

Since this afternoon would take off my flight back to Germany, was another dive this morning unfortunately not possible. So when I could not even look out at the water for fish, then we wanted to do on the water just. So we sat ready on time at ten-thirty, to go with the camera on whaling. Finally change, mit einem Boot sind wir ja schon ewig nicht mehr unterwegs gewesen 🙂

Around Madeira, there are relatively many whales. Sorry, we had seen no, as we were traveling with our SUMMER. Last week, almost 500 Been spotted off our port three sei whales meters. The animals up to 18 Be meters long and weigh between 20 and 30 Tons. Unfortunately we had let this special opportunity and made no boat trip since we did not know, that the whale-watching boats launch directly from our harbor. Now we wanted but some games a try. Let's see, if we were lucky.

Normally the boat operator gets information from a so-called “Spotter”, located on land on a mountain and scans the sea with a powerful binocular. Unfortunately, today was the view rather moderate and thus we were on our own. After a short time we were able to find. In the distance we saw another whale watching boat, that a large group observed pilot whales. This can be adopted by our coming not fazed.

So we had the opportunity, long good fifteen minutes to watch the animals right on the boat. The pilot whales are also “Grindwal” stated. They can be up to eight feet long and weigh up to three tons. In our group, the largest animal was about five feet long and very impressive imposing. In addition, there was also a calf, that always remained close to his mother.

After this first success we went in search of other animals. Unfortunately wanted the dolphins, are quite common in this area were well on the way, not show today. For us it was not so bad, dolphins because we had quite often seen. For the other holidaymakers, who were traveling with us, did us but sorry.
But if only the rapid travel in the well be motorized boat was a pleasure, take a bit of roller coaster. A little further away from the land of the east wind had already rebuilt light waves, die mit zunehmendem Bootsspeed wie Sprungrampen wirkten 🙂

On the way back we met our Grindwalfamilie after once. There are simply beautiful and impressive animals. On closer observation we were sure, that it was not the first pilot whales, we had seen. On our way to Lisbon, we were surprised us over the lazy dolphins, who came to our boat in the past sunrise but very slowly and leisurely. For Dolphins, it would certainly have been slowly, aber Grindwale sind wohl immer viel gemütlicher unterwegs 🙂

Back in the harbor it was then first goodbye. The bags were packed and I was on my way to cold Germany. We had cleaned out properly in the last week. My luggage consisted of a huge bag filled with warm clothing, that were clearly redundant on board, and one of our two folding bikes. After much back-and-forth we decide, but not take the bikes, because they do take a lot of space below deck. Also, my backpack was filled to bursting with other things, were not required on board. So packed like a beast of burden, Dietmar took me to the airport. Wait for me in Germany ten event- and busy days.

My second 39. Birthday :-)

22. October 2014Katja Henke

„A woman can with 19 lovely, with 29 its gorgeous, but only with 39 she is absolutely irresistible. And older than 39 is not a woman, which was irresistible once!“
Coco Chanel

My second 39. Birthday, far away from Germany, actually began as any other day. Eventually the sun tickled us awake and it was time for a leisurely breakfast. Nicht der schlechteste Start in einen Tag 🙂 Dietmar düste los, to fresh for our breakfast, to get warm rolls and surprised me with a piece of birthday cake. Despite the wonderful morning he was somehow tense. The answer was my birthday gift, not as planned lay on the breakfast table, but was still somewhere with the Portuguese Post on the go. Since I had to wait a bit….but it makes you look so do not spoil the mood.

So I was excited about the many calls, Email and News, reached me on that day. Despite the great distance we are probably not yet forgotten. The ordered for this day, beautiful weather was then delivered after a few short showers eleven clock. Thus our afternoon dive, nothing stood in the way. Let's see, what would we see out there today.

Time of two clock we arrived at the dive school and had already traveled a short time later to eight to our dive spot. This time we had the difficult task gewältigen, us completely on the narrow boat with BCD, To attract fins and bottle. A Performance, bei der es im 7mm-Neoprenanzug ganz schnell sehr warm wurde 🙂 So freuten wir uns, when we finally overturned in James Bond style per roll backwards over the side into the water. The water was really wonderfully refreshing.

As discussed in the detailed briefing in the diving school, Now we split into two groups. Today we were on the road with Marco. Our dive was to a maximum of 18 Meter Tiefe gehen, deeper than we could with our diving license not yet yes. Normally, the descent is my biggest problem, but today I sank like a stone down. Good, we are not plunged yesterday on the steep wall. As it goes up to 40 Meters depth rather steep downward. Who knows, wohin ich da verschwunden wäre 🙂

Underwater the conditions were good. Out here we met underwater currents for the first time, which could however be overcome easily. We also met many interesting creatures. Schade, that we had no suitable underwater camera, at all times hold. Our waterproof Pentax was only for water depths up 12 Meters allowed. That was a bit too little.

When we reappeared on the surface at the end of the dive, the boat was waiting for us already. In still water, we freed ourselves from the heavy equipment and these ranged up. After that we had it past myself. I preferred the swim ladder (I'm more of a lazy person), while Dietmar with three powerful flippers worked up the boat wall. After a short, faster ride we reached the port and sat on the Relocate longer together, to determine the observed fish.

At half past six we had arranged to meet with the crew of INFINITY SY and SY HAPA NA SASA for dinner in Port Restaurant. Previously, we wanted to just go with Urte of the SY HAPA NA SASA with the car for shopping. The family was so arrived yesterday and had to fill up your fridge again. I was also concerned about the physical well-being of my husband: Not that Dietmar had to starve in the next week, when I was in Germany.

The way to the supermarket was only a stone's throw, but first wanted to be found. So we had only 30 Minutes shopping time, not to appear in the harbor after our guests in the restaurant. Lightning fast we filled our cart, and soon everything was stowed in the car. The exit from the car park turned out to be unexpectedly difficult but. Nowhere was seen to pay the park a machine chips and nobody you could ask far and wide. Urte took the problem in hand and appeared a short time later with the paid chip. Den Automat hatte der Betreiber im Erdgeschoss gut versteckt 🙂 Auf dem Heimweg gerieten wir statt auf die Autobahn noch auf eine idyllische Landstraße, which again gave us a scenic detour. After all Urte so could not gain an initial impression of the beauty of Madeira win. However, we were nearing our guests at the harbor. Since gliders are indeed a very relaxed little people, we could even quickly putting away groceries in the ship. Dietmar was also a sigh of relief, when he finally vorfand the long-awaited package when returning to our SUMMER. So I got (Although after the birthday dive) a great diving camera, water resistant up to 58 Meters with high-tech housing. Now to all photos, I'm on land again at least as many underwater photos to come. I'm looking forward to the first fish, are me swim before the lens.

Then finally began the relaxed part of the evening. Leider ohne die Crew der JOY OF LIFE, which is indeed departed towards Canary yesterday, we sat on this warm evening outside long and celebrated my birthday extensively.

I thank all, who thought of me and have contributed in any way to, that the day has become so beautiful, as he was. I'm really looking forward to my next 39. Geburtstag 🙂

Move with the dive boat

21. October 2014Katja Henke

After a long break due to bad weather dive we were happy, said as Marco on Tuesday finally, this afternoon we could dare our first dive trip from a boat. At the house-reef the water was still too agitated and turbid, but further north the conditions should be much better.

So over time we were two clock before diving school. Today we would not be traveling alone. A German family had booked a boat dive. As always everything was perfectly prepared. We needed to squeeze us only in our suits and pack up our personal things, you're able. The bottles were waiting ready prepared the boat for us.

Already the drive with the speed boat was great fun. Sailing is rather a slow and relaxed pleasure. But that Renner had significantly more horsepower than our SUMMER, more precisely 250 Horsepower. As Dietmar was of course in his element. Thanks to modern technology we take you gladly times a bit Miten . Simply click to open the videos on the links.

We drive out……

Arrived at the dive site, Marco went and esters first to test the conditions under water. From above it looked because of high waves and strong currents not look particularly inviting. Hopefully it was better under water. When they paddled back to the boat, had already read them on the faces, that they had no good news. The shaft was just too high and the view is also very bad. In order for our Plan A had failed. Good, that the pair have a plan B ready. So we sped along the coast to the north. But also to the second possible point the conditions were unfortunately not very inviting. Meanwhile the sun had again completely hidden behind the clouds and the shaft broke in part to the small but fierce, sharp rocks.

Already on water it was uncomfortable….

For experienced divers determined a dive would have been possible, but with our eight dives we were on the level “find out” doch noch sehr weit entfernt 🙂 Mir persönlich war es auch lieber so. I wanted to keep my first boat dive definitely positive memories.

So we went away empty-handed on the way back. For the onset of rain, we were geared up in any case. So our equipment was again rinsed well with fresh water on the way back.

Optimally equipped for rain

Tomorrow is another day. Und zwar ein ganz besonderer 🙂 Da hatte ich schon vor 40 Years ordered good weather. Let's see, whether it would be delivered

SY CESARINA

A log of our travels