Portimao again

21.09.2009

Feel like this update couold also come under the frustration heading. Possibly the banging ones head against a brick wall section would be more appropriate.

We had a lovely time back in the UK but could not believe how cold it was. The wedding day was an extremely windy one but fortunately the rain stayed away. The whole event at Dynamic Earth was just great and it is so lovely to see people making a committment to each other.

Anyway after a whirlwind of stops – Edinburgh, Bridge of Allan, Dundee, Bridge of Allan and Glasgow we were quite glad to get back to our sleepy lifestyle.

Alas when we got back none of the items that had been ordered, organised and promised were available to us from Bluewater. Thought John’s BP was going to go through the roof. Anyway as we had to catch up with Jo in Vilamoura we told them that we would return this week and surely by then things willl be fixed.

So we have spent a lovely week with Jo. Vilamoura, Vila Real Ayamonte and Ponte Cais at Olhau. Lots of chilling out which was just what the lady needed. Alas the weather was a bit mixed and she did have a hissy fit when we had to don waterproofs coming up the entrance to the Guidiana. However after that it was sunshine and she was content.
We were planning to take her back to Vilamoura but unfortunately when we tried to leave the river on Thursday we couldn’t make any headway as the wind and tide were against us. We motored for an hour or so and made about a mile so that was it Captain decided that 10 -12 hours was not an option and we turned and went back in to the river. Next day the wind had dropped significantly so we headed out. Interesting tidal movement at the mouth of the Guidiana and not one to be undertaken if it was really wild.

Friday we got ourselves into a bit of pickle. Having read the Imray guide it suggested that Olhau was an option for marina berthing. It did say that it was a busy place but surely not now – after all it is winter here.
Crikey! We chuntered up the very twisty, shallow channel (its over salt flats and marsh – a nature preserve) and into the very, very narrow channel for the marina. Fortunately the ferrry wasn’t in as that really restrict space. The wind was blowing a good 25 knots so manourvering was going to be challenging. Well yes – we had spied our berth and Captain John was getting his crew set to jump etc when an official looking man came to the bow of a boat and told us we couldn’t come in the marina was completely full. Problem was there wasn’t enough space to do very much of anything. The long finger poontoon was looming large and there wasn’t enough room for good clearance on the breakwater. Really thought we would come a cropper but the man did well and so did the bow thruster. Jo and I were standing by to fend of but doubt we could have had much impact really. Anyway to cut the drama short we did get turned and beat a hasty retreat back up the channel – in time to meet the ferry coming out! So relieved when we finally dropped anchor across the bay in a lovely, remote little village called Ponte Cais. Stayed for 2 nights in order to say farewell to Jo.
She had quitean assortment of transport in order to get home.
Dinghy to harbour, ferry to Olhau, cab to Faro, bus to airport, plane to Glasgow, cab to flat and then car back to Edinburgh. Does make you wonder if travelling is really worth it.
Hate farewells even though we will see her at the start of the year it will be a long haul.

After Jo left we headed back to Portimao. Once gain the wind was on the nose and getting out of the river and hitting the tide hgead on was not pleasant. It seemed like we would be bumping along for about 10 hours again. However as the day progressed so did the journey and we made Portimao by 4.00 in the aternoon. Dropped anchor in the Bay and had fun watching a couple of cruise liners play chicky nellie with the jet skis and some crazies in a speed boat.

So the day dawned and we were ever hopeful that the parts, repairs and other goods would be ready and waiting for us when we got into the marina. NOT A CHANCE!

I mean one month on how difficult is it to fix a flipping radar antenna and cut ropes to the right length. Can’t begin to tell youy the colour of the air around the boat.

We have crew arriving tomorrow for the passage to Madiera and the boat is still not good to go. Murphy truly needs sorting out.

So we wait and hope that tomorrow the antenna will be back from Lisbon! Then it will all magically fall into place (everything is crossed I assure you). We are needing to move on and get our heads round the fact that the Atlantic trip is looming large. Hopefully the Madiera leg will go well. Today has been spent washing, cleaning, boat maintenance etc. just in case you think we are taking life easy!
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