Author: webcraft

Mon 1st March 2021 Cascais

Sea trials arranged for today, but Joao did not turn up. Would have been a good day for it, very calm, warm, and blue skies. He has arranged for Miguel to come out with us tomorrow.

Tues 2nd March 2021 Cascais

Went out for engine sea trials, was a lovely sunny day. Miguel there, and Lewis came too. All went well, but could only get 2600 revs from engine (engine has 3600 revs), propellor is too big, or too highly pitched. Went round for a paddle at Santa Marta, met a lovely couple who had moved from the Netherlands to Cascais in December, in process of getting their Portuguise residency. Chilled out in the Cockpit later, enjoying the sun.

Wed 3rd March 2021 Cascais

Lovely sunny day. Nick went a walk up to Boco do Inferno in the morning. In the afternoon we both went a walk up towards the town, along the front beaches (all deserted), and watched a couple of surfers out.

Thurs 4th March 2021 Cascais

Went to Auchan for shopping, just got into the shop on time, big clap of thunder, and a massive thunderstorm. Only raining a bit by the time l came out.

Fri 5th March 2021 Cascais

A very wet day today, heavy rain on and off, batten down the hatches! 😯😳. Nick did the laundry, then went to Auchen for the heavy shopping.

Sat 6th March 2021 Cascais

Very wet horrible day again. Nick messing about with the engine again. Kirstin and Malcolm video called in the evening. Phoned Mum.

Sun 7th March 2021 Cascais

Beautiful day, shorts and T-shirts. Nick went for a walk up Boco do Inferno, l was cleaning the boat, spoke to Luisa for while, she had Robin with her.

Mon 8th March 2021 Cascais

Lovely sunny day, but very windy and cold.  Nick had a lot of work to do. I went to Auchen for shopping. Ordered flowers for Mum for Mothers day, being delivered to Maureen’s as she will be there.

Tues 9th March 2021 Cascais

The park is now opened, so we went for a walk through it today. Quite a nice sunny day.

Wed 10th March 2021 Cascais

Chilled out on the boat, a nice day.

Thurs 11th March 2021 Cascais

Still in Cascais 🙄. Planning to head off towards the Algarve on the 5th or 6th of April, marina payed up until 5th April.

Fri 12th March 2021 Cascais Santa Marta Beach again, and a paddle. Nice day.

Sat 13th March 2021 Cascais

Sun 14th March 2021 Cascais

Mothers day, did as little as possible. Lovely warm day, phoned Mum, Malcolm phoned me to say happy Mothers day. Nick video called Kirstin cause she hadn’t called, she was at Lee Annes, said she’d call later, she didn’t.

Mon 15th March 2021 Cascais Went to Auchen for shopping, Nick worked on his website. Very hot today.

Tues 16th March 2021 Cascais

Another very warm day. Nick went to Auchen for some more shopping.  We went to Santa Marta beach in the afternoon. Nick had his first swim of the year, l paddled.

Wed 17th March 2021 Cascais

St Patrick’s day. Went up to HC to see if we could register for health number, Nick was given forms which he filled in, emailed them with all required documentation. Another scorcher today.

Thurs 18th March 2021 Cascais

Spag Bol for dinner, not much else happened.

Fri 19th March 2021 Cascais

France and Poland going back into partial lock down, Germany may follow.

Sat 20th March 2021 Cascais

Our lifebuoy escaped today. We were running around the marina trying to get it. Thought we’d lost it, then one of the marina staff in a dingy found it for us.

Sun 21st March 2021 Cascais

Got a tour round a beautiful classic, Sky (a Yawl). She has been here in Cascais marina for a number of weeks getting work done, James has been working on her a lot.

Mon 22nd March 2021 Cascais

Went for a paddle at Santa Marta beach. Beautiful day.

Tues 23rd March 2021 Cascais

Another day in Cascais.#

Wed 24th March 2021 Cascais

Nick went to the Chinese shop, got me a lovely bag with owls on it 🦉😁 Vodafone stopped Nick’s roaming 😡

Thurs 25th March 2021 Cascais

Still in Cascais.

Fri 26th March 2021 Cascais

Still planning to leave Cascais on Monday 5th April.

Sat 27th March 2021 Cascais

Not much happened

Sun 28th March 2021 Cascais

Lazy Sunday.

Mon 29th March 2021 Cascais

Nick went a walk up BDI. Both went for a swim at the beach at other side of road/Bridge from Santa Marta beach. Was very cloudy overcast causing it to be not that warm, water very cold, but was good. Chicken and chips for tea.

Tues 30th March 2021 Cascais

Very warm but overcast. Nick blew up dingy, working on our outboard which won’t start. Lost the blue towel overboard. Nick did a big shop at Auchen when he was out with Luis.

Wed 31st March 2021 Cascais

Warm day, cloud overcast again, but windy. Luis working on the outboard again with Nick, they got it started, but it keeps cutting out

Thurs 1st April 2021 Cascais

Nick went and did the laundry. Chilly and overcast until heavy rain around two. Brightened up in the afternoon. Hosed down the decks as covered in sand dust blown over yesterday from Africa, then poured with rain just as l finished, and just as Nick finished the laundry, and ready to head back.

Fri 2nd April 2021 Cascais

Lovely warm day, spittle of rain in the afternoon, but didn’t come to anything.  Went to Auchan for another large last shop. Hoping to not have to do too much this weekend, except get the boat ready for leaving on Monday.

Sat 3rd April 2021 Cascais

Very cloudy, and overcast, a bit chilly.

Sun 4th April 2021 Cascais

Beautiful sunny day. Nick found out a Dutch boat got fined €1000 last week for movement. Decided safer to check ok for us to leave, and get permission. Nick sent harbour master an email, he will go up to see them early tomorrow.

Mon 1st Feb 2021 Cascais

Nick got up early to go to the boat to try and get the crisis sorted. Joao was there, fiberglass ok, but he discovered there was still something wrong with the propshaft when it turns, propshaft removed to go to workshop, gel coat removed, engine installed to check all ok, then taken back out for mounts to be repainted with gel coat. Nick insisted the boat had to be finished this week, and back in the water.  Joao took propshaft to the workshop, said problem was the flexible coupling between the propshaft flange, and the gearbox flange, a simple fix. Luis checked the boat later and said Pedro had removed gel coat, but done nothing else.  We’re both absolutely shattered, understandably we both had an awful night’s sleep. Christine is giving us a 20% discount for the flat.

Tues 2nd Feb 2021 Cascais

Nick went to boat, Joao came with sorted propshaft, installed it with engine back in again, planned a few more modifications to the mounting plates, then removed the engine for Pedro to repaint the gel coat. Is coming back tomorrow to do the last, and final instalation of engine.

Wed 3rd Feb 2021 Cascais

Both had a very bad night again last night. Joao phoned, he’s coming today to install the engine. Nick went down to yard late in the afternoon, Joao installed engine, connected everything, and ran engine tests, all good, boat being launched tomorrow, Pedro will phone in morning to give us a launch time. Nick phoned Christian, if all goes well with launch tomorrow we will check out, final bill for flat will be €528 (24 days).

Thurs 4th Feb 2021 Cascais

By 11.05 Pedro had not phoned, Nick phoned him, Pedro said he had to wait on word from the Head tech guy (yard chief) about launch, Luis spoke to yard chief, Pedro is lying, yard chief said he was waiting on Pedro about launch, Luis lost his rag with Pedro. Pedro phoned Nick back and said launch would not be until 2, made the excuse it was because the epoxy glue on the lid of the water strainer crack had to dry. Pedro said boat would not be launched until the rest of his bill was paid, including a money transfer that would not have gone through to him by 2pm for the launch, so effectively stopping the launch today. Understandably Nick and l went loopy.

Fri 5th Feb 2021 Cascais

Our first day back on the boat, back in the water.

Sat 6th Feb 2021 Cascais

Curfew on again this weekend from 1pm. Nick went to Auchan, big mistake on a Saturday, think he was traumatised, said it was mobbed.

Sun 7th Feb 2021 Cascais

Went for a walk up to Boco do Inferno. They are really clamping down here now with the virus out of control. Police across from view point turning people and cars back, could see what looked like tape, maybe across the road, Lius said they were closing the road up there during curfew, looks like he was right. Headed back sharp, and a quick few mins down to our favourite beach, Santa Marta, as it wasn’t cordoned off, didn’t stay past curfew as didn’t want to risk a possible fine.

Mon 8th Feb 2021 Cascais

Joao had arranged to come, but phoned to say he was coming tomorrow. Just did some stuff on the boat, Nick checked the engine, checked for water flow, temp, stern gland drips, forward and reverse checks. I went for chocolate cake 😋😁.

Tues 9th Feb 2021 Cascais

Joao and Miguel came out in the morning to do the final work on the engine, l stayed in bed 😴. Nick paid Joao the last of his money, €700, Nick gave him an extra €100, his total bill was only €1500, very reasonable after all the work he did, unlike Pedro who took more than double that (€3,500), crook.

Wed 10th Feb 2021 Cascais

Feeling quite good today now we’re back on the boat, and all expenses have stopped running out of control.

Thurs 11th Feb 2021 Cascais

Nick paid Pedro the last of the money we owed, total came to three and a half thousand euros 😭, he is nothing but a thief 😡.

Fri 12th Feb 2021 Cascais

Had a terrible night last night with sqeaking  and snatching ropes (kept getting wakened every time l started drifting off), still awake at 6am 🥱. Went around to Santa Marta beach in the afternoon, as the weather picked up, nice and sunny. Forecast for the weekend is for even better weather, blue skies and sunshine, just a pity there is still a curfew from 1pm every weekend.

Sat 13th Feb 2021 Cascais

Walk up to Boco do Inferno, beautiful warm, sunny day, still a lot of swell and the waves were spectacular.  Two policemen standing at the entrance to Santa Marta beach spoke to us, asked where we lived, where we were going etc, very nice and polite, a stronger police presence here the last few weeks. Nick did an engine test run when we got back.

Sun 14th Feb 2021 Cascais

Valentines day. Think Nick managed to get the only card in Cascais, all sale of non essential good had not been allowed last couple of weeks. Did some laundry.

  Mon 15th Feb 2021 Cascais

Did the usual things today, aired duvet, cleaned floors, tidied up etc, Nick working on making the location of the new elbow exhaust waterproof (enclosing it in).  Went for a walk, and to the chocolate cake shop 😋😁.  Infections rates, deaths, and hospital rates in Portugal still coming down, R rate below 1, good news.

Tues 16th Feb 2021 Cascais

Nick covered in the goose neck exhaust with perspex that Luis got him.

Wed 17th Feb 2021 Cascais, Thurs 18th Feb 2021

Cascais Still heeaarrrr 🥴

Fri 19th Feb 2021 Cascais Sat 20th Feb 2021

Cascais Torential rain today, a lot of flooding, went up the town as Nick ran out of coffee, he had to wade into the shop through flood water 😂😂😂.

Sun 21st Feb 2021 Cascais

A walk to Boco do Inferno again, then stopped at Santa Marta beach, watched the Lizards sunning them selves 🦎🦎🦎.

Mon 22nd Feb 2021 Cascais

😳😳😳

Tues 23rd Feb 2021 Cascais

🙄🙄🙄

Wed 24th Feb 2021 Cascais

Lovely warm sunny day. Went a walk up passed Boco do Inferno, up past the next lighthouse to Guia. Had lovely Acai bowls, an ice cream made with Acai Berries that come from the Amazon. Lovely walk back watching the sun going down.

Thurs 25th Feb 2021 Cascais

Still here in Cascais.

Fri 26th Feb 2021

Cascais!!!!!! 😳

Sat 27th Feb 2021 Cascais

Another lovely day, blue skies and sunshine. Nick aired the sails.

Sun 28th Feb 2021 Cascais

Two guys came down the pontoon to talk to us, Brendan and Richard, Richard is English, and Brendan is from Glasgow, he heard my Scottish accent. Both live here, Brendan has a flat, and Richard lives on a boat he bought. Nick went for a few beers on Brendan’s fishing boat in the evening.

Fri 1st Jan 2021 Cascais
Really should have got up for the beach around 10, to watch all the crazy people going into the freezing cold water for the 1st of January new year swim 😂! But didn’t get up until 1! Woken up by Luis hammering on the Hull, came round to show us his jetski. Lazy day the rest of the day. Curfew from 1pm, today, tomorrow, and the 3rd.

Sat 2nd Jan 2021 Cascais
Another lazy day today.

Sun 3rd Jan 2021 Cascais
Went to Santa Marta (our favourite wee beach next to the marina) for a paddle, got our toes tickled by tiny shrimp, watched two snorklers come in after their fish catch.
Back to the boat for soup and sandwich lunch, curfew again from 1pm. Did a lot of packing and preparation for the lift out tomorrow.

Mon 4th Jan 2021 Cascais
Lifting out day today. Boatyard guys arrived around 10.30 to tow us round to the hoist for lift out. Luis gave us a hand, all went very well, and smoothly, but Nick was super stressed through it all 😳. Avy-J was amazing. Its been a year and a half since she was ant-fouled, and put back in the water, but all she had was a very thin layer of scum, but no growth! Got her power washed, and sorted out with Pedro what needed to be done, then headed to marina to settle up, still none of the four Christmas packages arrived yet ☹️, and one was posted on the 1st Dec! Went for lunch, fried prawns, chips, bread, and beer, delicious!
Luis then gave us a lift in his van round to the flat. Got settled in, then went for tea of chicken and chips (think we’ll turn into chicken and chips 🐔🍗🍟).

Tues 5th Jan 2021 Cascais
Nick got a telephone call from Pedro at the yard. He said we needed a new prop shaft, over €500 just for that 😳😭. Looking like our bill for the yard will be around two thousand euros 😱, and that’s not counting the rest of the money we’ll owe to Joao!

Wed 6th Jan 2021 Cascais
Nick received a very detailed estimate from Pedro at the boatyard, tow, lift out, prop up, power wash, antifoul, new prop shaft, new Seacocks, re-launch £2,440! Still have to receive a final bill from Joao too. Prop shaft won’t be ready till Friday, earliest work will be finished is next Wed. Nick had to go see Pedro to find out who was re-packing stern gland, got it sorted, and spoke to Joao too, everything now sorted for work to go full steam ahead, all we can do now is wait.
Arranged an extra few days in the flat, as we’re only booked for the week, if boat is ready for Wed, we will check out of flat on Thursday.

Thurs 7th Jan 2021 Cascais
A very lazy day today, didn’t even get dressed lol.

Fri 8th Jan 2021 Cascais
Nick went to the marina, Kirstin’s second Christmas parcel had arrived, then we went for a walk down to the town beach, was sunny, but cold. Had a coffee before heading back to the flat. No word from Pedro that propshaft done.

Sat 9th Jan 2021 Cascais
A horrifying discovery made this evening. Portugal looks set to go into another national lock down this week, the boat will be trapped in the boatyard, which is our home/living accomodation, this flat is over €300 a week, full lock down could be six weeks, this is a crisis, what the hell are we going to do! This is just unbelievable, stuck in the marina for over three months, and now this has to happen as soon as the boat is out the water, making us homeless. How much more bad luck can happen to us 😢😢. This is so unfair after all we’ve been through 😢😢😢.
🥺😢 We are going to be in some pickle, feeling very low. New engine was delivered on 11th Nov 2020!!!

Sun 10th Jan 2021 Cascais
Malcolm’s birthday.
We are both feeling (in the fresh light of day), apart from being shattered as still awake at 4am this morning, less worried, less stressed, and a bit more optimistic that things will work out.

1. We don’t know when Portugal will go into  a full lock down, if it does.
2. The boat might be finished, and re-launched before that happens.
3. We don’t know if the yard will be locked down, it may not, they might be able to continue working, and re-launched boat.

Fingers crossed. Will speak to Pedro on Monday. Heaviest snow fall in Spain for 50 years.

Monday 11th January 2021 Cascais
Forgot to phone Malcolm last night to say Happy birthday. Went to see Pedro at the yard, Luis came up as well to help with any language problems. Pedro said the lock down wouldn’t affect the yard, they would be opened, and allowed to work. Propshaft is still not ready, and Seacocks delayed due to the snow in Spain, Pedro said he will know tomorrow when they will arrive, said he’d phone us. Nick got some shopping, was still unable to get a sim for the hub. Both still shattered.

Tues 12th Jan 2021 Cascais
Quiet day. Phoned Mum, and Malcolm video called in the evening.

Wed 13th Jan 2021 Cascais
Took a walk down to the town beach. Was a beautiful day, temp coming up, but getting a little chilly in the shade and wind as we were late on getting out for a walk.
Had another ride on the big wheel, this time in the daylight, and Nick bought me a poncho l’d had my eye on, and a Cascais t-shirt, late Christmas present.

Thurs 14th Jan 2021 Cascais
Boat problems again. Pedro has said there is some play in the new propshaft, shouldn’t be as there wasn’t any in old shaft, new shaft supposed to be same size, so we don’t know what the hell is going on. Nick going to go to boatyard to try and find out. New seacocks have been done.
Nick came back, said all ok, problem was with the cutlass bearing. Pedro sent final yard bill, €884.60 cash, and €1,826.23, what a shock. Nick’s bank won’t let him do an online International bank transfer, he did a transfer using TransferWise, money went out of his account, but got paused as Nick’s bank stuffed up the transfer due to connecting the account (his personal account) that the money was coming out of with his business account (Webcraft).
Took a long time to get it sorted.

Fri 15th Jan 2021 Cascais
Nick up early to phone TransferWise, also complained to his bank.

Looks like (hopefully) all sorted, and Pedro gets his money for launch to go ahead today, but he is not answering Nick’s messages. This is the problem with both Pedro and Joao, Nick cannot get them to answer their phones, return calls, or reply to his messages. Don’t want to pack up the flat in case the launch falls through today, other than saying the boat is being launched today, Pedro has not given us a time, and Joao has not been in contact with Nick, its a nightmare, sitting in limbo in the flat. Now found out boat is not being launched 😭.

Saturday 16th Jan 2021 Cascais
Yesterday was a nightmare. Portugal went back into a national lock down again, and boat wasn’t launched.
Engine is unbalanced, vibrating, and rocking badly backwards and forwards putting massive strain on the new prop shaft, and cutlass bearing, not good.

24th Jan 2021 Cascais

Not a good day today (mentally), feeling very stressed and down, not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Nick phoned and spoke to Luis about the situation with the boat, i.e being stuck in the yard, work not being done quick enough, cost of flat and boatyard storing mounting etc, Luis is going to go and speak to Pedro tomorrow,  l’m just hoping the wood engine mount bases have been finished and fiberglassed in.  Situation not improving here with the virus, hospitals in central Portugal reported at 94% ward occupancy, Nick been getting more and more worried day by day of getting the virus.

Mon 25th Jan 2021 Cascais

Callum’s 7th birthday. Bought him treasure x pirate ship, Kirstin phoned in the afternoon, then video called later so l could see the kids. Got very stressed today because we don’t know what’s happening with the boat, or if anything is being done, Pedro and Joao won’t answer there phones, and it’s took 10 days to make two pieces of wood!  He eventually got Joao who said he was coming to the boat today, but then cancelled, Pedro said he was coming tomorrow.

Tues 26th Jan 2021 Cascais

Nick went the boat in morning, engine base wood finished, Joao away to get metal plates made for wood, and supposed to be back at the boat today to bolt them on. Nick told engine bases will be fiberglassed in today, or tomorrow. Nick did some shopping.

Wed 27th Jan 2021 Cascais

Nick went to Auchan twice, cause he forgot the bread yesterday, then never got wine. Work is proceeding on the boat, slowly, engine beds still being worked on. Vape products due to arrive at Adam and Sarah’s today. Virus situation here still getting worse. Death toleltoday was 291.

Thurs 28th Jan 2021 Cascais

Didn’t sleep well (yet again!). Luis phoned, said engine supports being glassed in today. Nick phoned Sarah, vape products arrived yesterday and they’re going to post them today, just hoping they arrive.

Fri 29th Jan 2021 Cascais

Pedro finishing the engine mounts today, finishing the top coat (jelcoat). Joao coming on Mon, hopefully to finally re-install the engine on the mounts, and connect everything up.  Portugal tightens lock down as deaths reach record highs, hires foreign medics, ambulances queuing up at hospitals, three patients flown to Madeira, 303 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Sat 30th Jan 2021 Cascais

Went for a walk, got stopped by the Portuguese police, apparently there is again a curfew on this weekend, and we knew nothing about it.

Sun 31st Jan 2021 Cascais

Couldn’t get to sleep again last night, still awake at 3.30.  Another disaster has be fallen us, yet again! Nick went to check the new engine mounts were drying, they are not. I feel like crying, feel like this nightmare is never going to end, and worried l’m not going to be able to cope anymore, was in tears.  Nick contacted Joao to let him know, he will assess the situation tomorrow. We don’t know if it’s just the gel (top) coat Pedro has messed up, or if it’s also the fiberglass, Joao is going to check it, he doesn’t trust Pedro anymore either.  The head came off Nick’s mole he has been worrying about for months. He sent a photo of it to Luisa, who then sent it to her Mum who is a skin specialist, who is certain it’s non malignant, said to clean with Betidine, and take a photo of it when it’s healed up, and send it to her. Treated ourselves to an Indian carry out to cheer us up.

Tues 1st Dec Cascais
Beautiful day today, but unfortunately a curfew again from 1pm. Went for a paddle at our favourite little beach, just round from the marina at the bridge. Paddling on 1st day of winter! Magic!!!

Wed 2nd Dec Cascais
Ian on Naomi leaving today for Lanzarote, helped him round to the fuel berth, met James an Luisa from Optimista, lovely couple, he is from the UK, Luisa is Portuguese and is expecting. Nick went to get all our photo copy documentations needed for our appointment tomorrow, then went to Auchan for the heavy shopping, beer, milk etc. I will get the rest tomorrow.

Thurs 3rd Dec Cascais
Joao came with Miguel. Appointments today to get our NIF number, 1 o’clock, and 1.15, got them no problem. Bought fluid, went to Auchan for shopping, and bought Christmas decorations for boat. Nick said not to rush back to boat, more problems with engine, which was out of engine compartment, and in the middle of saloon, Joao said engine didn’t have enough support at the back, told Nick he would have to change engine mounts every two or three years. Nick explained to him that just could not happen, he told him that it didn’t matter how much extra it cost, he wanted the job done properly, not unbalanced that mounts would constantly need replaced. Nick met me on way back from Auchan, got Chicken and chips, Joao now saying engine is ok, and secure enough with mounts. Also Nick has said he has installed the engine in a way that he (Nick) will not be able to change the oil filter when servicing the engine, Joao has assured him he will sort it, but Nick not happy about it. My Amazon parcel arrived, bought a fan heater, and rechargeable batteries with charger for fairy lights with my birthday money from Margaret and Anne.

Fri 4th Dec Cascais
Joao back out at boat till 5pm, more engine work done. Not much else happened. Very bad weather forecast for the weekend.

Sat 5th Dec Cascais
Lock down from 1pm. Horrendous day today. Non stop torrential rain, and gale force winds. Looked over the Christmas decorations, checked lights were working, charged up rechargeable batteries, and installed them in fairy lights.

Sun 6th Dec Cascais
Lockdown from 1pm. James and Luisa came for afternoon drinks. Late dinner, watched more breaking bad, then bed.

Mon 7th Dec Cascais
Everything shut today from 1pm as tomorrow is a holiday. Feeling a bit low today, missing the family, and would rather be at home for Christmas 😢. Weather not nice now, very overcast and cold at times. Tried to go for a walk, but just wasn’t in the mood.

Tues 8th Dec Cascais
Not feeling much better today. Went for a paddle at the bridge beach, and to get some small stones to weigh down the wee Christmas tree base pot. Seen an Octopus, was approx a foot long, was amazing! Missed the best part of videoing it by the time l got my phone out, but got a short clip of it just as it was going into hiding at two boulders. Paddle, and seeing the Octopus made me feel a lot better.

Wed 9th Dec Cascais
Joao was meant to come today, but couldn’t as he had to have a Covid test. If he’s positive, Miguel will have to have one too, and if he’s positive then there will be no more work done on the engine until after Christmas 😕.

Thurs 10th Dec Cascais Heard today Joao’s test result was negative, so he’s coming tomorrow. Nick went to Auchan for the heavy shopping (milk and beer etc), l went in the afternoon for the rest, then got chicken and chips for dinner.

Fri 11th Dec Cascais
Joao and Miguel at boat today and done some engine work, exhaust elbow hasn’t been delivered yet, so they left as it hadn’t turned up. Interesting evening tonight 🤔, Nick invited Louis aboard for a drink, he stayed for dinner, then it turned into a late (and interesting 🤫) evening 😝.

Sat 12th Dec Cascais
Not much happened today, both a bit tired after last night’s mischief.

Sun 13th Dec Cascais
A walk through the park, then a paddle at the beach by the bridge and the lighthouse.

Mon 14th Dec Cascais
Luisa lent her Mums car to Nick and we drove into Lisbon to collect the exhaust elbow. In the afternoon a wander up town for a few things, and got an Indian carry out meal on the way back.

Tues 15th Dec Cascais
Joao and Miguel here today to continue work on the engine installation. Fitted the new exhaust elbow as far as the gooseneck, put new bolts in the engine mount feet, and tightened them up, he aligned the engine without connecting the prop shaft, refitted the sump pump with the new extention pipe, and made a new mounting for it on the bulkhead, filled engine with fluids, and test ran it with the impeller removed. Coming back on Thursday.

Wed 16th Dec Cascais
Nick filled in all our online forms to apply for the new biometric residency card, we now have an app on our phones with our QR codes. I did some shopping at Auchen, while Nick washed the bedding, and got our applications for our biometric cards confirmation documents printed.

Thurs 17th Dec Cascais
Bad news today, Joao not coming today (yet again!), but the worst news is we are not only stuck here for Christmas, but new year too! If the boat comes out into the yard this Monday, we could end up being stuck in the yard longer running up a bigger yard bill due to Christmas and new year holidays (i.e less working days, so delays getting jobs done), it also turns out that most of the jobs that need done when the boat is out of the water, the yard are going to be doing, not Joao, which will be a lot more expensive, so looks like we are going to be hit with a far bigger yard bill than expected, how much we don’t have a clue, not even an estimate. We were hoping to at least get to the Algarve for New Year if we could have pushed for everything to be done. Saying both Nick and l are feeling a bit down would be an understatement 😞

Fri 18th Dec Cascais
Nothing much happened. Still coming to terms with the fact we’ll be stuck here for new year.

Sat 19th Dec Cascais
Had a lovely evening aboard Optimista with James, Liusa, and Luis. Liusa made a lovely Vegan meal.

Sun 20th Dec Cascais
Took a walk through a lovely valley park in the heart of Cascais today, goats and sheep with bells on. Then watched a load of Christmas bikers driving through the town in Santa hats and suits, hooting their horns and waving, they were escorted by the local police, great fun!

Mon 21st Dec Cascais
Nick went out on Daydreamer with Luis, l couldn’t go as l had to go to Auchen to get Nicks Christmas presents, a bottle of malt whiskey, sweets, and toiletries.

Tues 22nd Dec Cascais
Went for a sail on Luis’s boat Daydreamer.

Wed 23rd Dec Cascais
Margaret’s birthday, and gave Nick a Christmas haircut. Video called Margaret at Anne’s to say happy birthday.

Thurs 24th Dec Cascais
Rushed up the town in the morning before my shower to try and get Nick a tuk tuk car, also got him a Lisbon tram model. Went for a Christmas eve walk to see the lights, then had a lovely meal in the Gandhi Palace.

Fri 25th Dec Cascais
Christmas Dinner, turkey roll joint with walnuts, mushrooms, garlic, and prunes, stuffed mushrooms, and stuffed tomatoes, potatoes, green beens, and roasted parsnips and carrots, polished off with Christmas pudding and custard. Went for a Christmas day paddle, water very cold, and video called everyone.

Sat 26th Dec Cascais
Boxing day, beautiful day. Walked up to Boca do Inferno, had coffee and cake, was a lovely, warm day.

Sun 27th Dec Cascais
Out for a sail on Optimista with James and Luisa, Luisa’s friend came with her nephew.

Mon 28th Dec Cascais
Wet day, washing done, and boat cleaning.  Went on the big wheel, and got chicken and chips.

Tues 29th Dec Cascais
Did the last (hopefully) shop before New Year, got soaked on way back. Duck rice for tea, then finished off the Christmas pudding with creme fresh.

Wed 30th Dec Cascais
Went to look at the hostel we are going to move into for a week when the boat is lifted out on Monday, I suggested it may not be a good idea with sharing facilities due to pandemic, but he seems keen to stay there. Went to a baby shop and bought a gift for Luisa and James baby boy, she is in hospital, but baby not arrived yet. Nick then went to Auchen for a few things.

Thurs 31st Dec Cascais
Hogmanay. Found out today from James that baby has been born, and both fine. Showered and washed hair for bells. Nick has also now decided that due to the virus its probably not a good idea to stay in the hostel due to shared toilets and kitchen facilities. He has booked an apartment near O’Neil’s pub, and the beach. Will be lovely to get a break of the boat. James and Luis brought in the bells with us on Avy-J, Luis’s friend came round with a massive parachute flare 🎉 to set off at midnight, but it spectacularly failed to go off 😂. Opened the bubbly, wished goodbye to a shitty pandemic year/2020, hoping 2021 will be better, but this new variant has different ideas on that, had a few more drinks with the boys before they called it a night, didn’t get to bed until 4.30, but had a great night.

1st November Cascais
Neither of us had a good night last night (unable to sleep). Nick reckons it is due to the state the world is in at the moment (the Pandemic). Looks like the second wave is going to be worse than the first, especially in the UK. Also woke this morning to find out Portugal is going into a partial lock down, which includes Cascais and Lisbon where Joao (our engineer) lives. Nick thought we would not be able to get our engine fitted, or possibly even delivered, sent me into a panic 😯😲😫😭, what more can go wrong. Hopefully travel for work is allowed, l didn’t see the engine not being allowed to be dispatched to us, we may need to go straight to the Canaries from here though, no Algarve 😢. Stocked up for boat.

2nd Nov Cascais
Very overcast today, but not cold, both still in shorts. Went for a walk, and a paddle, very nice. Very strong winds forecast for the next few days.

3rd Nov Cascais
Been blowing a hooly all night, very little sleep. Hired a car and drove to Decathlon to buy an electric cooler, also bought a converter, a wind up + rechargeable light for the boat, shoes, and a fleece. Afterwards we took a trip over to Cabo Da Roca, was wild up the top of the cliff, but fantastic views of the scary coastline we sailed round when we arrived here.

4th Nov Cascais
Went for a load of shopping because we had the car. Spent the rest of the day packing away shopping, tidying, and organising boat.

5th Nov Cascais
Five weeks here now, engine not arriving till the 10th. A wet night, and morning, weather now taking a wintery turn. Went to get a birthday card, and colapsable boxes. Nick working on bilge pump which keeps blowing fuses, thinks problem must be wiring/connection, had to give up for the day as heavy rain started, we had thunder too.

6th Nov Cascais
Not a nice day today, very wintry, cold, and rainy. Bilge pump still blowing fuses. Nick is going to try a new pump. Got an appt on 16th Nov to apply for Portuguese residency. Posted Kirstin’s birthday card. Had coffee at Paul’s, back to boat, and Nick tested new pump, says problem must be with one of the switches. Ordered Kirstins birthday present of Amazon, will be delivered on the 11th, her birthday.

7th Nov Cascais
Nice start in the morning, blue skies, and some sunshine, but turned not so nice in the afternoon, wet, cold, and windy. Joao phoned, engine being delivered to his yard on Mon or Tues, he has arranged with yard for us to be lifted out a week on Mon. Nick had to msg him back as that’s the day we have our appt for Portuguese residency. Found out Kirstin will not be at home on her birthday for her birthday present delivery 😕. Nick still trying to fix bilge pump, had to stop as chandlery (for parts) closed. Taking engine mounts off, last one won’t budge, he eventually got it off after two hours, boats a shambles.

8th Nov Cascais
Did a load of washing, went for a short walk, then a coffee at the lighthouse.

9th Nov Cascais
More washing done. Lovely day, what a change from the cold, wind, and rain we’re having at times, blue sky’s and sunshine today. Still no word from Joao about the engine, it’s meant to arrive today, or tomorrow at his yard.

10th Nov Cascais
Got cruising chute out as it was calm today, think it’s been figured out how to use it. Found out engine has not turned up, Joao said there was no sign of it. After a bit of investigation, delivery company said they had the wrong address, but they have the correct address now, and it will be delivered tomorrow, well, it is Portugal 😏. Swaying whether to have chicken and chips tonight 🤔😋, save me cooking 😁.

Wed 11th Nov Cascais
Engine delivered today, Joao said we’re not being lifted out on Monday, he is only bringing the engine out to the boat on Mon, will be the afternoon as we have our appointment on the morning. Kirstin’s birthday, spoke to her via WhatsApp, she loved her presents.

Thurs 12th Nov Cascais
Quiet day.

Fri 13th Nov Cascais
Did a coastal walk today from Cascais to Estoril, then got a cheeky wee train ride back the two stops to Cascais. Treated ourselves to chicken and chips on the way back.

Sat 14th Nov Cascais
First weekend of extended curfew, from 1pm till 5am next morning, Saturday and Sunday for the next two weekends. We went for a walk, and paddle, Nick got soaked, water came right in upto his chest. Back to the boat for 1pm curfew.

Sun 15th Nov Cascais
Second day of curfew. Walk to the shops, aired bedding, cleaned and dried mats, Nick fixing new mount for bilge pump, not much else happening. Very cloudy and overcast, but not cold, both in shorts and T-shirts, very warm. Appt for Portuguese residency tomorrow (11 till 12pm), Joao coming in the afternoon, hopefully with the engine. Bitten again with a mosquito (two bites) , the wee bugger got into the forepeak during the night.

Mon 16th Nov Cascais
Had our appointments this morning for Portuguese residency (Nick was very nervous), we were successful, we are now (officially) Portuguese residents! Great news, however Joao, our engineer who is fitting the new engine didn’t turn up today (as arranged) to bring engine, and start the job, said his van broke down and he will be here tomorrow afternoon. So we headed out for a couple of hours on the beach as its a glorious day today, Nick had a wee swim.

Tues 17th Nov Cascais Engine arrived at boat. Joao can’t come back to start fitting it till Fri, has to get mounting plates made. Not much else happened.

Wed 18th Nov Cascais
Quiet day, Nick went up town shopping, l didn’t leave the boat. Kirstin video called.

Thurs 19th Nov Cascais
Very hot today 22°C, went to the beach. Joao says mounting plates for engine will not be ready until Monday, so we’re now not sure if he will be coming even on Monday to start fitting the engine! May be Tuesday, so we’re going into Lisbon tomorrow.

Fri 20th Nov Cascais
Went to Lisbon for the day. Visited the Castle Sao Jorge (a bit expensive at €11), Mostereiro dos Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the discoveries, and Torre de Belem, we also had several rides on the trams, including the famous number 28 which we took to visit Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon, then took the 18 tram to see the monastery and Torre de Bemem, discovered the monument to the discoveries (which we didn’t know about) on the way to Torre de Belem, both right on the water front (Tagus River). The monument to the discoveries was built to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the navigator.

Sat 21st Nov Cascais
Second curfew weekend. Went for a paddle before curfew at 1pm, such a bummer as today, and tomorrow are both to be lovely.

Sun 22nd Nov Cascais
Another glorious day, blue skies and sunshine, should have gone to the beach before curfew, instead of the mobile phone shop ☹️. Invited onto Ians boat (Naomi) for a meal of stew and dumplings, Luis from Daydreamer joined us, lovely evening, and good laughs.

Mon 23rd Nov Cascais
Nick a bit hung over today. That’s the advantage of being a teetotaller, l feel great 😁. Went up the town to try and get an appt to get our NIF number (we need to apply for health care in Portugal), Nick also tried phoning, no luck, he phoned Zelia and she got us an appt for 3rd Dec. Bought a load of shopping, Nick went and bought a WiFi hub first, then came up to Auchan (supermarket) to meet me when l was almost finished the shopping.

Tues 24th Nov Cascais
Did a load of laundry today, tried the launderette up in the town this time (on the recommendation of Luis next door on Daydreamer), a far better launderette than the marina one, and cheaper. Joao arrived at the boat unexpectedly around 3pm. He was delayed getting back to us because the man making the plates for the engine mounts had injured his back, and they had also lost his template drawing, so he had to do it all again, said he will be back tomorrow after he makes the plates.

Wed 25th Nov Cascais
Weather awful now, lot of rain and windy, started last night around 9pm. Joao came in the afternoon, plates for engine mounts still not right, is coming back tomorrow. Couldn’t do very much today.

Thurs 26th Nov Cascais
Very wet, and a horrible wintry day. Waiting on Joao again, he didn’t come, again!

Fri 27th Nov Cascais
Sunny today, but cold. Brightened up in the afternoon. Went out for a walk to Boco Do Inferno as Joao not coming till around two, had a coffee, and walked back to the marina. Joao came with his man, plates still need more modification, he won’t be back till Monday, we’ll be here forever at this rate! Went for a walk up town to look for a few things, turned out a lovely day. Tomorrow is my birthday, but can’t even go out for a meal, curfew from 1pm 😭.

Sat 28th Nov Cascais
My birthday🎂. Horrible wet day, and curfew from 1pm 😷😭. Went to Tasca da Linha for lunch, ate too much 🤢. Kirstin’s card arrived. Got an Indian carry out delivered to marina by Uber Eats, disappointing meal. Kirstin and Malcolm video called in the evening.

Sun 29th Nov Cascais
Curfew 1pm. Went up to the bridge to watch the waves coming in, not much else happened.

Mon 30th Nov Cascais
Joao came, mounting plates almost there, still need more alterations.

Thurs 22nd April 2021 Lagos

Feeling refreshed after a great night’s sleep. Nick and l went for a walk, over the bridge, along the front past the river we entered, and to the beaches we passed on the way in, absolutely beautiful.

Fri 23rd April 2021 Lagos

Had a terrible night. Kept getting mozzie’s in the forepeak. Nick climbing the walls with itchy bites, wakened twice, my arm all swollen with the bites. Still awake at 5am. Both of us feeling awful all day, l had to lay down at one point, as was feeling awful sick.

Sat 24th April 2021 Lagos

A better sleep last night. Went up the town alone to find the vape shop. Was closed, opening hours on door were Mon to Fri, will come back Monday.

Sun 25th April 2021 Lagos

Went on an afternoon explore to the other beaches further up with Freja. Spectacular views, Nick and l went swimming, very big waves, no good for snorkeling.

  Mon 26th April 2021 Lagos

Nick and l went a wander up the town, l needed to go for fluid to the vape shop, Nick wanted to go to the meo shop. Vape shop shut till 6th May, no other vape shop in Lagos 😯. Nick managed to find one opened in Albufeira, got fluid ordered to be delivered, said would be posted tommorow, should arrive Wed.

Tues 27th April 2021 Lagos

You don’t want to know what happened today. I’m very low.

Wed 28th April 2021 Lagos

Had a shower, vape fluid (two bottles) ordered from vape shop in Albafera arrived around 2pm.  Found out tonight from Mum Maureen was taken into hospital yesterday. Headaches, nausea, chills, and aches not going away since she got second jab. She is on a drip, waiting a CT scan, don’t know any more. Phoned Margaret, she was was taken into hospital yesterday as well, Pleurisy, got out today.

Thurs 29th April 2021 Lagos

Angela got back to me. Said when Maureen got bloods taken on Mon at gp practice, they phoned next morning (Tues) to say bloods abnormal and sent her to clinical assesment at hospital for more tests, she was obviously admitted, they said her kidneys were struggling a bit, been on drip, keep taking bloods, done xrays, scans etc.  Kidneys have improved enough so they’re doing CT today at 1.20. Freja left today. We took her to the train station, she was getting a train to Olhao to meet up with her friend Mika.  Went to the lighthouse bar in the marina for Tapas. Phoned Tony in evening to see how Maureen was, no CT results yet, but she is to get an MRI tomorrow for head and neck, no more news.

Fri 30th April 2021 Lagos

Beautiful warm day, went snorkeling in the afternoon.

Sat 1st May 2021 Lagos

Nick took up the laundry. Phoned Tony again, scan results clear, Angela told Anne hospital told Maureen she had AKD, acute kidney damage.

Sun 2nd May 2021 Lagos

Did a big load of shopping, leaving tomorrow to go to Alvor.

Mon 3rd May 2021 Lagos to Alvor

12 days spent here in Lagos, time to leave.  Left at 1.10pm, bobbed about outside the bay to each lunch, Prawns, crusty bread, and salad. Sailed very, very slowly most of the way. Arrived Alvor 5.10pm and anchored, very calm night. Anne phoned. Apparently Margaret had to be taken back to hospital again due to the pain. She was sent home with morphine and told to go to RAH tomorrow at 8.30.

Tues 4th May 2021 Alvor to Culatra

Up at 7am to leave for Culatra, raised anchor and managed to be away by 7.50. Not much wind, had to motor most of the way, got sailing the last three hours.  Arrived Cultra about 6pm. Phoned Margaret, she was at hospital today, waiting on CT scan, told me hospital not happy with Maureen’s BP, not doing what it should be doing, low during day, high during night.

Wed 5th May 2021 Culatra

Anchor alarm went off twice, we looked ok in relation to distance from other boats.  Nick always worries about anchor dragging.  Two anchored boats gone in morning, our position looked fine.  Blew up dingy, went ashore, explored round the little island town, had a beer, went to beach and had a swim.  Got ice and back to boat for mussels, and salmon with philadelphia on oatcakes, dingy had deflated at front.

Thurs 6th May 2021 Culatra

Lovely day at the beach. Last night in Culatra.

Fri 7th May 2021 Culatra to Rio Guadiana

Our big trip today to go up the Guadiana.  Left Culatra 7.15am. Got some sailing in. Going under that bridge was scary. Arrived at Guarreiros do Rio at? Disaster rafting alongside another boat. Three boats on pontoon, another two rafted on end ones, we were to raft alongside middle one. Nick wanted to go in side ways, but everyone there insisted on rafting to end one, and they would move us along, didn’t go smoothly, a few hairy moments. Had a shower at Nick’s friends, Andy and Sally.  Had soup in evening at Andy and Sally’s.  Stayed two nights. No phone signal here, but eventually got an Internet signal.

Sat 8th May 2021 Guarreiros do Rio.

Went a walk along to the next town Laranjeiras, had a bite of lunch in the Guadibar on the riverbank, grilled pork pieces, and fresh orange juice. Then went a walk up, and over the hill with fantastic views. Leaving tomorrow, going further down the river to Alcoutim.

Sun 9th May Guarreiros do Rio to Alcoutim.

Left around lunch time, motoring with tide, Nick noticed speed was slower than it should have been. Arrived Alcoutim just after 1, alongside pontoon. Met a lovely couple on a motor cruiser, Steven and Aya. Went for a meal with them, but everything was closed. I heated the rest of the veg stew, made stir fried rice with fish and spices, and potatoes, we ate it on Stevens boat.

Mon 10th May 2021 Alcoutim.

Nick discovered one of the new engine mounts had broke, disaster. Spent the next few days getting it sorted, with Andy’s help, temp fix to get us to Bruce’s yard. New engine mounts to be made, Andy said they were shocking. Invited to Paul and Maura’s for meal this evening, had a fantastic night! What a lovely couple.

Tues 11th May 2021 Alcoutim

Steven gave us a dingy ride over to the little Spanish Town on the other side of the river.  Walked up to the old windmills, and a wander round the town, everything was closed but found one pub opened to get a chilled beer, two shops also opened, so we got Spanish beer. Evening meal at beach bar with Steven and Aya.

Wed 12th May 2021 Alcoutim

Nick went a walk round town with Steve and Aya. I stayed on boat, heat getting to me, went for drink with them when they got back.

Thurs 13th May 2021 Alcoutim

Went a trip over river with Steve and Aya, then evening meal at beach bar again with them.

Fri 14th May 2021 Alcoutim

Steve an Aya left. Went for a wander around town, Nick wanted to find a river path, couldn’t find it. Nick went up to the ruined Fort, l waited at the bottom, too hot, and struggling.

Sat 15th May 2021 Alcoutim

Last night in Alcoutim. Ate out in the evening. Early night as up early to leave.

Sun 16th May 2021 Alcoutim to Guadiana entrance

L eft Alcoutim 09.20, anchored just North of the Guadiana bridge at 12.30pm for an early start of the final trip back round to Alcoutim tomorrow. Started blowing a hooly after anchoring, boat kept going round in circles, eventually settled down.

Mon 17th May Guadiana to Culatra

Up just after six, feel awful, couldn’t get to sleep last night, think worried about anchor dragging as wind was forecast to be even stronger, it was fine, and boat very stable and comfortable. Left Guadiana 7.25am, arrived Culatra 3.40pm, anchored.

Tues 18th May 2021 Culatra

Blew up dingy to go ashore. Had lunch in a cafe, beach and swim, stocked up some stuff from shop, then went for a meal before heading back to boat.

Wed 19th May 2021 Culatra to Faro

Left Culatra heading to Faro, anchoring overnight to be lifted out tomorrow.  Ran aground on a sandbank (should have gone round that green boy). Managed to pull our selves off by taking the spare anchor out in the dingy, but lost anchor and rope.

Thurs 20th May 2021 Faro

Was led into yard through the shallows.  Lifted out with hoist, boat very clean, no growth, just thin layer of slime. Nick booked flight home and Covid  tests. Leaving next Weds.

Fri 21st May 2021 Faro

Nick removed the propeller to take measurements of the taper for the new propeller, Paddy who lives aboard here helped him. Kirstin video called, took her round the boatyard, and the water front to see where we were. Later Nick and l went for a walk down to the water front, watched the fish jumping, then went for a walk round the boatyard.

Sat 22nd May 2021 Faro

Got the train to Olhao to go out on Steve’s motor yacht, Aya was away shopping.   Steve took us to the beautiful little island of Ilha da Armona. Went a wander round the island, then had a lovely meal in Aroma 4, lovely restaurant overlooking the bay. Steve gave us a run back to the boatyard. After coming through the gate, Nick realised he had left his phone in Steve’s car, Steve’s number was only on his phone, so couldn’t contact him, also all our documents, including flights, Covid tests etc were on the phone. Nick got the train back to Olhao to try and get his phone. Was very lucky he met Aya right at the marina gate, panic over, phone retrieved, and got last train back to Faro 🙄.

Sun 23rd May 2021 Faro

Steve and Aya came to the boatyard. Went into the old town of Faro and had a cooked breakfast at the marina. Met Paddy from Conachair (in the boatyard), and John who Nick knew from YBW.com forum, but had never met. Went and met them for a drink after eating, Steve and Aya left after a drink, last time we’ll see them till we’re back in Portugal.

Mon 24th May 2021 Faro

Went to Faro Airport to get Covid tests before flying home on Wed. Waited almost two hours in the queue 😳.

Tues 25th May 2021 Faro

Our last day in Portugal. Went a walk up the old Town of Faro. Bought souvenires for Kirstin, Callum, Katie, and Kaden. Got hussled by a young English guy, gave ua a sob story about getting his passport and money stolen. Wanted a hundred euros from us to pay for a new one for him, aye, right.

Wed 26th May 2021 Faro to Scotland

9.30am flight home, from Faro to Edinburgh).  There were only five people on the plane (including us)! Jeff and Zelia collected us from the airport, and drove us home, got back to Seil around 5pm.

Mon 5th April 2021 Cascais >Troia

Up early for plan to try and leave today.  Nick went up to see maritime authorities to get permission to leave, not much luck, then Luis chased them up, finally got permission to leave! At long last (six months and five days) we’re finally getting out of Cascais!!  Left at 12.30pm, heading to Troia. Arrived Troia 7.50pm, Nick suspicious gear box oil (pink) leaking.

Tues 6th April 2021 Troia

Gearbox oil is leaking, looks like they have overfilled it. Nick msged Joal, he probably won’t answer, could be serious, could have blown the oil seal, Nick spoke to beta, going to check oil measure, get reduced if needed, and hopeful oil has only came out of the breather. Twice the amount of oil added, Beta and Nick think oil maybe only coming through breather, hopefully oil seal not damaged.

Wed 7th April 2021 Troia

Went to the lagoon, had a swim.

Thurs 8th April 2021 Troia

Got the ferry over to Setubul. Lunch, visit to museum of works, some siteseeing, then shopping before heading back on the ferry.

Fri 9th April 2021 Troia

Had a swim at the beach next to the ferry pier. Warm. Nick emailed maritime police to ask permission to leave Mon, told they finish early Fri.

Sat 10th April 2021 Troia

Went a walk along boardwalk through sand dunes, then back along the beach to marina. Very cloudy and overcast, very hot sometimes when no cloud cover, light rain on the way back, then heavy later.

Sun 11th April 2021 Troia

Very cloudy and overcast again, but warm, to very warm at times. Last trip to the beach, but didn’t go in for a swim, clouds kept blocking out sun making it cooler.

Mon 12th April 2021 Troia > Sines

Left Troia around 9.20am heading for Sines, discovered on way out depth sounder not working.  Nick got no reply from maritime police for permission to travel, marina said it would be fine. Had to motor all the way, as no wind to sail. Arrived Sines marina at 4.40pm.

Tues 13th April 2021 Sines

Went sight seeing round Sines, lunch of salads, l had a Greek salad, Nick thought he was getting octopus, but was tuna, visited the castle, then got steak for tea, and back to boat. Nick got depth sounder working.

Wed 14th April 2021 Sines

Very wet today, not nice, rained most of the time, just like being back home. Did laundry.

Thurs 15th April 2021 Sines

Went to find Lidl’s to get shopping, quite a trek.

Fri 16th April 2021 Sines

Nick noticed the lift was working, so went a wander along the front, up the lift, stopped for a drink at Sacarabos beer bar near lift, took ages to serve us, Nick eventually got his drink, l never seen mine. Then had a beer and coffee at the cafe at the bottom of the lift.

Sat 17th April 2021 Sines

Very hot. Went to beach, swimming, took salad lunch, went to try and get a meal out in the evening, nothing opened, got a meat feast carry out, Malcolm video called when leaving, told him we’d call him back later. Video called Kirstin, no answer to Malcolm.

Sun 18th April 2021 Sines Another very hot day, shaded the Cockpit and tried just chilling out as much as possible. May be leaving for Lagos tomorrow evening at 6pm, an overnight sail, Nick will phone Lagos marina tomorrow to see if restrictions are lifted. An amazing home made boat arrived today, Maria Agua. Lovely French couple sailed it all the way from France.

Mon 19th April 2021 Sines

Not leaving for Lagos today, Lagos marina said they had no word of restrictions lifted, and an official boat came in the marina looking over all the boats and people very closely. Strange times.  Didn’t do much today, very warm, and we got a wee sail in the bay on Maria Agua.

Tues 20th April 2021 Sines to Lagos We have a new temp crew member, Freja.  She sailed from France with skipper of Maria Agua. She has been attempting to get to Columbia to live with, and help a native tribe. But her skipper is indecisive when he is moving on, and where he is going to.  She asked for a lift to Lagos or Faro, she is looking for a boat to Canaries, or anywhere nearer to Columbia. Leaving for Lagos today around 6pm, an overnight sail.  Left Sines marina at 18.50, told by marina we didn’t need permission. Had a very rough sail, sea all over the place, Freja was very sea sick, Nick and l got very little sleep, and unable to cook any food, as it was too rough.

Wed 21st April 2021 en route to Lagos

Awful night, Nick decided to anchor at Sagres to try and get a few hours sleep before going round to Lagos, anchor Sagres 08.30, but we were unable to sleep, so Nick raised anchor, and we set off for Lagos at 11.20, motoring. Arrived Lagos around 2pm, absolutely shattered, Nick had to see the local police before marina would let us in (they have to raise a bridge to enter).  Police was lovely after Nick told him we had Portuguese residency, said we were welcome, could stay as long as we wanted, and could leave when we wanted. Freja not declared. Got settled in marina, in bed for the back of eight, knackered.

1st Oct 2020, Cascais
Did not have a good night. Couldn’t get to sleep, weird dreams all night, and kept waking up, not feeling good this morning, so tired, and still upset about Zhans birthday. Simon and Jenny tied along side us, and gently guided us from the anchorage to the marina fuel berth, to check in, get a berth, and see how we will get into berth without engine. Had to get marina to tow us in, as Simon and Jenny’s outboard packed in, €70. Got tied up in berth safely, tidied up boat, went fo a wander, Simon and Jenny came aboard for drinks, and we had a very late tea, 10.10pm! 11.20 and l’m off to bed, l’m shattered, and need sleep. Engineer is coming to see us tomorrow morning about the engine.

2nd October Cascais
Engineer came just after 10, water in the oil, head gasket gone, he is coming back next Thursday to remove it, and see if there is any other problems. So we don’t know yet how serious the situation is. Not feeling good today, not enough sleep, sore legs, lip cold sore, and very tired. Some shopping got for boat, laundry tomorrow.

3rd October Cascais
Awake at 7, dozed a few times, then got up at eight, showers, then did laundry. Over to Simon and Jenny’s boat for drinks, ended up eating carry out duck and rice with them, had a great night, and great laugh, didn’t leave until just after 11. And the journey continues on.. Our engine crisis 😲😳🥺😩😢

4th October Cascais
The beginning of what would turn out to be a long, and very expensive stay here in Cascais (marina), €18 a night, came into marina on the 1st October. Did some site seeing today, Cascais is beautiful, a visit to a beautiful park, and three museums, including a lighthouse.

5th October Cascais

6th October Cascais
A day at the beach today. Very hot, went for a swim, water baltic, watched seagulls fighting over a dead fish at waters edge on the beach.

7th October Cascais
Very hot today again. Took a trip up to see Boco Do Inferno (The Mouth of Hell), an area high up on the cliffs with a view point, where the power of the sea and waves has created caves below. Apparently its quite spectacular to see when the sea state is very rough, but disappointing today as it was too calm, cafes and gift shops galore.

8th October Cascais
Joao came to the boat with his apprentice, took cylinder head off, lot of water in cylinder head. Removed half the engine and took it away in a bucket. Contacted us later, and came out to the boat to look, and explain there had been too much water in the engine to risk just replacing the head gasket, recommended the engine would need to be rebuilt. Rest of the engine scheduled to come out on Tuesday (13th)

9th October Cascais
Went to the beach. Bought an enormous beach blanket from a very nice African lady on the beach for 7 euros!

10th October Cascais
Still here. Just the same (mostly boring) daily stuff, breakfast, dishes, lunch, dishes, dinner, dishes, cleaning, tidying up, laundry🙄.

11th October Cascais
Still here.

12th October Cascais.
Still, still here 😳.

13th October Cascais
Engine removed from the boat, we now have no engine 😭. Engine needs to go into a specialised workshop for tests and measurements to be done, this is to establish whether it is economically worth rebuilding. Joao said he would phone us on Friday (16th) to let us know whether the engine could be rebuilt.

14th October Cascais
A quiet day, think we’re still in shock. Things seem to be going from bad to worse. First thinking engine could be fixed, new gasket, head, and maybe a few other things, to then going into thousands for an engine rebuild. Little did we realise things would get even worse.

15th October Cascais
Still here, yet again. Can’t remember what we did today other than stuffed our face with marshmallows 🤭🤫

16th October Cascais
Joao did not phone, Nick eventually phoned him around five, apparently workshop had not even had time to look at the engine. Will now be either Saturday (17th), or Monday (19th) at the latest before we hear any news.

17th October Cascais
Still no word about the engine, so stressful. Need to wait till Monday for (hopefully) some news. Had another wander round Cascais. Beautiful day, gorgeous sunshine, roasted chestnuts, Pina colada, and chicken and chips, perfect! 😊, fairly cheered us up.

18th October Cascais
Only so many times you can do the same thing, the beach, site seeing, going where you have already been, seeing what you have already seen. Cascais is such a beautiful place, but we will be glad to get on the move, it’s also getting cold here now, and marina is running up too much of a bill we’ll end up having to pay.

19th October Cascais
Found out today engine is knackered, cream crackered, can’t be rebuilt 😭, only option is a newly rebuilt engine (very little chance of that), or a brand new engine 😮. Duck rice for dinner.

20th October Cascais
Working on what do about the engine over the next few days, where to find the money for new engine, engineers bill, marina bill, lift out, boat yard bill etc.

21st October Cascais
Guess its a new engine, we have no choice, just working on what to pay what with, and trying to raise some money.

22nd October Cascais
New engine for boat ordered today, Beta 16, £4,600 (including extras), will be delivered in about two weeks to Joao’s yard.

23rd October Cascais
Went a walk up to Boca Do Inferno (Hells mouth), then had coffee and traditional Portuguese custard tart. Started trying to promote Nick’s book, to raise some well needed cash.

24th October Cascais
Went shopping to Auchan. Found a great shop, a Chinese shop that sold everything. Made lamb chops for dinner.

25th October Cascais
Invited to Ians boat for drinks at three. Made Paella for dinner, phoned Mum.

26th October Cascais
Nick got locked out the marina. Power went down, and Nick got locked out the marina again. Chased Nick to Ians boat for coffee while l finished in the boat (cleaning, tidying up etc) . Spoke to the three young guys off the French boat, they lost part of their rudder in high seas, and had to be rescue towed into marina. Went a wander up the town to the Chinese shop, spent three hours in it, to Nick’s horror! Got chicken and chips for tea on the way back to boat. Nick also ordered an engine service kit today. Nick’s book has sold 28 copies in the last four days, raised over £90.

27th October Cascais Nick is installing the light switches for saloon lights today. Cloudy today, a little sunshine on and off. Light switch instalation went well, Nick chuffed as he feels everything is going wrong just now 😔. Not much else happened today.

28th October Cascais
Went a walk up to Boco Do Inferno again today, but it was closed. Lovely day, and very warm, had a wonder around, then went for a beer, and toasted sandwich in the cafe at the lighthouse while watching the waves smashing into the marina’s breakwater wall.

29th October Cascais
Stayed on the boat today. Bitten all over again, and my arm is in a terrible state. Used netting we bought as mosquito net on companion way hatch, not got anything for forepeak hatch yet.

30th October Cascais
Vodafone at it again, says they’re disconnecting suresignal cause its not being used 😡, Nick on chats for the last two days trying to sort it. Other than that it was a very good day, Had video call with Kirstin. Found out new engine being dispatched Monday 😁. Posted Darren’s aurtohelm, got a monthly reduction in marina fees, whoohooo! Went to town beach, water too cold to go in for a swim. Got chicken and chips, Nick went for a drink on Ians boat, had an early night, wakened around 2, Nick locked out of marina, got up at 3, made tea.

31st October Cascais
Lazed about the boat mostly, other than re-suplying boat with water. Went out for an Indian meal in the evening. Watched UK Goverment briefing, England going into lock down again, Schools, Colleges, and Universities are to stay opened though, which does not make sense.

20th Sept, Baiona.
Heading for Portugal. Raised anchor around 9am, and on way to Portugal, no wind, so had to motor, very calm, and misty. Passed La Guardia around 12.30, officially crossed into Portuguese waters approx 1.40pm. Spanish flag down, and Portuguese Courtesy flag raised. Arrived Viana do Castelo, Portugal around 6pm, our first stop in Portugal. Entrance to Marina down a river, passed harbour, left before the bridge. Went for a wander to look around, couldn’t find any shops to get something for tea, so ate out.

21st Sept, Viano do Castelo.
Sightseeing today around the old town of Viana do Castela. Then a cable car (funicular) up the mountain to see Santuario de santa Luzia. Stunning church, and breath taking views over the city.

22nd Sept, Viana

23rd Sept, Viana to Nazare.
Left Viano 9.40am, an overnighter to Nazare 120nm, saw dolphins off Porto.

24th Sept. Arrived Nazare.

25th Sept. Nazare
Sightseeing today. Walked along sea front at town beach, bought a Portuguese table cloth, tea towel, and hand towel. Got the Finicular up the mountain to the old town of Nazare at the top of the cliff, walked down to the North beach, went in to see the surfing exhibition, then got an electric tuk tuk back up the hill to the old town, ate out, not very impressed with meal.

26th Sept. Nazare
Shopping to stock up the boat.

27th Sept, Nazare
Nick went for diesel, and we went to the beach in the afternoon. Ewan took the Kayak round, Laura and the kids walked round, and arrived after we got there. Went for a meal with them in the evening, then a drink back on the boat. Leaving tomorrow for Peniche.

28th September Left Nazare, heading to Peniche, 24 miles
Disasterous day, first, engine wouldn’t start on either batteries, then Nick set off his life jacket, he had to use Fairwinds life jacket we brought for Darren. Eventually got engine started, and we pulled out of marina without any further disasters, until into open water. Was extremely rolly, large swells. Nick tried to put up cruising chute, didn’t work, and lines got all tangled after he took it down, cruising chute lines, and mainsail halliard line also got tangled round radar reflector. Unable to put main sail up, or get cruising chute packed away, and off deck, very uncomfortable journey with engine on, and only genoa out.

Marina was full up when we arrived in Peniche, and wouldn’t even let us go alongside someone to collect autohelm from Zelia’s Dad. Had to anchor and Nick had to go ashore to collect autohelm. Outboard started on boat, refused to start on dingy, Nick had to row. Also had to re-anchor, as we were to near to all the fishing boats coming by.

29th Sept. Peniche
Woke at 6, Nick awake, got up at 8, Otters Pocket (Ewan and Laura’s boat) gone. Set about trying to get cruising chute line down, and halliard line back over to correct side of radar reflector. Nick managed to untangle cruising chute lines, and get them down with not a lot of bother. Halliard line was another matter, took about an hour and a half, with the help of lines, and boat hook! Taped to deck brush and a paddle, we did it! Now just the engine to sort out.

Nick looked at the engine, wouldn’t start, eventually got it to start, he phoned Simon and Jennifer who are in Cascais (near Lisbon), they advised Cascais would be better for help with engine, and they have a very good engineer coming to there boat on Thursday, heading there very early tomorrow morning if engine starts, approx 10 hour journey, to be very windy. Went ashore, outboard started, dodged fishing boats, disappointed in Peniche, nothing much to see, dinner was a disaster too.

30th Sept. Peniche to Cascais approx 46 miles.
Left Peniche at 8am, engine started with some persuasion, engine died in open water round about 9.45, started making funny noises, and no revs, had to be switched off. Sailing under genoa, going to be a long day, very little wind, and only doing around 3kts, a bit rolly, but quite pleasant, and peaceful. Nick is going to try to sail onto anchor, but Simon and Jennifer are standing by if we need assistance.

Wind eventually picked up, gusting up to 30+ kts after passing Cabo do Roca (the most westerly point in mainland Europe). Arrived at entrance to Cascais bay around 6pm, but had to sail into the bay to anchor as engine started, but no revs, anchored at 6.30pm, Simon and Jenny came and helped us move closer into the Bay to re-anchor, as we were too close to the marina entrance, they then brought us chicken and chips, and bread. They are coming over tomorrow to discuss how we get into the marina (no engine), we need a tow. Then hopefully the engineer who is servicing their engine will be willing to look at ours. Both absolutely shattered, Nick was awake from 3am, me from 4. Hoping everything goes smoothly tomorrow, that we get into the marina without any hassle, and engine gets sorted. Just discovered tonight l missed Zhans birthday today, and it was her 40th!😪. Phoned Mum, bed at 10, Nick sound asleep, upset about Zhans birthday.

3rd Sept 9.05am departed Viveiro for Cedeira.
Very little wind, and very rolly, got two hours sailing under genoa, rest motored. Arrived Cedeiro, and dropped anchor at 3.55pm. Blew up dingy and went ashore, everyone wearing masks outside, including cafe outside seating. Had a swim at the beach, some shopping, a cool drink in an outside cafe, and back to boat for a late tea. Cedeira is beautiful, would love to spend more time here, so sad what this virus has done.

4th Sept Cedeira to La Coruna
Raised anchor at 9.30am and left the lovely little town and bay of Cedeira to head for La Coruna. No wind (again!) to sail, so had to motor the entire way. Got into Marina Real at 4.10pm, ready to shelter from the up and coming hooly. Gale force winds forecast for Sat, Sun, and Mon at least, starting to blow up this evening.

8th Sept Our anniversary, 5 years
Gave Nick all his presents (including for his birthday on Fri) in the morning, went to the beach, on the way stopped at a few shops, Nick wanted to buy me something as he hadn’t got me anything for our anniversary, got a lovely pair of lace shorts. At beach water was baltic, l couldn’t go in for a swim as it was way to cold, but Nick did. Dried, dressed and headed off the beach as we hadn’t had lunch, decided to just get prawns for a late lunch on boat, and some boat supplies from supermarket on way back. Were going to go out for Tapas for our anniversary, but we were both too tired. Getting ready to leave La Coruna in the morning, water tank leaked again flooding some, need new tank, and a new autohelm.

9th Sept La Coruna to Camarinas
Up at 4am and slipped pontoon at 5.05, very dark and a lot of activity getting out into open water, a lot of fishing boats about, and a bit confusing trying to make sense of what all the lights were. Was extremely rolly and pretty cold, l went for a sleep at 10, got up at 12 when Nick was just switching engine off and sailing just under genoa with one reef. Light winds, but extremely rolly sea’s until then. Wind picked up to around 17kts, gusting 23, wind continued to rise, 22 gusting 30 with big seas building. Arrived Camarinas 3.45, and anchored off beach, Nick went for a sleep knackered, made spag bol.

10th Sept Camarinas to Ria Muros
A lot warmer all day than yesterday. 10.10am, raised anchor and sailed off under genoa. 10.20 engine on, 10.45 engine off and sailing under full genoa at 18kts, gusting 23, then went further in shore to see more, and pass closer to Cape Finisterre, wind died and engine on at ten past two. Entered Ria Muros about 5.30 and were circled by a customs boat. Anchored Ensenada De San Francisco Bay at 6.15pm. Customs boat came back, and after milling around another boat for some time, came over to us asking to see our documents, and asking where we’d come from, and our final destination, were very polite, and friendly, but was very weird. Discovered chicken we’d bought to make curry was rotten, made ommelate instead.

11th Sept Nick’s 68th birthday. From Muros to Ria de Arosa
Got a better night’s sleep than the night before. Up around 9, made breakfast, and raised anchor at 11, set of motoring, leaving Muros for Ria de Arosa. Very little wind (and very hot) so motored all the way until we got into the Ria. Going through the Canal de Sagres (a narrow passage surrounded by rocks) to get into the Ria a bit scary. Got a short sail once into the Ria, but wind died again, so engine back on to get to the anchorage, beautiful area and little bays with masses of mussel rafts, but the people were mad, speed boats, and jet ski’s going at rediculouse speeds, seeing how close they could get to you. Three girls on a jet ski zoomed really close to us (almost hitting us), whizzing passed our bow, spraying over the bow, absolute morons. Bay was crazy for a while with speed boats and jet ski’s, but thank god it eventually quietened down. Made paella with chorizo again for dinner, and watched the most beautiful sunset. Moving to the marina tomorrow for a few days to get boat things done.

12th Sept Wakened with anchor alarm in middle of night (3am)
Nick thought it was ok, but went off again at 4, we were dragging, sleepless night, l lay down for a couple of hours, didn’t sleep much. Up at nine to raise anchor and cross over to marina, both shattered. Motored round to Vilanova marina, Nick not happy with marina, don’t give key to get back onto pontoons, have to wait for guy to open gate, a guard dog runs loose in the grounds at night, no one speaks a word of English, so Nick reckons he will not get help with boat repairs. Supermarket 1km away, laundry not that close to marina, all shut Sunday. Day picked up though, went to lovely little beach just round from marina, had lunch of muscles, bread, and beer in a restaurant opposite beach first, went to beach, swimming in the very cold water was such a relief as it was unbearably hot (37°), water was heaven. Went back to marina for showers, went for a walk, and realised this was a lovely little town, lot of people about, but not over crowded. Finished up evening with another meal out, shrimps, tortia, pimentos de padron, bread, and beer. Halliard kept me awake until 3am, sorted it myself as Nick sound asleep.

13th Sep Ria do Arosa
Nick tried to fit the new morse control, but the hole is too big for the new one, he is going to see a man. Made pasta with tuna mayo for lunch, walked round to the other side of the marina to see the other beaches, had a late swim, coffee, then made paella again back at boat. Everything shut due to it being Sunday, so no shopping until tomorrow.

14th Sept Ria do Arosa Woke to rain this morning. Not a nice morning, overcast, misty, but not cold. Man came to help Nick, suggested just using a stainless steel plate for new morse control, but he doesn’t do stainless steel, he arranged for the stainless steel man to come in the afternoon. We went and got a load of shopping to stock up the boat, met a couple off a boat from Shetland, Ewan and Laura, l cleaned the cushions, windows, and hoovered. 6pm, man not turned up, we could have gone to the beach, brightened up in afternoon, sun came out, very hot. Just put the tea out around 8 when man turned up to take measurements for Morse control, said he would be back around the same time next day.

15th Sept Ria do Arosa
Went to the other beach for the day on the other side of the marina, then had a coffee. Man came to fit new Morse control at 6pm. Got stung with cost of €200, 150 for him, and 50 for the guy who came and looked at it.

16th Sept. Left Ria Arosa for Bueu
Anchored one night.

17th Sept. Left Bueu for Limens
Anchored one night in Limens. Arrived in the anchorage in the evening, thunderstorm started after we arrived with heavy rain. Didn’t last long, then was still a bit cloudy, but a beautiful evening, a peaceful anchorage all to ourselves.

18th Sept. Raised anchor and left Limens in Ria Vigo heading for Baiona
Two hour sail, last stop before Portugal. Anchored two nights.

19th Sept, Baiona
A visit to the old Fort today. An incredible coastline, and fantastic views from the Fort.