We’re Off!

Well firstly, I should say we are LEAVING, yes, after weeks of hopeful starts it looks as though we are really, actually, almost definitely leaving tomorrow! Yipppeeee. Exciting.

The wind has now changed back into its usual, favourable direction and we are all set to go.

This will be our first crossing, our first really big trip and I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to that moment, around day four when we have all settled into the rhythm, any seasickness we may have felt will have disappeared and the days are our own, surrounded by sea and sky. I love the clean air, the changing sky that encompasses you all around and the wind in your hair propelling you (hopefully in a steady, calm manner) towards your destination.

The satellite phone works a treat – we can now upload files, our position, emails etc and download the appropriate weather information; sometimes I love technology.

So we’re off!

Speak to you from the other side ( or check out our update page, as mentioned: http://blog.mailasail.com/samantha

X

Posted in All Posts, Atlantic crossing

We Have The Phone!

Yes, it is official. We have the satellite phone! Hurray for that!

I am now trying to configure the darn thing, but that’s another story.

And the DHL delivery lady – let us off 8 euros, – just like that, no problem,  because she didn’t have change  ………………………………………..? Mmmm. Something fishy going on here. Perhaps another letter of complaint will poise the question.

(Will let everyone know when we are leaving ….).

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That Allusive Parcel

Well, once again it is always better not to say anything until it is definitely happening.

As someone very close to us observed we are waiting for God to grant us his/her favour; and it certainly feels like it.

Our allusive package, the same one that has been giving us so much hassle is now held up at the DHL office here in Las Palmas!

Yesterday we spent a while trying to find out what was going on and when we did finally get through to their help line, with help of one of our friends here (who speak Spanish) they informed us that they were wishing to get in touch as there was a problem with the information on the package and by the way a 210 euros payment was required – to release the parcel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (The phone itself only cost us 400 euros, we paid for the DHL delivery, once again – how is this possible?!).

We then spent a huge amount of time trying to convince them that as a yacht in transit surely we shouldn’t need to pay this tax.. Eventually, after speaking to many people (was it 7, 8?) we were again, finally (clearly the word of this post) passed on to a supervisor (presumably), who bargained us down to a 100 euro pick-up fee. What could we do? But this does not feel or sound right. Bargaining for the fee? With DHL? And how easy it was to reduce the 210 euro fee down to 100 euros? All very odd but we are now getting quite desperate to leave this place and head on and this package is the only thing (and the wind) preventing us from going,and so we agreed to the 100 euro fee ( better anyway than 210).

So, with all likelihood we will now finally, finally receive our satellite phone tomorrow! But for once let me not get ahead of myself – let’s see.

As it happens the wind has (surprisingly for this time of year) changed directions (to an unfavourable one for us) and is forecasted to remain in this direction until the weekend so either way we will be staying here until it changes back around.

Las Palmas feels like a hole that sucks you in and only if you are fully prepared or have the strength to dig yourself out are you able (allowed?) to leave. There are several boats here who planned to leave but found themselves stuck, some for years. A scary thought, though I don’t dislike it here I do however now really wish to leave!

So, all I can say is that we will be leaving soon enough, when the Gods give us their ( his / her – however the word God works, or does not, for you) – give us their / his/ her/  blessing  and favour.

Perhaps this weekend?

 

Here in the meantime are a few photos of the girls helping to prepare all our produce for the journey:..

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Rather a lot of food!

 

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