Today, tuesday 22 august, was Summer.

Started the day with normal, for this year, clothing layers, but by mid day it was shorts. First time this summer. Actually had to dig out the suntan cream! Forecast promises more of the same tomorrow morning. Whatdyaknow!

From Arendal Seilforening’s island through the long Tromøysund, and on, inside the islands to keep out of the waves, to Risør, the Risør Seilforening’s island, Finnøy. Not a cloud in the sky all the way, and even the breeze seemed warm. Some sailing, mostly motor as what wind there was was either inadequate or on the nose. A lot of weed in the water, and one large clump which I wasn’t quick enough to avoid got entangled in the propeller. Cleared most of it by changing gear back and forth at low revs, but the remainder got removed by diving hand at Finnøy, water temp over 17 degrees.

Back a day or two. Spent sunday, and part of monday, with good friend Svein Tangen, Ballad owner, helping him with various things, and enjoying a gentle evening sail in his boat in amongst the islands outside Lillesand. He took us “the third way” back into the harbour, through channels which looked more suitable for kayaks than sailing boats with keels. The bottom looked very close indeed, but we didn’t touch. Svein knew!

Monday afternoon we puttered on from Lillesand on the homeward journey, again with intermittent or inadequate wind, and called it a day when approaching Arendal. There were two boats tied up, and benched people, at the Seilforening’s island, who, at my hail, waved me welcome, so we stopped and was helped in tying up. Not only that, but I was invited to help with the rest of their dinner, cooling on the grill, of deerfillet, gratinated potatoes and veg. It was the missus’ birthday, and the family celebration was also because the couple had just got back from Portugal. Some surprise for me, who had been trying to decide between a chop or a chicken leg. Sailchat continued until long after sundown.

I was sorely tempted at dawn today to take a morning dip, but there was a chill breeze which discouraged me. Dip this evening instead. Maybe one tomorrow morning.

Alls well.