Josin’s 2024 Cruise, #2

16 May. Cloudless sky. 20 degrees. Three smiling crew, Kari, Gilbert and Hanne. What more……? (Sorry about the half-faces, copying and inserting pics needs to be learned, but later).

All (!) the way from Tønsberg to Sandefjord, (21 MN). Very little wind unfortunately and very fickle too while in the inner fjord, and then a nice breeze but directly on the nose when out in the open. We did manage to sail the early part of the way, with an occasional gust to make Josin heel a bit, or a little help from the engine, enough anyway to be able to say that we sailed! But the rest was motoring.
We had planned to anchor up for lunch in Tallakshavn, a lovely sheltered bay about half way, but progress was initially so slow that we hungrily agreed that lunch now was better than waiting and Kari served up a very succulent and copious Caesar’s salad while under way. (Calm gentle seas, no problem).
We all soaked up the sun and the sea air and agreed that we had enjoyed the day immensely. Happy hugs all round.

And then the embarrasing bit: I had earlier discovered when installing the wind-steering gear that a vital bit of it was still in winter storage, nestling in a shelf in my workshop at home. So, kind Kari lent me her car and I did an evening trip to and from Kongsberg to fetch it. Actually there were several other things too, none important, which were still at home, so they got fetched too. Note to self: Find and update the “things to take to boat” list. Memory is obviously not reliable enough. (New news?).

Altogether a long, busy, summery, boating and enjoyable day. And was I glad to fall into my welcoming bed aboard in the end!

Written, with early-morning-cuppa, today the 17th May, Norway’s National Day. Woken by the oblicatory salute of three very loud gun shots from the top of the hill behind the town at 7 am to begin the day. Later there will be parades, marching with horns and music and drums, long procession of all the school children, much waving of flags, speeches and icecream. It will be fantastic!
Heia Norge!

Alls well, from: A slightly weary SailorJohn