Category Archives: 2022 Voyaging

As our departure from the Iberian Peninsula draws near, these are some of our favorite memories… Fishy Communists Our first port-of-call south of Lisbon was the half industrial, half fishing, and half tourist Portuguese town of Sines. To get there, we had to first round Cabo Espichel and then it was a straight 35 nauticalContinue reading “A Myriad of Iberia”

(Author’s Note: I started writing this post almost a month ago, soon after I had completed the transatlantic sail and shortly after Rhett had arrived in Portugal. However, sailing, sightseeing, and spotty internet connectivity conspired to keep me from finishing and publishing it. Bottom-line, excuse any odd timing references.) “So, when did you get toContinue reading “About a Weak Back”

Hi! Sorry about the recent radio silence but a lot going on aboard Hazel James and coordinating internet connectivity with my availability to write has been a bit of a challenge. From a sailing perspective, we are on the move again! After 11 nights in the Oeiras Marina on the River Tagus (between Lisbon andContinue reading “Quick Update with Forever Implications”

“Editor’s” Note: I started this post last night (Sunday, July 10). However, I’ve found that the most consistent thing about marina internet (regardless of the marina) is its inconsistency. Midway through drafting the post, the internet went dark and I went to bed. Therefore, I’m finishing the post on Monday morning and a careful readerContinue reading “Rewind to Sao Miguel”

Any sailor whose been to Horta or anyone who has researched sailing there has seen or heard of the tradition of painting a mural on the seawall in Horta Harbor celebrating the accomplishment. Frankly, being a singlehander with lots going on, I wasn’t motivated to do it. It seemed like one more thing that someoneContinue reading “Puck Drop! / Making Our Mark”

I’m a big hockey fan and there’s a pretty good—but not perfect—analogy to my current situation. If a solo crossing of the Atlantic is my Lord Stanley’s Cup, I’m preparing for game five of the best-of-seven series. I’ve got what sportscasters might say is a “comfortable” 3-to-1 lead and I just need to win oneContinue reading “Game 5”

It’s the evening before Hazel and I are to depart on 18 days of sailing, give or take. I’m sitting in the saloon on her starboard setee with the dining table pulled out and typing out this post. There’s very little movement of the wind and water in St. George’s Harbour—hopefully, midday tomorrow we shouldContinue reading “So High School”

My time in Bermuda is coming to a close. In talking to my weather router on the high frequency radio and looking at the forecasts myself, I’ll likely be departing tomorrow (Wednesday, May 25), a day earlier than reported previously. Flexibility is key in this game. I’ve throughly enjoyed my stay in Bermuda. The islandsContinue reading “Bermuda Shorts”

An upper level TROF is favored to persist near the Azores with RIDGING along or offshore the E US through June 1. The TROF near the Azores supports a few low pressure systems which essentially act as a roadblock for Trades N of about 20N or 25N. The RIDGING off the E US prevents significantContinue reading “Quick Update from Bermuda”