tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47785054780998283682024-03-12T04:51:26.018+00:00Crystal BluesNeil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-55999745347507249602019-06-10T01:48:00.004+01:002019-06-10T01:48:23.148+01:007 Months Later ..... The Story Continues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In November last year we sold Crystal Blues "as-is", fortunately finding a couple who were keen to repair the boat and make it their cruising home. David Newmark & Patricia Pardini have bought one heck of a boat, though with one awfully big ding in the port side. David has worked with steel boats for many years, so no surprises there for him, and he's a hands-on guy who plans to do most of the repair work himself. He and Patricia asked if they could keep the Crystal Blues name, so the name will continue on. David tells me she is now US Coast Guard documented, officially an American boat after all these years. He is doing the repair work in New Rochelle Harbor, just north of New York City.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WxQ26GC-YnOpFe2D2e39AuZLnw4YOs6LR5kBpCJkY_qyhGVd5qWWtpHDBjhKK_2Ppi04adxAeBxogRo5Y88TwRT9RN774JQfXLH9JykJCannTkn1DeVvR84rPCNhUR1zwU_mssZllSo/s1600/Crystal+Blues+Under+Snow+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="712" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WxQ26GC-YnOpFe2D2e39AuZLnw4YOs6LR5kBpCJkY_qyhGVd5qWWtpHDBjhKK_2Ppi04adxAeBxogRo5Y88TwRT9RN774JQfXLH9JykJCannTkn1DeVvR84rPCNhUR1zwU_mssZllSo/s1600/Crystal+Blues+Under+Snow+c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Blues With Snow On Deck - Another First.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 22 years of sailing her and almost 20 years living on board, the parting was not an easy one, however we drew comfort from the fact that she is in good hands. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we are officially "<i>in between boats</i>". Back in Australia over Christmas we got busy planning our next adventure, a car journey across America planned for the 2019 northern summer. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We bought a youngish (2016) Chevrolet Traverse SUV, set it up with the camping gear we needed (much of it rescued off Crystal Blues) and planned a journey north and west, clear across America and into Canada. That journey started today, when we departed Reedville Virginia and headed westward. You can read about our new travels at www.traversecruising.com, just <a href="https://www.traversecruising.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.8420743 -76.27577710000002813.1016558 -117.58437110000003 62.5824928 -34.967183100000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-71742898375849361102018-12-11T01:24:00.001+00:002018-12-11T01:52:41.577+00:00Countdown To Departure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXxpTXJVMX3jpWdhJOUHon0oInDc6A8ZklmWxP9R0C3Vvwc9iZh07bAo-Jd9TfZdrxX25Zf1ih3iELYv4jA_f5Yp8JgRpTS5vb2Z10_mc1mtTjG_m4J6j4TkBYmwDokogvvogRzp2sAc/s1600/Pumpkin+Sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXxpTXJVMX3jpWdhJOUHon0oInDc6A8ZklmWxP9R0C3Vvwc9iZh07bAo-Jd9TfZdrxX25Zf1ih3iELYv4jA_f5Yp8JgRpTS5vb2Z10_mc1mtTjG_m4J6j4TkBYmwDokogvvogRzp2sAc/s1600/Pumpkin+Sale.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ley Buying Pumpkins In Vermont</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the weeks after our recent accident (see <a href="http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2018/10/making-lemonade-from-lemons.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-big-move-not-big-easy.html" target="_blank">here</a>), we had time to escape from the depressing scene and spend time away with friends. We travelled to Quechee in Maine where we stayed with old friends Nick Steffey, Ralph Hurlbutt and Jo Meecham, relaxing in Nick's beautiful holiday home there.<br />
<br />
We also stayed with cruising friends Arthur & Amy Hoag in Washington DC, where we ticked off a long awaited visit to the <a href="https://americanindian.si.edu/" target="_blank">National Museum Of The American Indian.</a> It's a beautiful and modern museum, obviously sad and moving at times, but also an inspiring and respectful place. Not to be missed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jMWL8ABVGhqX-feAqP2KvgJreT45GMOhD9_A-CfdS5adKnIcIrqUap2Ykbm5AbXvxa8f5Su9RSCNbWMJ4wKYNyhJ1kW1hGFLsJY1A9Cy1YWRYi-wUdn_4u_m-1cGmZa0MLdMtKYjVww/s1600/Indian+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jMWL8ABVGhqX-feAqP2KvgJreT45GMOhD9_A-CfdS5adKnIcIrqUap2Ykbm5AbXvxa8f5Su9RSCNbWMJ4wKYNyhJ1kW1hGFLsJY1A9Cy1YWRYi-wUdn_4u_m-1cGmZa0MLdMtKYjVww/s1600/Indian+Museum.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smithsonian Museum Of The American Indian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIpnglTP3ERoDUC-GaeuLFYEzBuPp8M5vA1Km-x5Tmzn5m8hgkkwgXiPGQWhp4qctl5nG-gBSfv-q3G7d-cNQ5UU2p0zQe3u91aPZT6L3jiEuojys0u8XVef6BITHbuqX-9rpYeZbMYI/s1600/Ley+%2526+Capitol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIpnglTP3ERoDUC-GaeuLFYEzBuPp8M5vA1Km-x5Tmzn5m8hgkkwgXiPGQWhp4qctl5nG-gBSfv-q3G7d-cNQ5UU2p0zQe3u91aPZT6L3jiEuojys0u8XVef6BITHbuqX-9rpYeZbMYI/s1600/Ley+%2526+Capitol.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ley Walking Past The Capitol, Heading For The Smithsonian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissRXSsY0ya9sRVjSFZqeI026bU7YurU8Sj8ZKFr2GHo0yrvBy8YwSFe7A3lR8n_1j5lXcQs7Wci079FYlLh7wdN3alY2raYQPI-vvpXe2DIBEuMrv7YHVZww3pVzTHtHbxIrvXQjTB9g/s1600/Ley+%2526+Mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="470" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissRXSsY0ya9sRVjSFZqeI026bU7YurU8Sj8ZKFr2GHo0yrvBy8YwSFe7A3lR8n_1j5lXcQs7Wci079FYlLh7wdN3alY2raYQPI-vvpXe2DIBEuMrv7YHVZww3pVzTHtHbxIrvXQjTB9g/s200/Ley+%2526+Mall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ley, 22 Years Earlier In DC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However most time was spent at our "second home" in the USA, Reedville in Virginia, where we stayed with Walter Keith and Mary Frazier at their waterside home. Yes, we covered a lot of miles up and down the east coast over those two months.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEXOS2aUtQ4j8qH_7SqL0jG8tm3DhwkJdBJ2MJXsbc8D9PNK38fv4PmSPnyBUOG7x64JdojSsev8r7e0H7FkqVvGB2vUwQvs04lmW-eyJmGHQU38Pf3fjQ1VRzMBNKZ1ZrbeII0qUYb8/s1600/Halloween+Ley+and+Carolyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEXOS2aUtQ4j8qH_7SqL0jG8tm3DhwkJdBJ2MJXsbc8D9PNK38fv4PmSPnyBUOG7x64JdojSsev8r7e0H7FkqVvGB2vUwQvs04lmW-eyJmGHQU38Pf3fjQ1VRzMBNKZ1ZrbeII0qUYb8/s320/Halloween+Ley+and+Carolyn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ley & Caroline Prepping For Halloween</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our many friends in Reedville rallied around and we were kept busy with the local social schedule, plus re-purposing a lot of the equipment removed from Crystal Blues. We're now planning a camping trip around the USA next year, and quite a bit of gear from the boat is already pre-positioned in Reedville (thanks Donna!), which we'll be able to use on the road trip.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed our first Halloween Festival in the USA, sharing the event with local friends plus visiting cruisers Andrew & Caroline off SV Askari.<br />
<br />
Then came the big one - The annual Oyster Roast at the <a href="http://www.rfmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Reedville Fisherman's Museum.</a> It was a damn cold day, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm as over 500 people crowded the museum site, ready to rock. The <a href="http://www.rfmuseum.org/?page_id=112" target="_blank">Oyster Roast</a> is a fixed price all-you-can-eat event, and after sucking down literally dozens of fresh and roasted oysters we spent an hour as volunteers on the wine stall, dispensing wine to the guests. Soon after that event we were on our way to New York again, finally preparing for departure to Australia.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNbGwLfroBENOGBxaQ4goDE2UwDhazCZlmAp4Q0LJB2NLU5sSWHWFm8DYGN-OONPq0BVZie-y4OKG0iu2lItOI8VskMu0LsledFD-lKfcLg5GqIhkIG8nW4LI9aCkV7Qy1oSji3lbycg/s1600/Oyster+Roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNbGwLfroBENOGBxaQ4goDE2UwDhazCZlmAp4Q0LJB2NLU5sSWHWFm8DYGN-OONPq0BVZie-y4OKG0iu2lItOI8VskMu0LsledFD-lKfcLg5GqIhkIG8nW4LI9aCkV7Qy1oSji3lbycg/s1600/Oyster+Roast.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neil At The Oyster Roast, With Local Friends Ron & Micki From MV Slow Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com031 Reed Ave, Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.843329975912894 -76.27418918217858837.8425464759129 -76.275449682178589 37.844113475912891 -76.272928682178588tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-3782002002721585432018-11-02T20:00:00.001+00:002018-11-02T20:00:06.788+00:00The Big Move - Not The Big Easy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zvzWZlCoBCe0KeGldILF6lh0jEuVQTMLhKZNgaUCDNq6rbwn6ef6QiWUZxtZaQL9_lBxl0nLZaaS0hMSuszaXgNA5okimKFgPpZZltR_8mLpU8MPpwJ41baJQlYpOVkx38cu4ueWHx0/s1600/Morning+Dockwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zvzWZlCoBCe0KeGldILF6lh0jEuVQTMLhKZNgaUCDNq6rbwn6ef6QiWUZxtZaQL9_lBxl0nLZaaS0hMSuszaXgNA5okimKFgPpZZltR_8mLpU8MPpwJ41baJQlYpOVkx38cu4ueWHx0/s1600/Morning+Dockwalk.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Cool Morning In New Rochelle, With Crystal Blues At The Bottom Of The Ramp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Packing up the boat after 20 years was always going to be difficult - predictably it was physically exhausting and emotionally a roller coaster ride. However we were blessed by the weather gods, with cool but calm conditions and absolutely no rain for the 10 days that we spent sorting, sifting and packing for our move back to Australia.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OGLIx8vgxTkwExLd8uBZxjKH5iRe2JbcCZYtKQ_CglWs5iiYRrfOCtT5gGs-7ijWVyzq7vmLkpGNQhoe9DOkGVqzmQEzzgUO7cof-Rb5rGdIJr2KISHNXnuFIbrGbkPc6X4VfvJlxbM/s1600/Loading+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OGLIx8vgxTkwExLd8uBZxjKH5iRe2JbcCZYtKQ_CglWs5iiYRrfOCtT5gGs-7ijWVyzq7vmLkpGNQhoe9DOkGVqzmQEzzgUO7cof-Rb5rGdIJr2KISHNXnuFIbrGbkPc6X4VfvJlxbM/s320/Loading+01.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truck Loaded, Ready To Go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We booked a large palletised crate from <a href="https://upakweship.com/" target="_blank"><i>UPakWeShip</i></a>, an innovative shipping agency that provides fixed price point to point deliveries of personal possessions around the globe. They delivered the crate to a nearby warehouse and we only had to deliver our goods there and pack the crate ourselves.<br />
<br />
Just how many items did we need to ship ? A lot of gear was donated to charity, plus all the paints, chemicals and painting gear went to the Wooden Boat Shop at the <a href="http://www.rfmuseum.org/" target="_blank"><i>Reedville Fisherman's Museum</i></a>. Equipment was donated to friends and local businesses. Still, five times we went back to buy more cartons, more packaging tape and more timber to protect the goods in transit.<br />
<br />
As the boat was being "sold in salvage" we were able to remove all our tools, personal effects. galley equipment, IT and AV gear, spares parts and the like. However we had no idea how much that would amount to.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, in the end we packed and moved <b><i>68 cartons</i></b>, weighing in total around <b style="font-style: italic;">1800 pounds</b>. Each day we'd empty another locker and the cartons just kept coming. Each carton was numbered, a spreadsheet was created to track the carton contents and then all the cartons were moved into a nearby self storage facility.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_0NJ7OeHtUoKH0JQHJhOZhpr1_Z2WxFq05usbqcWu9MP1XPzRR8uDdA70nxo3h_xY_f5W5utf2kqEhS8Cw-FL31TtZnJfHhsNyBgv9utlj97v1xcQOd4LKoDB_57eNmGpA8vMvf_Dp0/s1600/Loading+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_0NJ7OeHtUoKH0JQHJhOZhpr1_Z2WxFq05usbqcWu9MP1XPzRR8uDdA70nxo3h_xY_f5W5utf2kqEhS8Cw-FL31TtZnJfHhsNyBgv9utlj97v1xcQOd4LKoDB_57eNmGpA8vMvf_Dp0/s1600/Loading+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading The Top Layer Into The Crate At The Depot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once packing was completed we loaded all the cartons and goods into a rented <a href="https://www.uhaul.com/" target="_blank"><i>U-Haul truck</i></a> late one afternoon. Next morning we set of for the transport depot, where we assembled the crate and then loaded it with our earthly possessions. We were fortunate to have the generous support and assistance of friend and fellow sailor Paul Osmolskis, who lumped and lifted with us until the crate was loaded.<br />
<br />
It took us three and a half hours to complete the loading - at the end we all signed the crate with a big fat marking pen, labelled it everywhere and kissed it on its way to Australia. Going home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdUB0w1AzlzGr1hxmmga8rkN37lcpECkTlh2ZUP0MIPFVhdMpfOIMVAopWdyhMTQqetRt9ar8m1sotINRhJHfFeeCJF5g-ewB6ym3IYHIB-U_2OhECIj-kCKzR5s0MOyI-LenFxp-nvs/s1600/Loading+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdUB0w1AzlzGr1hxmmga8rkN37lcpECkTlh2ZUP0MIPFVhdMpfOIMVAopWdyhMTQqetRt9ar8m1sotINRhJHfFeeCJF5g-ewB6ym3IYHIB-U_2OhECIj-kCKzR5s0MOyI-LenFxp-nvs/s1600/Loading+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Last Layer In Place, We Contemplate Future Adventures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGULISaIIovGPktBTdR-g0-ldd2UBhv8KcmXZR9kHkAbcsMBWvUyAN6PbxKCGnwEAocn958EwQEKHKEF-MUOC5p7iI1TGdd1itt-r26hVJa7RshtBBUphZXW3n_9cBtxOmfkRwpBJLhLE/s1600/Loading+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGULISaIIovGPktBTdR-g0-ldd2UBhv8KcmXZR9kHkAbcsMBWvUyAN6PbxKCGnwEAocn958EwQEKHKEF-MUOC5p7iI1TGdd1itt-r26hVJa7RshtBBUphZXW3n_9cBtxOmfkRwpBJLhLE/s1600/Loading+05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job Done - Signed & Sealed. Special Thanks To Paul Osmolskis For Working Hard Alongside Us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com3New Rochelle, NY, USA40.9114882 -73.78235489999997340.7195447 -74.105078399999968 41.1034317 -73.459631399999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-58604361854619387712018-10-19T02:38:00.000+01:002018-10-29T13:36:35.568+00:00Making Lemonade From Lemons .....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9U9XEj1K52fRP19ug1IOYvvo9nTRJp9wv_3UtgwRdCNVjZSVNaFx7RztkB37OZccnNoAKyQFu509Em8dALU33Dr-55NuWhCJZERcSQIX8PTS-mHamxJyT6SujdS1xAlYDrm0jCLE8nc/s1600/Collision+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9U9XEj1K52fRP19ug1IOYvvo9nTRJp9wv_3UtgwRdCNVjZSVNaFx7RztkB37OZccnNoAKyQFu509Em8dALU33Dr-55NuWhCJZERcSQIX8PTS-mHamxJyT6SujdS1xAlYDrm0jCLE8nc/s1600/Collision+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
Ouch ! Crystal Blues suffered mightily in a collision at sea last month, just off the New Jersey coast and we've spent the past six weeks dealing with the aftermath of that incident. While we are physically OK, I can't say the same about our emotions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBWNk64KEwAMrBnpnOpOx-uhOnr1LTOoubsgPubLP1QCNhgxo_mIl_91sFIhqw4SiKyk8qqTNV630IsC74bHdnKEFkuh-w7Fi5Vf_YF4j1hiOXzfNMhYHR1D55Uz4Vw0kndyfPGHImA4/s1600/Collision+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBWNk64KEwAMrBnpnOpOx-uhOnr1LTOoubsgPubLP1QCNhgxo_mIl_91sFIhqw4SiKyk8qqTNV630IsC74bHdnKEFkuh-w7Fi5Vf_YF4j1hiOXzfNMhYHR1D55Uz4Vw0kndyfPGHImA4/s320/Collision+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ugly Duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
She was hit by an errant commercial trawler, the Ugly Duck, that approached from our port side and initially failed to give way. Yes we were under sail, however the guy at the trawler helm eventually decided to accelerate and turn to port, a bad mistake. So we turned to port to cross his stern, which would have been simple, except that 30 seconds later he changed his mind (panicked?) and turned hard to starboard as if to run down our port side. We again corrected, this time to starboard, but it was not to be - in the last few boat lengths the trawler straightened up and collided with our port bow. We had nowhere to go.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In fact they hit us three times - after the vessels fell apart from the first collision she accelerated into us again, and then again a third time - clearly nobody at the helm at that time. I believe the young guy in control panicked and abandoned the helm. It was a massive collision, and a lesser vessel would be at the bottom of the ocean now, however she took the hit and actually kept sailing until we dropped the sails.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGqmLLsLsZVB4Qmpsfuk89UiqTTjExAue65MiWrE0Yu8lQU07BIQB0bewa1x3_zsaELTDW6DneI3KztBwbibBe4X3zSYIv2lPfTDfdRhDJyoYzWxDFrXnB4fBf6cMe196BD4Vacz4yJo/s1600/Collision+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGqmLLsLsZVB4Qmpsfuk89UiqTTjExAue65MiWrE0Yu8lQU07BIQB0bewa1x3_zsaELTDW6DneI3KztBwbibBe4X3zSYIv2lPfTDfdRhDJyoYzWxDFrXnB4fBf6cMe196BD4Vacz4yJo/s320/Collision+03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coast Guard Smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The US Coast Guard came out to us in a fast and powerful cutter, they put two crew on board and floated a de-watering pump over to us, though in the end that wasn't needed. The USCG team were fantastic, precise and professional. They escorted us into Manasquan Inlet and started a long process of interviews and inspections on both vessels. The trawler crew were tested for drugs and alcohol, though we have no idea what the results are.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After inspections by a surveyor and minor repairs to plug a deck leak we motored back north to Sandy Hook three days later, then on through the East River again in to Long Island Sound, where we started gathering estimates for the repair work. Our insurers were of course involved, further surveys were undertaken and we found ourselves buried in a long and frustrating process. The damage may not look much, however the deck is substantially deformed and the interior fitout cracked and displaced. The repair project will require complete removal of the interior fitout from the mast forward, before the steelwork can even begin.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkmfBnRQElGVuQUzeGVyqqviQ0-h7utqZl93mBxyHpdKMmumq1_5-XNTETB_vNP9LlciMJHhr4jeqHou6_0-oyM_iI6EIdK2DPn6YA4IuedmVGN5gFsGUCNFSCQNxcTxm1pRRTzW2dao/s1600/Collision+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkmfBnRQElGVuQUzeGVyqqviQ0-h7utqZl93mBxyHpdKMmumq1_5-XNTETB_vNP9LlciMJHhr4jeqHou6_0-oyM_iI6EIdK2DPn6YA4IuedmVGN5gFsGUCNFSCQNxcTxm1pRRTzW2dao/s1600/Collision+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surveyors Using A Batten To Measure The Deflection In The Hull - Over 8 Inches - A lesser Vessel Would Be On The Bottom Now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eventually the repair estimates came in and we found that they exceeded the insured value of the boat by a significant amount - so the only way to have her repaired was if the other party's insurers came forward (as they certainly should) to restore the boat. As our surveyor said, this isn't just an accident, there is negligence involved here. Unfortunately the other party has been slow to respond, and all the legal advice we have received is that the case will drag out the settlement for more than a year or so, possibly up to three years.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvIK2C6RzkUkpk-zNm-InzrAWknmSu1YA2KR0l7MKHU0VXaxILPXUDIy9l7qOghRmeIGENOfAfXYWuEhTPHB8vg-Znfr8tQQm8a1JgxtOqm-0djFFR3QUrFceFF_yToPwh-QgVEL91qY/s1600/Collision+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="800" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvIK2C6RzkUkpk-zNm-InzrAWknmSu1YA2KR0l7MKHU0VXaxILPXUDIy9l7qOghRmeIGENOfAfXYWuEhTPHB8vg-Znfr8tQQm8a1JgxtOqm-0djFFR3QUrFceFF_yToPwh-QgVEL91qY/s320/Collision+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior Cracking - Even On The Starboard Side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what to do? We're not in a position to tip a large bucket of money into the vessel, over and above the insurance payment, and we certainly don't wish to enter into a legal slug-fest with the other party (though we certainly should).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, the best option is to write off the boat as a total loss, accept our insurance payout and get on with our life - find another adventure, maybe another boat, learn to make lemonade from lemons! Crystal Blues is being sold as salvage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As usual the American people have been incredibly generous - numerous friends have offered us homes to live in and support of all kinds. Would you believe that a neighbour of a friend of a friend (yes, that is convoluted) heard of our incident and immediately offered us a car to drive for the next two months or so. Amazing generosity.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So we're getting ready to make lemonade .... for the past four days we've been sorting and packing our possessions in preparation for moving off the boat. We have a large palletised crate booked, which will be loaded next week and then shipped back to Melbourne. We'll fly to Melbourne from here in New York on November 19, after spending a couple of weeks with friends in Reedville, Virginia.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last week we moved the boat from the New York Athletic Club, a short half mile to Wright Island Marina in New Rochelle, where we will eventually leave her. I can assure you it was an emotional little voyage - what a way to end 20 years and 60,000 miles of experiences together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>As my father once said, with delicious understatement, a collision at sea can ruin your whole day. He was damn right.</i></div>
</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com38New Rochelle, NY, USA40.9114882 -73.78235489999997340.7195447 -74.105078399999968 41.1034317 -73.459631399999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-59870642566137568992018-09-29T16:34:00.001+01:002018-09-29T16:34:11.050+01:00We're Marking Time In New York City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96Fz2iZPDZ7gOixbV22gUejDTMQrIR8Ug51kDwdHJdwOZEbgPf2SM3HSK-OYG5V-8wTSr9CnyY1whCd3AZLl-qT4cRBRhjJaOHw4zkMy-38uUGosgSbn1YqRVzy-Yz0dwMngtcCGc4j0/s1600/NYACYC01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96Fz2iZPDZ7gOixbV22gUejDTMQrIR8Ug51kDwdHJdwOZEbgPf2SM3HSK-OYG5V-8wTSr9CnyY1whCd3AZLl-qT4cRBRhjJaOHw4zkMy-38uUGosgSbn1YqRVzy-Yz0dwMngtcCGc4j0/s1600/NYACYC01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Is My Kind Of Transport - The Club Launch At NYAC Pelham Brings Us Ashore In Fine Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With unexpected repairs and maintenance to complete, we're kinda stuck in New York City.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jsKhLzV61Qy-zTXPkHlzAKr8VQPnUYXVhIHcHAu-Pmm-CtdelVS8u4Mo_cAOnWmFMGLF3GOn8psPOlJgCq6nW6zDIXpmcAkQbtlUmupLMmpXNd1vlaoEhRD3cNrPC5ObR_ps4ZRL0VY/s1600/Neil+Shopping+NYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="800" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jsKhLzV61Qy-zTXPkHlzAKr8VQPnUYXVhIHcHAu-Pmm-CtdelVS8u4Mo_cAOnWmFMGLF3GOn8psPOlJgCq6nW6zDIXpmcAkQbtlUmupLMmpXNd1vlaoEhRD3cNrPC5ObR_ps4ZRL0VY/s320/Neil+Shopping+NYC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do You have this In A Size Large ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However it's not a bad place to spend some time - we're berthed against a floating pontoon in the river at the New York Athletic Club Yacht Club, in Pelham. Our friends Paul & Eileen Osmolskis have arranged visitor access to the NYAC for us, and we've been able to participate in the social life here at the club, including crewing for Paul in a club race last weekend.<br />
<br />
Manhattan is only 30 minutes away by train, where we emerge into the stunning hall at Grand Central Station, check our credit cards and head off into retail wonder land.<br />
<br />
We're expecting our nephew and friend Brendan Pollard to arrive on Tuesday, staying with us for six days, so we'll no doubt see a lot more of the big apple.<br />
<br />
September is the busiest month for tropical storms on the east coast, and so far we've been lucky on this part of the coast, though the storm season still has two months to run. However summer is waning, trees are starting to change colour and we can feel autumn in the air. In fact we've broken out what little warm clothing we have, stored away the shorts and T-shirts, and have even taken to wearing socks. Quite a shock to the system.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8MFnGTV28De5AMDUyLnjChJFaKFjY2jkFWDHqFwfXPt2TYkleMXYitY7QRzd5FnyQkeospn1i2UtIapA0H7BYYOuxtjvnSAiymm3oYB3znbXFO0f1DIoYu-UINMKHC3Vd2_Hdp5i9ns/s1600/NYACYC02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8MFnGTV28De5AMDUyLnjChJFaKFjY2jkFWDHqFwfXPt2TYkleMXYitY7QRzd5FnyQkeospn1i2UtIapA0H7BYYOuxtjvnSAiymm3oYB3znbXFO0f1DIoYu-UINMKHC3Vd2_Hdp5i9ns/s1600/NYACYC02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From The Mast, Moored Boats In The River At NYAC Pelham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com031 Shore Rd, Pelham, NY 10803, USA40.8861122 -73.79149439999997640.8621057 -73.831834899999976 40.9101187 -73.751153899999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-57877333346315133522018-09-08T17:18:00.001+01:002018-09-08T17:18:17.274+01:00We've Been Adopted By A Town, And It Feels Good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob Hedelt: "Australian couple cruising the world on their sailboat adopted by folks in Reedville"
</span></span></b>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="tnt-byline asset-byline" data-original-title="" id="author-popup-596249a0-66bd-11e4-9558-dfb24ad762fa-asset-84c78759-b8a4-53c3-9d1f-df7b69dfaa06" itemprop="author" rel="popover" title="">BY ROB HEDELT
THE FREE LANCE-STAR. August 28, 2018</span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAl_POSYIWrMaRb1ERKzASk3wBX7Pm3LM4GatP0fXqljcd5DEqVvLCvDOL-2SJ3kTnFOkF-QGj74VH1daVUW23wKP-8QYg_CJ9owFMs7SwblMW7rimm5D2SilAsoHQtep85YsHDhMvEQ/s1600/Crystal+Blues+BVI++01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAl_POSYIWrMaRb1ERKzASk3wBX7Pm3LM4GatP0fXqljcd5DEqVvLCvDOL-2SJ3kTnFOkF-QGj74VH1daVUW23wKP-8QYg_CJ9owFMs7SwblMW7rimm5D2SilAsoHQtep85YsHDhMvEQ/s1600/Crystal+Blues+BVI++01.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="subscriber-preview">
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"REEDVILLE—Though I’ve never
done much deep-sea, blue-water boating, there’s something magical about
the thought of circling the world on a stout ship."</span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="subscriber-preview">
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Meeting
Neil and Ley Langford—who’ve done just that, logging some 60,000
nautical miles in 13 years of circumnavigating the globe—just added to
the mystique of that idea. I
connected with the couple from Melbourne, Australia, several weeks back
at the tip of the Northern Neck, in the town menhaden fishing made
famous, Reedville.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The connection happened because I was in the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum when Neil Langford popped in one morning."</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="subscriber-only">
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Museum
Director Lee Langston–Harrison, a former neighbor of mine here in
Fredericksburg, explained when the blue-water sailor left that the
Langfords had sort of adopted the town as a summertime port of call.
They were back this summer after first arriving the same time last year. That
piqued my interest enough to set up a time to talk with the couple a
week or so later, arriving at the dock where their steel-hulled,
sloop-rigged 50-foot sailboat, Crystal Blues, was moored on a toasty
summer day."</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>For the full story</i> <a href="https://www.fredericksburg.com/rob-hedelt-australian-couple-cruising-the-world-on-their-sailboat/article_84c78759-b8a4-53c3-9d1f-df7b69dfaa06.html" target="_blank">click here</a>) </span></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.8420743 -76.27577710000002813.5161178 -117.58437110000003 62.1680308 -34.967183100000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-24544652781851762262018-08-24T04:35:00.001+01:002018-08-24T06:08:44.271+01:00The Mystical Secret Place For Good Old Boats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CESYABpVgjqFPMXjxba57CuqDWBnLSMCYSdyfaXPP3IZqggqUpx4vKePM49oAdnI-w1R_SnpA-N9IcvEmrrFjxaJ35D-6VthZDWzZ3fTHzmPFtpDP8Z_hTMD3chg14bgbkFhseQJbHY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Neil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CESYABpVgjqFPMXjxba57CuqDWBnLSMCYSdyfaXPP3IZqggqUpx4vKePM49oAdnI-w1R_SnpA-N9IcvEmrrFjxaJ35D-6VthZDWzZ3fTHzmPFtpDP8Z_hTMD3chg14bgbkFhseQJbHY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Neil.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Gasiorek Shows Me Through Wonderland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
During our stay at <i><a href="https://www.mysticseaport.org/" target="_blank">Mystic Seaport Museum</a></i> we met Chris Gasiorek, who is Vice President Of Watercraft Preservation And Programs. While his job title may be long winded, Chris is straight to the point when it comes to recognising boat lovers. He approached us onboard Crystal Blues one morning and offered a guided tour of the <i>hidden collection</i> - a massive converted factory, now housing hundreds of preserved boats, engines and machinery just across the street from the public museum site.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHNEXQI9CuxNRXFmYTgoOTAPHr3y0ZDpYwePbuSmRCRZoiiPxJxUsV1b6AiDHki9kUCSr0ISn4Usq4c3Jd5DSthwbNtEZ84SaJir369vraHXnB2c8KT9I_7OibPr6MxgdTbIXRvR9YPk/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Boat+Racks+Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="800" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHNEXQI9CuxNRXFmYTgoOTAPHr3y0ZDpYwePbuSmRCRZoiiPxJxUsV1b6AiDHki9kUCSr0ISn4Usq4c3Jd5DSthwbNtEZ84SaJir369vraHXnB2c8KT9I_7OibPr6MxgdTbIXRvR9YPk/s320/Mystic+Boatshop+Boat+Racks+Square.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Scenes At Every Turn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mystic Seaport Museum was built on the site of two traditional shipyards. As time progressed and wooden ships were superseded, the shipyard owners built mills on the site, in substantial brick buildings.<br />
<br />
One of those buildings now houses the museum's boat collection, an almost un-imaginable treasure trove of boats that date back as far as 1824. Whilst the majority are wooden, there are others made of fiberglass, aluminum and even tin.<br />
<br />
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of ships, boats and maritime culture, including boat building.<br />
<br />
So the vibrant living seaport experience is one part of that, drawing over a quarter of a million visitors each year, teaching sailing skills and keeping traditional craft in service. Another part is harboring a collection of unique and special vessels - the collection now housed in the old mill building. They call it the Watercraft Hall, and it houses<i> over 470 boats</i> - we spent a few hours in there, and probably didn't see them all.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr95pNzijQdcK99T0_rGDRrFVGRTSavGlGa7yCn0lxBEUvxU0qrxRDxLa77d4ogA4iK-gyhk8J5yt1mzBTf0I_z3iTXTPZ3t9YYxrk21h5yoouYYI-p3g9BSfYZ7bZxX-2vqGOkTrLJcc/s1600/Mystic+RosenfeldLogo_315x207.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="315" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr95pNzijQdcK99T0_rGDRrFVGRTSavGlGa7yCn0lxBEUvxU0qrxRDxLa77d4ogA4iK-gyhk8J5yt1mzBTf0I_z3iTXTPZ3t9YYxrk21h5yoouYYI-p3g9BSfYZ7bZxX-2vqGOkTrLJcc/s200/Mystic+RosenfeldLogo_315x207.jpeg" width="200" /></a><br />
The museum also has a large curated library of nautical documents and artifacts, including scrimshaw, charts, ship drawings, scale models and images. Significantly, it is now custodian of the fantastic Rosenfeld Collection - nearly one million maritime photography pieces dating from 1881 thru 1992, with images held in various formats, from glass plates through to color transparencies. This collection also includes the cameras and equipment used by the Rosenfeld family over the years.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCaLX7x0yOejKcjWyKkHNE8m4kaA-DyQfuMVynNPFVqO3ahuxBD5l03cIo4k8yZkRrNEGudjGv0LfIAEoqgVhFQLbmBu8iMvr4iCvKp7f3-_qchiOZJy4DK5iv6BzqeufFe8sizhFXdY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Ley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCaLX7x0yOejKcjWyKkHNE8m4kaA-DyQfuMVynNPFVqO3ahuxBD5l03cIo4k8yZkRrNEGudjGv0LfIAEoqgVhFQLbmBu8iMvr4iCvKp7f3-_qchiOZJy4DK5iv6BzqeufFe8sizhFXdY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Ley.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Admiral Views The Collection With Chris Gasiorek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Watercraft Hall is open to the public only four days each year, though I
suspect that enthusiasts with a special interest could be accommodated
at other times, by arrangement.<br />
<br />
I understand that the museum gains about half its annual funding from gate proceeds - the entry fee for visiting the site. The balance comes from private donations, plus a contribution from sales through the museum store and <i><a href="https://www.mysticseaport.org/shop/" target="_blank">online store</a></i>. Seriously, this is an amazing site, where the art, craft and history of ships and the sea is not only celebrated, but preserved for future generations. More power to them! If you love boats, add this place to your bucket list, and click below to see some more lovely images of the Watercraft Hall.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN48wDdGOCHnGVzDsJlAIcNcDcJ9siPfTQfxxV4vmADM68igxNP3KcAHTJ50RQ5h3jpHYBADLzRL77LrWeD2CE-nWimdoJXq3UA4ygUxRznwvpoOrCzuauhHVsktoSThpD80G0Is6pZY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Racks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN48wDdGOCHnGVzDsJlAIcNcDcJ9siPfTQfxxV4vmADM68igxNP3KcAHTJ50RQ5h3jpHYBADLzRL77LrWeD2CE-nWimdoJXq3UA4ygUxRznwvpoOrCzuauhHVsktoSThpD80G0Is6pZY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Racks+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Magic In The Watercraft Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span id="goog_316219094"></span><span id="goog_316219095"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKR7JjNqXFrv37Q7EgS-BNnEZPN49yXRrb62ieanzDE3Ta4B7l8o4oQCTBymQEwbljl73DPi7D5FQFtzCK57zZlHlBNO69KQpeufYCcTqgE3b1vCOTt8Z8JpraTSnLSOKsWCuPJeH-G0/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Junk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKR7JjNqXFrv37Q7EgS-BNnEZPN49yXRrb62ieanzDE3Ta4B7l8o4oQCTBymQEwbljl73DPi7D5FQFtzCK57zZlHlBNO69KQpeufYCcTqgE3b1vCOTt8Z8JpraTSnLSOKsWCuPJeH-G0/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Junk.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of Course Some Things Have Not Been Curated As Yet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUuwWibgzZjELjGicVCDVfXKTYVJN3jXKlbU_QWwJQc5ft7tcuMkwlpp82ctxt8DNb2B7MX_wvQiykAHdtixT6rM0WyJs_jA6DyNLH6gOmmwIUhcPO455C5oqMwviSfHYJ77W9m6p-98/s1600/Mystic+Herreschoff+Engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUuwWibgzZjELjGicVCDVfXKTYVJN3jXKlbU_QWwJQc5ft7tcuMkwlpp82ctxt8DNb2B7MX_wvQiykAHdtixT6rM0WyJs_jA6DyNLH6gOmmwIUhcPO455C5oqMwviSfHYJ77W9m6p-98/s1600/Mystic+Herreschoff+Engine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This One For My Dad - An Original Herreshoff Triple Expansion Steam Engine From 1917. 350 HP. It Pushed A 114 Foot Private Yacht For J.P. Morgan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsnmqHeQR91NcO5-qO3oIfSva6e8Vz0wo5PN3zHT1cznpY0Ejkw2pRU-lmwc4UFX-7oD_sn0qoomwdkWwzpPBNGZHz3JP-GUtQ8_aFOUJhlXDfq7QgJ8V3Rr8wTaYhyphenhyphen35em8y3ml2OdQ/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Racks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsnmqHeQR91NcO5-qO3oIfSva6e8Vz0wo5PN3zHT1cznpY0Ejkw2pRU-lmwc4UFX-7oD_sn0qoomwdkWwzpPBNGZHz3JP-GUtQ8_aFOUJhlXDfq7QgJ8V3Rr8wTaYhyphenhyphen35em8y3ml2OdQ/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Racks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Admiral Exploring The Watercraft Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsnmqHeQR91NcO5-qO3oIfSva6e8Vz0wo5PN3zHT1cznpY0Ejkw2pRU-lmwc4UFX-7oD_sn0qoomwdkWwzpPBNGZHz3JP-GUtQ8_aFOUJhlXDfq7QgJ8V3Rr8wTaYhyphenhyphen35em8y3ml2OdQ/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Racks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt4wZ8L_aezrIOSu1gmlQComKgLYboO9InF24AH0P-nzVKdRT8VkZdbv1UXYptk2hvrrvO96c0qwPr_m6SIW6GRZbK0GjPizWZHnpszRSty0ZfFN_6o2Lm5aotO74GykGyKzOkm_uxWc/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Steam+Engines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBt4wZ8L_aezrIOSu1gmlQComKgLYboO9InF24AH0P-nzVKdRT8VkZdbv1UXYptk2hvrrvO96c0qwPr_m6SIW6GRZbK0GjPizWZHnpszRSty0ZfFN_6o2Lm5aotO74GykGyKzOkm_uxWc/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Steam+Engines.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Collection Of Early Steam Engines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLCGOjask0ecbLI55JXzPC_VNk-OdBOk51_Z-AwKJk_O-rCmSVZfSnls2EsLn4bK306LkUVdrsjUd9Zymfrj7i0TCONkIAqh926Z3vSdW1THA-py-1Iw99opf_knlDlXWFAaPPo8GOfY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Masts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLCGOjask0ecbLI55JXzPC_VNk-OdBOk51_Z-AwKJk_O-rCmSVZfSnls2EsLn4bK306LkUVdrsjUd9Zymfrj7i0TCONkIAqh926Z3vSdW1THA-py-1Iw99opf_knlDlXWFAaPPo8GOfY/s1600/Mystic+Boatshop+Masts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Massive Collection Of Spars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com175 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355, USA41.3601634 -71.96425799999997317.085143399999996 -113.27285199999997 65.6351834 -30.655663999999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-79141266223245375452018-08-20T04:51:00.001+01:002018-08-22T14:48:01.170+01:00Berthed At Mystic Seaport Museum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKEepgwecTgUUJBF3HNfCjwbcEAjLALExEshqM1TIefwhLSdWDcSipnbnHWnicytuRDGEtZimOMaAjX9ggxGUw223K06qVvYhA7mi6kDb1rqmivy6BZFXKw4pt0tfKBPRNXuexYnCtZs/s1600/A+Sailor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKEepgwecTgUUJBF3HNfCjwbcEAjLALExEshqM1TIefwhLSdWDcSipnbnHWnicytuRDGEtZimOMaAjX9ggxGUw223K06qVvYhA7mi6kDb1rqmivy6BZFXKw4pt0tfKBPRNXuexYnCtZs/s1600/A+Sailor.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good (bad?) news like this is handed out on paper flyers here at <a href="https://www.mysticseaport.org/" target="_blank">Mystic Seaport Museum</a>, in Connecticut, printed here using a <i>very old</i> press. The Admiral and I visited the museum back in 1995, before we adopted Crystal Blues. Now it's great to be able to sail in here and stay for a weekend - Crystal Blues is tied to the wharf among a dozen or so visiting vessels.<br />
<br />
The museum is huge, probably the best working maritime history museum in the world. Dozens of working vessels, many in operation each day, including the last wooden whaling ship the Charles W. Morgan. This vessel has undergone a massive multi-year refit and is in great condition.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD1t6aXYFwEnH_iI0itHLDIYWs89spFKCz4lb9awPep_-zc8zUoGvR4mS9ArnIlxnTadG4B9awEgnLSfAS-OZlzC2U78fKVHW12BLNq1v3kLUxZwSg4E0NgBPRhcBunllQLTxJ3PuKfg/s1600/Mystic+Charles+Morgan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD1t6aXYFwEnH_iI0itHLDIYWs89spFKCz4lb9awPep_-zc8zUoGvR4mS9ArnIlxnTadG4B9awEgnLSfAS-OZlzC2U78fKVHW12BLNq1v3kLUxZwSg4E0NgBPRhcBunllQLTxJ3PuKfg/s1600/Mystic+Charles+Morgan+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Charles W. Morgan Berthed At Mystic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On the site is a complete New England maritime village of the 1850's, with all the various trades and services represented. This weekend the museum events included a special display of antique marine engines, with enthusiasts setting up their working engines and the museum operating a dozen or so steam engines (using <i>real</i> steam, not compressed air) - my father would have loved it.. Earlier this evening there was live music on the common - by 6:00pm I was talking to the guitarist and by 6:30pm we were performing together - what a joy. Live music rocks! Even better when you're invited back to play again next week ...<br />
<br />
Exploring the entire museum has taken us two full days, however tomorrow we can move on. If the weather holds, tomorrow we'll head for Block Island, as a stepping stone to reach Cuttyhunk and eventually Martha's Vineyard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGJNIU2tITJZpYirVAV4egnaG6mMcqMbz5gpc-HDJjMt5ueImrw-H97QyOWEnluOretllNpHPSNeQRkhiGKCRLvVCqG0FTnN26XjVoeqs970zvz_KxERNqATFNTNnNBLyGrbB8xZhuG4/s1600/Mystic+ShipSmith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGJNIU2tITJZpYirVAV4egnaG6mMcqMbz5gpc-HDJjMt5ueImrw-H97QyOWEnluOretllNpHPSNeQRkhiGKCRLvVCqG0FTnN26XjVoeqs970zvz_KxERNqATFNTNnNBLyGrbB8xZhuG4/s1600/Mystic+ShipSmith.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shipsmith Workshop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com375 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355, USA41.3601634 -71.96425799999997317.169952399999996 -113.27285199999997 65.5503744 -30.655663999999973tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-8820540433259024842018-08-16T20:34:00.001+01:002018-08-16T20:35:41.429+01:00Sailing Through History On Long Island Sound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdKVB05x7_lIJGob_BVDusFnuuc6_pELmy-KSaNa05zOB8zfYo0A8idXU5DoDlKwtIaH-GDKvMcOYqYbeJ6Bq4dDvZHkN53G1LwfIBISxy2oq74ELTqtB9peSqw-xfdvWOuvvqPDS7qg/s1600/Essex+The+Griswold+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdKVB05x7_lIJGob_BVDusFnuuc6_pELmy-KSaNa05zOB8zfYo0A8idXU5DoDlKwtIaH-GDKvMcOYqYbeJ6Bq4dDvZHkN53G1LwfIBISxy2oq74ELTqtB9peSqw-xfdvWOuvvqPDS7qg/s1600/Essex+The+Griswold+Inn.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Griswold Inn Has A Fine Collection Of Nautical Prints</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Essex, Coonecticut</b><br />
<br />
After rushing our cruise through Long Island Sound last year, we've decided to slow things down this time and perhaps even smell the roses. Last week we came up the Connecticut River to the historic town of Essex, anchoring off the town and thinking about the British raid here in the war of 1812, when most of the vessels in the harbor were burned. Last night we dined at the <i><a href="https://griswoldinn.com/" target="_blank">Griswold Inn</a></i>, where the tap room has been serving ales for over 200 years. They also serve up some outstanding music - my feet were tapping all night to the Shiny Lapel Trio (actually six of them on stage but who's counting). This is a beautiful town, with several active yacht clubs and a museum to keep us entertained.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiMA-W9-5LkzJkMvk3G41GaqSOhCnJ66sLZSUM8xxGdhGrVGYtKgh8C5JWzmvq0YJA9mvrB1SxgamVT0tJckeZv-0D65neQV6wjRRluQvBGzQLkWmvLmnAEt6tHG5e0RqSFyUp7YzN9c/s1600/Essex+The+Griswold+Inn+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiMA-W9-5LkzJkMvk3G41GaqSOhCnJ66sLZSUM8xxGdhGrVGYtKgh8C5JWzmvq0YJA9mvrB1SxgamVT0tJckeZv-0D65neQV6wjRRluQvBGzQLkWmvLmnAEt6tHG5e0RqSFyUp7YzN9c/s1600/Essex+The+Griswold+Inn+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Griswold Inn At Essex, Serving Patrons Since 1776</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However our cruise really started further west, when we transited the East River at Manhattan and launched out into Long Island Sound.<br />
<br />
<b>Port Washington</b><br />
<br />
Our first stop on the sound, and what a great place it is. The town welcomes visitors with a free mooring for two nights, free dinghy dock, fresh water, pump out facilities etc. Even the supermarket is serviced by a free floating dock. Cruiser heaven! We took the train into Manhattan, visited the Museum Of Modern Art, the Highline in Chelsea and generally had our big city fix for the month. Back in Port Washington that evening the mood was relaxed - a real village feel, with an excellent Asian deli-market.<br />
<br />
We departed Port Washington feeling quite positive, which meant that we were a little unprepared for our next port of call..... <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Port Jefferson</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUycxLmBSKmQAE7D2cysFf-0j79RIXJwN2AAuouHGGnsV57IBdcjAloj2FguPDvqIA53VgIzi5nZS5pvuzoQHWP-ZdF_Xr6dhPpl7oKG8EYf12jYBt-wvvCsSm9WBMMshUfugOE72_SgI/s1600/Port+Jefferson+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUycxLmBSKmQAE7D2cysFf-0j79RIXJwN2AAuouHGGnsV57IBdcjAloj2FguPDvqIA53VgIzi5nZS5pvuzoQHWP-ZdF_Xr6dhPpl7oKG8EYf12jYBt-wvvCsSm9WBMMshUfugOE72_SgI/s1600/Port+Jefferson+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Jefferson Downtown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrX4X2gUDwTbz__NbwtokDaAqueavXcl8emPHw_Wjo4nDLe_UppEjUsF0h5XU2idQST4n4EyF_-gXYr3uEY7kA0VmOeq7Wgj80Q18gILbXHSqXvMJy9SuOKUXrgiP0vB5WIkC8NalRFc/s1600/Port+Jefferson+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrX4X2gUDwTbz__NbwtokDaAqueavXcl8emPHw_Wjo4nDLe_UppEjUsF0h5XU2idQST4n4EyF_-gXYr3uEY7kA0VmOeq7Wgj80Q18gILbXHSqXvMJy9SuOKUXrgiP0vB5WIkC8NalRFc/s320/Port+Jefferson+03.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty <i>Not To Do</i> In Port Jefferson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A long day sailing brought us to attractive Port Jefferson, with a wonderfully sheltered and spacious anchorage area. Ferries come and go all day, crossing to the Connecticut shore, and there is fairly constant tug and barge traffic in the harbor. It is great for boat watching, problem is, the welcome on shore here is <i>decidedly muted</i>.<br />
<br />
The <i><a href="https://www.brookhavenny.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Boating-and-Fishing/Port-Jefferson-Marina" target="_blank">city council dock</a></i> wants <i><b>$12 an hour</b></i> just to tie your dinghy up - yoiks - and even the local yacht club can be finicky about sharing their space with like minded visiting souls. Corinthian principles be damned!<br />
<br />
We were chased down the dock by one member, who admittedly backed off when we explained our presence and that we'd been approved by the dock master. However that member's attitude reflects the character of the town pretty well.<br />
<br />
The <i><a href="https://activecaptain.garmin.com/Map" target="_blank">Active Captain</a></i> online cruisers guide has the following user comments in relation to visiting Port Jefferson Town Marina (these are some headlines) : "Locked Up Like A Sailors Jail", "Unfriendly To Cruisers", "Good Anchorage Poor Hospitality", "Expensive Transient Docking", "Not Looking For Transients", "Rip Off", "Miss This Town". Get the picture? These are the worst reviews we've ever seen for what should be a popular place. Port Jefferson has a serious attitude problem. In a nation where the vast majority are courteous and incredibly helpful to us, shame this place has to be so antsy.<br />
<br />
<b>Westport, On The Saugatuck River</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2P7GYTy8mG9FB-_PFCJJC0EnqEnNfBw-R8qeNq7ERejuTuLDdu0rEo4nYqGlOseczW4kp4h4A6neeLYQ0q4ZrRY16MIrDGmZPNBM1dtbeZh4LMEwrVT2BxMa3g3FtG55fRbV863IMDes/s1600/Neaderland01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2P7GYTy8mG9FB-_PFCJJC0EnqEnNfBw-R8qeNq7ERejuTuLDdu0rEo4nYqGlOseczW4kp4h4A6neeLYQ0q4ZrRY16MIrDGmZPNBM1dtbeZh4LMEwrVT2BxMa3g3FtG55fRbV863IMDes/s1600/Neaderland01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob Neaderland Takes The Helm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3_pJUN8FlQJkhdxHdUzaUWnkS_zIn2Osj4ZJ6m11mmOSFrygd8cKlK9ZMNuQEPswGzrD-7-p6ieA-miobYUefX2VLXlzalxowibMRS3uIuHD3c_-owQ0b1cBIyQprFwemMPHmPGrLVs/s1600/Neaderland02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3_pJUN8FlQJkhdxHdUzaUWnkS_zIn2Osj4ZJ6m11mmOSFrygd8cKlK9ZMNuQEPswGzrD-7-p6ieA-miobYUefX2VLXlzalxowibMRS3uIuHD3c_-owQ0b1cBIyQprFwemMPHmPGrLVs/s320/Neaderland02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emma Being Emma. Exactly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
30 nautical miles north east across the sound, boring motoring again, we arrived in Westport with plans for two nights in the local marina. Our plan was to spend time with friends David & Jody Neaderland, who live nearby in Norwalk, Connecticut.<br />
<br />
Predictably, our weekend disappeared into a blur of social events, starting with a family Clam Bake on the Saturday night.<br />
<br />
Sunday was a picnic sailing day for our friends onboard Crystal Blues, with plenty of time for a BBQ lunch anchored off a local island. Emma and Jacob, David & Jody's children, sailed Crystal Blues and spent hours swimming from the transom.<br />
<br />
We wrapped up the weekend with (true bliss) great Thai food at a local restaurant on the Sunday evening.<br />
<br />
<b>Old Saybrook, On The Connecticut River</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfr4AZRjnZrIBqpXsLv2drGV-kAhGJEWYiUKy93mAFNgqBxDO75f8tCFmr34BmJe3Qn561-hxIajiIq2R3oYVE19RDI8OwxAu8-kslnERmr95FXulr7T6hKP53JUDfzGSMgChxAeTetk/s1600/Old+Saybrook+Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfr4AZRjnZrIBqpXsLv2drGV-kAhGJEWYiUKy93mAFNgqBxDO75f8tCFmr34BmJe3Qn561-hxIajiIq2R3oYVE19RDI8OwxAu8-kslnERmr95FXulr7T6hKP53JUDfzGSMgChxAeTetk/s1600/Old+Saybrook+Pano.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Saybrook Harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our last stop before Essex, just inside the mouth of the Connecticut River, here is a town with a fine nautical tradition and a reasonable approach to handling visitors. In the harbor, certain moorings are available free to visitors - these identified with yellow ribbon on the float. If they are all in use, then visitors are encouraged to pick up <i>any</i> mooring, so long as they don't leave the vessel. The harbor has recently been extensively dredged, and was able to handle our 7 feet draft. Note the latest charts show it as quite shallow - not the case any more.<br />
<br />
With a welcome like that, walking the town and spending cruiser bucks where we could. Craft beer at the excellent pub and wonderful steaks for our freezer from the market. Next day we cruised up river another four miles to beautiful Essex, anchored off the town and settled in for a few days, which is where this story all started!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_GBH0-ky7rXJ4g_ooLPaL0BoH7jL9Zuy3RFifl6DqGYHC10DH-GsZA2-EQ16RQirmsdPmc979UmzOjwB8wLfEL6QG0m4JFuSrG84al8vPbvDcDvibMIm3Arqj4Dg78StNUz-R3s9YSo/s1600/Old+Saybrook+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_GBH0-ky7rXJ4g_ooLPaL0BoH7jL9Zuy3RFifl6DqGYHC10DH-GsZA2-EQ16RQirmsdPmc979UmzOjwB8wLfEL6QG0m4JFuSrG84al8vPbvDcDvibMIm3Arqj4Dg78StNUz-R3s9YSo/s1600/Old+Saybrook+Chart.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connecticut River Entrance, With Old Saybrook Harbor To Port Just A Mile Upstream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Essex, CT, USA41.3503671 -72.40523941.2550126 -72.566600499999993 41.4457216 -72.2438775tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-45871533063827343592018-08-02T22:26:00.001+01:002018-08-02T22:26:47.107+01:00Small Town Patriots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNtmD_HSiF5vV9OlE6QgRhlqrfmqaRb1KvfDaFQUsNt27Fr_sVPYHsq5AaqOnAnIDlYoby6K5qBT2ED5EBU6tDCdApxgDBe5fTepkIeKJnGmRZmBItRPn9VNqGDp4NEg6EGGX9nUr30/s1600/July+4+Reedville+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtNtmD_HSiF5vV9OlE6QgRhlqrfmqaRb1KvfDaFQUsNt27Fr_sVPYHsq5AaqOnAnIDlYoby6K5qBT2ED5EBU6tDCdApxgDBe5fTepkIeKJnGmRZmBItRPn9VNqGDp4NEg6EGGX9nUr30/s1600/July+4+Reedville+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small But Patriotic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I can't say goodbye to July without mentioning Independence Day here in the USA. With only a <i>tiny</i> nod to local politics, Reedville celebrated July 4th with great community spirit. We stayed in town for the celebrations and enjoyed every minute with our local friends.<br />
<br />
Main Street had been decorated for weeks, local homes dressed with the red white & blue, national flags everywhere - so we dressed Crystal Blues with our flags and joined the party on shore. The Fisherman's Museum played it's part with family adventures all morning, the town population swelled enormously, thousands came for the parade, and many stayed for the fireworks that evening. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k83M8P6lgQuqZfmHiKtzB3UVnmv5bO4yWkUYXK2NYMnQi8I0rUveyBXs008EGEMJ8COmxsXIGyQe0pZpMTYJCvBGazL172l9Lv4DxSPfDF9AnbXyxOV-gEQjXOqWQoIY7HxPy8UOZMM/s1600/July+4+Reedville+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k83M8P6lgQuqZfmHiKtzB3UVnmv5bO4yWkUYXK2NYMnQi8I0rUveyBXs008EGEMJ8COmxsXIGyQe0pZpMTYJCvBGazL172l9Lv4DxSPfDF9AnbXyxOV-gEQjXOqWQoIY7HxPy8UOZMM/s1600/July+4+Reedville+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds Of People & Vehicles Formed The Parade, Working Main Street In Both Directions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnJmWXAM9lLQ0vG8GMyGg2PTXVQKDo0AMQrBxJIO36vfp1CmVC8nyDZiKj9LuIizZCCSE-3J7VumNSYdG2MdwLB7UXmmP2tU07ruuyWwRFw_YfwyLDPsOoGV9k7eGVOBIpqgRL_Xbt2M/s1600/July+4+Reedville+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnJmWXAM9lLQ0vG8GMyGg2PTXVQKDo0AMQrBxJIO36vfp1CmVC8nyDZiKj9LuIizZCCSE-3J7VumNSYdG2MdwLB7UXmmP2tU07ruuyWwRFw_YfwyLDPsOoGV9k7eGVOBIpqgRL_Xbt2M/s1600/July+4+Reedville+04.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Amazingly this small community also put together a patriotic musical performance the following day, where talented local singers and players entertained for several hours. The local hall, now owned and managed by the Fisherman's Museum, was decorated in the red white and blue for the event, held on the Sunday afternoon following the 4th.<br />
<br />
Crystal Blues departed soon after, heading north up the Chesapeake Bay.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pP6KkzHg3q7zIgJtzJ7WY0INvBDa7xjRJPpqd0GHifltlkPC41Kw-g-rZZm-g98pAC6gokZ-_sx44Rzh_qjMLzSTRMT3AxT5a_XhgSMzuJ9EqfBBZVtp11hDMbGuAnGov9_LQxluVIo/s1600/July+4+Reedville+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pP6KkzHg3q7zIgJtzJ7WY0INvBDa7xjRJPpqd0GHifltlkPC41Kw-g-rZZm-g98pAC6gokZ-_sx44Rzh_qjMLzSTRMT3AxT5a_XhgSMzuJ9EqfBBZVtp11hDMbGuAnGov9_LQxluVIo/s1600/July+4+Reedville+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community Singers Choral Performance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.8420743 -76.27577710000002813.561459800000002 -117.58437110000003 62.1226888 -34.967183100000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-86250246122661640862018-07-22T00:59:00.001+01:002018-07-22T00:59:17.053+01:00Cruising North & East, To New York & New England<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnZpezo0w9VxasJmXbY7UbN3Msa84a0A91NWnBClw_4uZZTEQcQ32FE77L5OJ7RyDtvOI60jN2uHlBEQcuXRSfA_1CPx4o3IreyyGGbpFlfIY4T2gdNAUG-UBlUsfC8BhaH4aDyo_jTw/s1600/Reedville+Spark+Pano+04e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnZpezo0w9VxasJmXbY7UbN3Msa84a0A91NWnBClw_4uZZTEQcQ32FE77L5OJ7RyDtvOI60jN2uHlBEQcuXRSfA_1CPx4o3IreyyGGbpFlfIY4T2gdNAUG-UBlUsfC8BhaH4aDyo_jTw/s1600/Reedville+Spark+Pano+04e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Blues Rests In Her Beautiful Reedville Berth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Early last week we said farewell to our friends in beautiful Reedville, and started our journey northward. Once again it was hard to leave, however the Chesapeake can be fiercely humid in July and August, and we wanted to spend some time with friends on (slightly) cooler Long Island Sound. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi92ItipSYRyG8pjlul0IQyCtrPNiGsvDxymvvLhqAyxZwlfXXoqnLrU5cWY0Lpq6VBguzUqXymtqVs47EZewJHjMBO6ma24KJg1hV2XPRKzXwhpYVXlKvFIlCQBO6FbEractzQCLobU/s1600/Reedville+Spark+Pano+02e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi92ItipSYRyG8pjlul0IQyCtrPNiGsvDxymvvLhqAyxZwlfXXoqnLrU5cWY0Lpq6VBguzUqXymtqVs47EZewJHjMBO6ma24KJg1hV2XPRKzXwhpYVXlKvFIlCQBO6FbEractzQCLobU/s1600/Reedville+Spark+Pano+02e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cockerell Creek, Eastern Arm, Reedville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So we day hopped our way north, up the Chesapeake, pausing at Solomon's Island, Oxford, St.Michaels and then Annapolis. All cutesy, aged. restored and very prosperous places. In St. Michaels we partnered with the crew of the Freedom 45 sloop Jade Moon, Richard and Kathy Reavis. Richard is an accomplished guitarist and singer, so we added some rhythm to his guitar and some harmonies to the songs - sang our hearts out in fact, over two nights at anchor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbwQOfyrSmyOMoyCP31LJ27eMkfACrWv8VHauZaSaXfPVQP9SkLn6C66QRHhSGb_5q85zGLrpYuMWH-x1rPAudzyF_f-lb4Ql3itRMYYRDBN2RR-c3EG30mNG1RntEj4dJrNUaaDER20/s1600/Music+In+The+Cockpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbwQOfyrSmyOMoyCP31LJ27eMkfACrWv8VHauZaSaXfPVQP9SkLn6C66QRHhSGb_5q85zGLrpYuMWH-x1rPAudzyF_f-lb4Ql3itRMYYRDBN2RR-c3EG30mNG1RntEj4dJrNUaaDER20/s1600/Music+In+The+Cockpit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
St. Michaels is a fantastic boating destination, where sailing skills are both taught and celebrated. A cute town dating back to the struggle for independance, and a proud place that hosts the impressive <i><a href="http://cbmm.org/" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum</a></i>. Of course our own sailing skills had almost been forgotten on this trip, as the wind was either dead on the nose (fortunately light) or non existent. So Mrs. Cummins had plenty of exercise and drank quite a lot of diesel, while the sails stayed firmly furled.<br />
<br />
After St. Michaels we had two days in Annapolis, accommodated graciously by new friend Ben Fulton at his condo dock. We waited a day for weather to clear then moved through the C&D Canal yesterday morning, spent last night off the New Jersey shore (actually sailing with actual real wind) and arrived in New York City this morning. On the way up the East River we passed the magnificent Queen Mary II, berthed opposite Governors Island. What a <i>proper ship</i> she is - nothing like the wedding cake styled cruise liners most common on the world's oceans. Timing the tide correctly on the East River we rocketed through Hell's Gate at 11 knots (!) and were spat out onto Long Island Sound in the early afternoon. Crystal Blues arrived in Port Washington, NY, this afternoon and will spend the next six weeks cruising on Long Island Sound.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1l-_9kkVa6HGSjbLhDUafSjdqtOP07IswhLCLlD0JLLzWz6VB7oIx0GXiuh8UU7meRE04VE77LwN6fIV6XAHxV9bI0lQyI7s1hQszboLkYH7jwNkwn-3GZgDWk4hVHDyCvaIgFr7VXA/s1600/Queen+Mary+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1l-_9kkVa6HGSjbLhDUafSjdqtOP07IswhLCLlD0JLLzWz6VB7oIx0GXiuh8UU7meRE04VE77LwN6fIV6XAHxV9bI0lQyI7s1hQszboLkYH7jwNkwn-3GZgDWk4hVHDyCvaIgFr7VXA/s1600/Queen+Mary+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Mary II</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmsTWL1uXVukxS5YbvgTLDnbuqmVWlnlZ_QzjJAoEgjbODuigW2pEyzofei0_2srFLs9XrldI41KpMFYN0pYowc5eS6ZVA7wgw7YcS_9aTPTt0EwYDNvfxgedV3nM-V8BVVS7pKmwqsE/s1600/New+York+Arrival+July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmsTWL1uXVukxS5YbvgTLDnbuqmVWlnlZ_QzjJAoEgjbODuigW2pEyzofei0_2srFLs9XrldI41KpMFYN0pYowc5eS6ZVA7wgw7YcS_9aTPTt0EwYDNvfxgedV3nM-V8BVVS7pKmwqsE/s1600/New+York+Arrival+July.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhattan In A Sunny Mood This Morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Chesapeake Bay, United States37.5213728 -76.10500919999998434.3292498 -81.268583199999981 40.713495800000004 -70.941435199999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-53789193290892582562018-07-19T00:38:00.000+01:002018-07-22T01:00:52.035+01:00Updating Your Anchor Chain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEZZ1BDBqDmgAei0PuDj0UtlJCsh8m4GrliOlsj3P5An9HaNBTUhkSR6KbRpPLAt7r7SE_xFj7Zun-lQdvNi5-ysMFqR5gFX1xDHapciGE_WVB1j_pVlaMiuWC7xzOTqYkBOh_ElD-JQ/s1600/Anchor+Chain+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEZZ1BDBqDmgAei0PuDj0UtlJCsh8m4GrliOlsj3P5An9HaNBTUhkSR6KbRpPLAt7r7SE_xFj7Zun-lQdvNi5-ysMFqR5gFX1xDHapciGE_WVB1j_pVlaMiuWC7xzOTqYkBOh_ElD-JQ/s1600/Anchor+Chain+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Looks fairly grungy doesn't it? This was the state of our anchor chain when we replaced it last month. Yes, <i>we did</i> consider having it re-galvanised, however it appears that many galvanising businesses nowadays don't want to handle chain, and don't have the correct equipment to spin it as it leaves the galvanising bath - the result is usually links welded together by excess zinc. During my search for galvanizing businesses on the US east coast, I
discovered a really useful text, written by someone who worked in the
galvanising industry and who was also a sailor - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/qdjoe5nrmtvnged/ReGalvanising%20Chain.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank"><i>download it here</i></a>.<br />
<br />
<b>A Hard Working Life</b><br />
<br />
Anchor chain works hard, we consider it our most important first line of insurance. Our old chain was purchased new in 2002, 400 feet (yep) of 3/8 inch ISO size chain, heat treated to high tensile standards. Here in the USA they call it G40 ISO chain - the G40 referring to the high tensile nature and the ISO defining the link shape and size. It's actually stronger than standard 1/2 inch chain, but of course it's much lighter and takes up less space in the chain locker than 1/2 inch chain would. Download the USA specifications and <i><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/68pk16xa84hi4xe/NACM%20Welded%20Chain%20Specifications.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">chain manufacturing standards here</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo4HqWFuHWf8angyozawDGcFLHcLrBcA-VrBYll16j5ZI95qikNpmnI0_6uOMrb2kEgP0E6e93uRD_VjfwCqFzSC2CI8X36kPPeMbtR765PbkmmqNVeMh_ymIanD9l2nKAjiwtd9_B6k/s1600/DSC07931c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo4HqWFuHWf8angyozawDGcFLHcLrBcA-VrBYll16j5ZI95qikNpmnI0_6uOMrb2kEgP0E6e93uRD_VjfwCqFzSC2CI8X36kPPeMbtR765PbkmmqNVeMh_ymIanD9l2nKAjiwtd9_B6k/s320/DSC07931c.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zinc Dimples On Many Links</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBod-dG0b0EPiqXCD8w_IRrA7l6X0jeuYDEDH1KiKVIwt8njW4T9puOxhU-lqPqgprM0XOIW0wFlOjE35VSJEY8Y89pNfHyaL99LK2flRzO_GRFsiZaEtuNdL4rWKd56_VOS8eUKV66g/s1600/DSC07933c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBod-dG0b0EPiqXCD8w_IRrA7l6X0jeuYDEDH1KiKVIwt8njW4T9puOxhU-lqPqgprM0XOIW0wFlOjE35VSJEY8Y89pNfHyaL99LK2flRzO_GRFsiZaEtuNdL4rWKd56_VOS8eUKV66g/s320/DSC07933c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinding Off The Zinc Dimples, One At A Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By 2007 it had done <i>a lot of work</i>, and was regalvanised in Sarawak (Northern Borneo), where the hot chain came out of the bath and was thrown around by well intentioned workers to keep the links from sticking together. Then they hang it to cool, and the excess zinc ran down the chain to form large dimples on the end of each link - dimples just big enough to jam in the hawse pipe that lead to our chain locker. Damn.<br />
<br />
So we spent several days grinding off the excess dimples to ensure the chain would run freely through the hawse pipe.<br />
<br />
Then, in Thailand in 2014, we shipped it off to Bangkok to be galvanised again. That time it came back looking great, however the last four years have been tough, with reefy anchorages through Asia and across the Indian Ocean, not to mention fairly tough anchoring in Ascension Island plus all those reefy places in the Caribbean. Then a year on the US coast, the Bahama, Cuba - really, this chain had traveled well and worked hard. Given the lack of galvanising services we decided to invest in new chain.<br />
<br />
In Australia we would buy only chain manufactured by PWB Anchor, while here in the USA we wanted Acco / Peerless chain, manufactured in the USA. Imported Chinese chain is cheaper, but we simply don't trust it. An hour or so on the web revealed a huge variation in price - West Marine wanted $6.39 per foot for the Acco chain, while Defender offered the same product at $3.80 per foot. In the end we purchased from the West Marine outlet in Deltaville, who <i><a href="https://www.westmarine.com/CustomerService/Price-Policy" target="_blank">price matched</a></i> the offer from Defender - a huge discount. The new 400 foot length was delivered to the store within 48 hours in a drum, strapped on a fork lift pallet.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADHR_pW7LVc6arjAhmjyuB6KtLe0UMrtx04h6Wuf95u64LAzrAF4qRac8t7A85yC0E686oeOLM8hyphenhyphenP8c2t8nlE_FD6QTpJE2WCmmP0u1LLRTJpFPrFlKEzizf9eJ7xldCk6sVdQV8HNk/s1600/Anchor+Chaimn+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADHR_pW7LVc6arjAhmjyuB6KtLe0UMrtx04h6Wuf95u64LAzrAF4qRac8t7A85yC0E686oeOLM8hyphenhyphenP8c2t8nlE_FD6QTpJE2WCmmP0u1LLRTJpFPrFlKEzizf9eJ7xldCk6sVdQV8HNk/s1600/Anchor+Chaimn+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New G40 ISO Chain, Ready To Install</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Out With The Old, In With The New</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzs4cXWkpfvXXc5UmZZ-SWH4Uja6oQi3oOEpErl3NsJel8NgRELGMWmmaXiCrrRK5ewt7Ut6Crym4sA5vIcgytWP-7TE95gx3-G0sjLgzDLkXnBLPAT7PihFO_ybliZnA6gCM7q-cOPM/s1600/Anchor+Chain+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzs4cXWkpfvXXc5UmZZ-SWH4Uja6oQi3oOEpErl3NsJel8NgRELGMWmmaXiCrrRK5ewt7Ut6Crym4sA5vIcgytWP-7TE95gx3-G0sjLgzDLkXnBLPAT7PihFO_ybliZnA6gCM7q-cOPM/s320/Anchor+Chain+03.jpg" width="320" /></a>We borrowed a friend's truck to pick up the loaded pallet, which weighed in at around 660 pounds. Back in Reedville we were able to back the truck down to the dock, then slowly unload the chain from the drum by hand and drag it down the dock to the boat.<br />
<br />
Eventually we moved one end over the bow roller and fed it down through the windlass system into the chain locker and tied off the bitter end. From there the windlass did half the work, while Ley fed the new chain over the edge of the dock at the bow of the boat.<br />
<br />
Hot and heavy work, compounded by the need to drag the old chain back along the dock and lift it into another truck the dame day - we'd donated it to the local <a href="http://www.smithpointsearescue.com/default.asp" target="_blank"><i>Smith Point Sea Rescue</i></a> group, who promptly and happily sent a truck to collect it. </div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com2Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.8420743 -76.27577710000002813.561459800000002 -117.58437110000003 62.1226888 -34.967183100000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-53306715800277653182018-07-05T03:31:00.001+01:002018-07-06T04:16:05.372+01:00The Chesapeake Cowboys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqP7e1nVkSLHLmhMIZVgcxdk75CSugnVRQPbfPc1I6ur-H6FjMCGkE1w_s4aOiyekLxsJN13jFAUDy-t3NzdUU06P_oOt56_KjEZyXk_2O2DuD8zLAKShClh8EztDL3v8Wu8PT4kONdQ/s1600/Chesapeake+Cowboys+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqP7e1nVkSLHLmhMIZVgcxdk75CSugnVRQPbfPc1I6ur-H6FjMCGkE1w_s4aOiyekLxsJN13jFAUDy-t3NzdUU06P_oOt56_KjEZyXk_2O2DuD8zLAKShClh8EztDL3v8Wu8PT4kONdQ/s1600/Chesapeake+Cowboys+07.jpg" /></a></div>
We had a <i>lot of fun</i> at this waterman's event - heck, where else but America would local fisherman start a <i>competition</i> to see who can berth a boat the fastest? Yep, you can see it all right here.... high speed boat docking.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Reedville (Virginia) early June, just in time for a fund raising event at the local marina - there were live bands, and for your entry ticket you got all the beer and food you could consume. Profits went to the local volunteer fire and rescue service, but the stars of the show were the <i><a href="http://www.chesapeakecowboysboatdocking.com/" target="_blank">Chesapeake Cowboys</a></i>, local fisherman who compete up and down the bay in weekly events that would seriously challenge the health of any decent marine gearbox.<br />
<br />
These work boats are generally operated from a stand-up console on starboard side, close to the stern. Yes, there are other people on board but they do not touch the controls except in an emergency. Click the arrow below for lots of maritime cowboy fun.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G5o_xmuwupA" width="820"></iframe><br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0115 Pilot House Ln, Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.841615051864736 -76.28782683233822637.835345051864735 -76.297911832338229 37.847885051864736 -76.277741832338222tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-63399997715187961102018-06-18T13:37:00.000+01:002018-07-17T16:43:58.061+01:00Dangerous AIS Targets? New Challenges To Safe Navigation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF9lT_viVUrcxKbaqG-AFJAJ8wZHNcJU-kjKkHMHL06XK5VADFiSR0i6OGZBYsT5dx3vNUNiA7ORvzfZ1z1loncetid6G-7e_ZUAozQkRxX_W1S7U0iCKkjh8sD2ESPAM-zG7Malu8RY/s1600/AIS+Overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF9lT_viVUrcxKbaqG-AFJAJ8wZHNcJU-kjKkHMHL06XK5VADFiSR0i6OGZBYsT5dx3vNUNiA7ORvzfZ1z1loncetid6G-7e_ZUAozQkRxX_W1S7U0iCKkjh8sD2ESPAM-zG7Malu8RY/s1600/AIS+Overview.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Busy Waterway, However The AIS Fish Beacons Give Me Great Fears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Heading north around Cape Hatteras a few weeks back, we found ourselves facing a number of targets along our intended course - only some were more dangerous than others. That green target at top right of the image (36870200) was an American aircraft carrier performing incredibly tight turns and circles - but that wasn't the danger. Neither was the fast moving target to the left of our track (the track in black), which was the <i>Captain Caden</i>, a 21 meter fishing vessel out of Barnegat Bay.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dA-PBin2_5mgq3xQ9f2DnJpOk-wgm8DQwjjkrRJqCIa14daCEM_3nI7ks_2hX3Md9jUBfqS_il_ZdjXa3H3-TtEpDheggW_LqBbybh49NsZXoKAxgFBvjQuq_3lp3_RAYX0kYKLAN0/s1600/AIS+Buoy+Handful+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="443" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6dA-PBin2_5mgq3xQ9f2DnJpOk-wgm8DQwjjkrRJqCIa14daCEM_3nI7ks_2hX3Md9jUBfqS_il_ZdjXa3H3-TtEpDheggW_LqBbybh49NsZXoKAxgFBvjQuq_3lp3_RAYX0kYKLAN0/s320/AIS+Buoy+Handful+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FV Handful & Four Local AIS Beacons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <i>real danger</i> was that tiny cluster of targets on our starboard side - the US flagged fishing vessel <i>Handful</i>, seen here with a cluster of AIS beacons around it (note : this image, and those that follow, is produced by <i>replaying</i> our voyage on our electronic nav system. The target shapes are different when in actual navigation mode). If we zoom in (at right), the picture becomes more clear - one primary AIS target, being the fishing vessel <i>Handful</i> itself, plus a cluster of four AIS fish net beacons floating around her. Fish net beacons, using AIS. Hmm. OK, read my lips. Say after me. <b><i>This is not good....</i></b><br />
<br />
The AIS system was devised and built as a safety system for vessels under management. It <b><i>was not </i></b>built as an identification system for unmanned, unpowered fish net and long line floats that do not ask questions and cannot correct their course. If the technology is used for net tracking, the targets should display with a clearly different icon or graphic on screen. But they do not. They look just like ships on screen.<br />
<br />
The IMO (International Maritime Organisation) has published guidelines for the display of navigation related symbols on screen <i>(<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4cuqp9ywvmrfin2/IMO-SN-Circ243-2014-05-Rev-1.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">read them here</a>)</i> and no fishing target beacons are included. The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation has published a draft paper <i><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/ygew682nfv2453e/UN%20FAO%20Fish%20Gear%20Marking.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">(read it here)</a></i> on marking of fishing gear, which acknowledges the illegal nature of AIS fishing beacons, but doesn't come down against them.<br />
<br />
Thanks to Ben Ellison, author of the excellent <i><a href="https://www.panbo.com/" target="_blank">PANBO marine electronics blog</a></i>, I obtained the following information from a US Coast Guard website :<br />
<br />
<b>"18. <a href="https://draft.blogger.com/null" name="18"></a>Can I use AIS to mark nets, pots, traps, moorings, or as a race mark, etc.</b>? There are no outright prohibitions to use AIS (i.e. AIS AtoN) as a marker (see <a href="https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=typesAIS">Types of AIS</a> and <a href="https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/AIS/IALA_R1016_2017.pdf" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #2483c4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">IALA Recommendation 1016</a> – Mobile Marine Aids to Navigation). However, it is not permissible to do so with <a href="https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=typesAIS">equipment</a>
intended for use on vessels, (i.e. AIS Class A or B devices), for
lifesaving (i.e. AIS SART, MOB AIS, EPIRB AIS), or with devices that are
not FCC certified and licensed. See 47 CFR §§ <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=9a8afdbb04163c9b932dba7507a7ee51&mc=true&r=SECTION&n=se47.1.2_1803" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #2483c4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">2.803</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=9a8afdbb04163c9b932dba7507a7ee51&mc=true&node=se47.1.2_1805&rgn=div8" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #2483c4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">2.805</a>, <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=9a8afdbb04163c9b932dba7507a7ee51&mc=true&n=pt47.1.2&r=PART&ty=HTML">2.301</a>, and <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0291ce07ef8a3d9bde47e18280c6ae32&mc=true&node=pt47.5.80&rgn=div5">80.13</a> regarding licensing, station identity, and the prohibition to sell, market, or use radio devices that are not FCC <a href="https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #2483c4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">authorized</a> (search, Equipment Class: AIS)." It appears then that so long as these devices are FCC approved, they can be used at sea. But are they FCC approved?<br />
<br />
So, what has gone wrong? Firstly, Chinese manufacturers have seized on an opportunity to use AIS electronic packages as fish net beacons, though without any approvals from relevant international AIS scheme managers. Secondly, US fisherman keen to track their nets (at very low cost) have seized on these tools and deployed them, even though they are illegal under US law (my opinion). In fact you can't buy these readily in the USA - you have to order them online through Ali-Baba or one of the foreign web supply chains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uavx9_y43ierTRan3rtFJiKRoE-xP-T15znITfC84wORTPr4re0Tx0lINeOWo-aSP9MJ-2wetul2oFCDRKsZGiM28xuI_DKcEo91LCktr6jv4VoDlJYahfWP7Tbmszys5rYGC0RpWcc/s1600/AIS+Ova+Fishing+Beacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Uavx9_y43ierTRan3rtFJiKRoE-xP-T15znITfC84wORTPr4re0Tx0lINeOWo-aSP9MJ-2wetul2oFCDRKsZGiM28xuI_DKcEo91LCktr6jv4VoDlJYahfWP7Tbmszys5rYGC0RpWcc/s1600/AIS+Ova+Fishing+Beacon.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Above is the Ova fishing buoy beacon, sold out of China on the internet for not much over US$100.00, waterproof to 10 meters, and it comes pre-programmed with it's own MMSI number. Wait a minute - how did that happen? An MMSI number is supposed to be a Maritime Mobile Service Identifier - a number that identifies a <i>vessel</i> and an <i>owner</i> and tracks back to the <i>national registration</i> of the identified vessel.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMETYC6DUx3iYfj2pOqAIaQfAvZyDm-HHmjJTnqHJndAJhkosbkGs0dDVAabWLad-oe-3NmeZo75Z_G4vHdm_sSM63adw-KxUz3QIIb_utokoKBLKAs0fRCr3ZnJjNVOjnzAxXBg7DZks/s1600/AIS+Fish+Buoy+Greeen+Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMETYC6DUx3iYfj2pOqAIaQfAvZyDm-HHmjJTnqHJndAJhkosbkGs0dDVAabWLad-oe-3NmeZo75Z_G4vHdm_sSM63adw-KxUz3QIIb_utokoKBLKAs0fRCr3ZnJjNVOjnzAxXBg7DZks/s1600/AIS+Fish+Buoy+Greeen+Orange.jpg" /></a>Who ever heard of MMSI numbers being issued by the factory that built the product.... geez. They are supposed to be issued by the country of registration!<br />
<br />
Then there are other brands and models - in fact there are so many models that there is an entire market place on the web where you can buy these (illegal) devices. Check out the page at <a href="http://www.vegamebeljepara.com/product-tag/ais-fishing-buoy.html" target="_blank"><i>this address</i></a>. Many are shipped with software on disk plus a cable that allows the user to program the MMSI number - this is completely illegal under US FCC regulations.<br />
<br />
Many fisherman, reading this story, will be wondering what the heck I'm complaining about - OK so it's illegal, but where is the harm? In fact it can be said that the fisherman are doing us a favor by identifying nets and floats that otherwise would be invisible to us at night. However until these beacons can be identified easily on screen as floating beacons (and not ships), then I believe that some dangerous situations are being created. Read on for the story on that ....<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Illegal AIS Fishing Beacons - The Problem</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs3km_wLqxR_KTJe-Wk7DDcoj_ZFt_9c0asr2YF9ho7NVMsxtLm9CYR8qNYchIc6rw0nkslNpUlqsh_l89zIMToKbaVTPhbREkDC0e_BAbdINqJRe2RJy66xq4KwI-Kh3LcrZ1JWyBxE/s1600/AIS+Buoy+No+Name+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs3km_wLqxR_KTJe-Wk7DDcoj_ZFt_9c0asr2YF9ho7NVMsxtLm9CYR8qNYchIc6rw0nkslNpUlqsh_l89zIMToKbaVTPhbREkDC0e_BAbdINqJRe2RJy66xq4KwI-Kh3LcrZ1JWyBxE/s400/AIS+Buoy+No+Name+04.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">941 Prefix Is Illegal Transponder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The image at right shows us approaching a series of the illegal buoys - there are five in evidence here, though in reality their were eight AIS markers attached to the fishing lines. Of course we didn't know they were beacons - we thought it was a fleet of fishing boats ... the system doesn't provide any discrimination on screen.<br />
<br />
Problem is, they are so low to the water that the signals also drop in and out constantly, with no consistancy on the screen of the approaching vessel. It's very confusing. Further, most of these net or line arrangements have an escort vessel that keeps an eye on the harvest - yet in this case the fisherman responsible did not even put a proper AIS transponder on the escort boat.<br />
<br />
Flying up the gulf stream at night, we had numerous intermittent AIS targets that we <i>could not</i> see or correlate on radar, plus <b>one obvious boat target</b> <b>on radar</b> that <i>did not even have an AIS transponder</i>.<br />
<br />
Now, please look at the fast moving target (number 211801000) heading straight into the array of illegal targets. At about 18 knots. We spoke with the officer of the watch on this ship (Northern Monument, a 300 meter container ship) and asked if he knew what these targets were..... his response is truly sobering, and scary. "<b><i>Ï'm not sure what they are, I am so confused</i></b>". He was confused enough to hold course and plow on through the target area- maybe he dragged a few illegal buoys down and destroyed them.<br />
<br />
The issue here is that we <i>really don't want</i> ship captains being so confused that they ignore AIS targets in front of them and just plow on without care. Really, what is the point of a safety system that is no longer safe?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4riQ1kDNesoTki2SGqJsbg5FcEP9R-vcS6w8IswC2QQbcEeKKOBREzFQW6k2P00soIWcUI5eAdGpwDMH-NJ8FIwQpPYJkkDjoh8HoReHm1Quwdwq4KoYgcnKvN5ajdSwd_rinqrd3qQ/s1600/AIS+Buoy+FV+Sea+Angel+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4riQ1kDNesoTki2SGqJsbg5FcEP9R-vcS6w8IswC2QQbcEeKKOBREzFQW6k2P00soIWcUI5eAdGpwDMH-NJ8FIwQpPYJkkDjoh8HoReHm1Quwdwq4KoYgcnKvN5ajdSwd_rinqrd3qQ/s1600/AIS+Buoy+FV+Sea+Angel+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Targets Appearing Dead Ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Illegal AIS Fishing Beacons - Observed Behavior</b><br />
<br />
These little beacons have up to 5 watts of power, so in theory they should be reliably visible for some distance. But that is not the case - because they exist very close to the water level, they tend to drop in and out on our viewing screens, sometimes there, sometimes not. The closer we get to them, the more difficult they are to receive.<br />
<br />
This isn't a problem for the fisherman - they already know the general area they are searching, however it is a problem for other navigators. They can pop up at the last possible minute, right in front of you - and when you look ahead in daytime nothing is there, and when you look on radar nothing is there. Suddenly the whole AIS system reliability is thrown into question. On screen, they look like a fleet of ships, when you can see them.<br />
<br />
In the image at right the fishing boat <i>Sea Angel</i> is attending the nets, however that target right in front of our bow has just popped up. We really didn't have time to avoid it, and it went past on port side about 10 meters away. <br />
<br />
Professional fishing friends tell me that these transponders were not actually attached to nets - rather it was Mahi Mahi season on the coast, and the transponders were on baited long lines attracting the big Mahi fish.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KDQruL0eJ3mS3obuYMtxeFtBm7tmG_Mbx6QyMX6q0dpMNWUOxbjWQ4cB8RIlqcIT9Fr1N9VxMMxZzNjHIDXEosABSaet0r_mQIsKmZbwSP-ZEA7xM_BR4W68gsiX4PISMUYBwk3Qu7M/s1600/AIS+Sea+Buoy+02+White+Water+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KDQruL0eJ3mS3obuYMtxeFtBm7tmG_Mbx6QyMX6q0dpMNWUOxbjWQ4cB8RIlqcIT9Fr1N9VxMMxZzNjHIDXEosABSaet0r_mQIsKmZbwSP-ZEA7xM_BR4W68gsiX4PISMUYBwk3Qu7M/s320/AIS+Sea+Buoy+02+White+Water+2.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Ships On Port, Two Illegal Targets Ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At this point I need to re-state the obvious :<br />
<br />
- The AIS system was built to enhance safety for ships at sea<br />
- In the USA, all AIS devices must be programmed and identified by the dealer or installing technician - End users must not be able to program the MMSI number.<br />
- AIS beacons are now manufactured for other applications, such as personal man overboard emergencies.<br />
- However there are no industry standards (that I'm aware of) that support AIS technology being used for tracking nets or long lines.<br />
<br />
It is unfortunate that these illegal beacons are being purchased by fisherman and deployed in shipping lanes. The result is that ships officers may now be less inclined to alter course when they see an AIS target in front of them. It's a massive step backward in safety for all mariners, because the illegal beacons display on screen using the same icon / graphic as a normal boat. Many of the beacons we observed were programmed with the name of the escort vessel - so they displayed a ship name and graphic. Very confusing and likely to cause an accident at some point.<br />
<br />
After forwarding this information to the US Coast Guard we received a very
prompt response from them, as follows : "given their use of an
illegitimate MMSI number(s) and other erroneous data in their broadcast
it is most likely that they are one of the illicit devices also shown on
your webpage. We are well aware of the proliferation of these devices,
notwithstanding our and the FCC best efforts to shutdown outlets that
have tried to sell here in the U.S. Next month we are poised to publish
a Public Notice which will hopefully get the word out to their users,
and heed them to cease and desist. Note, these and other Autonomous
Maritime Radio Devices (AMRD) are a worldwide issue being addressed at
the International Maritime Organization and International
Telecommunications Union (see attached). Hopefully, in the not too
distant future we will have a better paradigm for their legitimate use,
beyond what is already permitted under the AIS Aids to Navigation
station approval." So it appears the USCG is on the case, and things
may improve in the future.<br />
<br />
Last night I had dinner with a US east coast professional fisherman, a
friend, who also believes these beacons should not be in use. He's on
his way to La Jolla (CA) this weekend for a board meeting of the Seafood
Harvesters group, and will raise this issue with them. That group
includes representatives of all the commercial fishing operations around
the USA. Not sure what will come of that, but it's another pressure point to get things moving.<br />
<br />
This whole situation can be rectified if the AIS system governing bodies will agree on a unique display icon / graphic for fishing beacons - that way we could sort out the big dangerous targets from the smaller (less dangerous) targets. Right now its a confusing and dangerous mess.</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com8Cape Hatteras35.2459723822169 -75.55952073111211635.1421898822169 -75.720882231112114 35.3497548822169 -75.398159231112118tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-84645432215228641942018-06-16T02:45:00.001+01:002018-06-16T02:46:22.915+01:00Ocean Cruising Club - Potomac River History Cruise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPAS372mnEEsbv5sHTfRn41taKawde5p4GyCpwAbTBcl-B0koAcJvxzvkcIfYWSooc7M2SEUvAFrvwy1-BQn2ZQ0xOdv926Ruk8UxagRrgwXrZ4_4Lnln5zwgwgbwdUXYqULYGrIiTC0/s1600/OCC+Rally+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPAS372mnEEsbv5sHTfRn41taKawde5p4GyCpwAbTBcl-B0koAcJvxzvkcIfYWSooc7M2SEUvAFrvwy1-BQn2ZQ0xOdv926Ruk8UxagRrgwXrZ4_4Lnln5zwgwgbwdUXYqULYGrIiTC0/s1600/OCC+Rally+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OCC Dinghy Drift At Leonardtown (Image Courtesy Tong Gibb)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last Saturday the <a href="https://oceancruisingclub.org/" target="_blank"><i>Ocean Cruising Club</i></a> started a six day mini-cruise of the lower Potomac River, from here in Reedville, Virginia. We joined the group of 25 boats for those few days, visiting St Mary's (the original capital of Maryland) and also Leonardtown. Both cities have a long history dating to before the revolutionary war - in fact Leonardtown was burned by British Marines during that war.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday night the boat crews met upstream for a sunset dinghy drift - combining the boats together in a massive raft and then drifting downstream as the cocktails and nibbles were passed from boat to boat. Lots of fun that continued for several hours. Thursday was Flag Day here in the USA, so we dressed ship to join in the celebrations. This morning we cruised back down the Potomac River to Reedville once again, where Crystal Blues will rest until the end of the month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNf_O7H7Ll7Z94o5g4_-sgOLbufLluwQSlc18uBlItdSVI6HpGAGIpGKlIkq1-z0kGkSw3_KuCJjovVLVZyRAYVObaQYTjPyTocyxb6IUra4MtW2sleXKE0MtgAXxFY4be6Gwp7iCQHc/s1600/OCC+Rally+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNf_O7H7Ll7Z94o5g4_-sgOLbufLluwQSlc18uBlItdSVI6HpGAGIpGKlIkq1-z0kGkSw3_KuCJjovVLVZyRAYVObaQYTjPyTocyxb6IUra4MtW2sleXKE0MtgAXxFY4be6Gwp7iCQHc/s1600/OCC+Rally+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Blues Dressed Up</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com022625 Gregory Dr, Leonardtown, MD 20650, USA38.287382926909473 -76.62934104340382638.237530426909473 -76.710022043403825 38.337235426909473 -76.548660043403828tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-88705602929922004542018-06-11T19:55:00.002+01:002018-06-11T19:55:46.868+01:00Return To Reedville<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIehdtz00bF29QVDaCrlgcATgRcKW5nGeKSV4bK5hY1ecNWcNIVxtONbsAy-ZEnE5C8kWZvsxqTwQVPIFDD9Eql3lxPb1UGekktRrT3DSCZAR9TKgWR5hxYAjhUbKo0qvX8EXL71Hv30/s1600/Reedville+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIehdtz00bF29QVDaCrlgcATgRcKW5nGeKSV4bK5hY1ecNWcNIVxtONbsAy-ZEnE5C8kWZvsxqTwQVPIFDD9Eql3lxPb1UGekktRrT3DSCZAR9TKgWR5hxYAjhUbKo0qvX8EXL71Hv30/s1600/Reedville+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crystal Blues</i> Shares The Dock, With The Beautiful Grand Banks Trawler <i>Slow Dancing,</i> Plus Dingies From The Visiting OCC Fleet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Virginia's "northern neck", Reedville is a small village with a proud commercial fishing history. Right now it has aged gracefully to become a popular retirement and vacation area, set among rural farmlands, surrounded by a myriad creeks and bays.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN4FYeUo4_qc6yyu-petPypFRRorMOKXUpd4tCeBhWCIM9Jepgm-rU-gywplXxX8fHAprAhe3FWOrBaxOG_hTSFv-pVKhWZtoJIdYUjdEL4EAa6DTQ6qRt-3idsJtjw0U4nF3wEVvMyQ/s1600/Reedville+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN4FYeUo4_qc6yyu-petPypFRRorMOKXUpd4tCeBhWCIM9Jepgm-rU-gywplXxX8fHAprAhe3FWOrBaxOG_hTSFv-pVKhWZtoJIdYUjdEL4EAa6DTQ6qRt-3idsJtjw0U4nF3wEVvMyQ/s400/Reedville+02.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reedville Peninsular</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Its a beautiful environment, still with a large population of working watermen, engaged in oystering, crabbing and net fishing. A fleet of large trawlers still work the Menhaden schools at the bottom of Chesapeake Bay and in the nearby Atlantic ocean. The Menhaden fish has been called "<a href="http://www.southernfriedscience.com/six-reasons-why-menhaden-are-the-greatest-fish-we-ever-fished/" target="_blank">the most important fish in the sea"</a>. By tonnage, Reedville is still the second largest fishing port in the USA.<br />
<br />
The Menhaden fishery once gave Reedville a fabulous wealth - it had the highest per capita income in the United States. Millionaires row in Main Street Reedville is evidence of this - scores of magnificent homes line the single street that forms the spine of this tiny peninsular.<br />
<br />
Our friends Walter Keith and Mary Frazer have welcomed us back to their home and dock. There is a busy social calendar this time of the year, and in between music and social events we're trying to work on maintenance and repairs, but that is proving difficult.<br />
<br />
On June 9th the Ocean Cruising Club started a Potomac River History Cruise from here, so we suddenly found the anchorage filled with 25 visiting OCC boats. Then cruising friends Bill & Jean Crew arrived on Pelican Express, with four legged crew mate Bella. Local friends are also calling to welcome us, several arriving by boat.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEotJiNTRtslq3k50NCneDBv4C8tp_Tmt43BxEcBguL7A8C4lOgqGIa0glskAoX9wZl52S1sBN90Q1uOuiIswZtMMq-7fjTQ4wu__HE0xXBUVlRhXn0-s9V8JXiZaIRY0rdPfRkwRMAvo/s1600/Reedville+Ted+%2526+Lynne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEotJiNTRtslq3k50NCneDBv4C8tp_Tmt43BxEcBguL7A8C4lOgqGIa0glskAoX9wZl52S1sBN90Q1uOuiIswZtMMq-7fjTQ4wu__HE0xXBUVlRhXn0-s9V8JXiZaIRY0rdPfRkwRMAvo/s1600/Reedville+Ted+%2526+Lynne.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted & Lynne Hower Bring Pepper To Visit. The Boat Is A Chesapeake Deadrise Skiff, Built By George Butler In Reedville.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yesterday was a big day for the OCC rally group - they came for cocktails here at Walter & Mary's home, then we all crossed the street for the first musical concert of the year at the Reedville Fisherman's Museum. Bluegrass and country rock kept our feet tapping until predicted thunderstorms shut down the evening.<br />
<br />
Between the rain storms the social schedule has been frantic and the maintenance schedule continues to take a beating. Tomorrow we're off to cruise the lower Potomac River for three days with the OCC.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhq1-LMHe9pSeX6QpY-szTGn6U9lo0VIBtwmxL4iZgJlTLhw9SlTXLO_M9sXWfUFHm_iMKJnG2y5N9R-MxqfY1baicbvNI7dAGRTjuuG0Y7TwghWaDCXRAy-fMDIskC7gqHIZvnshY50/s1600/Reedville+OCC+Drinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhq1-LMHe9pSeX6QpY-szTGn6U9lo0VIBtwmxL4iZgJlTLhw9SlTXLO_M9sXWfUFHm_iMKJnG2y5N9R-MxqfY1baicbvNI7dAGRTjuuG0Y7TwghWaDCXRAy-fMDIskC7gqHIZvnshY50/s1600/Reedville+OCC+Drinks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OCC Cruising Sailors Celebrate On The Porch At Walter & Mary's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1xUA1s1FYzhjVA_PelOYDFzrI0Nb-zrYXJQoS5isignBA1unZ9I7vln19wfAlYaaXOE3JYYkqwFiTGvAbbDHDwyVciJsYMD6HRQpgBvUBUXixEAdfPtriYQIsl5zvHOHwijVOGmFHrE/s1600/Reedville+Arrival+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1xUA1s1FYzhjVA_PelOYDFzrI0Nb-zrYXJQoS5isignBA1unZ9I7vln19wfAlYaaXOE3JYYkqwFiTGvAbbDHDwyVciJsYMD6HRQpgBvUBUXixEAdfPtriYQIsl5zvHOHwijVOGmFHrE/s1600/Reedville+Arrival+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Reedville Welcoming Committee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuUwyXu7TqruA6Xp0BHDPehXrGrLkvI27crtFfGTyzDNUXTnqW2ylpNol6zB23PO-_sDoQLtJisg8W42p4WHQaqQOM4ByAcFeG6eLb0NNGQ_xhZ9U4fbclTsMRFhMusrY37_pM8HRZOk/s1600/Reedville+Dock+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuUwyXu7TqruA6Xp0BHDPehXrGrLkvI27crtFfGTyzDNUXTnqW2ylpNol6zB23PO-_sDoQLtJisg8W42p4WHQaqQOM4ByAcFeG6eLb0NNGQ_xhZ9U4fbclTsMRFhMusrY37_pM8HRZOk/s1600/Reedville+Dock+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On The Dock In Reedville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Reedville, VA 22539, USA37.8420743 -76.27577710000002821.2422303 -117.58437110000003 54.4419183 -34.967183100000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-44792829215274100912018-06-02T18:20:00.000+01:002018-06-02T18:20:38.295+01:00Back In The USA , Its Springtime Cruising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eUR1CXsMlwUl6_bPBYmZ36X213BMrMabBvIeh4se6ZS9PibBJtLGrMhPe8SiAMeFr60OHitpYcApyQEXtTiY25m3v_lUeuL_1je6J5MpQDoInhEnmOYJOLVcjPAz2O1rLI6hsrhrm84/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eUR1CXsMlwUl6_bPBYmZ36X213BMrMabBvIeh4se6ZS9PibBJtLGrMhPe8SiAMeFr60OHitpYcApyQEXtTiY25m3v_lUeuL_1je6J5MpQDoInhEnmOYJOLVcjPAz2O1rLI6hsrhrm84/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival At Sunset, Chesapeake Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
778 nautical miles later, we arrive in Norfolk, Virginia, after a very quick (3.5 days) transit from Great Sail Cay in the Bahamas. For the sailors reading this, that is an average of 9.26 knots. Of course we had 3 to 4 knots of lift from the Gulf Stream current for some of the passage, but we were pleased with our sailing speeds never the less. Cleaning the hull underwater, before we departed, also helped quite a lot. The passage was completed with about 80% of the distance under sail, so not too much motoring. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhgqsAtW5Qp82TYHUlLg-mF4MWcs6ApR5L252fDZemJ8pgx_varfaoBoVhGCRcl8KO3yDQ7vmNvcFw-P4vLknD7smyZA3RSyaM5qPCUwF2On6uUx3d7oLnw4vbuDsOkYllCj64pfGFKA/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhgqsAtW5Qp82TYHUlLg-mF4MWcs6ApR5L252fDZemJ8pgx_varfaoBoVhGCRcl8KO3yDQ7vmNvcFw-P4vLknD7smyZA3RSyaM5qPCUwF2On6uUx3d7oLnw4vbuDsOkYllCj64pfGFKA/s400/Norfolk+Arrival+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching The Sea Buoy Off The Chesapeake Bay Entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The warm weather had followed us north, so we sailed into harbor in shorts and not much else. After anchoring overnight we moved into a commercial marina berth the next morning, to allow for the necessary inspection by Customs & Border Protection<br />
<br />
The clearance process here was simple and friendly, unlike the fairly shabby treatment we had received in Charleston the previous year. Next day we visited the Customs offices to obtain our 12 month Cruising Permit, and with that last piece of paper in place we could relax - we'd officially arrived.<br />
<br />
In our approach, our first time here, we passed the enormous US Navy ship yard complex that stretches out along both sides of the river - a spectacular statement about US military expenditure - there were more ships here in just one river than in the entire Royal Australian Navy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn9ZPlnFwK9k8XACLb9dvMd3SykmfOLYAHhYDXYXYt_PMKec3-3-sobFScdUe6bMBzcaI5pAk0BMv-6uTibnTgQFGBQwf_7Bz6CHvq65h5u6Fv5YDiH__UuXh3TAvW1Ktwk0YHAz7yHc/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn9ZPlnFwK9k8XACLb9dvMd3SykmfOLYAHhYDXYXYt_PMKec3-3-sobFScdUe6bMBzcaI5pAk0BMv-6uTibnTgQFGBQwf_7Bz6CHvq65h5u6Fv5YDiH__UuXh3TAvW1Ktwk0YHAz7yHc/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+03.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtBaoCI7XIxoP0TupdU7S2wBXLP8OebsCLzOLxaIe6h35d3x3Z0VRdvxajfmDqmTsSk1-0SXQvrtHCPPX8czZ2UeS108nSMbn4SUip38VS-D5BCWk2i5VIfszSXzYBObOa2Xgn0MvVuQ/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtBaoCI7XIxoP0TupdU7S2wBXLP8OebsCLzOLxaIe6h35d3x3Z0VRdvxajfmDqmTsSk1-0SXQvrtHCPPX8czZ2UeS108nSMbn4SUip38VS-D5BCWk2i5VIfszSXzYBObOa2Xgn0MvVuQ/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+04.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4xX2SONRkTR376PM1_mektHlrRO9lGk9WD93v9XCeXIv7O7kPXrU5pRvKGKZ9QcXVJRvHUAf7Y0PYp6mRbvMv117LI2JV6XMLajdJA49jNRAinxct9b-iuXfVvhbmBHGfMDUoKWSr8/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLO4xX2SONRkTR376PM1_mektHlrRO9lGk9WD93v9XCeXIv7O7kPXrU5pRvKGKZ9QcXVJRvHUAf7Y0PYp6mRbvMv117LI2JV6XMLajdJA49jNRAinxct9b-iuXfVvhbmBHGfMDUoKWSr8/s1600/Norfolk+Arrival+05.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Norfolk, VA, USA36.8507689 -76.285872636.647684399999996 -76.6085961 37.0538534 -75.96314910000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-34794920570007130352018-06-02T05:51:00.001+01:002018-06-02T06:07:34.679+01:00Rockets R Us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi4L_gJ9pcuBPRsWCi3SjoSe4MChj129EYLwiAi9QOSyPEyff5l0YjcjPQM2jVOsJTsEKb4aR3pNuImQ1XrLuz-hjq3mUViXLGly_d00B12B_GGNbRQo29Hy0D3BW_c1VHQDfWuW0mpU/s1600/Rocket+Impact+Area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTi4L_gJ9pcuBPRsWCi3SjoSe4MChj129EYLwiAi9QOSyPEyff5l0YjcjPQM2jVOsJTsEKb4aR3pNuImQ1XrLuz-hjq3mUViXLGly_d00B12B_GGNbRQo29Hy0D3BW_c1VHQDfWuW0mpU/s1600/Rocket+Impact+Area.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so the 10.0 knot speed at the top of the screen possibly caught the eye of the boating folk, but that's what happens in the Gulf Stream heading north. However anyone familiar with my dim dark past will smile at the small print on the navigation screen, just ahead of us in this image .... <b><i>rocket impact area</i></b>? Yes, we are south east of Cape Canaveral, where Ley and I watched the <a href="http://svcrystalblues.blogspot.com/2017/12/cruising-space-coast.html" target="_blank">Space-X launch late last year</a>, and where I watched the last moon shot (Apollo 17) take off back in 1972. Memories can surface on the midnight watch.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
My last <i>personal</i> rocket launch program can be seen below. That was 2005, just before we departed Australia. And yes that's me on the ground, connecting igniters on the engines. Never grow up is what I say. And go out with a bang.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tteThtJEWvGogIJprG2srkGQgmgaGo2H55O9uFsUr39CQQ1e0Tqb3uqSWh1OhNn8qO1lCsm7glGxPJj_JBoS51U_7gLJ3Z0FBYM8Bgvgt7lsfNEj-hFNbcATHlFumjQah0mg2J5n7dw/s1600/Rockets+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tteThtJEWvGogIJprG2srkGQgmgaGo2H55O9uFsUr39CQQ1e0Tqb3uqSWh1OhNn8qO1lCsm7glGxPJj_JBoS51U_7gLJ3Z0FBYM8Bgvgt7lsfNEj-hFNbcATHlFumjQah0mg2J5n7dw/s1600/Rockets+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA28.4740089 -80.577173728.2507534 -80.8998972 28.6972644 -80.254450200000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-12833770138619052262018-05-29T14:39:00.000+01:002018-05-29T14:39:21.258+01:00Old Havana - Music Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sorting through our collection of images and video from Cuba, we had to share this - a very tiny bar, a small band, an awful lot of energy! These young guys put new energy into an old Cuban classic, the beautiful El Cuarto De Tula. This clip is just the final two minutes of a seven minute epic. Early May 2018, at El Pachanka Bar in Old Havana. Gotta go back there.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="488" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YNw-q2FyKic" width="800"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Old Havana, Havana, Cuba23.1343601 -82.353326623.0759506 -82.4340076 23.1927696 -82.2726456tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-19212747987612252252018-05-19T15:42:00.001+01:002018-05-19T15:42:53.402+01:00Heading North, The Bahamas To Chesapeake Bay, USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8X8aYLPbA1FFOycbSuS35qTHIvTeSkNroeSWDwzVRwpcPaUBP5AUlApqINS8-7GIHsOAKadsAxw63ZtQl4iHKrYVWBsgfLWoi-CZ7Q-IQ6xp4d2MU6fEzAtz6ivkWDHfvJpaGwZ_1ys/s1600/Bahamas+Sailing+In+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8X8aYLPbA1FFOycbSuS35qTHIvTeSkNroeSWDwzVRwpcPaUBP5AUlApqINS8-7GIHsOAKadsAxw63ZtQl4iHKrYVWBsgfLWoi-CZ7Q-IQ6xp4d2MU6fEzAtz6ivkWDHfvJpaGwZ_1ys/s1600/Bahamas+Sailing+In+May.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth Sailing In The Bahamas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Crystal Blues will depart from Great Sail Cay, in the Abacos, Bahamas, early tomorrow morning. Right now we're sailing WNW across the top of Little Abaco Island, in brisk (25 knot) south easterly winds. Its a sleigh ride, smooth and quick with just a tiny staysail set and we're over 6.0 knots of boat speed.<br />
<br />
The passage to the Chesapeake should take just over 4 days, subject to winds and the ever present Gulf Stream current. We'll clear in to the USA in Norfolk, and then head up to Reedville in Virginia for a break.</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com2Great Abaco, The Bahamas26.3555029 -77.14851629999998324.5349629 -79.730303299999989 28.176042900000002 -74.566729299999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-90177866207538764102018-05-19T15:30:00.001+01:002018-05-19T15:30:36.662+01:00Havana Cruising - The Automotive Dreams Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4he3S1cQmR9gODYEDxW0AeA0zx1dNiPslO8ijiBLMzOAuphugEnKUnWc_H9v1cyIv1KMXl5X4Tm3CxQa7RiB36mAAQVW_rgOtyEvYI4MbtsnPQZBVFMf0lSEKevrTzJK7twoi3wlL1qQ/s1600/Havana+Cars01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4he3S1cQmR9gODYEDxW0AeA0zx1dNiPslO8ijiBLMzOAuphugEnKUnWc_H9v1cyIv1KMXl5X4Tm3CxQa7RiB36mAAQVW_rgOtyEvYI4MbtsnPQZBVFMf0lSEKevrTzJK7twoi3wlL1qQ/s1600/Havana+Cars01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Rides, Central Havana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After almost two months in Cuba, the sight of these 1950's juggernauts still makes me smile.<br />
<br />
While Havana has thousands of beautifully restored tourist taxi's, the city also has many more un-restored versions, doing just what they were built for, more than 60 years ago.<br />
<br />
A fair number of them have been skillfully re-worked under the hood, and improved to boot. An aussie friend in Havana runs a private tour operation using a beautiful 1956 Chevrolet - only it has a Toyota diesel engine, Toyota 5 speed gear box and 4 wheel disk brakes. Its also air conditioned, a rare luxury. On top its a '56 Chevy - underneath its a Toyota SUV. The only 5 speed column shift I've ever seen!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PKmrfPKqjFtvXCFR6w5SyeoAkwdJrjX3vvW4Y9VOLYfp6rGr76t0iaUMvioTiuL_7mAJP3c4HhhYQ-CzeszVDWsuIUm0dPF0e-u7-f7R-biH20g9NGBQ3m4oYJgghE3qvlJ1tS6GoTY/s1600/Havana+Cars+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PKmrfPKqjFtvXCFR6w5SyeoAkwdJrjX3vvW4Y9VOLYfp6rGr76t0iaUMvioTiuL_7mAJP3c4HhhYQ-CzeszVDWsuIUm0dPF0e-u7-f7R-biH20g9NGBQ3m4oYJgghE3qvlJ1tS6GoTY/s1600/Havana+Cars+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning, Glowing, Local Transport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Don't get too excited - dreaming of buying one of these and bringing it home? The Cuban government has banned the export of these classics. They'll stay in Cuba forever. <b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>If you're interested in these machines click the link below for more images.</i></b><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7fzsaMGa9tYttp2tPmbP-nvpXGLHEmde0J8FZMXGdRTPZtC9msABFmiuX46Ho_qAotX5QI6zWvYYQvqJUZnIFTrF9A_FaNlUtKesFbF3JsMHTslb5tL7E_Hx_OZ_Kj_Zy8QpOsTRFgo/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7fzsaMGa9tYttp2tPmbP-nvpXGLHEmde0J8FZMXGdRTPZtC9msABFmiuX46Ho_qAotX5QI6zWvYYQvqJUZnIFTrF9A_FaNlUtKesFbF3JsMHTslb5tL7E_Hx_OZ_Kj_Zy8QpOsTRFgo/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+05.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6DQalwPTR4wh7QLmgw0UGxm9PRjPKABzmSryMudWvHPoJRFPl1qZUSF99_iQdVv8KcQhFsVA4PxXiitQb0jRBKng5KK3mi2PzWXBvaxJhWxQBicQPdC9yWqh4BGXVMXb4vcrv9Ugl-k/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6DQalwPTR4wh7QLmgw0UGxm9PRjPKABzmSryMudWvHPoJRFPl1qZUSF99_iQdVv8KcQhFsVA4PxXiitQb0jRBKng5KK3mi2PzWXBvaxJhWxQBicQPdC9yWqh4BGXVMXb4vcrv9Ugl-k/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+09.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye Candy For Andrew & The Captain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9Xm2IxO7ryRZlxixVRMWblV_PnzjmWHKu0bBmkYpCMC9d0zhSdwt7kA70FmSXaY5zgPdAUc4WuFA3UJMkjsWUWwKTXTkLHtJHL7NnyZJNgLTbYM7ExaiQRNg6NIUD43hyphenhyphenMtguj6K0pk/s1600/Manzanilla+Red+Car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9Xm2IxO7ryRZlxixVRMWblV_PnzjmWHKu0bBmkYpCMC9d0zhSdwt7kA70FmSXaY5zgPdAUc4WuFA3UJMkjsWUWwKTXTkLHtJHL7NnyZJNgLTbYM7ExaiQRNg6NIUD43hyphenhyphenMtguj6K0pk/s1600/Manzanilla+Red+Car.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Morning Ride, Manzanillo, South Coast Of Cuba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZsHUBYr_KAPxXFCp1tqEGf5qTnacvXDuOeJKpGIj6Md3ZQWxe42YibrA36qPLYw2w6IbcTT4CtrIB5LzFPn8kCw8san91gkUI-drqnl9Vr8OEwsFkxz2Sn89pn6gIG8JhZdmbiOSBdo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZsHUBYr_KAPxXFCp1tqEGf5qTnacvXDuOeJKpGIj6Md3ZQWxe42YibrA36qPLYw2w6IbcTT4CtrIB5LzFPn8kCw8san91gkUI-drqnl9Vr8OEwsFkxz2Sn89pn6gIG8JhZdmbiOSBdo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Santiago de Cuba, Outside The Chess Club (yes, Chess Folks..)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V9HuB-bgwpKN9vqCNPETV4b2PtXKhH4f_k2oUF6aDFBy8zevE2M0kUHyWZfmVJaoo_fPYDKwj9TsZxK6DTVzsMnkFaKo1B6TteqFtrZPbnX_55cF9B2LqGbTn4NXxwyDKuWcmBJGFNQ/s1600/Cuba+Cars+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V9HuB-bgwpKN9vqCNPETV4b2PtXKhH4f_k2oUF6aDFBy8zevE2M0kUHyWZfmVJaoo_fPYDKwj9TsZxK6DTVzsMnkFaKo1B6TteqFtrZPbnX_55cF9B2LqGbTn4NXxwyDKuWcmBJGFNQ/s1600/Cuba+Cars+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santiago de Cuba, The Only Willys Sedan In Cuba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohydZ3roZ-Rdl_XEIrbW4e3tbwWTwcnPXveCLkc-IOamuVgoyYU63mWIo4y23YNdp9A0UmR9WxSO5YmD4yzMoc0LXYjpFsIODzo32J3n87SmM4wpn_uHPPBV0w4SYo0j0saWeplpWglY/s1600/Cuba+Cars+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohydZ3roZ-Rdl_XEIrbW4e3tbwWTwcnPXveCLkc-IOamuVgoyYU63mWIo4y23YNdp9A0UmR9WxSO5YmD4yzMoc0LXYjpFsIODzo32J3n87SmM4wpn_uHPPBV0w4SYo0j0saWeplpWglY/s1600/Cuba+Cars+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything Is Original Under The Hood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjAQYUa7ujhH-Q5sbUyqc85Bba5ZFpCfNPPquIGU3Lo658OHzZNp-WHGbSGeC_lme_XQObfB7LcEwu8NTlxO0zt8_kAo-_8PGgfGVL1Gyaf1XSEiXwYtEv78_BjSWx2ftfHbu8V3pqRo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjAQYUa7ujhH-Q5sbUyqc85Bba5ZFpCfNPPquIGU3Lo658OHzZNp-WHGbSGeC_lme_XQObfB7LcEwu8NTlxO0zt8_kAo-_8PGgfGVL1Gyaf1XSEiXwYtEv78_BjSWx2ftfHbu8V3pqRo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So The Spray Job Is Orange Peely - It's The Self Tapping Screw I Object To!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn4fuYWXIsAco_Uli3icoorC4IQlch6IqAt9kRKMPmosWExruAiuscuUyUArV3MsWUTdZk7c3VMOLUNv1iLpPYIzMP_uvwuLCvwN59FVWRuXxxnv7gFXIBfquLtHhu4VZDaQfstFVayE/s1600/Cuba+Cars+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXn4fuYWXIsAco_Uli3icoorC4IQlch6IqAt9kRKMPmosWExruAiuscuUyUArV3MsWUTdZk7c3VMOLUNv1iLpPYIzMP_uvwuLCvwN59FVWRuXxxnv7gFXIBfquLtHhu4VZDaQfstFVayE/s1600/Cuba+Cars+04.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delivery Service, Santiago de Cuba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7yWgDI-_r7FHdiEJIsRGtcCFpukEchr-VZCzKlIdhuSBXJGNpYQ_a1QMReVe5GbrljYvTAKD5rKFd9nGRPVQw1ditwGvopMx-r79kj1QR6gpphEBwuqJW6T96spLo7dZyIo4E78FF2Q/s1600/Cuba+Cars+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7yWgDI-_r7FHdiEJIsRGtcCFpukEchr-VZCzKlIdhuSBXJGNpYQ_a1QMReVe5GbrljYvTAKD5rKFd9nGRPVQw1ditwGvopMx-r79kj1QR6gpphEBwuqJW6T96spLo7dZyIo4E78FF2Q/s1600/Cuba+Cars+05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Usa Particular ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbjAWyXxyE4DLcmsPXw7HWAuCqCXEp8ff0qssIxhRmtCETXcUwf_B6VQaPzD-pDt1taUeQKawH5L4iSrJgMhq2ncgVr0cuEgjNsBDUJJ3SeQawVWlnekQk4VLcT5HTtj3GBqGlv0ayCg/s1600/Cuba+Cars+07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbjAWyXxyE4DLcmsPXw7HWAuCqCXEp8ff0qssIxhRmtCETXcUwf_B6VQaPzD-pDt1taUeQKawH5L4iSrJgMhq2ncgVr0cuEgjNsBDUJJ3SeQawVWlnekQk4VLcT5HTtj3GBqGlv0ayCg/s1600/Cuba+Cars+07.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Ride, Santiago de Cuba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QIzKbV3uQC7ON0cDCEC4XrUJYGi1QcdP1L2E5NoFzpSgimcTQ0hMU3uRk9VJ9O24lf_WCi2ShOeeWaFsYpk3AU4ZWxWggICFfcb_A5AWCSdn89ff-68j1wbzE02pwrdeM1dFRibwUno/s1600/Cuba+Cars+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QIzKbV3uQC7ON0cDCEC4XrUJYGi1QcdP1L2E5NoFzpSgimcTQ0hMU3uRk9VJ9O24lf_WCi2ShOeeWaFsYpk3AU4ZWxWggICFfcb_A5AWCSdn89ff-68j1wbzE02pwrdeM1dFRibwUno/s1600/Cuba+Cars+11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Rides, Cienfuegos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINAcuhyoTJ9XDMnBGHGOVRSac-NoPI23WisRLKBXk9dqXyq5KYppesW6XFcSWhosSO7bi2XgqMegXnxlMDZirMrxap7P1k5fzQoPWQHWA5rxmB4WMFLgzvD8N7sRlNVzKDCPiRlJtbVw/s1600/Cuba+Cars+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINAcuhyoTJ9XDMnBGHGOVRSac-NoPI23WisRLKBXk9dqXyq5KYppesW6XFcSWhosSO7bi2XgqMegXnxlMDZirMrxap7P1k5fzQoPWQHWA5rxmB4WMFLgzvD8N7sRlNVzKDCPiRlJtbVw/s1600/Cuba+Cars+09.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cienfuegos, Bus Service</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBruC6yTIaMWpKO9DriuEdmZZHuq7u8dl9AtgynCeYRM0e5bMFbCeFD6RfBbeJ5D6e1RfUmyPHI8qF0xQ_ZpirjLzDpjauowtA74S07BNLfmedpxpBm8D1QFzuYI6jq5W2ZIozUi2fWQ/s1600/Cuba+Cars+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBruC6yTIaMWpKO9DriuEdmZZHuq7u8dl9AtgynCeYRM0e5bMFbCeFD6RfBbeJ5D6e1RfUmyPHI8qF0xQ_ZpirjLzDpjauowtA74S07BNLfmedpxpBm8D1QFzuYI6jq5W2ZIozUi2fWQ/s1600/Cuba+Cars+13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Taxi Rank, Near Cienfuegos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5oaOs4EJTzI3ZV3OOwGyS1Pydt6ifPEDl1rj4ufS-Kze-cteuhvwUPzT5SJT58r5ZOQJznmSpL_U2Q2j_QxRePA2-J4htuwX__c91y9HnlK_SolHDpSEfVCRUnSvpzLXurCVkLiw6Jo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5oaOs4EJTzI3ZV3OOwGyS1Pydt6ifPEDl1rj4ufS-Kze-cteuhvwUPzT5SJT58r5ZOQJznmSpL_U2Q2j_QxRePA2-J4htuwX__c91y9HnlK_SolHDpSEfVCRUnSvpzLXurCVkLiw6Jo/s1600/Cuba+Cars+14.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxis Near Cienfuegos - Someone Help Me - Are These Two Cars Russian ?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi4ev_b8sKVTyIz-kIkM-aIc2IzOFVlaFvlgN4Gb0GQVwdndkELPtqp9wmUsr_9IWEHLGpOBZ7yqS6TtOr9eCEm9s1lJmagKUZy4RA1N9jKizYrf-QuogHC9sRjTOFgLoxWLDgJKcjUc/s1600/Cuba+Cars+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi4ev_b8sKVTyIz-kIkM-aIc2IzOFVlaFvlgN4Gb0GQVwdndkELPtqp9wmUsr_9IWEHLGpOBZ7yqS6TtOr9eCEm9s1lJmagKUZy4RA1N9jKizYrf-QuogHC9sRjTOFgLoxWLDgJKcjUc/s1600/Cuba+Cars+12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreamy Chevrolet In Cienfuegos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Havana, Cuba23.1135925 -82.36659559999998222.646048 -83.012042599999987 23.581137 -81.721148599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-80847621054604875692018-05-18T03:16:00.001+01:002018-05-18T03:16:45.259+01:00Havana Cruising - The Community Arts / Gaudi Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNcmM8T1iTSPUdPJmnT0HTYm0zraUrtM089tHW_EcmRqu26Ghyphenhyphen5BFBhTqwDMr5XtCPO4vvak1w3zY3XaZEquEOE2WtAg5uPG8hW7JGHb4kWfIdVUzdPK4XzY6hVeAF-R0uTBxRMfz6eM/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNcmM8T1iTSPUdPJmnT0HTYm0zraUrtM089tHW_EcmRqu26Ghyphenhyphen5BFBhTqwDMr5XtCPO4vvak1w3zY3XaZEquEOE2WtAg5uPG8hW7JGHb4kWfIdVUzdPK4XzY6hVeAF-R0uTBxRMfz6eM/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+03.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Cuban artist Jose Fuster decided to decorate his neighborhood with tiled art - now the world comes to see his creation. He worked with his neighbours and the local community to extend the concept to the streets around his home.<br />
<br />
Now referred to as Fusterlandia, the district is heavily decorated, from the bus stops to the roof tops. Predictably, Fuster's own home is the most impressive of all, but still it pays to sit back and soak up the district.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2NuFWCzGItJJnXyyXgQMbHp8abKhhgBnx3aXUlJfx15CkbS5cVj7QnemzBMUX4v80M6Nry0V6c4waVHQvXZK60xVm8_oVmb0O9x7DdW8JjgZHR1iRhLN3aPBFJuFTxEtyK9mXLGiRTM/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2NuFWCzGItJJnXyyXgQMbHp8abKhhgBnx3aXUlJfx15CkbS5cVj7QnemzBMUX4v80M6Nry0V6c4waVHQvXZK60xVm8_oVmb0O9x7DdW8JjgZHR1iRhLN3aPBFJuFTxEtyK9mXLGiRTM/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+04.jpg" /></a></div>
The art is intensive and quite pleasing, and the locals are of course happy that their decorated homes attract the tourists. At times the streets are crammed with 1950's tourist taxis - every one seems to be wearing panama hats and smoking big cigars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQuWJ3_qdtZVhRxMKrf1PHuF0Wrw4KmAshAzWBEIiQIghzbR88pvs2QgG2MtyxfWTBC2h7uTDoT-I2SO6twmUKvpWvEsIkotp7Sq17lG4Eqv2VvsRnuw6QteyES5wDcneJ7PqbgnT4Yw/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQuWJ3_qdtZVhRxMKrf1PHuF0Wrw4KmAshAzWBEIiQIghzbR88pvs2QgG2MtyxfWTBC2h7uTDoT-I2SO6twmUKvpWvEsIkotp7Sq17lG4Eqv2VvsRnuw6QteyES5wDcneJ7PqbgnT4Yw/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+08.jpg" /></a></div>
However it really is spectacular, and if you come to Havana you simply must see it. Check out the Admiral on horse back - I never thought I'd see the day!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S_dv6Ks8rmwxzsQagtSorI0Xs5t8oIWDqKH9xpcRL2u6agAZh-MUTEncDe_-M___60EUhH29vWarakGYNrN1FCzmb349OD63fICQSRfqQwBDZGIkDENHGHYXe3eqCE4N3gvfAe1uRMk/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2S_dv6Ks8rmwxzsQagtSorI0Xs5t8oIWDqKH9xpcRL2u6agAZh-MUTEncDe_-M___60EUhH29vWarakGYNrN1FCzmb349OD63fICQSRfqQwBDZGIkDENHGHYXe3eqCE4N3gvfAe1uRMk/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Admiral On Horseback</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
What style this art emulates is now hard to say - Gaudi is in there, but others say Picasso and Dali are also represented.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh3QI2_qtMN8tgaiMdQ-NlzQRKwts2-FCUkoECCJ29LhNXBOSpxitbBs5xoJQb6LI-8Av1oQZdanCvuaybRmqEckCjYVvvzstetvhSaKhPaHk6H1QrON0xjSRfUcpW3YxQQsVyvsyh9U/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh3QI2_qtMN8tgaiMdQ-NlzQRKwts2-FCUkoECCJ29LhNXBOSpxitbBs5xoJQb6LI-8Av1oQZdanCvuaybRmqEckCjYVvvzstetvhSaKhPaHk6H1QrON0xjSRfUcpW3YxQQsVyvsyh9U/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even The Bus Stops Are Decorated - With Andrew & Caroline From SV Askari</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kK-3osLsiCmqPnL0DmBNoOl2qyTy4XKq9gq6dYh3aMFZOCP3kZHV82Cq2DXU00hZdsS3Nh4ERXly-FChyMuecHC0gf5wTIWXrIcCFhZz12aFuwnT7dd2Q5w_uX0DI3PQFwj_LdZYWn0/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kK-3osLsiCmqPnL0DmBNoOl2qyTy4XKq9gq6dYh3aMFZOCP3kZHV82Cq2DXU00hZdsS3Nh4ERXly-FChyMuecHC0gf5wTIWXrIcCFhZz12aFuwnT7dd2Q5w_uX0DI3PQFwj_LdZYWn0/s1600/Havana+Gaudi+Area+06.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist Cruiser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On these streets it is a competition between the flash cars and the flash houses - which is the most artistic? I'll take the car....</div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Havana, Cuba23.1135925 -82.36659559999998222.646048 -83.012042599999987 23.581137 -81.721148599999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-10739075370617856362018-05-17T00:46:00.002+01:002018-05-17T00:46:52.880+01:00Havana Cruising - The Magical Arts & Music Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFpj7_jmKPygtEulnXc9qHjTydmxE79Ki0VL9qhdVtyC41FlqjzCRNgFJ2uIHc8l1K7kQnvcr7Ja28kUk-3-JJ5urn1HIsEG6siEhcOmv9bnyZ9vjkfoabAuHyFPPL7CJPc96r4IYgkA/s1600/Havana+Leonardo+Band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFpj7_jmKPygtEulnXc9qHjTydmxE79Ki0VL9qhdVtyC41FlqjzCRNgFJ2uIHc8l1K7kQnvcr7Ja28kUk-3-JJ5urn1HIsEG6siEhcOmv9bnyZ9vjkfoabAuHyFPPL7CJPc96r4IYgkA/s1600/Havana+Leonardo+Band.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music For The Street, So Much Energy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Havana absolutely rocks with music of all types - every second restaurant has a resident band for the lunchtime crowds, and usually <i>another</i> band for the evening session. So many musicians, so much energy, its hard to relax. I just wanted to hear all of it, to drink it all in, but it simply isn't possible.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4P6Oh0nLPWkMPicUGUlQB5g8yrU0zprK9oXhyoYH60Sm8Krj8jXjL8V0a7p466iA4GBwi6Ml64by6T_QFR7p7wH-PvQRGU3PqaBu0fzVgSamg6sYBT3V7-vcqw30k6Yc5I0prSgCXBI/s1600/Havana+Rooftop+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4P6Oh0nLPWkMPicUGUlQB5g8yrU0zprK9oXhyoYH60Sm8Krj8jXjL8V0a7p466iA4GBwi6Ml64by6T_QFR7p7wH-PvQRGU3PqaBu0fzVgSamg6sYBT3V7-vcqw30k6Yc5I0prSgCXBI/s1600/Havana+Rooftop+Bar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late Night, Roof Top Bar, Hotel Inglaterra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In any afternoon you can hear five or six bands at as many venues, all playing to the street and the crowd inside. The guys in the first image above occupied almost half the floor space in the bar - in another bar the band occupied the entire space, and the patrons sat on stools outside on the sidewalk. The younger bands are mixing newer sounds into the traditional Cuban mix, adding saxophones and much younger interpretations of the Cuban classics. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYj9JEukFbD-ZaG9iXsIzEUPxKE3uL-9YBUYx8GeT30i558_l04z0fmMAr_vmIVmlB64_OHuYxIpQeOjXwSyd_bF74Y33mFXIKzaHEMU-ewfUxTDwxQQrW_prQuQB1ZBYHbFTeTl1LyQ/s1600/Havana+Balet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYj9JEukFbD-ZaG9iXsIzEUPxKE3uL-9YBUYx8GeT30i558_l04z0fmMAr_vmIVmlB64_OHuYxIpQeOjXwSyd_bF74Y33mFXIKzaHEMU-ewfUxTDwxQQrW_prQuQB1ZBYHbFTeTl1LyQ/s1600/Havana+Balet.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana Ballet Center</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course it is not all Latin rhythms - visitors can take in the Ballet, there are symphonic concerts, Jazz of all kinds. So many talented performers in one small nation, its hard to comprehend. I understand the government pays selected musicians a monthly stipend (yeah, probably only around US$20.00) and then schedules them to play where required - government owned restaurants, community festivities etc. However many musicians are also part of the new economy, playing in bars and restaurants where they gather tips in the breaks plus (the big earner) selling CD's of their own music direct to the crowd. Those CD's are a kind of variable - sometimes you get what you heard, other times the music on the disk is <i>completely different</i>. No way to tell, but its worth buying the memories, and great to support the talent in a direct way.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBT86kMopAhPehQ6i5yka97KHSWbvxQK6gkPgfTnvi-sGfI8AbFVXtzULSKXrCgNUUPv0_7-hupF7PAf0W8cAaxXIuatZYdmVL1Swbm3Ss91W-wrAsnDVok3PA99Te56hvWpBCECDsoI/s1600/Havana+Lobby+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBT86kMopAhPehQ6i5yka97KHSWbvxQK6gkPgfTnvi-sGfI8AbFVXtzULSKXrCgNUUPv0_7-hupF7PAf0W8cAaxXIuatZYdmVL1Swbm3Ss91W-wrAsnDVok3PA99Te56hvWpBCECDsoI/s320/Havana+Lobby+Art.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheet Copper Artworks - Hotel Lobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Arts</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLR_ypMvCZopu47rrbjDfIpAt9p8JukedV1dXp7B8SbwE3ABfI4yuM28As_29Qq2qLHB6H_QQywGYl5VWipQAVJmeMFZimfS4jLKDCISCZf09L2i5lhbI6S8uig8rGgN08QUALEg2Hgk/s1600/Havana+Wall+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLR_ypMvCZopu47rrbjDfIpAt9p8JukedV1dXp7B8SbwE3ABfI4yuM28As_29Qq2qLHB6H_QQywGYl5VWipQAVJmeMFZimfS4jLKDCISCZf09L2i5lhbI6S8uig8rGgN08QUALEg2Hgk/s200/Havana+Wall+Art.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophisticated Graffiti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other art forms flourish here - from sculpture to lino cut printing, oil painting, even street art is an accepted genre.<br />
<br />
Galleries and artist collectives are everywhere, creative processes are underway around every corner. Usually with an eye to the dollar, though not in a blatant way - these are educated people, subtle and proud.<br />
<br />
It could be argued that even the traffic barriers in Havana Old Town are artistic - here they stop cars with canons. Old canons, hundreds of them, artistically buried / planted in the narrow streets to place limits on vehicle traffic, returning the streets to the people and creating a beautiful traffic free ambience in much of the Old Town.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuzuDpfCryG7WdA8Zy4tCi14Am49QtSH-F68Nn74BF_-XLzyU-f3xhDWiRAX6GeXwEaTMf-f_QwFzZ4iRms7atUVI_qgUUWJUzV-7etDzdFeht4JxcLZWJu0kgtqGZu3UE_IDWb5I1Oo/s1600/Havana+Canons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuzuDpfCryG7WdA8Zy4tCi14Am49QtSH-F68Nn74BF_-XLzyU-f3xhDWiRAX6GeXwEaTMf-f_QwFzZ4iRms7atUVI_qgUUWJUzV-7etDzdFeht4JxcLZWJu0kgtqGZu3UE_IDWb5I1Oo/s1600/Havana+Canons.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds Of Canons, Stopping Cars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Which leads us to that most complex of artistic disciplines - architecture. Havana can boast a good collection of Soviet inspired brutalist concrete structures from the 1960's, and then there is the <i><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/ugliest-buildings-in-the-world/russian-embassy-havana/" target="_blank">Russian Embassy in Havana</a></i>, which has to be seen to be believed (what were they thinking?).<br />
<br />
However it's the older architecture that is so compelling, with fine restoration work proceeding apace on almost every block. In the heart of town the old Capitol Building is beautifully restored, along with a collection of significant buildings, including the oldest hotel, the Hotel Inglaterra (do not miss the rooftop bar at night).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKV2iS6RQuGV5wSSYivLipI-HDuKtloOLIOMZBsrJ58xx-h9QA5sLTaEQ55U5-2K-0D5Hpk-IFKE8Ibe9SpTxbygSxtB9AHP7ldFbEF37ZigvLip00OgZfjc852ZgxmSip5jPkjvCuwA/s1600/Havana+Ballet+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKV2iS6RQuGV5wSSYivLipI-HDuKtloOLIOMZBsrJ58xx-h9QA5sLTaEQ55U5-2K-0D5Hpk-IFKE8Ibe9SpTxbygSxtB9AHP7ldFbEF37ZigvLip00OgZfjc852ZgxmSip5jPkjvCuwA/s1600/Havana+Ballet+Night.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Havana Ballet Parapets At Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4n4R86kdW9ZxtbtutarK89clczZctDrwAnudEjQ6naGGpci6CacOjuQ1_qcLHNOVAqJJ4qRYRD62Gh5LqBcg3BOgcN2UbolT1j2sdpB0Im09GJvO89e5EV1UlpDv6kTwGDQErgRR9hw/s1600/Havana+Ballet+Night+Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4n4R86kdW9ZxtbtutarK89clczZctDrwAnudEjQ6naGGpci6CacOjuQ1_qcLHNOVAqJJ4qRYRD62Gh5LqBcg3BOgcN2UbolT1j2sdpB0Im09GJvO89e5EV1UlpDv6kTwGDQErgRR9hw/s1600/Havana+Ballet+Night+Full.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take That Paris - The Havana Ballet - Art On the Inside And Outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRXe1_QtBFum0pmDqi4GBO-inKkVRyKcyaV9IXlRug4MPupo5O-Iu7Fwzf5sMDJCKvqhPLR8ce0AMjRRIJiuF-F_pCFvzl9rwOPL3aWab1XqXbh33oUMQmRRZWMUv_lKeYcNkc9Mvc_4/s1600/Havana+Portrait+Neil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRXe1_QtBFum0pmDqi4GBO-inKkVRyKcyaV9IXlRug4MPupo5O-Iu7Fwzf5sMDJCKvqhPLR8ce0AMjRRIJiuF-F_pCFvzl9rwOPL3aWab1XqXbh33oUMQmRRZWMUv_lKeYcNkc9Mvc_4/s320/Havana+Portrait+Neil.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Bad, Eh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now to something more mundane, but far more personal.<br />
<br />
At lunch in the Old Town, a young woman sat across the street and produced a sketch of me, then presented it at our table. This was not something we'd requested - she was an opportunist. Some minutes later she returned, and I asked how much she wanted - the answer was enlightening. "How much do you think it's worth? Give what you think, or give nothing, it's yours" she said. So of course I over paid. Go figure.<br />
<br />
So capitalism is alive and well, and the people have a certain charm that allows them to prosper when they spot an opportunity, and Cuban art is a big opportunity.<br />
<br />
In the past few years the internet has become widely available, and far less expensive, and the younger generation are right into it. This will rapidly impact their expectations, influence the art and change the country for sure - go see it before it changes too much if you can.<br />
<br />
Finally, I believe that the Cuban people have raised <b><i>vehicle maintenance</i></b> to an art form - the massive number of 1950's vehicles (and older) that are still running is a tribute to their talent.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Need to see more? For more images of Havana arts and music, click the link below. </i></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMfMTCSb1tUAG6Qi3VjC-aRhPyhyHCe__9zrzJi5xT6NsF1e2rv5-GeCHLBe3BDdfm-xwV7-yeJX0f2kdO6ULGBxkAbu05f-yf4GrguZtAgs5ubMNbSUxLb4a7w8_1wiDNpGBfnndtcc/s1600/Havana+Cars02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMfMTCSb1tUAG6Qi3VjC-aRhPyhyHCe__9zrzJi5xT6NsF1e2rv5-GeCHLBe3BDdfm-xwV7-yeJX0f2kdO6ULGBxkAbu05f-yf4GrguZtAgs5ubMNbSUxLb4a7w8_1wiDNpGBfnndtcc/s1600/Havana+Cars02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Way Cool</i> Transportation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygskEVgN3InmdMabKxHpfWNh2DfmWWjkn9QoGQqBiUUxc3p0AtU8mJ8YShepKRy1jW59aHJwqjXBpX8dfA90FqBBNfnMwY0_ewv0DcVeQ-ntZL4ZraaQRkMsT5CStDBfskqQbVq1Jec/s1600/Havana+Music+Discussion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPygskEVgN3InmdMabKxHpfWNh2DfmWWjkn9QoGQqBiUUxc3p0AtU8mJ8YShepKRy1jW59aHJwqjXBpX8dfA90FqBBNfnMwY0_ewv0DcVeQ-ntZL4ZraaQRkMsT5CStDBfskqQbVq1Jec/s1600/Havana+Music+Discussion.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing Rhythm With The Percussionist - Later I Donated A Set Of Drum Sticks For Him - Equal To A Weeks Wages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKnXfEm-aKQI3LIzURPi0IZo2RVSezxu1boIS5WyPU5yQH5azxJI2Ik5yQZxeF281TWfG75jSTMHboNwgHOi9aLd4hqzZ76pSxWzAl99_W1V8tzB-mG7tzWxH4Tc9ZMYcamn4JtcGXXM/s1600/Havana+La+Mina+Dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKnXfEm-aKQI3LIzURPi0IZo2RVSezxu1boIS5WyPU5yQH5azxJI2Ik5yQZxeF281TWfG75jSTMHboNwgHOi9aLd4hqzZ76pSxWzAl99_W1V8tzB-mG7tzWxH4Tc9ZMYcamn4JtcGXXM/s1600/Havana+La+Mina+Dancing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing At Lunch Time - The Cuban way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cUsB3KSLoM8NqJgd2rwyFDetCS_OOct-MQkasDvLJzA0HOTniuqWQSIgxI70d-ouXAWpiCYojiboHlonNv3mIyEb1X6hIKMbAt2dZ0RAbk_e7QR8LrAyWgYHl3Dj1gkuHPeafSKqrb0/s1600/Havana+Cafe+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cUsB3KSLoM8NqJgd2rwyFDetCS_OOct-MQkasDvLJzA0HOTniuqWQSIgxI70d-ouXAWpiCYojiboHlonNv3mIyEb1X6hIKMbAt2dZ0RAbk_e7QR8LrAyWgYHl3Dj1gkuHPeafSKqrb0/s1600/Havana+Cafe+Paris.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid Afternoon, Cafe Paris, Having Fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQue0wQDxywcOWViilab0t7CPo1UmKexoNrsUYKMqXeLs8IM5el4l1RwOzKV_K0DWuNd-jYUWSUjkuAX3bodUZ4LzolymhbryXn3iR51OJscqzs7PY2XXRXnAiygGEUImuL4V_zlh_s8/s1600/Havana+dancing+With+Locals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQue0wQDxywcOWViilab0t7CPo1UmKexoNrsUYKMqXeLs8IM5el4l1RwOzKV_K0DWuNd-jYUWSUjkuAX3bodUZ4LzolymhbryXn3iR51OJscqzs7PY2XXRXnAiygGEUImuL4V_zlh_s8/s1600/Havana+dancing+With+Locals.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late Night Dancing With The Locals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWoBpL1kBQaspilpMJ4fJDMtXhdhRNmetEQJpRALF-TKCIu_gzLlDFV-fXzDivTPbIgqXglUoxKWlUVorQGL-NPH0gnRJzTaYFSlNOLDRzR82agQrtT_908eiGiVG8fjypPnLoQyIjHA/s1600/Havana+Playing+Thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisWoBpL1kBQaspilpMJ4fJDMtXhdhRNmetEQJpRALF-TKCIu_gzLlDFV-fXzDivTPbIgqXglUoxKWlUVorQGL-NPH0gnRJzTaYFSlNOLDRzR82agQrtT_908eiGiVG8fjypPnLoQyIjHA/s1600/Havana+Playing+Thanks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sure I Can Play, Trust Me" - It All Worked Out Fine, I'd Been Practicing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Old Havana, Havana, Cuba23.1343601 -82.353326623.0759506 -82.4340076 23.1927696 -82.2726456tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-27698475209890283212018-05-16T19:13:00.000+01:002018-05-16T19:13:54.432+01:00Havana Cruising - The Mojito Coast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnKNWmq9CB2ZvOMXJHkSQamfiBehRhEsZ2dBrvb8eMaz8xwZ-NMTaHF96kViaeGZgLvQU-K5VoqEXBmwglfqGiVN6WLs8AFiNj1Y0dyktTAl1A_HgmJQzWaZXGthDNgODPi8EaSPPCt4/s1600/Havana+Mojito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnKNWmq9CB2ZvOMXJHkSQamfiBehRhEsZ2dBrvb8eMaz8xwZ-NMTaHF96kViaeGZgLvQU-K5VoqEXBmwglfqGiVN6WLs8AFiNj1Y0dyktTAl1A_HgmJQzWaZXGthDNgODPi8EaSPPCt4/s1600/Havana+Mojito.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line Ém Up - Mass Mojito Mixing Every Few Minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After the quiet dignity and charm of the Cuban south coast and cities, arriving in Havana is a shock to the system - specially the liver. This is a party town, where the bars mix Mojitos in bulk and rum is cheaper than mixers, so each glass carries a delicious kick.<br />
<br />
We arrived in Havana at Hemingway Marina on April 27, and wisely resisted hitting the Old Town for a few days - rest and repairs took precedence initially. Of course getting to the city isn't simple - with the marina about 15 miles out of town, a fairly battered 1950s Chevy will cost 25 bucks each way. So after an initial day visit we decided to book a room in the Old Town and stay for a couple of days next time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6_FiclcYfkuncdJfFX5toLETQx229ibObKM6E5fzqWcgj6Mlnk2aHXD7W-xuhQbS9cSNlO2omHSL7N82OpMBUo_A_JfHYWEXDq1Ko2175khdGeBpmstZWveejLDJhDuPrG4LPJjFJ_Q/s1600/Havana+Cars+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6_FiclcYfkuncdJfFX5toLETQx229ibObKM6E5fzqWcgj6Mlnk2aHXD7W-xuhQbS9cSNlO2omHSL7N82OpMBUo_A_JfHYWEXDq1Ko2175khdGeBpmstZWveejLDJhDuPrG4LPJjFJ_Q/s1600/Havana+Cars+05.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950's Chevy Taxi, This One Still Had The Original Engine & Transmission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And so the fun began - Havana Old Town is a world class destination, with thousands of historic buildings, many now restored, and a lively culture that welcomes tourists. A non-profit foundation has managed the gradual restoration of the Old Town with great sensitivity. Its a huge area to manage, but the planning policies have given it a living breathing heart, ensuring that the local population are not displaced and that schools and community facilities are included in the development mix. So yes there are tourists (thousands of them) but there is also nearly half a million locals in the old city, so the visitor gets a "warts and all" education in pretty quick time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnu3ORsB9entaFawvh9aA_y0qTBRn85f7N2TywaUupsYMnE7ibQKgImw6rmZFTLN4QDzHG0L9Mu5Gfl3_hR9-icz4ciXtseQ7p5vgkvrHXBaukXOpNIHSY3ZQEy9-YqQJZixndmMUSF0/s1600/Havana+Vieja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnu3ORsB9entaFawvh9aA_y0qTBRn85f7N2TywaUupsYMnE7ibQKgImw6rmZFTLN4QDzHG0L9Mu5Gfl3_hR9-icz4ciXtseQ7p5vgkvrHXBaukXOpNIHSY3ZQEy9-YqQJZixndmMUSF0/s1600/Havana+Vieja.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Vieja - Restaurants, Bars, Boutiques, Hotels, Home Stays & A Primary School - Life Must Go On</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course mixing the <i>haves</i> and <i>have-nots</i> occasionally creates predictable social challenges, however the Cuban people are not without pride and dignity, and they handle even the ugliest tourist behaviour with great patience. The financial differences between the citizens and the visitors are enormous - a school teacher in Cuba might earn US$40.00 <i>per month</i>, a doctor say US$80.00 <i>per month</i>. Many tourists spend that on drinks in a single day. But the real imbalance occurs when restaurant waiters earn, <i>in a single day</i> (and just in tips), the equivalent of a teachers monthly salary. How does that work? Yes, social change is coming, and its driven by tourism, which in turn is driven by the culture, music and history of the place.<br />
<br />
Opposite our guesthouse, just minutes from the beautiful Plaza Vieja shown above, was a small store selling tourist nick nacks, cold drinks and local crafts. We spoke with the two sales staff, who on that day was a pleasant husband and wife team with excellent English skills - they were both University Professors, and she had a Doctorate in Mathematics, yet in one day selling stuff to tourists they earned more than their monthly government stipend. Something has to give.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjWMJ6ToNEAdWg69eINNunPa4MiyhDMUP5PkD-Vp83axFX8hs2mjRbUrP-nZRY71Sha9APEvZaShNgTa9jijd4yXalKv-GTuaaAYKMlvGQ5-3CdqS4ml1s1wX32AzUl3ZEUwjcmISa2U/s1600/Havana+Street+Scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjWMJ6ToNEAdWg69eINNunPa4MiyhDMUP5PkD-Vp83axFX8hs2mjRbUrP-nZRY71Sha9APEvZaShNgTa9jijd4yXalKv-GTuaaAYKMlvGQ5-3CdqS4ml1s1wX32AzUl3ZEUwjcmISa2U/s1600/Havana+Street+Scene.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Transport In The Old Town</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Despite the rampant inequalities between the base level Cuban worker and the growing middle class, people are happy. They all have a decent education, they all have access to above average health care. Basic food stuffs and consumables are price controlled by the government so that every one can eat - just not in the new restaurants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95gAsF0RlumRo5OdnmykUyboHJ9gCX9LTmQKul6ZXnTFyY1seTYsGq2HdqbX7MymU1TNtOe6y7bdI5GBW2DFE_xarVtZnHOlsWkzdGkkFeTkw2GsyEYLPOyw-bxfW1n7cnULNovpWza8/s1600/Havana+Old+Pano+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95gAsF0RlumRo5OdnmykUyboHJ9gCX9LTmQKul6ZXnTFyY1seTYsGq2HdqbX7MymU1TNtOe6y7bdI5GBW2DFE_xarVtZnHOlsWkzdGkkFeTkw2GsyEYLPOyw-bxfW1n7cnULNovpWza8/s1600/Havana+Old+Pano+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Havana is not to be missed - staggeringly beautiful buildings and plazas, amazing culture, food and drink that was frankly much better than expected and a musical culture that is without par. <b>And it is the Mojito capital of the world.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Want to see more? Click the link below for more images of Old Havana.</i><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T1tAk2lcbg2cKGl8AEbgOzBl_AlyX9KwpKLCu2R8YsOGCz0HOh2xrpoY1Eb61pJ-dD0ecm3aVVSYpIlP5_TdJzJGAbCb3fXB8ZZrdhH3ohhjhLIQRJLdG-kxdOPG9cvlxac9BI4rqBA/s1600/Havana+Street+Scene+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T1tAk2lcbg2cKGl8AEbgOzBl_AlyX9KwpKLCu2R8YsOGCz0HOh2xrpoY1Eb61pJ-dD0ecm3aVVSYpIlP5_TdJzJGAbCb3fXB8ZZrdhH3ohhjhLIQRJLdG-kxdOPG9cvlxac9BI4rqBA/s1600/Havana+Street+Scene+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana Old Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVhxfYry78bn7PJR1ykvdOFHwD6UfLUN3iO_HLnjNGpS9gGPowAlqi9wtiFzPmLr_nsPSKa9GO0Oh5JRI1ypxN_hda4dWt-u-QQbBcLvIjcayD7eIIcv8ZsLwDdX6rdgsBA4fp_oWhvs/s1600/Havana+School+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVhxfYry78bn7PJR1ykvdOFHwD6UfLUN3iO_HLnjNGpS9gGPowAlqi9wtiFzPmLr_nsPSKa9GO0Oh5JRI1ypxN_hda4dWt-u-QQbBcLvIjcayD7eIIcv8ZsLwDdX6rdgsBA4fp_oWhvs/s1600/Havana+School+Room.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schools & kids Everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2YTB_uZCDpX88iTNAi2ldPH4w0B92YPibYoInkE3D9Fxl_46BTfdbGXwlByMhKXt_4LkpKnBmgh4gR7b-GTDraUt6lT0llVt75lo_zKDMKlJzuxPm89D_DIFD9ddDqUfKKXK7d84bkQ/s1600/Havana+Canine+ID.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2YTB_uZCDpX88iTNAi2ldPH4w0B92YPibYoInkE3D9Fxl_46BTfdbGXwlByMhKXt_4LkpKnBmgh4gR7b-GTDraUt6lT0llVt75lo_zKDMKlJzuxPm89D_DIFD9ddDqUfKKXK7d84bkQ/s1600/Havana+Canine+ID.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, That Is A Dog Registration Tag - Complete With Photo ID</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U_Vme733LH0GmuyZTxNIwXuEqzh0ErNHpB3RMZCovjS81vfUSahJVeXBdXfO0uxmYacTFjgTwaDd7evAZHTZJ3S6BxIp5AhsEwLy3R_j_Y7e5A_2Owvq52lGmKmEINOHwp3hDpw5bsw/s1600/Havana+Doorway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U_Vme733LH0GmuyZTxNIwXuEqzh0ErNHpB3RMZCovjS81vfUSahJVeXBdXfO0uxmYacTFjgTwaDd7evAZHTZJ3S6BxIp5AhsEwLy3R_j_Y7e5A_2Owvq52lGmKmEINOHwp3hDpw5bsw/s1600/Havana+Doorway.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Spanish Doors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUU2fRkDPAFNBbpghyphenhyphenuEYDwCzl2qgGeJuIBZTkF2ymnthA4I1ymtpq-L6nmhNw8KZ0HiBQHV88dPOkoca8GVz-9egoTU1CZqOKvK_T0tO1FyF7J51AdGShWdD69fHuAPr4o0AWRvyV5k/s1600/Havana+Public+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUU2fRkDPAFNBbpghyphenhyphenuEYDwCzl2qgGeJuIBZTkF2ymnthA4I1ymtpq-L6nmhNw8KZ0HiBQHV88dPOkoca8GVz-9egoTU1CZqOKvK_T0tO1FyF7J51AdGShWdD69fHuAPr4o0AWRvyV5k/s1600/Havana+Public+Art.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Art In Every District</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj1qYPOL7eBKdvRUGXQ0r9a_lV7NQdvNFBi6Ju0eVl1TNeQOzjZxaMdKzN8ZwIoVWtK0aD0kv9RY4cUiwXT8M8jhqk8zCROgGbNJoFJVILsxk47Vm2wWYLBan-683I1IbNfKEyvBy_Lk/s1600/Havana+Street+Music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj1qYPOL7eBKdvRUGXQ0r9a_lV7NQdvNFBi6Ju0eVl1TNeQOzjZxaMdKzN8ZwIoVWtK0aD0kv9RY4cUiwXT8M8jhqk8zCROgGbNJoFJVILsxk47Vm2wWYLBan-683I1IbNfKEyvBy_Lk/s1600/Havana+Street+Music.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music On Every Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcCVpBZvFzQalJkdV3lnVGAGLl5aVCZ4oKQRGnuU4dFg5_UzekZN0tN3eAjFgMYGlUp08xPZftz-uVGMT86iOw9TsZwVlT0qccV8xtdNWm2Y-Qcu6BoAHB1U7rFrXwIobiIdvx18aBS4/s1600/Havana+Fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcCVpBZvFzQalJkdV3lnVGAGLl5aVCZ4oKQRGnuU4dFg5_UzekZN0tN3eAjFgMYGlUp08xPZftz-uVGMT86iOw9TsZwVlT0qccV8xtdNWm2Y-Qcu6BoAHB1U7rFrXwIobiIdvx18aBS4/s1600/Havana+Fans.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Crafts - Hand Painted Fans - Yes We Bought One</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7nou-gXCsXEpSUv9XEF1X_-Vx7srW1XsXFM_xxnqAv-B72ZEYg54Pz7Fi_SivV-1l4FUDWZehv0BswbD0KZJ4H7N8AzUhxWHpFzxlVjz7Hzp6ngmGH3wmk2QoESV2juyohn8jJOv38A/s1600/Havana+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7nou-gXCsXEpSUv9XEF1X_-Vx7srW1XsXFM_xxnqAv-B72ZEYg54Pz7Fi_SivV-1l4FUDWZehv0BswbD0KZJ4H7N8AzUhxWHpFzxlVjz7Hzp6ngmGH3wmk2QoESV2juyohn8jJOv38A/s1600/Havana+Gardens.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public Plazas Are Everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com0Old Havana, Havana, Cuba23.1343601 -82.353326623.0759506 -82.4340076 23.1927696 -82.2726456tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4778505478099828368.post-36925216693545815682018-05-15T21:26:00.000+01:002018-05-15T21:26:11.913+01:00Cuban Cruising - Sunsets & Thunderstorms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxpUSrUkNDCXcEoV7YjjhR1zWF8XtFGXV-eumGj2geXn5PcwOwwQdunU5C8rIYGy9IPozFToRWhU_VpqIQkTwr-AmhmNp30eGMCOS9tt27t6HPnoOtH-RHE_gKNQfDBxhRo_SAEcpdB0/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxpUSrUkNDCXcEoV7YjjhR1zWF8XtFGXV-eumGj2geXn5PcwOwwQdunU5C8rIYGy9IPozFToRWhU_VpqIQkTwr-AmhmNp30eGMCOS9tt27t6HPnoOtH-RHE_gKNQfDBxhRo_SAEcpdB0/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Sunset.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayo Largo Marina Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl3sNkVbWSyevIpv10CzXL3GNdv-kOoL8E_mP-eO4Amgle7meOxhJHcKE7lS39BXe09bEUqshYsips45rVz8M15ULf50dNWqCGrQ0XVf5IBq4qZ54fR6__dg72wVzWDTopbiuFqpC4qo/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Thunderstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="800" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwl3sNkVbWSyevIpv10CzXL3GNdv-kOoL8E_mP-eO4Amgle7meOxhJHcKE7lS39BXe09bEUqshYsips45rVz8M15ULf50dNWqCGrQ0XVf5IBq4qZ54fR6__dg72wVzWDTopbiuFqpC4qo/s400/Cayo+Largo+Thunderstorm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunderstorm Formation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the marina at Cayo Largo these thunderheads do look lovely. We were two days out from Cienfuegos and spent a couple of days in the small marina at Cayo Largo, before moving on westward again.<br />
<br />
Our plans to explore the reefs and cayos changed rapidly when strong winds were forecast, so we changed tactics and course, heading instead to Havana after rounding Cape San Antonio at the extreme western tip of Cuba.<br />
<br />
Around the cape, now heading north east, next afternoon the weather became decidedly dodgy, with thunderstorms forming right in front of us. These are things we like to avoid, as the accelerated winds and lightning they contain can be quite dangerous.<br />
<br />
One in particular gave us grief for many hours - first came the the incredible cloud formation, followed by heavy rain nearby. We altered course, further offshore, monitoring the storm's movement on our radar as we traveled.<br />
<br />
Then a fantastic waterspout formed, snaking across the ocean surface and sucking water furiously up into the clouds.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxurSr9mQupBsS0FUoiEKbr5h2hguz8BziSs7XnkxUZocgTooLCmDJ5PK1_-OT7REtcQ3fAizqKlVcvM112-ZvJIBRfyYrCLT829KSOhpOvPi3_fpLzf5UD6qaZ9D56pJuUAK929KbWg/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Water+Spout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxurSr9mQupBsS0FUoiEKbr5h2hguz8BziSs7XnkxUZocgTooLCmDJ5PK1_-OT7REtcQ3fAizqKlVcvM112-ZvJIBRfyYrCLT829KSOhpOvPi3_fpLzf5UD6qaZ9D56pJuUAK929KbWg/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Water+Spout.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterspout On Starboard - We Last Saw One Of These In The South China Sea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was not something we wanted over the top of us, so the radar tracking took on extra importance. Below is the basic radar image of the storm - note that the green rings on screen are each set 2 nautical miles apart, so the storm on our starboard side is only a mile or so away - that water spout was close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HcVgi0qxL2E534hAenAO8XGbxHlAzWfnjOu1JLy8v65WkTchLp5RHIqlwcUAg-YDbouMGAECGh893j_9_I5U-1UxDHYUaW2R0q60vYrVIbYE36aDoxzubU82B8aUb6zu5NH3nhFiRNU/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Weather+Radar+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HcVgi0qxL2E534hAenAO8XGbxHlAzWfnjOu1JLy8v65WkTchLp5RHIqlwcUAg-YDbouMGAECGh893j_9_I5U-1UxDHYUaW2R0q60vYrVIbYE36aDoxzubU82B8aUb6zu5NH3nhFiRNU/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Weather+Radar+01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Often we want a more informed view on screen, specially at night, so the radar image can be over-layed onto the electronic chart display, giving us a more detailed view of the navigation environment. In the image below the radar information is displaying in pink, whilst the vessel, it's track, course and heading can be seen on screen. These display systems are now common on many cruising boats - we all benefit from the improved safety information and situation awareness. And it helps to keep those nasty waterspouts away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFQ7IBEaqi845XO1p3Ve-dLb2sm1vwtGaShg1svUdGKBdclrBDG7Iyloaen-wPwBbn1L-xp30CBZFIPJId5Xb1zRUKQiEMCtVQHt6J87_oRB65WWZmBlsk96VmHR7nfojZl8DD1Hh5ic/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Weather+Radar+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFQ7IBEaqi845XO1p3Ve-dLb2sm1vwtGaShg1svUdGKBdclrBDG7Iyloaen-wPwBbn1L-xp30CBZFIPJId5Xb1zRUKQiEMCtVQHt6J87_oRB65WWZmBlsk96VmHR7nfojZl8DD1Hh5ic/s1600/Cayo+Largo+Weather+Radar+02.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Neil & Leyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05003534197946819046noreply@blogger.com1Cabo de San Antonio, Cuba21.8630556 -84.9508333-6.6056978999999991 -126.2594273 50.3318091 -43.6422393