Where's le Reve

Another image Dad sent while in Horta. This is of the coast - not where he landed but on another part of the island.

I have mentioned whene Dad is going to be in Plymoth, but I can't remember if I said that he would be in Ijmuiden next Tuesday weather permiting.

The Big Ride map has been updated - happy sailing

Brad

Calm Seas and good sailing

Hi all, I got a message from Dad tonight that said that althought the first day was very rough, the seas are calm now and that ETA in Plymoth is late Thursday pm. Holland should be another 5 days plus or minus depending on weather. I have updated The Big Ride - so you can check your bookmark to see where le Reve is.

The picture here is of the group in Horta. It is tradition for travelers to sign the wall. Eugene worked all day on a sign with white background and red lettering. If you are observant you will notice that the painted flag is in the reverse. As they stood back to observe the job on the nicely done lettering, someone by accident spilt the red paint over their work! They had to start over and finished with what you see in the picture.

Happy sailing

Brad

Progressing well

Hi all - It seems that I have missed a day in updating The Big Ride Map - that has now been corrected so you will see le Reve's position as of today at 1:30 pm our time. Dad sent a message saying that the seas have calmed down nicely (they were too rough to leave, then they were still pretty rough the first day). They saw a pod of whales and some dolphins as well. A big ship had crossed their path yesterday and reported that the forcast for the next few days was very good. So they will be having good conditions for getting some pictures and spending some time on deck in the next little while.

MGBWU, Brad

Updated Maps and new pictures

I have received an update of Dad's position, and I thought I would take this opportunity to post a few pictures. Here is Dad with a customs agent in Horta - Dad seems to make friends where ever he goes.

The current position is here
(remember to zoom out to see relative position.)
The updated map can be viewed from here
(you can bookmark this link and then refer to it whenever, so I won't include a link in future posts)

Island of Faial - and updated departure

I received this from Dad earlier today and thought I would quote him - the pictures are of the Island he speaks about touring -

"Today we toured the Island of Faial. Faial is the Island that Horta is
situated on. It is an amazingly beautiful Island. The first thing that
strikes you when you travel its roads is that there are Hydrangea's
growing everywhere along the side of the road, as well as along most of
the fence line. Also it is quite evidence that the Island is of volcanic
origin. Some of the older homes are build entirely from the lava rock
that is found all over the island.

As far as our departure is concerned. We have everything ready to go,
did a test run, and all is running well. Problem is the Depression (low)
to the north of us is very intense with waves up to 30 ft. We all
decided we would rather be in port, than be out in that kind of weather.
It is looking good for later this week, and we might be going either
tomorrow, or Friday (hopefully tomorrow.) ""

He went on to say that due to the bad weather and time constraints Mike had to fly home - as mentioned in the previous entry.

MGBWU

Dearly Departed Mike Lankes

No - Mike is not dead! Just had to make his way back to the USA as his time limit for the trip was up. Dad called tonight to let me know that Mike had to leave, but that her really appreciated the help and expertise he added to the crew. I was telling a bit about the crew in alphabetical order, but since Captain Lankes (he has his U.S. coast guard master licence - with 100 ton near coastal, towing endorsement) had to return to the mainland, I thought this would be a good place to put his info. (Sorry Eugene, you'll have to wait a bit longer to be immortalized in this blog!)

Mike, an electronics engineer, will be going back to Ellie in Buffalo where he spends his summers. Former U.S. Merchant Marine serving aboard Bethlehem Steam Ship Company's Daniel J Morell before military service in the US Navy, Mike brought lots of boating experience to the crew aboard le Reve. His experience outfitting and refurbishing boats of all sizes certainly came in handy when the stabilizer and other mechanical failures occurred. And his back ground with the sea tech marine training was helpful in figuring out the radar issue they were having aboard le Reve.

If you're in Florida this winter and picking up a new yacht, Mike may be the man to deliver and train you how to operate your purchase, as that is how he is filling his time since selling his business a few years back. That is if he's not off on an adventure on a boat somewhere - with cruising experience on the Great Lakes and tributaries, western rivers, Thousand, Virgin and Bahamas islands and Mediterranean sea - he's just looking for new adventures. And now he can add an Atlantic crossing to the list that will probably keep growing!

Mike - thanks so much for sailing with Dad and keeping him safe. I know he appreciated the company and I felt good knowing he was in capable hands. Happy sailing!

delay due to weather

Dad and the crew decided to wait out a bit of bad weather they were getting in Horta. The ship is in ship shape and they will depart as soon as the weather cooperates. Here are two picts that were sent to me, the first is a sunset at sea. The second is the last leg of the trip to Horta with the island visible in the distance.
I will let everyone know when le Reve leaves on the trip to England, and post a few more pictures at that time.
Brad