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| FLYING HIGH |
Despite all my supporting efforts The Ford teams didn't fair too well! With the V8's now having left town, life is returning to "normal"???. This week has been all about Food,Lighting,Power and France!
The French link comes in the form of Crissy! How I would describe Cristine to you all is SUPER VIBRANT and BUBBLY. Thursday evening she bounded up my access ramp with glass in hand wanting to know "what are we cooking?" This was a little out of character so are a few enquiries I was reminded that the 14th July = BASTILLE DAY. So I guess I'm cooking something French. Suggestion No 1 Blanquette de veau,(white veal stew) Unfortunately I didn't have any milk fed veal on board (Don't know why),I asked for her second suggestion and Boeuf Bourguignonne (beef and red wine stew) was the request. This challenge I was happy to accept! So with a side order of creamy mashed potato and carrots vichy. Matt,Crissy and Myself set upon an impromptu Bastille Day celebration with our little french chef describing the final results as Manufique'! This all wrapped up about 1am with all of us returning to our respective Yot's a little tipsy.
This weekend's idea of sailing the Cape Clevland has been well and truly squashed by the weather Gods. 30 knot winds and perhaps rain .So tonight, I set sail for the "duck pond or swing basin" just outside the harbour. Yesterday I fitted the last of 5 new deep cycle batteries to power the Yot while away from shore. These are now fully charged and ready for use. I've also received the first of my LED lighting with the outside kitchen being the first area to gain 12v electric lights. I'll fit the bathroom light today so I can use my newly installed Hot water system and shower. You have no idea how nice it is to be able to have a 5 minute Hot shower on board (this uses a preset 10 litres of water).
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| LET THERE B LIGHT |
I've dragged out the old lamp that came with the YOT and this is now my source of nightlight and insect repellent. I kind of like the atmosphere it creates,though the citronella smell will take some adjustment.The hydroponics are growing but not terribly well so lots more thought and trial is needed. The seeds have now sprouted with spinach, squash, zucchini and snow pea's all progressing (just a lot slower than their rear deck brothers).If all goes well next weekend I'll be leaving the relative comfort of the YOT for a trip aboard a huge 57ft Roberts twin masted Yacht,out to Magnetic island. The owner and his wife have been in the yard over the last few weeks while we resprayed there pride and joy. The steering wheel (helm) of which came from a vessel "Weathersfield" that sunk in New Zealand in 1880 or around then.I made several dishes for these lovely people and I've now been invited to join them (cook for) on their journey out wide next weekend. They were really happy to receive a huge bowl of cooked mudcrab (the crabs are back) and the following morning I made a superb crab and chive omelete for breakfast.
I've also made my usual fresh yoghurt breakfast treat, plus a glazed red wine sauce that I served on a lovely piece of SPUDSHED scotch fillet.(thanks Ash and Carlie) This was accompanied by 7 different vegetables and a huge tankard of bourbon and coke.Friday lunch was a chicken schnitzel burger with fresh salsa and crispy bacon. I've also had a Thai curry with steamed jasmine rice and with a little help from Crissy my spare basil was turned into Pesto which I then added to roasted cherry tomatoes and boiled penne pasta for a really yummy Italian inspired feed. Unfortunately my Friday night routine is severely delayed as the tide times meant that we had to launch a yacht and bring up a timber fishing boat around 9pm so by the time I've got back here and begun to write this blog it's already Saturday (just). I have to be cautious tonight as I need to float the YOT before dawn on the next tide or I'll be stranded until Saturday night. So my usual Friday night session might just be and mix of Thursday's events and Saturday evening. all going well I'll be able to upload a foto of the YOT afloat in the swing basin later today. however as the staff of the yard are all on well earned holidays/breaks I do have to return to the yard to waterblast and antifoul the timber fishing boat"choiseul" another french link. There is a small possibility that I'll return to Perth for late August as big Ash has to move house and would like some assistance. I would also love to hear from my Irish Mermaid as I haven't heard any news for a few weeks now(I'm a little concerned) so Amanda when you read this drop me an Email or call. That's all 4 now Enjoy the sunshine and freedom that our ancestors fought so hard for! whether they're Australian ,Irish or French.
Ciao
Captain Felix
