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4
August 2000 Baiona, Spain
Because of the time of year and my early departure from Denmark, I had lots of
time on my hands. The only deadline I had was to depart the Canaries by late
November. I decided to spend a week's time here and a few days at various
smaller ports and (on smaller) islands. I'm always looking for smaller ports.
Preferably without marinas, since such places are free of charge and free
from(/of) the usual almost "camping tourism".
I have never had any trouble finding anchorings or buoys, I have received help
and have been treated well by the local fishermen. I have tried hook-line
fishing in Spain and Portugal, and twice I have come along when fishermen were
to empty lobster traps. On my request, one boat owner got hold of welding
equipment(/a welding unit). His brother-in-law had a car repair shop and
provided all tools etc. including iron plates. Later on, we had to get a whole
lot more. It is hard to stop once you get started. I worked for three days
straight doing repairs and improvements. Working with iron and a blowtorch again
was really satisfying. And he was a very happy skipper, when I naturally refused
to receive any form of payment other than a thank you - I thanked them for their
kind and friendly behaviour towards me and in return they invited me to go
fishing etc.
At one point, I was looking at his necklace. He saw me glancing and asked if I
liked it. At this point, I couldn't say no to such a question, and he instantly
took it off. He said that it was "blessed" by the "great priest" and had brought
him both luck and happiness. He wanted me to have it, and that is how it went.
Should I ever feel like becoming a fisherman in Portugal, I just have to show
up......
Some of the best aspects of travelling like this, is the amount of people you
meet. The worst part of getting to know all these people is that I always have
to leave them again. Wonder if that is my destiny/punishment.
5 September 2000, La Guardia, Spain
While sailing, I spend part of my time getting Vagn to do the steering. Often
it's impossible. I guess I have to admit that the construction is outlandish.
I repaired a brand new petrol-driven generator for a Belgian (he had never heard
it turned on), and saved myself dinner and afterwards a really good friend. (The
carburettor was filled with preservative oil! That's bad preparation for you
(right there)). Now we're actually sailing "together" until we part at Cap
Verde. We dine on his boat on a daily basis when (we're) in port or at anchor,
and always start the day together with a cup of coffee on his boat, along with
our Dutch friend, Louis.
Vegetable market, Spain
Vegetable market, Spain
Fresh vegetables on board
Fresh vegetables and food on board
Vegetable day
Louis,
my very best Dutch friend in Spain |
