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land ho!

1/10/2013

13 Comments

 
Bathed in the dawn's early light, we arrived safely in Mindelo, Sao Vincente, Cap Verde this morning.  A cheerful chap named Clayton was waiting on the dock to take our lines and shortly thereafter Taka Trois and her crew were happily settled into their new berth.  To say the least, we were very VERY pleased with ourselves to have arrived here.  

During the passage, I had a maximum of 130 words to use for my blog updates (sent via satellite to my daughter in New York who kindly posted them online for me), so I wasn't able to fill in the details of this journey for you.  I can now tell you that we have had a near-perfect passage, praise God! We traveled 831 nautical miles (as the crow flies) in less than 6 days,  sailing the whole way using the engine only to get in and out of port.  

We enjoyed beautiful blue skies by day and the starry host with a waning moon at night, lots of wind, no seasickness and aside from a few bruises from being jostled about, no problems at all.  If I were to be picky, I'd say that that the seas were too rough for my taste and with the wind from behind, Taka Trois was turned into a tumble dryer for most of the trip turning even the simplest tasks into an aerobatic performance, but otherwise I can't complain.

Moreover, Alan, the latest addition to our crew blended seamlessly into life on board and once under way the three of us enjoyed an easy rhythm of watches, meals and rest. Adhering to Taka Trois' rule of no alcohol under sail, we enjoyed a "not unhappy" hour every evening with virgin cocktails, a game of 'pass the pigs' and the daily ritual of "the casting off of the message in the bottle' serenaded by none other than the immortal song of that name by The Police, of course.

The plan for today is to NOT think about the 2150 remaining miles to Antigua, scrub the boat and ourselves, enjoy a cold beer and a meal out and get the first good night's sleep without being tossed about in our berths in almost a week.  We will be here for a minimum of three days during which time we will explore a bit, re-provision and wait for Michel's green light, but I'll be in touch before then with a report on Cap Verde and some photos.  Unfortunately the signal from the port is too weak right now to download any photos onto this blog and rather than wait for a better signal, I wanted to let you all know that we arrived safe and sound as soon as possible.  Many many thanks for your prayers, well wishes and support during this journey--we were very touched.


13 Comments
Kerri-Ann
1/10/2013 08:50:01 am

Congratulations!!!!!!! Both Pedro and I followed your journey via that incredible link!!
We will continue to keep sending positive vibes your way with a strong dose of prayers!
Looking forward to your pictures :)
Hugs,
Pedro and Kerri-Ann

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Jean BernardSalvan
1/10/2013 10:15:17 am

Congratulations !
Enjoy the present, its is now good time at Cap verde.
From the many people arriving there, do you know many who arrive there by boat. What a feeling, You are great !

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Jan Riggs
1/10/2013 11:38:59 am

So happy to see your little yellow flag on dry ground again. And that you didn't suffer from seasickness this time. Enjoy Cap Verde! Looking forward to getting your beautiful photos again. Still praying!

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carol stone
1/10/2013 11:42:40 am

love following your journey... keep the blog coming and enjoy

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aunt kathe
1/10/2013 12:43:28 pm

Congrats from me too! 6-7 knots is a real nice speed. All the gourmet food that you've whipped up sound scrumptious ... and all of you have your jobs to do. The night sky is a thing of beauty out there away from bright lights...I love this for you.

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Dawn Gibbs
1/10/2013 01:45:53 pm

God is good - safe in Port - enjoying a cool one or a nice glass of something a little stronger.............good work mates!!! Very impressed that sea sickness did not occure this time even though it sounds like you got "tossed about" a bit too much for your liking Debbie! Does this mean you are cured???

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Ann Vanderhoof link
1/10/2013 02:32:43 pm

Congratulations! So relieved to hear you reach safe -- and that you got your sealegs. Amazing! Loved reading your post each day while you were underway. You communicated so much in those 130 words -- keep em coming on the next leg.

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Susannah
1/10/2013 09:30:30 pm

Thank you for letting us know you have arrived - I will have to look at a map to see where... So pleased you had fair, if rather strong, winds - tumble drier feeling doesn't sound fun but good that you didn't have sea sickness. Will continue to pray and know that you have an amazing Protector. Lots of love from us both x

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Nick
1/10/2013 09:59:12 pm

Congratulations for successful arrival in Cap Verde! Enjoy a well earned break on land.

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Judy Ruggles
1/11/2013 06:06:44 am

Hi TKT crew, So at peace with your news of safe arrival...I looked up Cap Verde...can understand why red Sahara sand on deck...no seasickness!!!...As your journey continues, may it never be heard," You can't make an omlette without breaking eggs,"..."I don't like your omlette,"..."It's made with bad eggs, it tastes foul, and makes me sick"...."Never mind...the voyage will plug your behind...with equal obligation of all to work."..."You don't work at all. You grow fatter every day. You are a parasite."...Excuse me," There is
such a thing as an indispensable parasite to enable people to find life digestible...He is the family for those who have none"...

Friends, why this ramble?...After it rains, may you wave your arms and sing...
Blessings, Judy

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Laura
1/12/2013 07:20:07 am

So glad your voyage has been relatively smooth! And I love Yellow Brick--exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for to watch your progress. Meanwhile, today I friended KIM on Facebook. She's publishing poetry! Check out her latest at http://outsideinmagazine.com/issue-nine-2/wordstories/battleship-kim-king/
Bises,
Laura

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Chris Hodgson (Alan's nephew)
1/13/2013 09:27:04 am

Well done so far ! I shall get my long haul colleagues to give you a wave as they pass overhead! Have fun and stay safe.
Chris, Liz, George Ted & Henry

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Judith
1/14/2013 10:00:30 pm

Congratulations, you did it !!! First leg of your wonderful adventure, great. Often with you in thoughts, take care and be safe !!!

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    Debbie is first mate of Taka Trois as well as head cook and chief provisioning officer. 


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