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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

Vegetable market, Spain            Vegetable market, Spain

 

Fresh vegetables aboard     Fresh vegetables and food aboard

Fresh vegetables on board         Fresh vegetables and food on board


Vegetable day     Louis, my very best Dutch friend in Spain

Vegetable day                          Louis, my very best Dutch friend in Spain

To Page 18

From Esbjerg, Denmark to Tahiti aboard a Junker 22