Rumpelteazers adventures

rumpelteazer

We thought we'd let you all know that we have left Christchurch and are now at St Peter's Port Guernsey, on the first leg of our adventures. hope to leave for France on Friday, weather permitting
Best wishes to you all
John and Margaret Waller (Rumpelteazer)

Updated 6th June 2014 - Sailed safely into Perros Guirec, France

rumpelteazer

Updated 8th June 2014 - Spending the night in the new marina at Roscoff, France

rumpelteazer

While we were in St Peter's Port, Guernsey, we met up with an american couple called sue and ed, they came from America and have been sailing around for the past 8 years. The 12mt Catalac is called Angel Louise hull number 26.

Scubacat

Really good to see your adventures, Sue and Ed had some of their adventures published recently in PBO if you are interested. There is also some video of Angel Louise at sea (Mid Atlantic) on Youtube:  

rumpelteazer

Now at Moissac, famous for its 11th century cloistered abbey, having managed to get through our first swing bridge, the locks are fine, just have to watch out for the back eddies that grab you and try to turn you sideways when you think that the boat is all lined up ready to enter the lock. None of the canal book warn you about the noise that the frogs make, they sound more like teredactials but we have been assured that it frogs, we have also seen a couple of snakes swimming across the canal, red kites and kingfishers and lots of very pretty damsel flies. It really is very nice, even in the rain of yesterday, when the black clouds chased and then caught up with us just as we were about to tie up against a pontoon.

Scubacat

I have put the Photos you sent into a "log" on the log page of the archive.
looks like you are having a great time!
http://www.catamarancruising.org/userfiles/LOGS/Postcard from Rumpetteazer 2014.pdf

Scubacat

News from Rumpleteaser:

I Just received this news from John and Margaret, so have uploaded it for them:

Dagnall

Arrived at Toulouse yesterday, 9th July. What a lovely city and whats more they have a lidl's. It was quite hairy leaving the canal Laterial under a low bridge into the basin with a strong cross current then doing a tight left hand turn under another low bridge, into the Mid canal, then coming up to Toulouse, the 3 city locks are really something, each one worse than the other. The first one, the light stayed red for ages, so ended up phoning in my best non existant French to ask for help, only to be told, I think, that there was a boat in the lock. We didn't see one come out but the gates opened anyway, so that was ok.Then a long ladder to climb up with a rope to tie the boat up.  No. 2 was ok, just a deeper pool with a longer ladder. But then No 3, which is so deep, there was one floating bollard for the stern so up the ladder I went and came up in the center of all the traffic,  Any-one who has been to St Aubins (Jersey) that's a doddle. Very strange with heavy traffic on both sides of the canal, a bit scary. The lady portkeeper, who is very strict was waiting for us and helped to tie up.  more photos to follow

Having a rest for a couple of days before heading on, so much to see here.

John and Margaret

Dragonslayer

John & Margaret

Great to hear of and be able to see your pics showing your progress.

Well done.

We are watching with envy.

Aleck & Chris (Dragonslayer)

rumpelteazer

Thanks Aleck & Chris, for the use of your rope, it is just the right length and is now well worn, dont think you will want it back now.

We reached the highest point today at Le Segalia and went to the Obelisque in memory of Pierre Paul-Riquet, this pass marks the border separating the waters between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

So now it's all downhill, the locks seem to be easier, but the bridges are lower. 

Staying a few days at Castelnaudary the home of the Cassoulet, we haven't tried it yet, perhaps tomorrow.

Weather bit mixed, but still nice and warm. Fireworks tonight for Bastille day tomorrow 14th July.

The Midi canal is very twisty and is still lined with trees, although a number of them we noticed today had cuts through the trunk and had numbers marked on them, so we think they are about to be taken down.

I will try and do a summary of our journey so far, and  post somemore photos.

Best wishes to you all

John and Margaret and Rumpelteazer 

rumpelteazer

Hi everyone, just got wifi, we are now at Agde getting the mast re-stepped, more to follow, shortly.

Dragonslayer

We'll done. Shame you had miss the sweltering summer we have here.

Never mind we are all envious of you both

Aleck & Chris

rumpelteazer

Rumpelteazer has arrived in Corsica and was escorted into the bay by the dolphins!

Dragonslayer

There's no stopping you guys now.  We are all looking forward to your next set of pics.

Will you be meeting up with "In Tune" before the boat is sold?

Aleck & Chris

rumpelteazer

Hi Folks, Just a little update,
We left Bonifico, Corsica stopping at Lavese a French island, for Sardinia on Fri 22nd Aug, sailed round the Maddalena Islands for a few days, but as a strong wind was forcasted we went into a Marina at Carla Guvetta, stayed for a couple of days, very expensive and then as soon as the wind and sea calmed down we were off again to another bay at Cala Portese, lovely bay, but not allowed to take dinghy ashore, so moved on. Lots of lovely bays with clear blue water for swimming. Met up with some Austrialians and adviced us to get an unlocked router so we now have internet. Went into Oblia on Sardinia and tied up on the town quay wall, right in the centre of the town, for free. Being beside the wall and in the town was very hot, so decided to watch a bit of the car rally that was setting up and the parade first and then made our way out again and into some bays. which is where we are now. still hoping to be in Corfu for the end of the season, but we are not rushing it.
Our best wishes to you all
John, margaret & Rumpelteazer

rumpelteazer

hi folks,
Well, we have now made it to the bottom of Sardinia, Just need to wait for the right weather to make the crossing to Sciliy, It's about 160miles from where we are, and we reckon about 32hours, of course it all depends on the wind, ect. So we are just going to meander around this area, until its right.
the last few days have been interesting, We have now experienced the Mistral winds, left the marinaa couple of days ago with no wind and had a good look at all the caves around the Cala Gonone area, really interesting, then the wind pick up, and had to reef in sails, then the wind died down to nothing again, let the reefs out and put on the engine, then it picked up again to just over 25knots, but from a completly different direction, talk about being indesisive. Headed into a lovely little bay for the night, and everything calmed down.
Today again had a lovely sail, doing very well, then the wind and the waves picked up. Just for a little while, so we were able to anchor in yet another lovely bay, and had a much deserved swim. great.
John and Margaret and Rumpelteazer

Dragonslayer

John & Margaret

The Eclipse passed close to Corsica on its way to Rome but of course as is so often the case the Journey was made during the night so we saw nothing of it.    We had a great time and as you had confirmed the weather was very warm and pleasant for the whole trip including two very smooth crossings of Biscay.

With a 160 mile crossing you have to be very careful about the choosing the right conditions and lets hope you get it as you want it.    Sicily will be another big milestone clocked up.

Great to hear from you, have you read "Tuning In" 15 & 16.  We have them up on the website with 111 pics of Greece & Turkey.

Regards Aleck & Chris

rumpelteazer

Hi all,
Well, as Aleck just stated "another milestone clocked up". Have now reached the isle of Marettimo, just west of Sicily, and have tied up 4 abrest in the little harbour, very nice place, heaving when the tourist boats arrive with holiday makers, but they soon dispurse.
Our longest passage ever, approx 140 miles, in approx 30 hours, had to motor sail nearly all the way, hardly any wind at all, but the sea was like a mill pond, so smooth.
We were very lucky again, with the wild life that we saw, just as we were leaving Sardinian waters, in the early hours, we saw a few water spouts, and then realized that it was whales, a few small ones then a larger one who did the normal dive and waved the fin at us, as if to say good-bye from Sardinia, absolutely fantastic, we also encounted a few dolphins, but they didn't come and play and then some turtles swam passed us on the surface, but I was too slow to get the camera, we had a little bird hitch a lift, but when it realized that we were not going his way, it flew off. We think we saw some flamingo type birds, not sure what they were and some tuna, not quick enough to get the line out.
Tomorrow we will make our way to the other islands for a look and then to the main land, not sure as yet which way we will go round, depends on the wind.
I'm really glad that we won't be doing any more overnight passages, both times it has been ok, but just not comfortable sailing in the dark, although the stars were brilliant.

John  and Margaret and Rumpelteazer

         

Scubacat

John and Margaret managed to send us some more photos and a quick update. 

 

Hi ,These pics are a selection for the Straits of Messina, in between Sicily and Italy.
It's a mixture of Hurst and the Aldenery swinge, with a few more big ships thrown in for good measure, it's also tidal, and can run very fast.

We got caught yesterday in a bad squall, but managed to get through it and got into a harbour, in the late evening, I'll send pics of it later.

Best Wishes John and Margaret and Rumpleteazer

(note from Dagnall- Margaret suggested I just choose a few photos, but I think they are all interesting, so I have popped them all in)

rumpelteazer

Message from Margaret, John and Rumpleteazer

Now in Greece, all well, just no internet.

Flying out to meet them in Corfu next week, armed with ginger biscuits and tea bags

rumpelteazer

Hi everyone,

We are now in greece. 

Left Gouvia Marina this morning and heading to Preveza to look at some winter mooring places, been told its a good place to stay. Corfu will be a bit expensive, so we are going to look around before deciding where to winter.

My daughter (Juliet) her husband, (Brian) and two of the boys (Matthew and Aidan) are coming out to see us for a few days next Sunday and bringing with them a food basket.

My Italian internet sim card doesn't work in Greece, so we went and bought a vodaphone data sim card so I now have internet again.

Greece is lovely, the food the people and the place are all just great and of course the weather. its still lovely and hot during the day and just cools down a bit in the evening.

Hope you are all well

Best wishes John Margaret and Rumpelteazer

rumpelteazer

Hi
Back at Gouva harbour, moored just opposite Lidl .
A group of Sailing holiday boats were waiting to go into the marina, so decided to find another little spot.
getting ready for family visitors to arrive, weather should get better again after the storm due tomorrow.

Scubacat

Latest update from Rumpleteazer, with Photos..

Hi 

Well, as you can see we are now out of the water, staying in the Ionian marina for the winter, very isolated, but the office runs a mini bus to take people over to Preveza for supplies or if the weather

is ok, it's possible to take the dinghy across the water. lots of little tree frogs here. (making a din) no thats not right they are singing. and a couple of friendly dogs who escort you to the toilet/shower block

We send you all our very best wishes. and look forward to the new year.

December 1st we fly back to the UK, staying with family in Birmingham and Leicester, so expect to be back in Christchurch for about a week just before Christmas, we are looking forward to seeing as many friends as possible. and hopefully visiting the London boat show in January.

Scubacat

John and Margaret are having internet problems, but managed to contact me and wanted to let everyone know that they are now afloat!.

Dagnall

Scubacat

Message from John and Margaret: 

We have just had a great sail into the inland sea. And have stopped at a
lovely little marina in a small village. Called Koronisia. The sun is
shining and the water is blue. And we are with two more cats. Who now
have your info. Great start to next part of our adventure. Long may it
last. 

Best wishes to everyone John and Margaret

Scubacat

Latest update from John and Margaret:

We are now at parga. Anchored in the bay. On the way here we saw a
couple of pelicans and sime dolphins.Thinking about going for a swim.

As you can see its a hard life

John and Margaret

rumpelteazer

Hi everyone, Doesn't John look chilled out, 

Had a few days in the inland sea (Gulf of Amvrakia) at a little marina called Koronisia, a pontoon has just been completed and is just right for cats as there isn't much depth. as (1st picture the little pontoon). then headed out to Parga, where we stayed  in the bay  (2nd picture of John chilling) and then in the morning when all the flottila sailing boats left the marina, we went in and had a lovely few days with another cat.(They are going to join the club soon) Then we moved north  to Mourtos and tied up on the town quay, right in front of all the tavernas, lovely, pictures to follow,  and now we are in a little bay by Lakka, on the island of Paxos, just south of Corfu)  The others have all moved off, but as its so nice here we decided to stay a little longer and catch up with them another day.

Our best wishes to everyone

John and Margaret

rumpelteazer

hi everyone. Everything is fine out here in Greece, except for the internet. anyway, we have been sailing around the northern ionion for the last few week, Charlotte (Johns eldest daughter) joined us for a couple of weeks, so we had a lovely sail around some of the pretty islands ending up in Corfu again. We sailed south yesterday to meet up with some other cats and have a bbq, I have been trying to get other cats to join our club and so I invited some of friends to us our computer to fill in the form, but what a job- first it took ages to get onto the site, I expect that was the internet, but then after Ginni had filled in the form and completed the puzzle, we still couldn't get the site to register her. so after playing around for half an hour decided to leave it for another day.

Anyway we are in a lovely little bay at Port Atheni on the island of Megonisi, Its very hot and we keep having to get into the water just to cool off. Sorry the pictures are still not transfered onto my computer, but they will follow shortly.

Best wishes to you all John and Margaret

Scubacat

Lovely to get the update, and sorry it's so difficult to register, it's all about trying to stop automated spam computers overwhelming the site. We had nearly a thousand spam applications over one weekend before we added the jigsaw puzzle to stop them. Each one had to be dealt with separately in case it was a real application! . The other thing that catches people out is that many mail services put unexpected messages or messages from forums like ours in junk or spam folders where they are lost . So we have to ask people to reply to an automated message from our forum to make sure that future messages will get through.
Anyway, it's great to have your updates..
Cheers. Dagnall

Dragonslayer

Great to hear from you at last. We understand the difficulty with getting a decent signal to access the net. We have difficulty enough in the UK.
Great to hear that you are spreading the word and promoting our association far and wide. We know just how difficult this is. I have personally approached dozens of owners in an attempt to swell our numbers. We are seeing a significant increase in our numbers but a good number have not moved their pin. From the starting position at Christchurch and until they do they do not show up on our map.
We look forward to seeing you when you next return to the UK and you might like to spend some time with us when you return.

rumpelteazer

Hi Everyone, At last it looks like I have an internet connection, so that I can now do an update.

After we put Charlotte on the plane for home, we sailed south from Petriti (on Corfu Island) to Parga (on the mainland) then onto Prevesa (on the mainland) and at last we caught 1 fish (a spanish mackrell) so when we anchored in a bay right beside the town, we had to go and buy another fish so we had 2 for dinner. very nice.

We had arranged to meet up with some sailing friends from the UK in Vonitsa (Gulf of Amvrakia) sohad a lovely few days with them and followed them back to the Ionion Boatyard, at Prevesa, as they were leaving their boat and going back to the UK. It was nice going back to the boatyard and seeing how much work our friends from the winter had completed on their boats and also to see the puppies, who had now grown and had new homes.

The Gulf of Amvrakia has it's own pod of dolphins and we were lucky enough to see them on a few occasions and the sailing was just right, lovely.

We left Prevesa and had alovely sail to the swing bridge and into Lefkas then motored down the canal and round the corner into Nidri and anchored in Vlikho bay.

We made our way south to Port Athini (on the Meganisi Island) for the catamaran bbq on the 4th of July, hee we dropped the bow anchor and tied  the stern lines to some trees (as you will see in the photos) we made lots of new friends and tried to spread the word for the club.

We moved on with two other boats (Suum Ceque - Ted and Ginni and Kiniska  -Jo and Alan)  to Port Leone (on Kalamos Island) Lovely swimming in the clear blue, warm water, saw some lovely little red fish almost like our goldfish - Next a lovely sail over to the island of Kastos, with Summ Ceque as Kiniska had other plans, We had homemade icecream in the windmill bay, and a lovely view. 

Next stop was Abelki Bay (stern to with lines to the rocks, very deep water, all the chain and warp). Lovely fish meal in the restaurant and some very cute little puppies (we didn't eat them).

We headed back to Nidri and Vlikho bay as I needed to get my internet sorted out before we went further south, so we all had an interesting bus trip to Lefkas, we are starting to look for somewhere to overwinter and have been told Lefkas is good, so we went to have a look; Its a possiblity, but we will see. Another place for overwintering is Mesolongian, so we are going to go and have a look on our way south to the Peloponnisos.

Next we sailed down to Sivota (on Lefkas island) then to Fiskardao  (on Kefallinia Island) and a meal in the Captains Cabin for a memory trip (the last time I danced with my dad).

Johns back was starting to hurt so we headed for Fiskes (on Ithaki Island) where we could tied up alongside the quay, which is so much better and a lovely little town and swimming on the other side of the wall, really lovely, only slight problem is that each of the fotilles arrived in the afternoon and tie up against us, but the leaders are all lovely and helpful, we really dont mind and it means that John can talk boats to his hearts content. the group today, even bought us some voltrol for Johns back. 

Ted and Ginni left us today to do they own thing, but we will stay put a bit longer.

I just need to edit the photos and then I will post some of them.

Best wishes to you all John and Margaret and Rumpelteazer

rumpelteazer

Hi everyone, its so hot here, we are at Missolonghi Marina, we are thinking of overwintering here, it does look a possiblity, the town is only a short bike ride away and during the winter a small comminity sets up on their boats, Johns back is a lot better now, so we are making our way south to Koroni to see some friends, I think thats as far south as we will go this year.

I'm really sorry I've forgotten how to post pictures on the site. When I have worked out how I did it before I'll send some pics.

Best wishes to you all, John and Margaret and Rumpelteazer