The clouds were still hanging deep this morning at 7am, the time at which I left the boat for another ride on Bermuda. After being hit by the juice coming out of the final clouds, the sky was breaking up about 9am, one hour later than forecasted.
South Road was my destination, which offers plenty of nice beaches, some of them world known and within the top rankings. It became a nice ride exploring new corners on the island.
Fair winds…
Its rather grey today here in Bermuda and we have not seen the sun all day. Some drizzle here and there but nothing serious.
About a dozen boats are currently in waiting position here at the anchorage in St. George. Waiting for the weather window to come through but patience is a sought-after competence at the moment, which shall not be too difficult in a place like Bermuda, especially as the sun will be back tomorrow. A couple of boats left already, probably fixed schedule driven. We can wait.
The TO Base here in Bermuda is in St. George but we have not made contact yet and it remains on the To-Do-List.
Some boat work, afternoon nap…and another day is gone.
Fair winds…
We took the bus today and with a change over at the Hamilton Bus Station we arrived 90min later in Dockyard – the former Britisch Royal Naval Base and today Bermuda’s Cruise Ship Center.
It was a pleasant bus ride and a short visit to this cruise ship arrival point. Despite the fact that there is still a yard doing serious boat work, the nature of the place is very much to entertain the cruise ship passengers during their short stay, which makes the whole place despite its history artificial, shaking head amusing and at least astonishing. In short: not much reason to stay longer. Our expectations were low in the first place and therefore the disappointment very limited.
After a short while we took the ferry back into Hamilton and strolled around a little bit with the clear intention to return again shortly to explore more of this charming city with its beautiful buildings and parks.
The trip gave another good general impression on Bermuda and its overall magnitude in size and character.
Fair winds…
Robbie, our gas hero, organised a whale watching tour for us with some friends. There where six of us plus Rob, the captain. 12pm we did throw the lines.
We went through the Town Cut towards the outer reef of Bermuda, a place where water depth drops from 20m to 1000m within less of a mile. Apparently a good spot to see whales.
We were not lucky today despite all the enthusiasm both Robs put into it and had to return after 3h and 20nm – not a single fin.
Impressive was nevertheless, that in 20m depth we could still see the ground and got a good inside into the inner reef environment from local experts.
Fair winds…
It was obviously Cesar who connected me to the Bermuda Cycling Club and enabling me to join their Sunday morning ride across the island. Different groups with specific targets are leaving from “The Flag Pole” in Hamilton sharp at the early morning hours. No option, I had to get there!
6am I killed the alarm clock and half an hour later my butt embraced the saddle to Hamilton to join the group. Sailmaster Rainer got up early and helped me to get the bike into the dinghy.
I was pretty much in time to join the group and although the tour went back to Saint George, it was good fun and excitement. While the peloton returned back to Hamilton via St. David’s Head, I dropped out just at the right time the Bermuda Peppercorn Day ceremony was held at King’s Square. It is an historical event dating back to 1816. These traditions form part of the special vibe in the country.
Another nice bike ride was concluded, which took me through different parts of Bermuda with little time to absorb the scenery due to its racing character.
Fair winds…
There are about ten yachts heading East towards Azores and we met for a weather briefing and get together beer last night in the White Horse Pub, the oldest Pub in Bermuda established 1930! Enjoyed each little sip of the draft Gunniness at 11 USD per pint!
The conclusion was concurrent and plays into my hands: no weather window for the next week.
Fair winds…
Our Fridge/Freezer unit stopped cooling again three weeks back and I had to take it positive (less power consumption) in order not to cry. I was prepared to cross the Atlantic with one unit left only rather spending time to find another mechanic.
Over a smalltalk with our neighbouring yacht I knew they were looking for an AC mechanic as he was totally without fridge on his boat.
Suddenly they turned up at our boat asking, if we still want to get it checked and after a short discussion, I decided to give it a go and hope for the miracle needed.
Cesar, the AC Specialist and Biking Hero applied a technic I have not heard off. After an initial check he concluded: leakage in the system. “Leaksavers” is the solution.
Method 2 of above product has got an 80% chance that the leakage is now fixed, potentially long term. Cross fingers.
Besides that Cesar gave me insider tips on the local biking scene, Cesar is another pleasant, polite & professional person we have met here in Bermuda.
Fair winds…
I am still puzzled from today’s bike ride, which took me to Cooper’s Island Nation Park. Positively surprised how Bermuda & Biking harmonise it became more a strolling around type of ride caused by an amazing scenery.
Fair winds…
