Run way and sea ways ...

... are locted next to each other in Gibraltar due to limited space on land. Our home away from home is actually moored only 200 meters away from the runway. For me, as an old airline guy with a short spell at sea in younger days (as 2:nd cook on a passenger ferry serving the island of Gotland from the Swedish mainland), it is a nice feeling to sleep so close to my former working elements.

The airport runway in Gibraltar actually crosses a major city street with traffic lights showing red during take off's and landing's - like a traditional railway crossing.

Gibraltar

We arrived at Gibraltar's Ocean Village Marina today at 00.05 after 62 hours at sea after leaving Ibiza. From time to time good sailing but also many hours using diesel power. It was at times very much of a roller coaster ride - actually enough to last for a life time.

Around breakfast time our three sister ships docked at the same pier. A technician will take care of engine oil changes and problem solving as needed before all ships are ready for the next and longest leg to Las Palmas.

Today I have been exploring the city on foot during six hours. Gibraltar is too crowded for my taste. Millions of tourists visit this tax free haven every year, many arriving on cruise ships. After only a few hours I now wish to be back on the open ocean as soon as possible. Dolphins and sea turtles at sea is preferable to lots of people on land.

555 for More 55

31 Oct - off line blog

Today cpt Micke used a 555 type of lubricant as medicine for Pixel in order to keep her fit and healthy in the salty waters of the Mediterranean and beyond.

After a number of shots of medicine it was time to bring down the gennaker before pointing Pixel's noose more directly towards Gibraltar. Good coordination between women power and men power is always needed onboard, especially when it comes to sail handling.

Sunset ...

... at Punta de la Polacra on the Spanish mainland. On aft deck sunset worshipers.

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Gennaker celebration ...

... on our way to Gibraltar today. It was the first time we could enjoy powerful assistance with the help of this colorful sail. Jim and Micke handled the sail on fore deck with Stefan at the helm assisted by Annika. When everything was in place Ebba served us bottled sparkling pressed grapes to commemorate this happy occasion.

Formentera - additional notes

30 Oct - off line blog

Bicycling off season on Formentera is perfect is you wish to avoid overcrowded trails, cafe's and restaurants. Annika, Eva and Stefan joined me for the day but after a joint coffe break Stefan disappeared at race speed. Staffan and the two ladies now had a chance to get lost together.
But with a little help of Mr. Google we could all meet up at the "Blue Bar" for a very tasty and generous serving of grilled chicken & bacon sallad served by a friendly alien. Thanks Annika for guiding us to this restaurant!
I would love to return for a second helping together with my wife.

Back tracking to Ibiza ...

... from Fermentera early Sunday morning. Yesterday Jim,  a new crew member, joined us in Fermentera for the reminder of our sea adventure. Jim is the owner of Pixel and he has given her this unique name which relates to his professional life.  Jim's luggage was left behind in Amsterdam and is supposed to arrive at Ibiza airport at 9 AM Sunday.

Eva left us today, as scheduled, and in order to fly home from Ibiza to start her new life with a new job and in a new house. The number of crew members remains steady at seven (7) as compared to the wind which is much more unpredictable (0-16 ms). Today, at least, we will use more diesel power than wind power as we head towards Gibraltar.