My Home
Three weeks of calling Inelsamo home. So how am I feeling about that? I am enjoying living in this cozy rocking space. Craig made the comment that he feels like everything is less complicated and the decluttered living space feels like home to him. That's pretty much nailed it I think. Its certainly not uncomplicated in terms of the work we have had to do. This week has seen us fixing blocked marine toilets (delightful!), replacing joker valves, o rings and gaskets, as well as treating the teak deck, fixing deck fittings and general cleaning and scrubbing jobs. And I have no doubt that the required 'fixing stuff' will continue and perhaps get even more complicated. But nonetheless, I am feeling invigorated by it and so far, I've found all these tasks really rewarding once fixed. Its a sense of achievement.
It hasn't just all been about housework though. We have also managed to wrack up about 120 nautical miles of sailing this week. We have been building our knowledge of Inelsamo as well as our confidence by setting ourselves sailing challenges each week. This week we managed to sail well out into the English Channel, around the Isle of Wight, through the Needles and the Trap, and down the coast to Studland Bay. We've practiced our anchoring, manoeuvring in shipping channels and busy shipping harbours, and we have done heaps of work on our docking in all sorts of conditions. We have also managed to do all the necessary administrative stuff called "passage planning" and pilotage.
My big achievement this week though was doing all the passage planning and pilotage for our trip down to Studland Bay, captaining Inelsamo on the way and then bringing her through the Needles and the Trap.....under sail!! Why is that a big deal? Well this narrow stretch of water is the southern entrance to the Solent. Through this small gap, the tides rush in and out and on the outer edge you not only have Hurst point, you also have the Shingles Bank, a sand and rock bank that is generally covered in only shallow waters. Between these two is the Trap and when the ebb is running, its incredibly turbulent and if there is a wind of more than Force 5 or 6 fighting a strong ebb tide, this is definitely a place to avoid. "Breaking seas over The Bridge, rough water in the Channel, and overfalls in Hurst Narrows all await the incautious." (Solent Handbook 2006-2018). This little gateway was part the reason why this area of the UK coastline was so well protected against seaward assault! Needless to say, this area is also the resting place of many wrecks and sailors!
Anyway, the challenges of going ashore for laundries, showers etc and dragging my 'granny' shopping trolley a couple of kilometres up the hill and back for groceries have all been part of our learnings and funnily enough, quite refreshing. What a joy to be without a car and the ties that brings.
But the best part of this first 3 weeks is that I trust this lovely lady Inelsamo!! I stand on her deck and feel safe. And for this country girl.....that's a big deal.
