The Gambia experience...
We have been in The Gambia for over a week now and reached the end point of the river the day before yesterday. 150 miles from Banjul on motorbikes (either no wind or the wind is against) we reach the end point of the...
Gambia ... what a culture shock
The first experiences in The Gambia are overwhelming. What a complete culture shock. We read in the pilot that The Gambia is one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa. Well, they're certainly poor here. But very friendly. Everywhere...
in the Gambia
It was 6 days sailing to the Gambia. We arrived in the dark. Once we and the barbarossa had dropped anchor, the barbarossa went for a drink with us. The next day we went somewhere else in the Gambia...
A week at sea to The Gambia
When we left la gemera, we had to cross the ocean for a week. The first day it was a bit restless. But for the rest, everything was quiet. Except for the fourth night. The boat was on its side for a while. But...
The crossing to The Gambia - a journey of extremes
After a trip of 6 days and 15 hours (all sailed, only 3 hours mothered) we dropped our anchor last night at 3.00 am at Half Die, the anchorage near Banjul, the capital of The Gambia at the beginning of...
Swimming and karting with the Barbarossa
We had to get up early because we had to catch the ferry together with the barbarossa. it was a few minutes walk to the ferry (about 5 minutes). when we got there we had to show our passports. we didn't have them...
Karting with the Barbarossa
We had to get up very early for karting. Together with the Barbarossa we went to the ferry. I was allowed chips. That was good. When we got there we went karting. The kids were allowed first. Then the parents. Giel and...
After crossing from Madeira a week on La Gomera
On Saturday morning (Oct 24th) we say goodbye to Mom, Inge and Luc at 6.15 a.m. when they are picked up by a taxi to go to the airport. We look back on a very nice and valuable week. As well as...
Cousin, aunt and grandmother visiting
Last Saturday we went to pick up Luc, Inge and Grandma from the airport. It was completely dark when we drove there. We went through six tunnels. The longest tunnel was 2 km. We also ate apple pie that...
Family reunion on Madeira
For a change, an (uncensored) travel report by a guest author. I (Inge) went on a week visit with mum and Luc, with a suitcase full of presents, herbs, malaria pills, books about Gambia and technical gadgets for the boat. Saturday October 17th...
Porto Santo
Porto Santo is a beautiful island, not so big, with volcanic peaks (700 meters), rough landscape full of cacti and a beautiful yellow sandy beach on the south side. There we are all alone at anchor just in front of the village. We bring a...
Crossing to Madeira
We leave Vila Real de San Antonio at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday morning for the crossing to Madeira of about 505 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1.8 km), where we expect to cross 4 to 4.5 miles; the longest crossing...
The Algarve
Last week we explored the Algarve, which is very different from Spain or the west coast of Portugal. First of all it is warmer (25+ degrees) and also the seawater has a more comfortable temperature so...
Years on the boat
Saturday and Sunday was my birthday. I got the castle from Harry Potter. I built it on my own. And then Eline and I went to play with it. I also got lots of candy. We got...
The Portuguese west coast - little wind and lots of dolphins
From Porto we sail in two long stages of 30 and 24 hours to the Algarve (south coast of Portugal). These trips are characterized by little wind (where is the Portuguese North of 4-6 Bft. that is supposed to blow here?) and...