Tag Archives: Play d’eau

Holidays

Our South African adventure

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Table Mountain from our room at the Mount Nelson
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As you know, we’re in South Africa to be with our son, Toby, for his marriage to Amy. And what a great excuse to have a holiday as well.

Flight problems ex-Dubai

Late in the evening of April 5, we flew from Amsterdam to Cape Town on Emirates via Dubai. But after take-off from Dubai we levelled at 10,000 feet and flew north west out to sea and began circling. Strange, we should have been going south.

I was about to say something to Lin, when the Captain announced, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, unfortunately, the undercarriage will not retract so we have to return to Dubai.’

Boring…

After dumping fuel to reduce weight, we landed, disembarked, ate lunch and had a four hour delay whilst another A340 was prepared. This time, the undercarriage came up.

Cape Town

Cape Town with Table Mountain behind
taken from the boat that took us to
the infamous Robben Island
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We arrived at our hotel, the Mount Nelson, at 2330 local, somewhat tired. We’d been up almost forty hours.

With six hours sleep, we were up and eating a sumptuous al fresco breakfast under the veranda in this equally sumptuous colonial-style hotel. The sun was already roasting hot and at 0800 we jumped in a mini-bus for our first guided tour – the City and Table Mountain.

Unusually for this autumnal time of year, the skies are clear, the sun is hot with temperatures in the mid-thirties. How perfect is that?

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is breathtaking. No other word can describe this seventh natural wonder of nature.

The Swiss designed and installed cable car whisked us 765m (2,510 feet) up to the top whilst we stood on its slowly revolving floor enabling everyone in the car to have an equal view.

On top of the mountain we saw some guineapig lookalikes, locally called Dassies, but in reality, Rock Hyrax. Is the plural Hyrices as in index and indices, we wondered?

Dassies roam the top of Table Mountain
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An American lady was cooing over one whilst trying to reach out to stroke it. ‘Oh how simply awesome. So sweet. I really must have one,’ she squealed. After a few moments I said to her, ‘You, know, I’ve been told they are far better rare rather than well done.’

‘Uh-huh,’ came the response before my words had fully settled in, followed by, ‘Oh that’s dreadful. How horrid.’ I could hardly prevent smiling whilst I added, ‘It’s best to keep back a bit, you know. They spit poison.’

By now, obviously confused, and with a furrowed brow, she backed off. Looking at me questioningly, she murmured a weak, ‘Thank you,’ and disappeared.

We wonder just how far this rumour will spread.

Afternoon

Having descended, we visited to the 1679 Castle of Good Hope which protects the Governor’s Residence.

Exhausted, but exhilarated by the sheer beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings, we return to the ‘Pink Lady’ and dined in its beautiful Planet restaurant.

Piers and Lin
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

It’s 765m to the top…
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…and 765m down
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The Atlantic ocean is to the west and south
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The views are simply stunning
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You cannot tire of the views
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Looking to the north along the ridge
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If you really want
you can opt to abseil down
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Piers didn’t
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The hour we had gazing was far too little
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Cape Town with Robben Island in the distance
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Resident Egyptian geese
in the Castle of Good Hope Fort
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Papa Goose follows behind
making very loud ‘goose warning noises’
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The Governor’s Residence
within the Castle of Good Hope
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The Governor’s entrance hallway
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The dining room seats over 100 guests
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After a long day we arrive at the
impressive arches to the Mount Nelson’s driveway
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The Mount Nelson’s long and imposing driveway
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We arrive back at the Mount Nelson
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The glorious wing where we ate al fresco
overlooking the pool
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Holidays

Cape Town

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The Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
with Table Mountain behind
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We arrived at the start of our South African extravaganza at this magnificent old colonial-style hotel, the Mount Nelson, late last Sunday evening after an unexpectedly prolonged journey.

The Mount Nelson is affectionately know as ‘The Pink Lady’ or ‘Nellie’.

The last three days

We’ve packed so much into the last three days. The weather has been unexpectedly perfect with temperatures in the high twenties, cloudless skies and a gentle cooling breeze.

Table Mountain, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Botanical gardens, District 6 and Robben Island have taken every moment. Robben Island has left us emotionally exhausted.

To make you smile…

Yesterday, we were having an early breakfast on the terrace when the sun poked her nose through the palm trees beyond the infinity pool at the end of the beautiful green lawn.

With our table laden with glorious tropical fruits, the aromas of freshly watered garden mixed with good strong coffee, were intoxicating.

Then the sun went out. It was a street lamp.

Piers and Lin
Mount Nelson Hotel
…on temporary leave of absence from
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Holidays

Where are we?

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Which city are we in?
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Thursday 3 April. It’s the beginning of our South African adventure.

Can you guess from the photo?

Alarm clock, coffee (tea for Lin), taxi, airport, check-in, security, departure lounge, is the fog going to delay us? No.

Blue Islands flight SI 310 is on time for the exhausting ten minute flight to the ‘other island’ (Jersey).

We disembark and wait two and a half hours before boarding Blue Island flight SI 295 for – did you guess right?

Grand Amrath

We are billeted in the Grand Amrath Hotel, Amsterdam, a somewhat strange looking Art Deco early 1900s building, originally designed as the HQ for six major Dutch shipping companies.

The glass roof at the Grand Amrath
showing South Africa
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The roof is two enormous stained glass windows depicting the sides of the earth. I took a photo of the side showing South Africa for the Emirates pilot in case he gets lost en route on Saturday knowing he’d be grateful.

Looks

When Toby and I have been to METS, Kahlenberg has always treated us to dinner at Looks. So Lin and I ate there.

The menu showed only four starters and main courses and three desserts. But what options. So inspired. Apparently the menu’s changed every six weeks which keeps regulars coming back and back.

We can see why. We weren’t disappointed. The cooking was tinglingly exciting.

Friday

We wonder what’s on the menu in this ‘coffee shop’
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Today we walk, work, and plan.

We have two days when we return and will spend the time visiting the art museums of great Dutch Masters. And maybe Looks, again?

On Saturday, we leave on Emirates EK150 for Cape Town via Dubai.

We have the photo ready for the pilot.

Piers and Lin
from the virtual saloon of
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Cooking onboard

Red Pepper Sauce

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Red Pepper Sauce.
Rich, thick, looks brilliant and tastes even better
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The colour is vibrant and the taste is so pure.

As we continue to search for the beauty of flavour simplicity, we’ve honed this recipe to produce a sauce that’s one of the most beautiful to look at, let alone a tasting delight.

Ingredients

10 medium size red peppers
Unsalted butter
Pinch of salt
Just a tiny bit (thimbleful?) of veg stock
Maybe, just maybe, a drop or two of organic maple syrup

Preparation

Cut the peppers into quarters and remove all traces of the white bits and seeds.

Brush with a small amount of light olive oil on both sides, and place them on a baking sheet in a roasting tray, skin down.

Put the tray on the middle shelf of an oven at 180C.

After 20 mins or so when the peppers are cooked, remove and place the quarters in a poly bag to sweat a while.

One by one, take them out and remove the black bits, only. Be careful not to lose any of the juices.

When cooked, remove the peppers from the oven click to enlarge
Place the juices and peppers into a liquidiser and liquidise well. You may find the liquidiser struggles given there’s minimal liquid. If this happens, shake it about. If this doesn’t help, add a thimbleful of vegetable stock.

Sieve through a ‘normal’ sieve using the back of a spoon to force the liquid through.

Liquidise again, adding just a pinch of salt and reasonable lump of unsalted butter to create a rich mousse.

Maple syrup?

If, and it’s a big if, you find the sauce to be slightly bitter, add a drop or two of maple syrup. A slight bitterness tends to be caused by the type of pepper and the time of year. Smaller peppers are sweeter than large.

Removing the skins

This is a question we’re often asked. The answer is simple.

Removing the skins,

  • is a fiddly and time consuming job, and never 100% successful.
  • removing the skins also removes some of the gorgeous oils

…so keep the skins and let the sieve remove them!

Piers and Lin
from the galley of
Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Beaucette Marina

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Holidays

South Africa – here we come

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Toby and Amy, three weeks
before they marry
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Toby, our youngest son (yet he’s 28 years old) is marrying Amy on April 19 in South Africa.

And we’ll be there!

Game Reserve

Since becoming engaged in April last year, Amy has gained a law degree and Toby has expanded his marine businesses. We are so proud of them.

Toby and Amy, well, Amy mostly, have planned their marriage in a game reserve near KwaZulu Natal near Durban.

Given the distance to South Africa, many family members and friends are unable to attend, so Toby and Amy have planned a celebration party in the UK in July which will be simply marvellous.

Travel plans

Neither Lin nor I have been to South Africa so we’re really excited. We’ll be making the best of the time, exploring Cape Town, the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg.

During the last week, I’ll be visiting some schools on behalf of Double First Ltd.

Captain Nick

Whilst away from Play d’eau, Captain Nick will be looking after her, checking warps, power supplies, and generally stroking her to make sure she feels loved…

Piers
from the packing cabin of
Play d’eau

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Servicing / Technical / Nav

No water pressure

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I removed the water filter which
looked reasonably clear to me
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For some time, Play d’eau’s domestic water pressure had been reducing. And now there were times when the taps ran dry before slowly starting to run again.

Not very helpful when you’re in the middle of washing your hair.

Where oh where?

Drawing on my long forgotten schoolboy ‘A level’ Physics, I assembled the facts.

The water tanks were full; the Headhunter X-Caliber pump was set to its maximum power (500 watts); the cut-in pressure was at its highest setting; all isolation valves were open; and the water strainer was clear.

Watching the accumulator pressure gauge, it would rise when the pump ran, only to fall slowly when the pump stopped. Hmmm.

Analysis

Being quick and feeling proud of myself I came to the conclusion there had to be a leak. Yet finding no evidence I went back to the drawing board.

Then it dawned on me. There had to be a non-return valve to prevent pressurised water being forced back to the water tanks. This valve had to be faulty.

I found it. It was called a ‘check-valve’ and mounted on the inlet to the Headhunter. I felt so proud of myself – again.

I changed it with my spare and fired up the pump, full of excitement.

Un-manly

…but the filter was the culprit
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No change. Same problem. My high expectations of success were dashed. I thought I’d been a genius. I hadn’t. I went and stood in the corner.

Being un-manly, I started to read the instruction book. The troubleshooting guide advised to change the check-valve. Really helpful.

I emailed the manufacturer.

Pressure tune-up

By return I received a ‘Pressure Tune-up’ guide. Stage 1 was to check any in-line filter. Apparently a blocked filter would exhibit the exact symptoms we were experiencing.

Now why didn’t I think of that? I’d checked the strainer but not the filter. Although it looked reasonably clean to me, I changed it.

Success.

Back to the man-cave

So how much time had I wasted? How much easier would it have been if I’d contacted the manufacturer in the first place? Don’t ask. Don’t even think it.

Back to my man-cave to hide and consider my future as ship’s engineer.

Piers
from the man-cave of
play d’eau

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Servicing / Technical / Nav

Back home and back in the water

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Play d’eau
on holiday at M&G Engineers, Guernsey
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Play d’eau is back in the water today (hurrah!) after being on hols for almost four weeks at M&G Engineers at St Sampsons.

The full works

So whilst we’ve been on our hols in Norway visiting the Arctic Circle on Hurtigruten’s MS Midnatsol, Play d’eau’s been pampered with a full spa treatment below her waterline.

She’s been pressure washed and antifouled, her shafts have been pulled, four new cutless bearings installed, stuffing boxes removed and cleaned, shaft seals replaced, and some GRP blemishes repaired.

With new external anodes all round and a full polish from the waterline up to her caprails, she’s been spoiled.

Internally

We head out of St Sampsons harbour
into fifty shades of bright orange over Herm
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Internally, we were able to do some small jobs such as dismantling and cleaning four engine sea-water strainers, changing the anodes on the two generators (the stbd is a real pain to do), and giving the engine room a good clean up.

She was ready. Ready for launch. Ready to go home to Beaucette.

Today’s the day

The alarm was set for 0420. After a quick cup of coffee (tea for Lin) we jumped in the car and headed to St Sampsons.

It was cold. The sky was clear but it was still dark; the sun hadn’t woken. The good news was that the wind had calmed right down to almost nothing from the ferocious winds of the last few days.

Opening M&G’s gate we climbed onto Play d’eau. ‘Good morning,’ we said. Was it me or did we hear her say, ‘Come on, let’s get going!’

Lin manoeuvres Play d’eau to leave St Sampsons
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The plan was to be lowered into the water at 0630. Then, once the new fittings had been checked, we’d be released from the hoist’s strops to head for the open sea through St Sampsons harbour.

Provided the remnant of yesterday’s swell wasn’t too uncomfortable we’d turn NNE for Beaucette. If it was still lumpy we’d simply turn around and berth in St Sampsons harbour until the evening’s high tide.

Launch time

Checking all was ready, the hoist picked us up, Steve antifouled where the support legs had been, Kerin donned the remote control, manoeuvred the 75 tonne hoist and began to lower Play d’eau into the water.

We could almost feel Play d’eau shudder as her hull touched the cold water but we knew she was happy to be floating again. Steve became Captain Steve of ‘HMS M&G Dinghy’, commanding the fine vessel on its 10 metre sea voyage to Play d’eau's transom. Ship’s Engineer Shane joined us for the journey to Beaucette to check everything was working properly.

I wonder if Play d'eau shudders as she feels
the temperature of the water
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With the seals, strainers and logs checked for integrity, we started the engines. After a thumbs-up from Shane we launched just as the sun rose over Herm in a bright shower of fifty shades of bright orange.

Beaucette Ho!

Exiting St Sampsons, we turned to port and headed for Beaucette.

Although the swell had quietened it was still evident. Taking the inside passage there was only one patch of rough sea between Platte and Corbette D’Amont before it straightened itself out as we entered Beaucette’s approach channel.

Point of No Return

I had a Point of No Return (PNR) which was just before the last port hand marker where I must decide whether to continue into Beaucette or turn around and return to St Sampsons. Beyond this, I have to commit and continue.

Captain Steve commands HMS M&G Dingy
with Ship's Engineer Shane
for the 10 metre voyage to
Play d’eau
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Although the swell was creating large surges and spray against the rocks to port and starboard of the approach channel, the channel itself looked good.

Decision made. I continued past the PNR and entered the channel. Play d’eau took it in her stride, no problem. I’m so proud of her.

We moored temporarily on the Fuelling Pontoon before taking her to her berth.

Welcome home

It's great being home again. We have many warm welcomes. ‘We’ve missed you.’ ‘It's been wrong seeing your berth empty.’

Sadness

One sadness. John, from the small white yacht behind us, has died whilst we’ve been away.

Kerin, Officer in Charge of the hoist, manoeuvres Play d'eau to the launch site
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Sometimes fondly known as ‘the old man of Beaucette’, John hadn’t been well for some time, and in a way his death was expected. But it's still a shock and a sadness.

For me, he’d occasionally given me fresh lobsters from his pots.

We had one thing in common. We both had really bushy eyebrows.

His funeral’s next Tuesday. We’ll be there.

Piers and Lin
from the saloon of
Play d’eau

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

With the hoist ready to lift
Steve removes the support legs
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Twin shaft anodes
are secured in place with jubilee clips
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Shane adds the split pin to lock the prop nuts
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Shafts and props are installed
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Shane ‘encourages’ the shaft to a snug fit
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The shaft fits through both bearings
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Through the first, en route to the second
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The shaft is guided through the first cutless bearing
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Shane greases the inner cutless bearing
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Two new cutless bearings are installed
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Holidays

LHR Terminal 4 to Beaucette

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Our eldest’s son and daughter
with Papa Bear and Granny Lin
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We arrived at the hotel just before midnight, checked in, had a beer and slept soundly after a long day’s travelling.

Our eldest and his family

Having collected the car from the other side of the airport we were on our way to Coventry to stay with our eldest and his family. It was strange travelling on motorways again, let alone at 70mph rather than Guernsey’s max of 35mph.

Hugs, smiles and the general loud hubbub of two grandchildren greeted us. Not having seen them since last May it was very special. How quickly they grow up, with the elder soon to have his 11th birthday.

The sun was shining so a walk in the park that afternoon was delightful, accompanied by bike and scooter for the children.

A delicious roast pork evening meal was devoured eagerly by all.

Piers’ sister

A leap of faith into Dad’s arms
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The following afternoon Piers drove to his sister and brother-in-law in Gloucestershire whilst I stayed another night. My brain was challenged by playing card and board games. I let others win, of course.

I had an easy train journey to join Piers, Hilary and Kiffer for lunch after which we drove to Newbury to join Diccon and family for 2 nights.

Again, we had wonderful greetings from Oscar and Maia.

Board meeting

Piers had to attend a quarterly Group Board meeting on Wednesday so Charlotte and I walked into Newbury with the two ‘weasels’. It felt strange to be back; shops had changed, people seemed impersonal and the roads felt huge.

On Thursday, I went back to my previous hairdresser, Paul Charles of Thatcham, to have a trim and highlights. I was very pleased with the results.

D and M

Next stop was D & M, some dear friends from when we were neighbours at Bourne End. We all moved on in 1977 within a few weeks of each other and hadn’t met up for several years.

Grandson Oscar
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It was really good to see them again and reminisce about our ‘outrageous’ and fun times. In 1975 D had used creosote to write “Come back Piers, all is forgiven” on our side of the fence – a prophecy fulfilled?

Our youngest and his fiancée

Our last whole day in UK arrived with me visiting a friend before lunch with Toby and Amy in their ‘new’ abode. They have both worked so hard with decorating their bungalow ready for when they are married in April.

Guernsey-bound

Bidding our farewells, we travelled south to stay overnight near Portsmouth where we met Kim and Michelle for dinner at Wickham Vineyard. A great way to end to a busy week and wonderful time away.

Granddaughter Maia
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Saturday 22 February saw us at the Portsmouth Condor Ferry terminal, exactly 11 months after we emigrated.

‘Old Faithful’, the Commodore Clipper was waiting for us and we departed a few minutes early.

With breakfast eaten we retired to our cabin for a sleep after such a busy but enjoyable week visiting as many as we could in the time available.

Guernsey, and Beaucette in particular, beckoned.

Lin
from the saloon of
play d’eau

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

Boarding passes at the ready
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We board ‘Old Faithful’ and are ready for breakfast
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Entering St Peter Port after a great crossing
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Holidays

Batsfjord to LHR Terminal 4

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We leave the cruise and head for the airport
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No sun. Just clouds and a slightly irritated sea. It’s 0600 and there’s only one more stop before we reach the end of our voyage, Kirkenes.

We don’t want to leave, yet we long to see our family after so long.

We stare out over the balcony in silence recalling the last few days.

Replaying memories

It’s 0700. Lin’s packed everything. I make a last cup of powder (ugh) coffee and an English Breakfast tea for Lin, with milk we purloined from the restaurant yesterday.

Despite the cold air, we drink outside on the balcony, leaning on the caprail, watching the ship’s wake recede as we replay the week’s memories.

Breakfast

Signs remind us we are close to the Russian border
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It’s 0800. With one last look around the suite and one more quick look out to sea to be saved as a cherished snapshot, we vacate the cabin and head for breakfast.

The restaurant’s full. But somehow it’s different. No-one’s talking. We are all held captive by memories we don’t want to lose.

We eat, but without tasting.

Disembarking

It’s 0915. We’ve docked in Kirkenes. We’re at deck level. The gate opens. We disembark. We climb into the airport bus and leave.

Kirkenes Airport

The coach ride to the tiny Kirkenes airport takes us along snow and ice covered roads. Road signs are in Norwegian and Russian.

Wherever you look, the scenery is simply stunning
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A sign to Murmansk reminds us that Kirkenes is right on the borders between Norway, Finland and Russia.

The airport is busy today. It has four aircraft movements.

Norwegian Air DY311 takes us to Oslo via Tromso.

Boingo Internet

With five hours in Oslo before BA769 departs, we find a café and try the Internet. Boingo takes £6 for access, but stubbornly refuses to let me in.

Piers tries Boingo’s contact telephone number. It’s answered by an automated voice that keeps repeating itself whilst assuring him it wants to help. The voice won’t stop. There’s an email address for support but not having email access we can’t use it. The Airport Information desk washes their hands of the problem. Argh!

Goodbye Norway

Mountains, valleys, lakes, snow and ice go on forever
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Although our BA flight leaves forty minutes late, the two hour journey goes quickly, maybe because Piers falls asleep.

Tonight, we stay at the Hilton, Terminal 4 before finding our car and driving to see our eldest son and his family.

We’ve said goodbye to Norway but so want to return. Thirty two ports in six days. Wonderful weather, flat calm seas. Huskies, snowmobiling, mountains, fjords and the Northern Lights. We’ve overdosed on wonderment.

Now we head north from Heathrow, this time not to see the Northern Lights but our eldest son, his wife and two of our wonderful grandchildren.

We leave one reality for another.

Memories

Maybe the best of the Hurtigruten experience can be seen here.

Piers and Lin
heading to see our family
Volvo V50

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

The tiny airport has four aircraft movements today
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The first aircraft of the day
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Holidays

Tromso to Batsfjord

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A F9 gale creates emotional seas
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We wake late and bask in the joy of yesterday’s huskies.

But the ship’s motion is different. She’s pitching and rolling. Opening the heavy curtains we see why. There are no mountains to protect us and the calm seas of the last few days have been rudely woken by a strong force 9 yet MS Midnatsol is riding the unruly motion so gently.

Northern Siberia

We stop for thirty minutes in Havoysund. At 71N 26E we are on the same latitude as northern Siberia. A helpful sign tells us it’s only 1,311nm to the North Pole.

We are also told the temperature here can drop to -60F – that’s a bracing 92 degrees of frost before any wind chill is taken into account.

With such slow Internet onboard, Lin’s been clever and found that by taking our laptops to the side of the boat that’s adjacent to the Hurtigruten terminal, we can pick up their high speed Wi-Fi!

Finmark

Arriving in Havoysund, a small fishing town
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During the passage to Kjollefjord, we watch a short documentary on the Sarmi people. Evidence shows they were nomadic and inhabited an area known as Finmark some 9,000 years ago, surviving from their herds of reindeer.

‘Civilised progress’ almost wiped them out for two main reasons. Their language was different and they worshipped the spirit world.

King Crabs

Question: What do king crabs and snowmobiling have in common? Both require us to be fully togged up and boiled up in our arctic clothing.

It’s 1700 and dark. Very dark. As we near Kjollefjord, a large RIB storms alongside with two crates of king crab.

Deck nine, the open promenade deck and home to the challenging open air sauna, becomes the focus of attention as we are shown these enormous creatures. We are told these are babies. Adults have a two metre legspan. Their crushing claws are fierce.

Snowmobiling

A trawler arrives to offload its catch
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Having docked and disembarked we take the short bus journey to Snowmobiling HQ. We only have an hour before MS Midnatsol leaves. After a short briefing it’s follow the leader.

With clear skies and moonlight the landscape is once again, just glorious and sparkly.

I long to go faster, so I hang back to increase the distance from the snowmobile in front. Then I open the throttle wide and shoot forward. Yes! Closing the gap in no time I shut the power off, but I’d had my bit of fun.

Northern Lights

The leader suddenly holds his arm up. We stop. He taps his left forearm, the sign to kill engines.

‘Look,’ he calls pointing skywards. ‘Aurora Borealis.’

We’ve seen our Northern Lights. They’re not spectacular, but we’ve seen them. Mission accomplished.

Norwegian Buffet-fest

King crabs arrive by RIB
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The buffet is spectacular with every type of shell fish you can imagine.

Crab, king crab, green mussels, langoustines, fresh water prawns, shrimps, fresh water crayfish and lobster.

And the fresh salmon and halibut were so well cooked. Still vaguely rare and squiggy.

We sleep well. What a great cruise. What a great adventure. What a great way to celebrate Lin’s special birthday.

Piers and Lin
Mission accomplished HQ
MS Midnatsol

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.

We are told this is ‘a tiddler’
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A passenger holds ‘the tiddler’
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A trawler arrives after fishing for cod
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A small township sits at the base of a mountain
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