Thursday, August 27, 2009

open ocean


a last treat, some wild oysters we picked up, a last taste of Brittany, wild and salty..

A good weather window cannot be missed, northerly winds coming with a good old high pressure are here to stay a few days. We leave for 286 miles of open water crossing the Bay of Biscay which have its reputation.... But the odds are good, and a "jolie brise" takes us at a fast pace away from the continental shelf. Röde Orm rides the swell and offer us a smooth rides over a force 4 to 5 beaufort almost close hauled for a while. The movement of the boat are astonishly comfortable considering the agitated sea, and the spray over its deck seldom. The wind is agreeable this time, and a soon north westerly then north wind settled under a starry sky. It even became force 6 as we approach the spanish coast, forcing us to take 2 reefs, just to slow down trying to avoid a night arrival. The boat keeps a good speed, and we have to face a night approach. Ria de Ribadeo has an easy entrance and with the help of GPS, and radar, we soon are anchored in a little bay, which protect us from the heavy swell than can develop on this coast. At 4 o'clock, tired but happy, we secure everything for the night and just drop to bed, having just guest the surroundings by its shadowy contours.

No comments: