In terms of writing frequently we have been very bad so far. Our excuse: it's quite hard to get internet access. We are sending you an article that Chris wrote for "Skuttlebutt". More to follow ...
Hoping all is well.
See ya!
The remarkability of going slow
Greetings from “Westwind” at Ulmarra.
There are few things that I have found more gratifying, more mesmerizing or more fullfilling than putting one foot in front of the other with a pack on my back and 50 miles of wilderness in front of me.
Looking back from a rize it was always fascinating to see the ground one could cover with nothing else but ones own bodily efforts.Sailing is a bit like that and even though the talk is about squeezing as much speed out of the ship and winning the race, going slow, thankfully, is as much a part of sailing.
At first when we left Sydney I had a strange notion that we might pay for our extraordinary privilege of freedom by covering a lot of miles and in the beginning I was even anxious to do so. Now after having spent more than a week in Broken Bay, a whole two weeks soaking up the serenity of Lake Macquarie, a week in PT Stephens and Broughton Island, a week in the Camden Haven and another in Coffs Harbour and environs I make no excuse at the lack of milage except to say we are learning to listen to our inner voice which will tell us when it is time to move on.
So, having established to all that going slow is ok, even good, I feel happy to say, "We are beginning our second week on the Clarence River."
A conversation overheard on the VHF at Iluka last week runs
like this:
Vessel to VMR Iluka, "We are departing the Clarence for Southport and would
like to log on - over.” VMR to vessel, “Do we have a tracking sheet
on you?” Vessel, ”I am not sure.” VMR, “What day did
you arrive?”
Vessel, ”Two years ago – over.” !!!
Such is the Clarence, most of the charming little towns along its length were
established in the mid 1800s. It is deep and wide and in the evening autumn
hues very beautiful and - so far - no stink boats!
Sometimes, often, distances cannot be measured in miles but in experiences, which to us is the sole purpose of our journey.
Chris and Gilli Dicker
Attachments:
1) A radarreflector is being installed
2) Haircut on "Westwind"
3) Swansea Bridge is opening in front of us
P.S.: I think I made a mistake describing the photos
in my last email. The second one should be
Harwood Bridge, sorry!
See ya, Lars!
(Friends of Chris and Gilli can message them at whestwhind@yahoo.com -) - webadmin