Aleria's Adventures

On Monday, Alex had to take his mom to Sligo for a cataract operation. So I had a whole day to myself. I've been bugging Alex to do something active for some time -- like go for a walk in the woods or on the beaches, but he's been wanting things like a burger in a pub or a bike ride. I want to stay away from people but enjoy the natural world around us. Not that I have to go far. It's right at the base of our driveway.  But Monday, I wanted to see different. I haven't been out and about for ages. Since February, I've only been to Westport, Newport and Castlebar (once). And only to the supermarkets and pharmacy. I needed a change.  So I got in Micky, my aging but fun Mini, and started down the road. Should I head over to Mulranny?  It was going to be windy and possibly a little wet. No, Mulranny might be a bit exposed to the SW. I would start with the Quay in Westport as I'd heard there were works underway. I could gauge how many people were out and decide on mor...

Geo, Jacqui, Robert and me aboard Aleria Yesterday, we scrubbed Aleria clean and gave the teak a good 1-2 hit of cleaner and brightener. She looks spiffy. It was a foggy cool day and truly weird weather for this time of year. Later we had OCC member Geo of Petit Prince 2 and prospective members Jacqui and Robert of Scilla over for drinks. Geo is a Belgian who lives in France near Grenoble and will be keeping his boat near Marseilles. Jacqui and Robert are Dutch and doing the ARC this year. All super nice people. Geo wants to be Port Officer in Marseilles. I will recommend him. We walked into town and found yet another good restaurant with different fare. This time a Spanish edition of a Mexican dish, a mini hamburger that was delicious, and Zorza with blue cheese sauce. Yum. Another good Albarino and we were satiated. This part of town was very full of people talking very loudly. It was very lively. After a good night's sleep, a shower, breakfast and a study of the GR...