This summer's trip to Iceland is a fantastic memory. I crewed on the outward leg which turned out to be quite a pleasure cruise from beginning to end, with light favourable winds and smooth seas.
The highlights for me were seeing the intensity of bird life at Boreray (Scotland), the awesome coastline of The Faeroes and arriving into an incredible fjord in Iceland - jagged mountains, speckled with snow, good cod fishing too.
A thank you to Nick, great adventure. Sean
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
From Jan Kats
Triggered by a string of deaths in the family, a dark pattern of disharmony and events in circumstances had developed into a will of their own which could not be shaken off. It looked as if these circumstances would run their course to the bitter end before I could break free to taste what it was to live life again. The sail reached out, like a helping hand in that smothering void, an opportunity to place myself in a totally different environment with good company and the elements to contend with.
Now, in the healing, reflective calm that comes with the end of such a journey, before the flood waters of daily life churns back, a handful of memories comes to mind.
The sea and sky a study of a hundred shades of gray. A dividing sunburst of blue sky chases through turning the waters momentarily to a hundred shades of blues in the constant play of light and shadow.
Momentary calms of the valleys and rising forever back up over the foam streaked wave to watch the playful flight of gulls flying far below in the shadow of the next advancing mountain range of waves.
A sudden dry taste of fear as the boat drops from under while taking down the genoa and putting up the working jib in the black, spray drenched night.
Sailing into the night as we incrementally leave the northern latitudes of 24 hour sunlight. Hard naps after a shift and waking up in astonishment of the day.
The extremity of five gales kept me on my toes and feeling alive. The boat and captain's abilities far surpassed my expectations. It was bigger sailing than I had ever done making it one of the top adventures of my life. On top of that, the places visited were, to put it mildly, awe inspiring. I would do it again, without hesitation.
Now, in the healing, reflective calm that comes with the end of such a journey, before the flood waters of daily life churns back, a handful of memories comes to mind.
The sea and sky a study of a hundred shades of gray. A dividing sunburst of blue sky chases through turning the waters momentarily to a hundred shades of blues in the constant play of light and shadow.
Momentary calms of the valleys and rising forever back up over the foam streaked wave to watch the playful flight of gulls flying far below in the shadow of the next advancing mountain range of waves.
A sudden dry taste of fear as the boat drops from under while taking down the genoa and putting up the working jib in the black, spray drenched night.
Sailing into the night as we incrementally leave the northern latitudes of 24 hour sunlight. Hard naps after a shift and waking up in astonishment of the day.
The extremity of five gales kept me on my toes and feeling alive. The boat and captain's abilities far surpassed my expectations. It was bigger sailing than I had ever done making it one of the top adventures of my life. On top of that, the places visited were, to put it mildly, awe inspiring. I would do it again, without hesitation.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Eric Ploumis' reflections
Life recalibrating. Sounds a bit extreme, but the trip with Nick and the Ire to Ice crew was remarkable to me. No New York City temptations, no computer, no Blackberry, no cell phone, no three daily papers, 125 daily e-mails, 50 daily phone messages to deal with. Just the solitude of open seas and skies and no itinerary other than to make it safely to our destination. It was a leap of faith for Nick to invite me and an even greater one to allow my inexperienced nephew to join us. I hope we didn't disappoint. Getting to know Nick again and getting to know Sean for the first time was superb. Nick is fearless; Sean a man among men. I just hope I make the cut for next year's adventure.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wrapping up this blog
Now that the trip is over I plan to bring this blog to a close. For me the blog has been an interesting experience. Overall it was well received. The blog has been used by several people to keep in touch with loved ones, although the entry "Leaving The Faroes in a Force 7! " caused some un-intended concern.
Ultimately, I think the sailors should have the last word. Thus I am asking all those who sailed to Iceland or back to Clifden to post a reflection on the trip (perhaps including a photo or two). Sailors, please send me your contributions and I will put them up here.
Regards,
Paul Phelan
Ultimately, I think the sailors should have the last word. Thus I am asking all those who sailed to Iceland or back to Clifden to post a reflection on the trip (perhaps including a photo or two). Sailors, please send me your contributions and I will put them up here.
Regards,
Paul Phelan
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