Once a few days & glasses of vino have been enjoyed since our Code Zero/ giant crocodile tangle, we’re able to look back & have a good laugh about the amateur mistakes we make in life… I don’t think I’ve ever been so out of control being whipped around like a piece of spit in the wind grabbing onto a sail that wants to fly & knowing the only thing I can do is damn well hold on or I will be flicked like a mozzie into the big blue. While seeing Erin through the glass with huge eyes staring at the carnage, giving her a weak smile & thumbs up as if I’m enjoying myself to keep her calm & then whoosh I’m off again being flung against railings… my co- captain did a sterling job & handled the situation like a champion. With the main sail & jib up, engines running hard against the wind, kids crying, waves crashing there are so many elements to control which Clauds took full control of. What a woman!!
After the event…
After it all I said to Clauds with a nervous laugh ‘I don’t think I’ve felt that alive in a long time!’, maybe that’s why we are on this adventure…
The Finale Ligure coastline is magnificent & referred to as an ‘Outdoor Gym’ with trail running, mountain biking, hiking, running, tick climbing etc etc , so we feeling really at home & not sure why no Italians told us to head here in the first place? The only reason that comes to mind is the marina has a limited draft of 2.5m which knocks out many larger mono hulls & they advertise 12 m as the max but there are a few 14m around.
The weather picked up last night & has bought in some waves so we have decided to stat in harbour for a few days & enjoy this little diamond… at Euro 34 (lights & water included) it’s a great place to chill for a few days.
Yesterday our girls pulled off a 12km scooter/ walk that took us into old town & up to Castle Gavone built at the end of the 12th century (Queen Erin & Bowden of LodeStar were born & there were many discussions of who their sacrificial King would be… any takers – Christopher de Leiburne was suggested?? There is a free bike ride system around town so with a little Q20 we’re in business to traverse a little further & top up supplies…
Clauds & I are alternating running days so we able to investigate the quaint fishing villages, find a random mountain pass or discover an ancient cobble street along the way (there are so many moments when I wish the family was with me along the run to experience something outrageously funny or a unique piece of vegetation with vibrant spring colours…
Erin & Bowds are doing really well & the little harbour allows for clean crab hunting, starfish catching & random swipes at passing fish without mom & dad freaking out as you can easily see the bottom at 2.5m & climbing out is not a problem… whew… but apart from that the independence of Bowdie at 5 & the love for nature (Erin hardly ever without a bunch of wild flowers in her hand) that we are seeing in these little critters is incredible & they also seem to be turning into really great little friends…
Living Lodestar 
man! So glad you guys are all ok after that scare. Lovely to see and hear your voices xxx
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Awesome guys – happy sailing
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Whew! So pleased that all worked out and that the livings easier now in Finale Ligure!
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Hey guys!
Loving reading your stories.
King Christopher would gladly oblige for the ladies of Lodestar!! 😉
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