Craft

As I make things onboard, perhaps it's time to share some of the project pictures with you. 'Made at Sea' Guild is a formal institution on Lerryn Lady :O)

Crafting keeps me occupied on this watery world. I have a box of tricks in one locker that enables me, at whim, to paint, sew, knit, crochet, applique, card make, sketch and photograph my thoughts into my work. Knitting needles are particularly useful, at a push they can also double up as kebab sticks.  The 'Made at Sea' Art and Craft Movement really applies on Lerryn Lady as there's a lot of 'movement', occasionally too much and needles have to stowed PDQ. Our cockpit is fast becoming my studio and Greg is a worried man :O) If I was to follow my interest in glass blowing and wood turning my crafting may have to walk the plank!
Here's a photo of one of my crocheted beach pebbles:

 A good paperweight, not too big, weighty enough to do the job ( here it's holding a wodge of A4 sheets). Can be used, in an emergency, to gain someone's attention! Or just a simple gift to Neptune if you need a sea change. 

Cartegena quay today

Just outside our marina such diversity...

Japanese girl dancing on the promenade...

Stopped at the Zebra crossing...

In the museum on the quay a cross-section of a Roamn trading ship showing how Amphoras would have been stacked below-deck to transport wine and oil.

Just a few of the Amphora recovered from the local sea - Phonecian and Roman.

Puddles rot peas!

Who says you can't garden at sea? I'll share my onboard gardening with you, it'll be easier for you because your kitchen doesn't rock about! So here's a method for sprouting chickpeas. I'm using raw uncooked beige chickpeas ( they also come in black and brown) to show you the sprouting. I bought a kilo pack of dried chickpeas - La Noria from Argentina - most brands are fine, just watch carefully for the country of origin avoid those that you know use too many pesticides on their crops!  Sprouts are the fountain of youth :O) Unlocking all that potential in a bean or a pea or a lentil or a grain by sprouting means you unlock a powerhouse of nutrition. These sprouted chickpeas will provide Vitamin A and C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Amino acids and 20% protein!

All you need for sprouting is a)  bowl to pre-soak beans, b) sprouting jar (See mine in pic below) or a glass jar with butter muslin would do as well and c) lots and lots of water.

Step One: Wash and rinse the peas - a handful is enough. Put them in a bowl and cover with 2-3 times the amount of water to peas. You can never have enough water, its a key ingredient with sprouting, use freely. Leave to soak for between 8 and 12 hours - first stage done:

Step Two: Drain water from bowl, rinse and thoroughly drain peas again. Put peas in your sprouting jar add lid/muslin cloth and leave jar at an angle so that it can continue to drain. Remember - Puddles rot peas! Rinse and drain thoroughly three times a day. Keep the jar in a warm airy place. You will notice little root nubs appearing within 24 hours or so.

This is my sprouting jar, the lid is perforated for continual drainage.

After 24 hours the little  root appears - you can eat the sprouts now if you like, I carry on for another day or so though...

Fully alive and growing like mad...
You can carry on until they have leaves but I prefer them like this. Rinse them again, dry them on paper towel and keep refrigerated in a bag or box. You can do the same with seeds, lentils, oats, quinoa etc etc - buy sprouter jar in a health shop where they also sell seed to sprout. Use in salads, soups, stir fries, whatever you fancy, or just eat them as they are...lovely snack! 

Fowey Boy Fowey Maid

There I was minding my own business this morning, hoping the problem with our fridge was resolved, when Greg came aboard with a Fowey Boy. So here we are, sunlight blinding us both, looking very pleased to meet sumbuddy from 'ome!

 Rob Couch and myself :O)

And ditto...

 

Who says you can't have a garden onboard a boat :O)

Gardening at sea - sprouted chickpeas ready for salads.

Yoghurt made at sea - it makes itself overnight ( thankfully no swell so the boat was still for the setting process). The separated whey will be used in scones later. Added pure coconut milk to the yoghurt curd - deeeeeeelicious breakfast.

Our new neighbour- just 20 metres from Lerryn Lady in Cartegena harbour!

The Royal Clipper

The Star Clippers cruise ship, the Royal Clipper, began sea trials in June 2000. The ship, the world's biggest sailing ship, has 42 sails containing over 65 thousand square yards of material. The ship is 439 feet long and is modeled after the legendary five-masted Preussen. The German-built Preussen was launched in 1902 and sank in 1910 after colliding with a steamship in the English Channel.
The five-masted Royal Clipper is fitted with a special ballast system to help the ship ride smoother and not list in high winds. Passengers can climb to the first crow's nest on each mast and sit and enjoy the view. This massive sailing ship has three swimming pools, a piano bar, casino, library, health club, and a viewing lounge below sea level.
The ship can sail with or without its two engines, depending on the weather. Interestingly, the ship's top speed of 17 knots can be reached using sail only. (The top speed with the engines is 13.5 knots).

Mazarron to Cartegena

One of several large ships at anchor outside Cartegena harbour. Note the anchor chain is well and truly in place as we sail close to have a look at Grace Acacia. As we rounded her we heard shouts and zooming in here are some of the crew...

They must be short on entertainment but it's lovely to have people acknowledge you none-the-less :O)