Hi Folks,Well sorry Charlotte and me haven't blogged sooner but there were technical difficulties in the Internet cafe so we have been unable to upload photos or any of our trips.So for the next few days there will be a few blogs and photos. So get yourself a Starbucks and some chocolate and sit back and enjoy the stories.I will be covering our Sailing trip from last Wednesday (15th Aug) so here we go!!!!!!!!

We left at 11:15 in the morning with our flat mate Damian who is a member of the crew on the boat. We drove to the seaside called Manly where lots of Sailing boats docked. This was going to be an interesting day as C and I have not sailed before and this was the EKKA race, which had 92 boats racing each other across the Brisbane seawaters.When we registered to be on the boat we met Margie 1 and Margie 2 they were a bit like Laurel and Hardy. They talked to each other in their own wee funny language that no one could understand. They also made these lovely sandwiches for the boat later on and had chopped off all the crusts. Weird!!!!We met Steve the Skipper and his boat name was the "VALLINA", We met in the Sailors lounge bar for some drinks and for Steve and his crews this meant a numerous amounts of rum and coke and some pints and a few cigs along the way.While I ordered my carry out for the boat at the bar and man next to me said " I know your ascent, you're from Scotland not only that you're from Edinburgh, my names Dave and I'm from Penicuik. I said " Small world I actually come from Musselburgh" Imagine all the places in the world you go and I go to an Elite Sailors club and bump into a punter from Penicuik.Bought my XXXX gold beer cans for the boat race and C got some ginger beer as she wanted to be part of the mans club so went for the harder stuff!!!Steve the skipper when speaking to us asked where we were from and when we told him he said at least your not weggies they speak to fast and I can't understand them so I would have had to thrown you overboard. Sorry for all the Glaswegians out there, hope you're not offended.

There were 23 people on board the boat and we set sail about 2:15. The weather wasn't great and there was not much wind, which meant for the size of our boat we would not make good speed. So Skipper Steve said to hell with the race lets enjoy it and have a party. I think that was his intentions anyway but hell he's the skipper so he rules!!!!! My First task on the boat was to let loose the Fenders (Giant boat bumpers) and bring them in the boat. Our Flatmate Damian had to yank in the ropes for the Sails, as he was a crew member with a real official job on the boat.The race was fun we were in the middle of this huge fleet of boats racing round markers and Islands. C and I were wandering around the boat and having to ensure we kept our balance. As a true Scotsman I was also trying to ensure I balanced my can of beer so no spillage's occurred as that would have been a waste and I would have got upset. When sailing we spotted a giant brown back turtle in the water. We were still trying the balancing act so were not quick enough to get a photo which was a pity, but I had my glasses on so at least I could see!!!!!In order to ensure maximum race speed we all needed to sit on the "High Side" of the boat so that it levels the boat out and gains speed. We were doing reasonable well until our 1st Marker where we had to go through a method called "TACKING" (turning the boat in an opposite direction and changing the sail from one side of the boat to the other. C and I had difficult jobs stay out the way and duck when the poll swung round or we would have been overboard. I also had a face of concentration, as obviously keeping all the beer in the can was an important factor of tacking.We failed miserably and lost speed cause a virgin sailor was at the wheel because Steve the skipper was enjoying his rum. This old lady took the wheel and picked it up quickly, she had us catching the fleet, however everyone else was more interested in the food and drinks at that moment especially the home made cookies. Yum Yum.Steve the skipper had enough rum and coke for a navy fleet and kept going to the back of the boat down some steps and taking a leek. He's the skipper its his boat and his rules what can I say!!!We "Tacked and "Jibed" at the next marker then Charlotte took the wheel and steered us on our way to the finish. Unfortunately the wind died down and we ended up with a sailing status of DNF (Did not Finish).

It was 5 O'clock now so sails down, motors on and headed home.We met a girl called Angie on the boat who was an Ozzie girl and had visited Edinburgh. She made friends with a family and the dad owned a fish monger's that she visited on Gorgie Road called McPherson's. Small world again wouldn't you say!!!!

When we got off the boat there was a free barbie. We were meant to be the cooks but because we were so late in everyone else started so we could just eat and drink some more.Steve the skipper come second overall in his section for the season so won $50 of drink vouchers. He bought some more Bundaberg dark and strong ginger ale and rum. Tasted nice as he offered it to us all.All the Oldies and Steve got up to dance to the free entertainment. The band was good and it was a good atmosphere.We left at 8:45 as we had work the next day. What a day. Everything free and a great experience and meeting new folks. Did I mention everything was Free.Well that's me for now.

Last thing I would like to say is Thank you to Sophie my little niece she sent my this package with some nice chocolate in it, a photo of her and a lovely letter.The package got opened by Australian Mail for suspected drugs and was quarantined, also was very impressed that Sophie at the age of 1 has better joined up writing than me and far better grammar and spelling. She will be a very special girl in the future.Well I think I have spoke enough so time to go back to Starbucks, get another latte and await C blogs about our weekend trips and the photos that will follow shortly.Miss you all very much especially the little ones. C trying to buy size 3 baby shoes for me to wear but I think I'm a big boy now!!! Only kidding.Any way as they say in an emergency on the boats S.O.S (signing of See you later) Iain