Monday, November 18, 2013

Melbourne to Cowes to San Remo to Wonthaggi to to Korumburra to Warragul Ride

For this ride I caught the train from Marshal Station up to Melbourne then on to  Mentone where I caught up with Clive.
By chance the Littles were on their way to check out the Meyer Christmas Windows display. Great to catch u[p.



We then cycled down to Stony Point mainly along new cycle tracks, courtesy of the new ring road developments.
Train travel with the MyKey Card was very cheap at less than $5.00.
Managed to find a Marples chisel in one of the many old wares stores Clive managed to hunt out.
From Stony Point it is a short ferry trip to Cowes where we stayed overnight. Great meal at the RSL. The Arthur Phillip Motor Inn was stingy on hot water and tea an biscuits.
 
 
 Waiting for the ferry at Stony Point



 After the ferry and overnight stay at Cowes a short ride to San Remo saw us taking in the view before coffee and cake at a local cafĂ©.
 From San Remo to Wonthaggi  there is a very nice Rail Trail which takes in beaches and ocean views. Some of the track is cut up where local horse riders have been using it after rain and before the track dries and hardens.


 This bridge is the original rail bridge, probable a bit rickety for trains but ok for the ocassional cyclist.
 
 
Below is the view from Cape Patterson. the Cycling from here to Inverloch is excellent with many headlands and beaches to see.
 
 







The ride from Inverloch to Warragul took us up over the hills and then down on to the Great Southern Road, which was relatively car free and beautifully green.


Saturday, November 16, 2013

Big Day At the Markets for Gaye Today

Down at the Sunday market this morning - nothing of interest for me, but Gaye couldn't help but find things she never knew she needed but had to be rescued for the grand total of $35.

The pottery is somewhat unique and rare. It is fired by a process called raku. This is a difficult and lengthy process using straw for firing and a fire which needs tending all night. The result is a lovely individual  and unpredictable finish with lots of character.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Now THAT'S What I Call a Chisel

My latest acquisition from ebay... The Mother of all chisels...

Weighing in at 2kg, that's a little over 4 lbs, this 'il beauty comes from a time when commercially made chisels were either unavailable or too expensive. Yet to try a cut with it, but I am sure by the way it's held its edge and given the amount of work it has see over the years, it will be a keeper.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Consistency Wins the Day


Subject: Consistency Wins the Day


Second on handicap today , Race 6, after our first last week and despite our handicap going up 2.5%.

I turned my gps on half way up the first leg, so no data for that leg, however here are the times for each work and each run yesterday.
Work 1. No data. OCS. Returned to start.
Run 1.   15 min. Most efficient run with excellent clean jibe.
Work 2. 24 min. Best work.  Gamble paid off. Left side of course favoured.
Run 2.   16 min. No jib only cost 1 min.
Work 3. 26 min. Sailed medium right side of course. Consolidated gains.
Run 3.   17 min. Late spinnaker drop only cost 1 min.
Work 4. 25 min. Hard right side.  Consolidated gains.

Course 3.75 kilometres.
Wind 25 k. Gusts to 30k
Wind direction 185 deg. Gradient type. Oscl 8 minutes.
Time 2.5 hours.
Bottom mark dragged 22 m.



Friday, November 8, 2013

Recent Shepparton Visit

After an altication with a truck and some panel damage, Regans car was ready to be picked up and returned to Shepparton. Great excuse to see th g/c's.





















Saturday, November 2, 2013

Good Result on Phantom on Saturday.

With Rob investing in a couple of new jibs and the crew work coming together AND Tony, our local sail maker on board calling the tactics we were able to sail Phantom to her capability and were rewarded with a fine result. Yep that's a 1st on corrected time and blitzed our handicap.


Photo courtesy of Tom Smeaton Photography.