We’re underway

We departed Malagasy 0830 and are making our way along the coast of Spain with our destination tonight being Gibraltar. We were able to sail for a while but the wind dropped off so we are now motoring. 

John driving

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Today we moved onto Bella Vita

December 1. We arrived at sv Bella Vita around 1300 and took a short tour. Storage of gear occupied the next bit of time. With that sorted, John and I did a walk around on deck to follow the various lines and decipher what each line did and where it went. 

After a while we wandered down the quay to a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed a pleasant conversation as we got to know Richard. 

I sat at the helm and slowly deciphered the various knobs and buttons. The boat has fully automatic push button sail controls at the helm. 

All control lines are led into the enclosed cockpit which is a big safety feature especially when offshore. 

The plan is to depart Malaga at 0800 tomorrow morning to make the 60+/- NM passage to Gibraltar. Looking forward to seeing what this baby can do. 

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Our ride has arrived in Malaga. We board tomorrow at noon.

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Almost missed our flight

In Barcelona. Crazy connection. Plane leaving Amsterdam was way late due to weather and then slow in the unboarding process since we were in "the back of the bus". Then we had to leave the security area to pick up our baggage to transfer to another airline. Then we had to go back through security. Since I was walking with a cane they put us in a special line. Time for our next plane was rapidly winding down. We were still 1/2 mile and with a flight of stairs up to the security gate and then back down to the gate level. Our plane was about to leave. We didn't have a moment to spare and no time to check our bags. It feels like I walked 3 miles in this airport so far. John ran ahead and got to the gate. When I got there, worried that we missed it, John was smiling and informed me that the plane which was closed based on ticket time was late getting in here. So now we have an extra hour and now we're sitting around sweating from so much exercise, but we're gonna make it to Malaga.

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Approaching Ireland

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On the plane

On the move

> Over 8 hours into the trip. My traveling partner John Tarling and I have made it all the way through the bus ride, checked in, gotten through TSA security and now sit and waiting for another 1.5 hrs to start boarding the Delta flight. First leg - Amsterdam. Then switch planes to Barcelona. After arriving in Barcelona we change airlines to traverse the final leg to Malaga, Spain.
> Kathy made us delicious Thanksgiving sandwiches for our lunch. Dinner on the plane.