Between ebb and flow

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The past six weeks in France have been a return to the source. A soul nurturing time strengthening the many relationships this big family weaves. Precious times shared both on land and on board Dragonfly, honouring special places and people in the history of the family. I didn’t foresee how moving this period would be.

For a couple of weeks mid August in Brittany, Tama, Luca and Naomi were able to immerse fully without parents in the care of aunts, uncles, cousins and a rather special grandmother. (What grandparent would rent a house for themselves and six of their grandchildren for a whole week holiday?)

They had a very colourful time, which for some even involved jumping out of a plane.. (!!?) They contributed to rural community projects, organised a big fiesta and overall had loads of fun and bonding with relatives and other people of all ages. They returned as the frenchest versions of themselves which was really fun to witness on their return.

Meanwhile, Simon Lee and I conducted repairs and maintenance in the port of Toulon, mostly installing a new windlass, fixing the bimini and refitting patched up sails. Toulon is not on the touristic map. The largest naval base in France, it was completely destroyed during WWII and rebuilt without much charm. It was for logistical reasons that I had chosen my birthplace as a temporary land base. As it turned out, soaking up its vibe after living there briefly in my early years unearthed profound memories. So came up an unsuspected opportunity to acknowledge a place which has shaped me more than i knew.

Autumn has set in, the crowds have gone. We have enjoyed three tranquil weeks of September sailing around the islands of Porquerolles and Corsica with the occasional company of special people.

For the first time ever we were able to introduce Dragonfly to family and embark them for a journey into our world. We celebrated life in the most simple ways and contemplated how its unfolding has shaped us.

We were blessed to have my father join us a second time for an overnight passage from Porquerolles to Corsica, right through a maritime region that him and his father before had known so intimately over years in the navy.

We left before dawn on the new moon. Venus and Matariki (the Pleiades) exceptionally bright above our heads. The wind did not help us across as much as we had planned. Instead we were visited by dozens of dragonflies over the course of the next day. Perching on antennas, fishing rods, guard rails, even hands and feet..  their unsubtle presence felt very auspicious.

Our dear old time friend ‘Jelly’ joined us in Calvi for a lovely week meandering down the west coast of Corsica. This island holds some of the most dramatic beauty of the Mediterranean. High mountain peaks towering above pink calanques and quiet stone villages camouflaged amongst olive trees and maquis. The sweet smell of fig trees, thyme, eucalyptus and immortal flowers, an intoxicating cocktail. We celebrated beauty and friendship indulging on Corsican cheeses and wines. We learned new words, swam, lounged, rescued a boat in distress with a tow to port and laughed heaps. Thank you Jelly for meeting us in yet another random location as you always do. We look forward to your next visit on board Dragonfly.

Easterly winds and swell carried us across the many miles from Southern Corsica to the Southern coast of Spain in only a few days. It was not a smooth trip but it was fast and we beat our own speed record so far… 12.1 knots!

We are now unhurriedly making way westward towards Gibraltar where we will take delivery of a parasailor (Spinnaker) and para anchor (large drogue) next week. We’ll provision and prepare to exit the Mediterranean for new territory. Heading first to the Canaries for an Atlantic crossing scheduled early November.