Author Archives: spikekalashnikov

So my Mummy died last week.  I am very sad.  I knew she was about to die and so rushed back to England. As I was getting into the car to head for the airport, my brother phoned to say … Continue reading →

I stayed up very late on Sunday. First dinner with Mary and Tim. Tim cooked Paella. He really is an excellent cook. I drove there intending to leave the car and walk home. You do not drink and drive in … Continue reading →

Today I find in my mailbox, a light pink envelope with drawings of happy families on it. I believe it is my annual health insurance contribution demand. I love the way the Japanese administration communicates. Nearly all official correspondence is … Continue reading →

There was great glee the last time I went to the dentist about 2 weeks ago. Obviously having a molar pulled out is always a source of joy but also Mori sensei, who has a boat at Ginowan marina, announced … Continue reading →

Repeatedly over the last 10 years, when self disgust at the state of my body becomes unbearable, I have taken up physical exercise. It usually causes more damage than good. Five years ago I tore my meniscus in my right … Continue reading →

This rainy season has been the worst ever! Incredible rain such that visibility is reduced to 5 meters. When there were no thunderstorms, there was consistent drenching rain. Not good for sailing adventures. One of the great sailing adventures is … Continue reading →

The rain has been unrelenting. I cannot remember a year like it. My dreams of sailing around subtropical islands with steady wind and glorious weather have not yet been realized. At least I have succeeded in rigging a pretty good … Continue reading →

The rain goes on and on. I realize I have to fabricate a low lying cockpit cover to try and keep the majority of the rain out of the cockpit. Off I go and set to work. I also charge … Continue reading →

I have great ambition for single handed sailing around the Ryukyu Islands. I determine to sail all by myself on Sunday to see if I can manage on my own. It is a very beautiful day but there is hardly … Continue reading →

So the dreadful weather lets up and at last there is a nice day. In Okinawa you expect the weather to be wonderful all the time and we are left bewildered by poor conditions. Luckily Emily is free to crew … Continue reading →