A quiet beginning to week two on board Stardust allowed for some much needed time to settle into the new routine of boat life, as well as begin to make preparations for the next jump in our long journey south to the Canary Islands. Destination: Falmouth, England.
Wednesday consisted of a train ride to Howth to reunite with my father's college roommate, who took us out for a pleasant evening sail to Malahide and back. On Friday, I met with a recent acquaintance to explore some classic Dublin spots, including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, as well as Temple Bar.
A passage to our next destination of Falmouth, England took up the rest of the week, leaving Friday night and arriving late Sunday morning. Although the wind was strong, the switching tidal currents made progress unpredictable, with speed reaching ten knots some moments, with others barely over one as we fought against a strong outgoing tide. The juxtaposition of wind and tide brought steep waves as we slammed upwind, and I admit to have experienced my first sleep-deprivation-and-hunger-fueled bout of mal-de-mer in over 5,000 miles of sailing.
Click on the images below to view in full size, including captions.
Splicing the anchor bridle, just one thing on the never-ending list of boat jobs waiting to be done
The sun peeks through an empty window at Howth Castle
A dark forest tunnel on the Howth Castle grounds
Part of the original Howth Castle
The view above in the Museum Building at Trinity College Dublin
The drawing room at Dublin castle, used as a formal sitting room
St Patrick's Hall, Dublin Castle
Ireland's Eye, an island north of Howth
Dún Laoghaire from afar Friday evening
Dalkey Island, just south of Dublin Bay
Ireland is scattered with these signal towers, where their keepers would light fires to warn nearby towns of impeding danger
A quaint house sits atop rolling pastures where cows graze
