Venetian night in Tankar

The second stop on our Oulu-Kokkola transfer was our beloved Tankar. The old wise lighthouse welcomed us as we glided into Tankar harbor pool in afternoon sunshine, on glittering sea.  In the sunset the lighthouse surounded us with its softly sweeping light and the Moon appeared from the southern side of the island to wish us joyful Venetian evening, the traditional summer ending 

celebration in Kokkola and Pietarsaari archipelago. 

As the blanket of night slowly covered us we could see Kokkola harbor lights, including the lights of our winter boat yard, and the fireworks that lasted for hours. We participated the celebration by setting the colorful mini-hurricans in our cockpit.  The first mate was very happy that the venetian happened exactly this weekend, she had been talking about wanting to join 

the celebration in its originating neighborhood. 

Well, the evening ended a bit unpleasantly for me - there were some fireworks on the island too. I did not like the loudness and I stayed with the first mate under the saloon table as long the fireworks lasted. 

PS If you wonder what the heck can be Venetian in Bothnian Bay its the fireworks. According to our source fireworks have been called "venetian" as they first arrived at Europe in Venice.

New perspective

Morning in Maakalla

We enjoyed the morning in Maakalla after the sailing from Oulu to Kalajoki, on our way to Kokkola.

 As we managed most of the distance on Friday we could cruise leisurely 

to Tankar, with no hurry. 

Riding with the Storm

The longest leg of the season

I had a mission. The vessel had to be moved from our home marina to the winterization site. This was a challenge. This was in towards the end of the August. The approaching fall means frequent and heavy winds. Finding a suitable slot is not easy. I checked weather forecast from all the available sources, frequently. To get all the facts. With all the available data I made decision: This is the weekend. I ordered my crew to skip their daily hunting and gathering routine on Friday. They did. We woke up before sunrise. Execute! The travel commenced - the first and the longest leg of our Oulu-Kokkola journey started.  

The night before we spent in Varjakka. This is 5.30 am.

We headed towards west. The sun rose and started to catch us from east.

Hailuoto ferry bathed in the morning sun.

This beacon serves seagoing on Hailuoto coast route.

We leave Marjaniemi behind us - we are at sea!

After 12 hours our destination is visible in the horizon.

Approaching Maakalla.

Moored. Time to wake up for me!

I love new islands.

I am full of energy after all the sleep. 

Night falls on Maakalla.

Enjoying my Anniversary Flowers

The bouquets of flowers are not only about beauty for eyes and lovely fragrances for nose but they are also and mainly enjoyed for their taste.

I really appreciate my florist adding the long and narrow leaves, they are almost as tasty as the real summer hay. 

My 1st Anniversary

Today is my first anniversary living with my crew, exactly year ago I moved to my lair on land from my parents'.

Congratulations, First mate and Captain! You have passed the first year in my service!

See how fluffy I was at 12 weeks age.

And how tiny little my feet were...