Report on the Drava Shipping Programme

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Published: Tuesday, 30 May 2023 18:16

Report on the Drava Shipping Programme

Participants:

Knight National Captain, and his captive Zsuzsa

El Toro Captain of the Budapest Table, and his captive Judit

Phoenix Captain of the Balaton Table

Ábránd connetable

Believers

Lupo di Mare and his captive Ibolya

Predator

Thunderbird

Vagabond and his captive Martha

Guests Lajos Baranyai and his captive Krisztina

The chronicler had already occupied the accommodation of the Drava Hotel apartment at 11.40 am, which was suitable for all needs. It was in a beautiful and quiet environment, with a large green area and parking. After arrival, at noon, we walked in our swimsuits to the wellness area, through the park, past the petting zoo, tennis courts and children's playground. From 4pm, Captain El Toro was waiting for us at the coffee tables outside the hotel entrance. A nice turnout arrived and we collectively opted for the hotel's buffet dinner. Already during dinner, the chit-chat party started, which we then continued on the balcony of Captains El Toro's until ½ 12. It was here that the first volleys were fired, Baccardi, Pirat XO, and Diplomatico, in order. In the meantime, we also tasted some human brandy, so we discussed the current news of sailing life and the brotherhood in a pleasant atmosphere. We discussed the schedule for the next day's activities and then settled down in our separate apartments.

On the 25th, after breakfast, Captain Phoenix transferred the team in two rotations to the port of Drávaszabolcs. The water level of the Drava at the foot of the bridge is 13 meters, (the current ~8-9 km/h) which is high but navigable. At the pontoon, the fraternal flags were hoisted and after a general briefing on the rules, we boarded the 45-passenger vessel, the Siren. The boat set off in a valley course towards Cormorant Island. Beautiful, unspoilt scenery on the Hungarian side, which is a nature reserve, no stopping or getting off. There is also no mooring on the Croatian side, but there you could sometimes see traces of civilisation.

No cormorants, but we saw two eagles circling over the cormorant colony, which we photographed with more or less success.

Returning to the mooring, we had a lunch of bean goulash and pancakes, fired two volleys of shots by popular demand, quietly critiqued the preparations for the Siren's haul-out for viewing, and returned to Harkány in two groups.

After consultation, eight of us travelled with Captain Phoenix to Villány for a tour of the vineyards. The tour was by bus through the private "devil's ditch" vineyards, and then, on reaching the lookout point, we were given a historical and historical presentation on the division of the Villány vineyards, accompanied by wine tasting. The current price of 40 million forints per hectare is thought-provoking because at this price the current ownership seems to be cemented. The largest area is owned by the company of Sándor Csányi, although this area is not in the 

in the trench, but on the plateau above it. After two bottles of wine tasting, the bus descended to the Bock cellar in the Jammertal (wailing) vineyard. (Who, when and why wailed is a secret to those involved.) The cellar is excellent, and is home to the wines of the area's previous outstanding vintages under protective noble staves. Lupo and Predator selected the '95 vintage Portugieser, which we consumed. The wine was unbroken, the colour was fine, but the flavour lacked the freshness and flavours the chronicler had been looking for. Nevertheless, we drank it, and several of us enjoyed it. Returning to the Old Wine restaurant, we waited until Captain Phoenix brought the other half of the group over, then sat down to dinner. To coincide with dinner, four of us requested a wine tasting, which we started while the other half of the group was still on their way. The sommelier, who was busy on the vineyard tour, turned out to be a waiter, barman and waiter-waiter in one. Perhaps due to the abundance of tasks, he did not bring a clean glass for the various wines, which is a basic requirement for wine tasting. (I will not go into the other expected ingredients.) The a la carte orders were successfully delivered, although there was some error here, as the veal cheek ordered by several people was made from beef. When Predator raised the unfortunate fact, our all-rounder simply replied that they were the same price. I leave the rest to the readers' judgement, but unfortunately for me the restaurant was below my expectations in terms of value for money. Nevertheless, our spirits remained high, we had a good chat over dinner and, thanks to Captain Phoenix, we returned to Harkany in two turns. In the evening, the group did not sit together (although we had planned to do so at dinner) because everyone was tired from the day's exertions.

On the 26th, after breakfast, the chronicler had to leave in a hurry, because two grandchildren were waiting impatiently for him, so he only heard about the further events by hearsay, such as some of them leaving the wellness area of the Drava Hotel at 6 pm, without any extra charge.

To sum up, I consider the zaff. a success, it was very nice to finally enjoy each other's company in a free and relaxed way, to be happy about the positive events and to be able to overlook any negative experiences.

I wish everyone good health and strength to participate in many more similar events together.

With fraternal greetings:

Vagabund

2023.05.30.

ui: Look for photos and video on the website after 02.06.2023.