Summer in the UK

This summer was different for us, we were going back to the UK for a couple of months. Gordon's mother, Jill was 80 at the end of July so we were flying home and had decided to stay for a while. It had been too hot in the Med the previous year, we could earn more for the cruising fund and Gordon could play on his motorbike without fear of getting wet or cold!!

Glorious weather greeted us on our return and a family gathering at Jill's house saw us celebrate her 80th Birthday. Then back to the grindstone of work which is much harder to do when the weather is warm and the evenings light. But work we did except for when we took a couple of holidays!!

Sailing in the Solent

Jane & Mark weren't coming out to us this year and instead invited us out sailing in the Solent. We'd been concerned that it would be cold and wet but are pleased to report warm sunny weather and good sails each day. We returned to some old haunts of years past, Cowes, Yarmouth, Newtown Creek and enjoyed a fabulous evening in Hythe marina with Steve & Maggie of Rassy Lady. Mooring on their berth, BBQ'ing on their patio and using their facilities. Sorry not open to all Solent users! An excellent few days and more so as we were the guests not the hostess and skipper. Some boat maintenance was required along the way but a cracking week. Thanks Jane & Mark.

After a few days back at work we were off on our next jolly - on a canal boat with Dave and Marilyn. A

A different pace of life

70ft traditional barge with all mod cons on the Kennet & Avon canal. We lost count of the number of locks we went through and the miles we covered but a relaxing time at a much slower pace than we are used to.Again the weather was good to us and the coats stayed in the bag. We were able to BBQ in some stunning places on pleasant evenings even celebrating Dave & Marilyn's wedding anniversary a week late - a long story but we were a week late for their actual wedding day and so it's tradition! Some maintenance was needed along the way, some urgent when we lost reverse whilst heading for a lock gate. Thankfully no lasting damage to the boat or lock gate!!! Thanks Dave & Maz really enjoyed it and we'll be back for more when you get your own boat.


Back to work to save for the cruising fund but we managed a few BBQ's and to meet up with some friends along the way. Time for us to head back to the boat came round quickly and at the right moment as the weather was starting to turn autumnal and a lot cooler. It had been good in the UK for summer and we enjoy the greeness of the country but Crazydream was calling.

On our return to Greece we were met in Kos by Rassy Lady who had offered us a lift back to Leros on their yacht. We couldn't have asked for more, a pleasant wind to take us north, sailing for 4 out of the 6 hours and moored just 3 boats away from Crazydream. No humping of luggage across the islands. Thanks Steve & Maggie.

Crazydream sailing away from Lipsi

All was well on the boat and with an outlook of good weather for a few days we got her ready to sail in a day, including scrubbing her bottom. As she hadn't moved for nearly 3 months her underside was covered in slime and bushes which would slow us down if we didn't get rid of it. So G went in the water with the scrubbing brush!

We had some nice sails up to the islands of Lipsi and Arki with Rassy Lady. It wasn't a race but they won each time but our excuse was that our bottom was dirty! One sail was in stronger winds than P really liked and it reiterated that she is a fair weather sailor and sees no enjoyment in holding on whilst the boat is at a 45' angle. On our return to Leros we stopped at an idyllic anchorage spot for lunch and to scrub her bottom again. Although the water was 23'C it felt very chilly if you weren't actually scrubbing! With a forecast of strong winds and rain we headed back to the safety of the marina and a reunion with Marinerme, Frank and Jenny. The three boats, Crazydream, Marinerme and Rassy Lady have been cruising and wintering together on and off for the last 8 years or so.

Plenty of socialising and planning of the winter jobs begin!

Crazydream, Marinerme & Rassy Lady in Lipsi