Life really can be cruel

Having got to Vonitsa and been reunited with Orion both John and I were raring to go but the weather was foul. The Greeks say it has been the worst Easter weather wise for 10 years! So John and I set about stowing everything we had bought from England. A major task. Anyone who knows John will know that he does not like to throw away anything but I think even he has come to the realisation that some things have just got to go. Everyone around the boat yard is starting to wince when they see John walking towards them with item in hand telling them that they really cannot do without a brass key holder and other such like items! However I think we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
We ran the engine to check everything was ok and Eagle Eye Woods noticed that we had a slight leak ... John investigated further and discovered that a part of the radiator needed to be replaced. We managed to order a part on the net bt it meant we had to wait to go in the water. So John and I could could only watch and wave as one by one our neighbours went into the water.

Then came some very sad news, on Monday the 23rd April we heard from Manchester that John's father had died. He was 93 and his death had been quick he did not suffer for a long period but the news was very sad and knocked our enthusiasm and impetus for six. We set about arranging to come back and got back to the Manchester late on Friday. It is a sad time but Johns Dad was a determined man who knew what he wanted and John discovered that he had bequeathed his body to Manchester University so we are now having a celebration and memorial gathering of his life which is exactly what he wanted.
Whilst we have been back in the UK I also recieved some really sad news that one of my former pupils had died. This was such sad news. Sally was also a determined young lady who bought joy and happiness to all those around her.... pupils, teachers and adults alike. I shall never forget her for so many reasons and when we do get back on the boat in a few days time she will be in my thoughts. My heart goes out to her wonderful parents.
We are returning to Greece on 13th May.

On the way

John is on his way. The van is full to the gunnels with boaty stuff and all our worldly goods and he boarded the ferry to Rotterdam from Hull and is now making his way through Germany. I am flying out to Greece after Easter so he really has the short straw. I am over here just mopping up and finalising our house rental. Once John gets to Vonitsa he then has to get all the 'stuff' up the ladder and onto the boat but we aim to be in the water by the 10th April. It has been a hectic four months and we are both tired but it has been worth it. The warm weather here in england I hope is just a taster of what is to come.

Nearly there!

We are now nearly ready to go to Greece. Life has been very hectic over the past four months and people keep asking me if I am finding retirement difficult. I have had very little time to even think about it! The house is sold and we have had three weeks out in Australia seeing Chris, John's son and his family which was great. We are now packing everything away again and loading the van. The kids at school made me some wonderful bunting which I will put up as soon as we get a good day in Greece and send them a picture. I hope that some of them will keep track of what we are up to via this blog.
Both John and I are a little apprehensive about what the situation is likely to be in Greece when we get there and I really hope that our friends will come out and join us for some sailing. Our friends in Port Sunlight have already booked their flight!
From now on I hope that I will be able to keep regular postings on the blog and that people will be able to follow and comment when the mood takes them !!