John and Julia Non-Sailing - Blog
Our non-sailing activities
Oli and EM visit us in Alton
Saturday 08 March 2025
It was aovely sunny day. Oli and Em were running a bit late, so we walked to the coffee trailer and Oli met us there, and took us to the Red Lion in Farringdon, where Em was already with the dog. We sat outside and I had salmon, broccoli and sauteed potatoes, Julia had a burger, Oli had fish and chips and I can’t remember what Emily had. It was a nice lunch. Then we came back for the rugby – France beating Ireland, and later Scotland beating the Welsh. Julia did roast lamb and we had a splendid time.
Sunday 09 March 2025
Another lovely sunny day. Oli and Em left at 0730. We went for a walk over at Cheriton, and then I made us toasted sandwiches for lunch. We sat outside as it was so nice. We watched England beat Italy at Twickers – tough watch but a good win. We had drinks and Julia made a lasagne and we watched TV.
Travelling back from the Algarve 03 - 06 March 2025
All photos are now up in the non-sailing photos section
Monday 03 March 2025 - The afternoon
Lunch was tomatoes, avocado and mozzarella. Then we went for drinks in the Marina Bar as it was sunny and after a couple of drinks we came back and packed everything up over a couple of hours and loaded the car. Then we went back to the bar for another well deserved drink and then had dinner in the Portuguese restaurant. Julia had the traditional cod and I had a traditional steak. Mine was too liquid and even the waiter agreed it was wrong and so I didn’t pay for it, and they brought out some free chicken wings for me. Julia’s meal was ok, but not great. The saving grace was the red wine, which was very smooth. We went back to the room and watched another Innocent on Netflix and retired early.
Tuesday 04 March 2025
We were up at 0645 and away by 0740 into some drizzle to start, and drove across into Spain and round Seville and North. We had lunch after four hours – eating sandwiches after filling up with petrol and then continued for another three and a half hours to Salamanca, where we found a parking spot and walked up the hill to our hotel by the cathedral – the Secortel Puerta de la catedral which was a four star and nice and right in the heart of the old city next to the cathedral. We lay down for half an hour’s rest and then headed out into the ancient city and had a beer and a coffee. We wandered around in the lovely sunshine but there was a cold wind - it is an amazing place. We then went back to the room for a while and out to dinner in the main square at the Meson de Cervantes restaurant upstairs, which was really lovely. I had pork medallions with sauteed potatoes and Julia had turbot with tempura vegetables. We then retired to our room and watched more Netflix on the iPad.
Wednesday 05 March 2025
We were up at 0545 British (and Portuguese) time, 0645 local and on the road by 0740 local time. We drove for just over three hours to Santander stopping for petrol and a coffee on the way. The weather kept improving and it got sunny and warm. We checked in early and left the car in the queue and walked around the town, which isn’t up to much, but we found a spot where the fishing boats moor where there were a number of nice fish restaurants. We picked one that had an English menu and had a lovely lunch. We had two tapas dishes, one of superb calamari and onion rings, and one of sardines. We had a nice bottle of pink rioja, which we have not seen before. We also had cheesecake and coffees. Then we stopped in a bar on the way back for a beer and sat in the warm sunshine. It was 18 – 20 degrees. Then back and sat in the car queueing for an hour or so to get aboard, which we finally did and got to the lounge for drinks with one of the last window seats. We watched the boat leave and then had dinner and more wine, and retired to our room for more Netflix on iPad and an early bed.
Thursday 06 March 2025
We slept in until 0900 British time ( which it was aboard) and after showers had coffee and the day in the lounge. We read the papers, read books, had lunch and some wine. Julia did some shopping and I popped outside from time to time to see where we were using GPS, which only worked outside. We finally got into Portsmouth Harbour at 2100 and cleared the queues and passports by 1000 and home at 1030. We got stuff out of the car as the house was warming up and then had a drink and watched a little tv to calm down.
Week 4 in Lagos (pronounced la gosh) The Algarve, Portugal, 24 February - 02 March 2025
Note that photos from this trip are available in non-sailing photos
Monday 24 February 2025
It was a nice sunny day and we drove out to Alvor and did the long coastal walk out amongst the dunes. Then we drove back and did some shopping at Pingo and also popped across the road to buy some wine at Garcia. Then we went for lunch outside in the sunshine at the sushi place by the hotel. We had makis and tempura prawns. The makis was a bit disappointing, but the prawns were lovely. I then had a couple of beers in the sunshine and Julia sat on a sunbed by the pool with a book. We then came back to the apartment and after drinks, Julia made a lovely teriyaki pork dish. We then watched dope girls on iPlayer which we are not keen on and another Zero day on Netflix.
Tuesday 25 February 2025
It had rained overnight and like all the Tuesdays since we have been here was set to be a rainy day, so we made it another quiet in the room kind of day. Julia did her yoga and I did some weights and then I had an hour on the phone to get through to HMRC as they appear to have allocated me a joke tax code, which we resolved. The weather gradually brightened by lunchtime but it was very windy, so we stayed in all day. Lunch was egg salad and dinner was a reheat of chicken and pork. We watched another Zero day and 2 of a new Netflix: Gone for Good.
Wednesday 26 February 2025
It was a bright start with not much wind. We walked down to the corner of the marina and checked in for our planned boat trip. It was an open boat that holds 10 people, and we were 9. We left at 1145 and were back just before 1300. It was lovely and sunny and we went in and out of caves and saw the rock formations up close. We really enjoyed it. Then we went for lunch at the Thai restaurant right next to the apartment and got a table outside in the sunshine. We both had pad Thai – Julia chicken and me pork. It was a nice meal and so good to be sat in the sun. We then came back to the apartment for a short while and then sat in the sun by the pool until it got a little too breezy. Then painting again for Julia and more research on the internet for me into programming things and IOT projects. We had drinks and I made us an omelette and we finished Zero day and watched another couple of episodes of Gone for Good all on Netflix.
Thursday 27 February 2025
It was a bright sunny start to the day. We were off out in the car, but before we set off, we asked to see another of the rooms in the block that faced the sun more during the day, and we decided that type of room would serve us better, as we have decided we will return next year but two weeks later. We then drove over to Praia da Luz and had a walk along the seafront and toured all the restaurants, choosing the Fortaleza da Luz, which is an old fortress. We had a lovely window seat, but waited ages for our food. Julia had a lovely veal tournedo which she enjoyed and I had duck magret with sauted potatoes and spinach. The duck was lovely but the potatoes were boiled and not sauteed and the spinach was too wet – hadn’t been drained properly, so Julia was really pleased and I was disappointed. It had gradually been clouding over and was grey by the time we drove back for green tea and a quiet afternoon. I went to reception and booked us in for next year and paid a deposit. It rained in the afternoon, so we stayed in. Julia cooked us a simple dinner of breaded chicken and red cabbage and we watched Netflix – The last episode of Gone for Good and the new Reacher episode.
Friday 28 February 2025
It was raining first thing and we were unsure about ourplanned walk, but it brightened up and so we walked nearly all around the outside of the town walls and then into the old town for a superb tapas lunch at Restaurante Mimar. We had octopus and tataki tuna and a bottle of Rosé wine. Then as it was so warm in the sunshine, we sat outside for drinks at the Thai as the wine is really cheap there – 2 euros a glass. Then it clouded over and eventually rained again, by which time we were inside. Julia cooked us the sea bass filets we bought that morning for dinner and we watched death in paradise.
Saturday 01 March 2025
It was a bright start to Saturday and we had our usual lazy morning reading the papers. The weather was nice enough for us to go for a walk around the town and we did the final part of the walls and came back through the narrow streets. We then put a laundry load on and came back for a brunch of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Then we were back and forth to the laundry to switch on the dryer and later retrieve. It was by now starting to rain and the rest of the day was wet, so we had a quiet afternoon. Then we had G&Ts and I cooked us a pork dish after having marinated the pork all afternoon which was very nice. We then watched a Netflix movie – Carry On.
Sunday 02 March 2025
It was a bright morning and we drove out to Silves, a place recommended by Aly, and we parked by the river and walked up through the old narrow cobbled streets to the castle at the top of the hill, which was worth the climb. It had great views and a lovely walk around the battlements – with no safety fencing. Then we walked back to the car and came back for lunch, which I made – large prawns in garlic butter with asparagus. Then as the weather was no nice, we sat in the sunshine at the Thai on the same table as two days ago and had some Rosé wine. Then we came back and Julia painted and I did some more programming getting my robot car to send messages to my PC over wifi. Then it was G&Ts o’clock and Julia cooked us a chicken curry and we watched Call the Midwife and some of the new Agatha Christie drama
Monday 03 March 2025 - (up to lunch time)
It was raining and dark first thing but soon cleared up, and we drove out to the lighthouse and took the boardwalk West in the sunshine as far as Praia do Canavial looking at the amazing cliffs. Then back via Pingo supermarket to buy some sandwiches for tomorrow’s journey and back to the room for lunch.
The final photos are now up in the non sailing photos section
Week 3 in Lagos (pronounced la gosh) The Algarve, Portugal, 17 - 23 February 2025
Monday 17 February 2025
We were up at the usual time and it was another mixy start – sun and clouds. We drove out to see where Neil used to have his timeshare and then walked along the boardwalk and the beach nearby. It was pleasant with a mix of sunshine and clouds. We then came back and into the Pingo Supermarket and did our weekly shop. Then we came back for a lunch of sardines and salad, and during the afternoon Julia painted and I worked my way through the last few lessons on the robot car learning how to control it ( and in turn an Arduino microprocessor) via wifi and bluetooth to add to infra red that I learned a few days ago. Then Julia made a ratatouille and cooked some sea bream we bought at pingo for dinner. We then binge watched a new Prime Audio series – Shelter – A Harlan Coben story.
Tuesday 18 February 2025
We both slept well, and although rain was forecast all day, it was sunny at first, but it did rain quite hard in the afternoon. It was a quiet day in, although I popped to the supermarket to look at data sims as we are burning through data on our dongle. However, the attractive deal from a distance wasn’t what I thought it was when I read the small print, which involved a monthly contract. So I came back to the apartment and spent an hour or two researching and speaking on the phone with EE who did me a great deal to change to unlimited data, which will also benefit us through the summer. I made an egg salad for lunch and Julia Painted all day. I experimented more with the robot car’s coding and finally worked out that their supplied programs were not correct, so I fixed them. It continued to rain, so it was definitely a day inThen we had a drink and Julia reheated the chicken dish and we watched the final four episodes of Shelter which was good right to the end.
Wednesday 19 February 2025
We both slept well, and after showers and coffee we drove out to the Sagres Fortress which is the most south westerly bit of Portugal that sticks out into the Atlantic. The waves were incredible and large. We had a lovely walk around the promontory which makes up the ground the coastal side of the fortress. Then we drove back into town and had lunch at the Mar a Vista restaurant which overlooks the sea and both had swordfish with sauteed potatoes and sauteed veg which was really nice. Then we drove back to the apartment and had green tea (not drinking over lunch as I was driving) and it looked really nice outside and we could see people sunbathing, so we went down to the pool and took a couple of sunbeds and sunbathed ourselves for an hour which was very soporific. Then we went to the Marina bar and met Erwin (who I met the other day with Jason) – the Swedish guy who has lived in Portugal for 35 years. We had a nice chat with him. The bar was really busy as it was so sunny. Then we came back to the apartment and had more drinks and Julia made a Caesar salad for dinner. Then we bought and watched the movie Paddington in Peru.
Thursday 20 February 2025
It was another bright morning and it was the warmest day so far - 20-21 degrees and it stayed warm and sunny all day. We drove out to Alvor which is a lovely place, and went to a mini golf course called Golf Land. Julia was on form today and was the mini golf winner, bagging a hole in one on the way. We then drove down to the waterfront and parked and had a nice walk through the tourist front and then along the lagoon and along the valley edge a while. We then turned and walked back through the town which was a hill climb and found the restaurant we had planned from the internet. The Casa do Rio Restaurante, which was quiet but had a superb view and we had a table overlooking the water. Julia had fillet steak and I had lamb cutlets – it was yummy. We then drove into Portimao and finally found the English supermarket – called the Food company and were able to buy crumpets and muffins and loved the shop. We then drove back to the apartment and it was so warm and sunny, we went and sun-bathed by the pool for an hour before retiring to the room for painting and programming before drinks. Then I cooked up asparagus and prawns in garlic butter and we binge watched the first three episodes of the new Reacher on Amazon.
Friday 21 February 2025
It was a grey start to the day with rain forecast but it brightened up during the morning. We drove to Intermarche and did some shopping, and then we went to the laundrette for our weekly wash. As we put the washing on the sun came out, so we decided to have a drink and got seats outside at Quay where we drank in the sunshine. Then we moved the washing to the tumble dryer and went for lunch at the Portuguese restaurant attached to the hotel. By now it was clouding over and got cooler, so we ate inside. We had a lovely meal of octopus and sat next to a French family and so spoke French for a while which was fun. We then collected the tumble drying and returned to the apartment, where I had a sleep and then did some programming and Julia finally finished her painting which looks amazing. Julia then cooked up some cod and reheated the ratatouille and we watched Death in Paradise and the first of a new Netflix – Zero day.
Below is me outside at the Quay and Julia’s painting (done by numbers - but still amazing)
Saturday 22 February 2025
We had the usual lazy Saturday start reading the papers in bed and then went for a walk to the far side of the town to look at a restaurant that Jason had recommended. It was a long uphill walk, and the restaurant was good but no different to the Portuguese one attached to the hotel. Anyway it was a nice walk. We then walked through the old town and came back to the marina and had a drink at the Quay outside in the sunshine. Then a big cloud came through and it was windy and cool for 5 minutes but then the sun came out again. We sat there until the next cloud which came through after 20 minutes, and came back for lunch which was Ham and feta salad. Then after a while at the computers and jigsaw, we watched the England v Scotland rugby game which England just won. They were outclassed by Scotland but somehow clung on and mainly due to poor Scottish conversions, won the Calcutta cup for the first time in 5 years. Then I made us a dish of monkfish in a lovely sauce with rosti and broccoli. Then we watched the latest Mission Impossible movie on Amazon
Sunday 23 February 2025
We were up and went for a swim and got a water massage under the fountains before showering and coffee. Then we went for a walk in the sunshine and it was a quiet morning. Julia made eggs and bacon for brunch and it was so warm in the afternoon, we sat out and sun bathed on the sunbeds. Then we came back inside and I watched the second half of the France v Italy rugby and then I programmed and Julia did jigsaw. We had G&Ts and Julia made a chicken satay and we watched call the midwife and another zero day.
Week 2 in Lagos (pronounced la gosh) The Algarve, Portugal, 10 - 16 February 2025
Monday 10 February 2025
It was bright but mixy weather this morning. We headed out to Intermarche and then Continente supermarkets for a couple of big shops and popped into Garcia on the way back to stock up on more wine to bring home as it is so cheap. Then we came back to the room and it was getting more grey so we stayed in. It was a quiet day. We had ham, cheese and salad for lunch and Julia painted and I sorted out the wyldwind website so it can now use the prefix https as when I was sending out links to our non sailing blog to people, it highlighted the fact that it was now considered unsafe. To rectify this used to be expensive, but because most websites need it now, it has become a commodity and as such I was able to get it added to my package free. Hurrah! After that I built a robot car which has a microprocessor and got that going – that was fun - controlled by infra red, Bluetooth or wifi. Julia made meatballs, pasta and broccoli and we binge watched 3 episodes of Unforgotten.
Tuesday 11 February 2025
As forecast it rained overnight but although it said it would rain all day, it was brightening up at 1100 – it was windy all day but we only had a couple of bits of light rain and it was mostly sunny. We decided to try the pool – the indoor one ! The outside one looks nice but not for this time of year as it’s only 16 degrees. The indoor pool also has a couple of jacuzzi fountains and was wonderful. We had a good swim and water massage. After that it was laundry time. We took two wash loads to the local laundrette and whilst we were waiting had a couple of glasses of pink wine on the seafront overlooking the marina in the sunshine. It was windy, but sunny, so very pleasant. Then we put on one dryer load and came back for lunch – me making asparagus and prawns and then we put another load on (lack of dryers – only 2 and one was in use) and came back for a green tea. Finally we collected that load and relaxed. I spent a nice half hour catching up and reminiscing with Johnny Musgrave on a WhatsApp video call, which was great as we haven’t spoken for a few years other than the odd message - He has now moved to Spain to be with his bride to be - Nadine. Then I did some programming and Julia painted. We had drinks and Julia reheated the chilli con carne and after we watched the last three episodes of Unforgotten.
Here are the views from our window – the pool and the marina (behind the palm):
Wednesday 12 February 2025
We both slept well and were up earlier than usual. It was a bright sunny day, although the wind got up later. After a quick coffee we were on the road to Portimão which was 20 minutes drive away. We parked underneath the huge hypermarket Auchan and bought some fish. We had been told that you could buy crumpets there as we had asked the restaurant that served us crab crumpets where they got them, and they had told us it was this place – but no. They were very helpful but no crumpets or muffins. So we gave up on that idea! We then drove into town, which was very busy and somehow secured a free parking spot and walked down to the river and had a nice lunch on the waterfront. Julia had soup and I had bread an olives to start and we had maminha which is a steak very like picanha and was very nice, tender and tasty. We then walked along the waterfront and back to the car and home to the apartment. We chilled, with Julia painting and me programming with time out for Julia’s yoga class and me to do some weights. Then Julia cooked up the cod we had bought with her ratatouille for dinner. We watched the first two episodes of Virdee and a Monty Don.
Thursday 13 February 2025
We both slept well and it was another bright sunny day. We set off at 1030 and it was still cool, but by the time we got to the little harbour, I wish I had worn shorts. We walked all the way along the coast to the car park we had parked at the other day, thus making sure we had walked the length from out Hotel out to the point. We walked back and through the main town gate in the old walls and wandered the streets ending up at the English Book shop, where we bought some second-hand books. Imogen, who we saw last time wasn’t there as she was ill, but her parents served us. We then walked the lovely lanes again and had a very cheap lunch at an Indian – The Royal. 10. 90 each for butter chicken curry, a nan bread or rice and a beer. Amazing, and very good it was too. We then walked back along the front and had a pink wine in the Marina Bar, before settling back into the apartment. We spoke to James on the phone as it was his birthday and also to my mum, and they both reported how cold it was back home, which made us smile. Julia then produced meatballs and peas and sweetcorn, and we watched 2 more of the Virdee thing on BBC.
Friday 14 February 2025
It was another beautiful blue sky to greet us. We headed out and walked around the little lanes that make up the old town. It got cloudier as we walked around, but not cold. We couldn’t find a restaurant that really took our fancy in the old town, so we headed back to the marina and settled in at the Marina Bar in the sunshine for lunch. We had some pink wine and Julia had a burger and I had scotch egg and some chicken wings. It got sunnier and warmer out of the wind and the sky cleared. We chatted to a guy called Jason and he came and joined us for more drinks as the afternoon wore on, and we had a lovely time. We then came back to the apartment and I had a snooze while Julia painted. Then more drinks before dinner. Julia cooked sea bass and peas and sweet corn and we watched the final two parts of Virdee and this week’s Death in Paradise. A truly lovely day.
Saturday 15 February 2025
Nice Saturday morning – cloudy at first. We read the papers, and then went for a swim and then showered and had coffee. We needed a few things, so walked to the Pingo supermarket and then back. The weather got more grim outside so we opted for a quiet day. It didn’t rain but was quite windy and cloudy, but also muggy out. Julia cooked up some gyros chicken in wraps for lunch and we passed a pleasant Saturday afternoon. Me reading and Julia painting. We had G&Ts at 1800, and I then cooked steak, rosti and mushrooms and we watched a Netflix movie – Missing
Sunday 16 February 2025
It was a quiet morning. I made scrambled eggs and toast for lunch and at 1430 we met up with Jason at the Marina Bar and had a few drinks with him. It had been cloudy but it got brighter and we moved to an outside table to soak up the sunshine. Julia went back to the apartment to do some more painting and I had a couple more drinks and met Jason’s friend Erwin who was also an interesting character. Below are Jason with Me and Erwin. Julia made a chicken dish for dinner and then TV and bed.
Week 1 in Lagos (pronounced la gosh) The Algarve, Portugal, 03 - 09 February 2025
Monday 03 February 2025
We both slept well but it was a bit cold in the night – the heating here is air con and isn’t brilliant and it’s cold at night here. We finished rearranging the apartment to suit us as we had brought a table for us to work on (Julia painting / jigsaws and me computing / Electronics) and we headed out to the big supermarket which was a short drive away – Continente and we were there for nearly 3 hours doing a big shop. We didn’t like it much but got most of what we needed. Then we came back for lunch which was tinned sardines with salad. Then we went for a long walk in the sunshine and back via the local supermarket Pingo Doce, which was much nicer and we got a load more stuff – although can’t find coleslaw or crème fraiche. Then we came back and drinks in the apartment and for dinner we had pork and mushrooms and watched Death in Paradise.
Tuesday 04 February 2025
We slept well again and were warmer as we had added blankets to the duvet. We showered and made coffee and both did a little computer and then explored the hotel and headed out after the maintenance man had added another lamp and reset the microwave clock. We walked to Pingo in the sunshine and bought some still water as the tap water is horrible, but we will have to buy a filter jug. We then came back and settled in for the day. Lunch was tomatoes, avocado and mozzarella and I did some programming mainly fixing changes imposed by another Microsoft update (dot net 9) and Julia painted. For dinner we had white fish - gilt-head bream called Dourada but it was not filleted very well, accompanied with broccoli and fried potatoes. We watched TV - some ITVX and 2 more Night Agent on Netflix.
Wednesday 05 February 2025
It was a super sunny and warm day. We went out to Intermarche and topped up with petrol and then went into the supermarket itself which we enjoyed and got a couple of things we couldn’t get in the other ones. We then went to Lidl which was a bit disappointing and then back into Continente to buy a water filter jug. Then we came back and after unloading the shopping and had a long lazy lunch in the glorious sunshine at the Dove and Sea Dog – eating crab crumpet, welsh rarebit and scotch egg, washed down with lots of pink wine. We walked to the wine warehouse and had a nose around and then back to the apartment and chilled. Julia cooked another white fish – but this time sea bass – Robalo with a lovely ratatouille she made and the meal was lovely. We watched more TV and bed.
Thursday 06 February 2025
It was another sunny day, so we headed out and walked the boardwalks along the clifftops and back. It was lovely. Then back to the apartment and I cooked asparagus and prawns for lunch which was nice and we had a quiet afternoon, with Julia painting and me catching up on photos and blogs. I read for a bit and Julia made a nice pork dish with rice. We finished the last three episodes of Night Agent on Netflix and I watched some football highlights for a short while.
Friday 07 February 2025
It was sunny at first but clouded over quickly. We went out at 1030 and walked to the fish market and then all through the old town with its narrow streets, cobbles everywhere and little squares or spaces with fountains or statues. Julia was shopping for a new handbag as hers broke on the trip down and we found a bargain leather one for 36 euros. We then headed back to the restaurant above the fish market with a nice view for seafood. At 37 euros for a platter to share it was good value but all the fish was dry and slightly overcooked. We had a nice bottle of rose wine though. It had started sunny but was getting cloudier and rained over lunchtime. We walked back in light rain and popped into Garcia – the wine warehouse place again to buy some rose to try and then back to the apartment and it then rained quite a bit. I had a sleep and finished my book and Julia painted. At 1800 we had G&Ts and at 1900, I made omelettes and then we watched a movie on Prime Civil War which was ok but not great.
Saturday 08 February 2025
The forecast wasn’t so nice but actually the day didn’t turn out too bad. There was some sunshine and some clouds. We went for a walk out on our side of the marina and then along the beach and back along the road. 3 miles. We stopped for a drink along the front and then I made egg salad for lunch. Afternoon was rugby – we watched some of the Italy Wales and then we watched the England France game which was an absolute cracker with England just winning 26-25. We had G&Ts in the second half and had a bottle of Periquita with a meal of chill con carne that Julia made which was lovely. Then we watched a Netflix movie 6-triple 8.
Sunday 10 February 2025
A very grey day today. We stepped out for the cleaners and did food planning in the hallway – well relaxing area near the lifts. Then a quiet day in and a rest. I did scrambled eggs, toast and smoked salmon for lunch and I also made a seafood pasta for dinner. I watched the Ireland Scotland rugby game and Julia painted and in the evening we watched TV – call the midwife and death in paradise. A quiet day.
Travelling down to the Algarve 30 January - 02 February 2025
We crammed the car and drove down to Portsmouth on the evening of Thursday 30 January 2025. We were aboard by 1000 and settled into the Club Lounge, and the boat departed at 2335. We watched out until we were past the Spinnaker Tower and out of the harbour and went to bed
We slept well and when we woke up and started to move around, the boat was definitely moving. We showered – and it was a good shower and went for coffee in the lounge. We didn’t get a window seat as we were late but we could still out see fine. We read papers and magazines and I read my book, which I finished later that day. We got a good view of Ushant as we passed by. Lunch was nice – mainly hams and cheese and we had some pink wine. We had cinema tickets for Gladiator 2 at 1300, but there was a technical issue, so we had to go back at 1600. It was a good film but 2. 5 hours long. Then after that we went back into the lounge and had drinks of pink wine and then switched to red with the meal - I had a pork dish with veg and Julia had cod and couscous. Then we chilled and drank more wine before bed.
On Saturday, We were woken gently at 0545 by some soothing music – we didn’t shower and sat in the car when called, but due to (we eventually found out) a broken down lorry we had to wait 1. 5 hours before we could get off the boat and then passports took a while. It was wet and grey as we drove out of Santander and through the mountains with snow on the tops. It turned sunny and stayed that way for the journey. We stopped after 4 hours at a petrol station, and had horrible sandwiches and pork scratchings! Then we drove 2 more hours and into Merida at the Hotel Ilunion Palace, where we paid for valet parking. We checked in and went into the sunny square opposite where nearly all the seats were taken, but we found a spot and had 2 glasses of wine. Then we walked all around the town looking at restaurants and roman ruins, and finally settled on Sybarit a nice ordinary restaurant where we had lovely pork cheeks in red wine, which we accompanied with red wine. We went back to the room and watched Night agent on Netflix and bed.
We slept well, showered and went for coffee at 0830 ordering the car from reception which took 30 minutes. It came and we left at 0900 and I drove the 4 hours to Lagos. Waze took us on a mountain road which I regretted and on the way back we will go via Sevilla and stay on the motorway. We got to the hotel and the room was ready so we loaded everything from the car into the room and went out for lunch – at the Adega da marina – a big canteen – it wasbusy as a it was a Sunday and everyone was out. We both had sardines which were lovely. Then back and got the apartment ship shape and went for a walk in the sunshine – we had drinks at the Dove and Sea Dog in the sunshine and then went to Lazy Jacks for a meal, where we both had fillet steak. We went back to the room and watched Call the Midwife.
Our November and December activities 2024
We were invited over to the Flemings house for pie night, and I organised the Area 69 Sailing Club Xmas dinner at Case Brazil, Port Solent.
We met Val and Jolyon for lunch in Alresford and also attended his 70th birthday party and we had a day out in London visiting the Monet in London exhibition at Somerset House.
We went for a nice walk along the old railway south of West Meon and had a nice lunch at the Thomas Lord pub.
On Xmas eve, we were again at the Flemings house to celebrate Xmas dinner cooked by Paul.
A London trip and a ride on the Gondolas, November 2024
We had a day in London and took the DLR out to the gondolas across the water to the O2.
A weekend North of Watford 08-11 November 2024
Friday we visited Ed in Leeds and saw his new house. We stayed in a hotel in the centre of Leeds, and Ed came into the city and met us for a meal.
Saturday morning we drove to York and saw James and Dani’s new house and had drinks in York and a meal.
On Sunday, we drove to Wirksworth in the Peak District and visited a model railway exhibition and saw a steam train on the heritage line. Later we had a walk through Matlock Bath and checked into the Red Lion in Matlock and went for a meal in Matlock.
On Monday we drove to Chatsworth house in nice sunshine and it was the first day of their Xmas market, so we did the tour of the house and saw the Xmas market and grounds which were all spectacular. We ate in Matlock that evening and drove home the next day
A few days in Cornwall 07 - 13 October 2024
Monday 07 October 2024
The alarm went off at 0700 and we packed and loaded the car with all the food etc. and after we popped into Alton for me to collect a parcel, we left at 0858. We had a great trip with Julia driving first and us arriving half way at the Otter Valley Field Kitchen (our regular stop) in 2 hours. I had eggs on toast and julia had a sausage sandwich. Then I drove and we again had a clear run – 1. 75 hours ! We unloaded and had hoped to go for a walk but it rained all afternoon, so Julia painted and I did some YouTube viewing - mainly looking at driving through Spain and ferry crossings to see what it will be like at the end of January. At 1800 we did drinks and Julia did a Greek pork dish with new potatoes and a cauliflower veg. We watched the local West Country BBC new programme Spotlight and the Power of the Rings final episode.
Tuesday 08 October 2024
It rained a lot in the night. I made tea at 0900 and the rain was easing but then it started again so we delayed going into Falmouth until 1130. It was damp and drizzling and we thought we had made it into town, when just as we got to the top of the hill, it tipped it down and we had to stop and put waterproof trousers on. We went into the Pier Café and had superb crab sandwiches with chips. Then we mooched the High Street. I bought a hoodie in Trespass which was reduced from £33. 99 down to £11. 99, Julia bought some Whistlefish cards and the rain kept coming and going. I bought a teapot for the house and we went into the Chain Locker for a drink. We then decided on the Shed for Saturday and went back there and booked selecting a nice table. Then we went back down the High Street via Tesco for some tea bags and into a gadgets shop where I bought a new Bluetooth speaker as the old one really has been dying. We got the bus back and had a sleep, and then I spent some time on the computer with me booking Commodore Lounge for our Algarve trip and Julia painting. We had drinks at 1815 and watched Spotlight and then Julia cooked us a curry. We watched 2 episodes of the BBC series Showtrial.
Wednesday 09 October 2024
It dawned bright for a change, and we showered, had coffee and caught the bus to Truro at the bridge which was 30 minutes late and full of students. I had to stand until the campus. The weather was bright and sunny all day. We got to Truro and got off before the bus station and went around the shops until 1215 when Rowland and Karen from Celtica who we met last year and saw earlier this year in Cornwall, picked us up at the bus station. We went to Malpas and the Heron for lunch which was at a lovely spot we visited by boat many years ago in Selene. Julia and I had fish platters which were huge (Julia got a doggy bag) Rowland had a flat iron steak and Karen had a fish curry. We drank 2 bottles of merlot and Rowland and I had port. He had cheese board, the girls had Affogato and I had a posset with marmalade and whisky. We had a great catch up and it was so nice to see them. They dropped us back into town where we had to wait for the bus and again that was full of school children and college kids. We sat apart for a while and then back to the house and a snooze, and then down for drinks about 1830 but as we had drunk a lot at lunchtime, Julia didn’t drink and I only had a couple of Stellas. We watched Spotlight and Julia served up nibbles of duck spring rolls, halloumi sticks, prawn toast. We then binge watched the last 3 episodes of Showtrial.
Thursday 10 October 2024
We both had a very bad night as we were unable to sleep for some reason, so it was a slow start to the day. I made scrambled eggs on toast with smoked salmon at 1130, and we left in the car at 1200 for Newlyn. We got there at 1300 and bought some fish and then had a walk. We then drove to Lands End and saw Paddington Bear and the famous signpost but didn’t stay as it was £8 parking. The day had been bright but there were afternoon showers. We got back and I fixed a small bug in my finance programme and had a short snooze. Then we had drinks at 1815 and Julia reheated some chicken dishes from home which made for a nice meal. We then watched Spotlight and 2 episodes of Joan on ITVX which was good.
Friday 11 October 2024
Today was the best day for weather - nice and sunny and very little wind and it and stayed nice all day. We headed off about 1100 and got to the Lappa Valley Railway about 1135. Having just missed a train in, we waited a while in the sunshine, and then rode in on the main track. We then went for a walk which included a musical trail and later we took a ride on the branch line train which wound up through the woods, and then the small train around the park which was fun. We then went for lunch and had pasties sat outside on the decking in the sunshine. It was lovely. We drove back and got petrol and then popped into the furniture shop, and they had apparently got an extra 2 of our chairs after the fiasco of getting them to us earlier this year, and they were prepared to take £100 off, so we bought them for £338 instead of £438! I spoke to Aly to make sure she was happy to collect them and bring them back to us! Then we came back to the house and I did some time on the internet – sorting out the Area 69 SC Xmas bash which ended up with me having to book Casa Brasil as the voted in choice of Rapscallions were full that particular day. In the evening we cooked the fish we bought in Newlyn with rosti and veg and watched another 2 episodes of Joan.
Saturday 12 October 2024
We quickly whizzed to the local farm shop and bought some bhajis and then walked into Falmouth and just made it to the pub called The Front for 1200 as planned to meet Simon and Leslie our friends from Smooth Torque who we met last year and saw last time we were in Cornwall. Lots to catch up on. We had a couple of drinks in the front and then we went to the Shed where I had booked us a nice booth. When we got there I could see some people in our place and indeed they had messed up our booking. I was very grumpy about that. Then it took a while to get drinks but we were chatting. After 45 minutes they came and explained they had lost the food order and could put it through then! We had no choice but to agree and anyway we were all chatting. To be fair the food when it came was OK. I had a half chicken, Julia and Simon had burgers and Leslie had fish and chips. They gave us three bottles of wine free and a 30% discount on food so the total bill only came to £50! We then went into the chain locker for a drink and later to the Moth and Moon by the bus station. As Simon and Leslie were taking a taxi home which went right past our door, we got a ride back. We had a nibbles dinner later and watched some of strictly before I fell asleep.
Sunday 13 October 2024
We were up early and tidied the house up, and left at 0940 and got to Waitrose in Truro at 1000 when it opened where Julia got the papers. I drove there and she drove to the Otter Valley - the half way point where we had sausage rolls for lunch, and I drove the last bit home, which was slower due to Sunday traffic. We got home and chilled and then watched Strictly, had a dinner of chicken kievs and then watched All creatures Great and Small and Have I got news for you before bed.
We had a lovely week in Cornwall despite the weather being a bit rubbish to start and it really was great to catch up again with our sailing buddies from last year’s trip to France
Random stuff, lunch, BBQs, bunting and a brunch - July and August 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024
It was a warm and sunny day. We had a light lunch outside of tomatoes, avocado and mozzarella. At 1600 the Flemings arrived and we drank and chatted. Julia made a veg bake, some baked potatoes and corn on the cob. I did butterfly lamb on the BBQ. We had a great time with the weather being hot and sunny all day and staying hot into the evening so we were able to stay outside the whole time. Their taxi picked them up at 2100. We watched some Olympics and bed.
Wednesday 31 July 2024
It rained briefly at 0530 and it was cloudier today but still warm. I prepared the brochettes for this afternoon’s BBQ – chicken and pork ones and then made coffee. Martin and Michele turned up at 1200 and we drank outside. It was still cloudy but warm. Julia did a veg bake, corn on the cob and new potatoes and I cooked the brochettes. It was all lovely. The sun came out as I served strawberries and it got hot. They left about 1500 and I had a long sleep. We then chilled a bit, and had halloumi for nibbles. We then watched lots of Olympics, tried an ITVX thing that was rubbish and then enjoyed a new Netflix – Decameron – completely bonkers but amusing.
Saturday 03 August 2024
We had decided to go to Alresford for lunch, so after reading papers got going. We caught the bus at the station at 1115 and got into to Alresford at 1150. As we were down the Main road, we walked the reverse way around the water walk which was beautiful. We came up and looked at the station market and shop and into the Bell for a lovely lunch. We had the prix fixe menu at £19 – both having prawn cocktail which was huge and calves liver – which was with mash and cabbage, although I swapped out mash for frites which were nice but soggy as it came in lots of gravy. I had a glass of French wine from Carignan – south of France. We got the bus back and I had a sleep. We watched Olympics and Julia did lasagne and garlic bread and we watched more Olympics and an amazon film – the Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare – a Guy Ritchie WW2 film that was fun.
Monday 05 August 2024 - Monday Night Club
I went to the boat and did a few jobs and saw my mum. Julia went to the hospital for bloods. I got back about 1645 and had a rest and showered as I was hot and grubby. We then went to Paul and Gillian’s for Monday Night Club, where Paul had done some lovely bunting as Julia has only one chemo left. It was a nice drinks session and then we got back for a curry, Olympics and a little Decameron on Netflix. It was a lovely warm and sunny day.
Wednesday 14 August 2024
A was a bit grey to start and got worse as the day went on, contrary to the forecast. We drove (via the hospital) down to Romsey for a lunch BBQ with Duncan and Elisabeth. It rained so Duncan BBQ-d outside the back door and we ate inside. It was nice to see them and catch up. It absolutely chucked it down on the M27 going home and we had to drive very slowly.
Saturday 17 August 2024
It was a sunny start and warm. Oli and Emily were due at 1500 but delayed until 1600, so we went for our own walk up Windmill Hill – which was lovely up there. They arrived and we sat outside in the sun and drank and drank. I did butterfly lamb on the BBQ followed by a cheese board. We drank a bottle of port with the cheese. We all retired inside and chatted until bed and drank loads of red wine.
Sunday 18 August 2024
At 1145, Adam, Lex and Ivy arrived. I cooked bacon butties, and we sat outside. I gave Adam all my old lyrics and a USB stick. They left about 1330, and at 1500 the Flemings turned up. I made prawn nibbles, and we had a nice afternoon session. I was jaded but did pick up towards the end. The went and Julia did a chicken roast which was lovely and we watched Daddy issues and Emily in Paris.
Family bash at Aly's in Farringdon 14 July 2024
James came for a flying visit and arrived about 1030. We had a great catch up with him and all had toasted bacon sandwiches. We then watched a bit of the Wimbledon women’s doubles final and got changed and headed for Aly’s for a family BBQ. The weather was cool to start but it got sunny later. James had to leave early – about 1615. Sammy announced they were expecting another baby and we all ate from the BBQ. I had a rib, some chicken and a sausage. We left about 1800 and when home we watched the full men’s Wimbledon final on iPlayer which was good.
Road Trip - Margate, Dover, Bexhill and Alresford - model railways & castles
Monday 08 July 2024 - Margate
We were packed and away at 1000. It was a tedious journey to Margate with lots of roadworks and 50mph sections but it only took 2. 5 hours including a services stop. We arrived at the pub we were going to stay at but it was too early to check in, so we ate rolls in the car and then drove to Wonder Works (Hornby models) which was interesting but quite small - I was mainly interested in the model railways but the Scalextric was also interesting as was the history. Then we went back and checked into the pub and caught a bus into Margate where we walked around the Old Town and settled into a pub called the Wig and Pen where they served stella. We had chosen a cheap Greek restaurant on the front for dinner and had gyros which was fine and took a taxi back. In the room only one of 4 lights was working and only one bed light, so I went to the bar and as the owners couldn’t get out they upgraded us from room 6 to room 1 which was much bigger and all the lights worked. We watched tennis and bed. It rained in the night.
Tuesday 09 July 2024 - Dover Castle but staying in Margate
It was grey and wet in the morning and we didn’t sleep so well in a narrow bed. So we stayed a while but were away about 1030. We had a good drive to Dover Castle where we parked easily at 1100. We went up the keep first – the highest point which was all good and interesting apart from the many school trips. Then we had lunch at the café and queued for the wartime tunnels. They were very good and interesting. When we were out of those it was now nearly 1500, so we headed back to the room. There we chilled and caught the bus into Margate at 1800. It had been raining lightly all day and very grey but it tried to cheer up in the evening. We went into the Buoy and Oyster seafood place, and both had halibut. Julia’s on mash, and I swapped my mash out for fries. They were very small portions but it was all nice. Then I had a rum baba and Julia an affogato. We caught the bus back and watched Today at Wimbledon. I slept in the single bed so we both had more space.
Wednesday 10 July 2024 Bexhill
It was still grey today and we both slept well. We were away at 1015 and it was a very cross country route and very pretty. We got to Bexhill at 1205 and parked easily. We had lunch across from the car park where we had pasta and sausage and then checked out where we were staying before we went to the Bexhill Museum which was great. We saw the Eddie Izzard winter layout which our guide Gordon told us all about and the rest of the museum was also very interesting. We then walked along the front and had green tea in the Colonnade Tea rooms. There I got a call to say the room was ready, so we headed over and I brought the car round to unload. It was a very small but cute place, and the bathroom was way too cramped. We then snoozed and walked around Bexhill which was nice as it has great shops and a good choice of restaurants. We settled on a nice Indian restaurant called Mowgli and booked a table for 1900, and then retired to Calvers Neighbourhood bar which was a nice bar where we met locals Louise and Gary. We then had a fantastic meal at Mowgli which had great sea views, really good food and great service. I had tandoori mixed grill, Julia tandoori duck tikka and we had onion bhajis and an aubergine and mozzarella side and a mushroom and chickpeas side. It was very yummy. I had a brandy at the end. We walked back, watched Wimbledon and turned the football on with 3 minutes to go and saw England score to go into the Euros final. Then a bit more Wimbledon and bed.
Thursday 11 July 2024 Hinton Ampner near Alresford on the way back home
We were woken at 0630 by upstairs getting up and going to work at 0800 – they were noisy. The shower was a triton thing which was hard to coax but worked. We left about 0945 and had a drive to Hinton Ampner National Trust, arriving about 1215 having done the A272! We had lunch of toasted sandwiches and sausage rolls and then went into the house and the gardens and the sun came out. We finished about 1415 and drove home via Four Marks. I had a snooze and we watched ladies singles at Wimbledon. Julia made fajitas and we then watched the other ladies semi final.
A walk in Ackender Wood, Alton 07 May 2024
Julia and I had a walk through the woods to see the bluebells before I went off sailing with Graham
A summary of the winter 2023 - 2024
Well it’s been a long winter with plenty on our mind, so I haven’t been so up to date with the non-sailing blog as I would have liked, so I thought I would do a quick summary. However there are plenty of photos in the non sailing photos section to accompany the following text
On Thursday 16 November 2023 we were called back to Basingstoke Hospital they suspected that Julia had breast cancer. They did a biopsy but the doctor was fairly sure but we would have to wait on tests and seeing a consultant. During this time we both kept getting colds throughout November and December and the weather was a bit miserable.
On Thursday 30 November 2023 we went to see Malcolm over in Turners Hill and we had a meal out as usual.
On Tuesday 05 December 2023 we saw a consultant at Basingstoke Hospital where it was confirmed that she had lobular cancer and that she would need surgery, most likely a lumpectomy which is where they remove the cancer but it might have to be a mastectomy where they remove the whole breast, but we have to wait for an MRI scan to know. Julia still unwell with a bad cough, and I became unwell as well.
On Sunday 17 December 2023 Julia had her MRI scan and by Thursday 21 December 2023, I was concerned that my belly button had swollen right out – kind of crept up on me. I consulted Dr Google and that suggested an umbilical hernia. I filled in an eConsult form and a Doctor got in touch the same day and agreed over the phone that it was most likely an umbilical hernia which he would need to see and we made an appointment for after Xmas.
On Sunday 24 December 2024, we went for Xmas eve dinner with Paul and Gillian and family, and had a wonderful time. Xmas day, we walked to the French Horn and Had lunch there and enjoyed the rest of the day on our own. On Boxing day I drove down to Lee on the Solent to pick up my mum and bring her to ours for the day. James and Dani arrived from York and we had a roast. I took mum home by car so she could sleep in her own bed.
On Thursday 28 December 2023 I went to the doctor and was formally diagnosed with umbilical hernia and put on a very long waiting list. Then we went to the hospital and saw the consultant again who confirmed we that Julia would only need a lumpectomy. We then came back and Oli and Em arrived and we had a nice evening with them and their dog. I suspect Oli gave me his cold as I was ill again after this.
On Thursday 04 January 2024 I got confirmation from Benenden Health insurance that I was covered for umbilical hernia, and so I could go ahead and get that sorted hopefully ahead of Julia’s operation.
On Tuesday 09 January 2024 through until Thursday 11 January 2024 we drove to Shrewsbury to see and stay with Neil and Jane and had a nice time with them.
On Sunday 14 January 2024 Martin and Michele our sailing friends from Salisbury came over for dinner and stayed overnight.
On Monday 15 January 2024 Ed came to stay until Wednesday 17 January 2024 and it was great to see him. He and I went to the boat and fitted the sprayhood on (back from cleaning) and went to see my mum.
On Sunday 28 January 2024 Elisabeth and Duncan came to have dinner and stay overnight with us. We met them last summer sailing their boat called Bimble.
On Friday 09 February 2024 Julia and I went to London, and after I got my hair cut, we went to Battersea Power Station and went up one of the chimneys. Great views.
On Saturday 10 February 2024, the Flemings came over for dinner and I cooked cassoulet.
On Tuesday 13 February 2024 Julia had the operation to remove the cancer.
On Wednesday 28 February 2024 we took the bus to Winchester for the day. It was grey and drizzly but we had a nice mooch and a lovely lunch at the Wykeham Arms.
On Thursday 29 February 2024 we saw the consultant again and he said that although there was no need to take out any more cancer, they had taken a lot out and it would have to go to the USA for a test that would determine if the cancer might return and whether she would need chemotherapy – whereas we had all hoped she would just go straight to radiotherapy. Chemo would mean cancelling the summer, and we had just secured our six month visa for France!
On Wednesday 06 March 2024 we drove to Romsey for the day and had a nice walk and lunch at La Parisienne.
On Thursday 14 March 2024 we went to Ocean Village and had dinner with Gordon and Christine and we stayed overnight. A nice evening.
On Thursday 21 March 2024 we saw the oncologist who gave us the bad news that the test had shown that the cancer might return and that she should have chemotherapy over the summer – six sessions – one every three weeks, and then at the end of that, radiotherapy. So this will take us through until September so we had to cancel our plans to sail to France again for the summer.
On Tuesday 26 March 2024 we had another meal with Jolyn and Val Lucas in Alton at Cucinos.
On Friday 05 April 2024 through until Sunday we drove to York and saw James and Dani and their new house.
On Thursday 11 April 2024 we drove to Cornwall and stayed in Penryn at Aly and Graham’s house. We overlapped with them for Thursday and Friday – they left Saturday. We stayed until Thursday. Whilst there we met more sailing friends Simon and Lesley from Smooth Torque and Rowland and Karen from Celtica.
On Friday 19 April 2024 Julia had a portacath fitted which allows them to have direct access to her bloodstream and on Tuesday 23 April 2024 she had her first chemo session. She felt sick for a few days and generally felt tired and woolly.
That brings things up to date, and so hopefully this blog can resume rather than summaries.
Weekend in Leeds and York Friday 17 - Sunday 19 November 2023
Friday 17 November 2023
We slept through until about 0815 and got going. It was a nice sunny day as forecast. We made sandwiches and hit the road at 1050 and it was a very slow and frustrating journey. Lots of roadworks and accidents. We had to come off the M1 and go 70 miles of A1 dual carriageway and then the wrong way along the M18 as that was blocked. We got to Leeds and parked at 1615. We had a look around the market and the shops and then wandered towards Fazenda. James and Dani more or less caught us up and we went into Salt for drinks and Ed arrived shortly after. I drank Zero alcohol beer and drove. We then went to Fazenda and had a great time. We all got on well. Julia had some wine – Ed wasn’t drinking either so it was James and Julia. We then followed Dani home and watched a little TV and had a few more drinks – I had some red wine.
Saturday 18 November 2023
We had a nice long lie in today and then we walked into York – 1. 6 miles, and went handbag shopping for Julia who got a nice navy one in Lake Land – the leather shop. We then shuffled round the crowded market and hit the Eagle and Child. We had drinks and lunch. I had a wrap and chicken livers with bacon. We then had more drinks and walked off to find a teepee for more drinks but James and I went to one and Julia and Dani another. James and I walked back to where the girls were but weren’t allowed in and the girls said it was standing room only, so we all left and caught the bus to the dormouse pub and had drinks there before walking home. We then had sleeps and James and Dani set out nibbles and we showed them our holiday photos. Then we watched Indiana Jones – the latest one and then bed.
Sunday 19 November 2023
We had another lie in and after some toast we left at 1016. It was a tough journey again with lots of traffic, roadworks, accidents, animals on the road and debris. However, I did a lot of undertaking and generally pushing it and we got home in four hours with a 5 minute pee stop in the middle of a jam at Leicester Forest. The weather was mainly rain showers. I had a sleep and Julia had some toast. I wasn’t hungry. Then we read the papers and had drinks and started watching Strictly, but stopped and I did lamb shoulder in the griddle pan and Julia reheated a veg bake and made baked potatoes. It was really lovely. Then saw the rest of Strictly and the results program – Angela Rippon going out. We then watched more TV and as I was tired headed to bed.
Seeing Oli and Emily Saturday 11 November 2023
Saturday 11 November 2023
It was a lovely sunny morning with a touch of frost. We were up at 0900 as we have to leave for Oli and Em’s at 1015 which we did. We had a good journey despite awful traffic coming off A3 to M25. We parked at the end of their lane and took them to the Chaser – a lovely country pub where we had a nice lunch. Oli and Julia had fish and chips, I had lamb shank, and Emily had a platter. Emily is still not well and they don’t know what is wrong with her. That said she looked well. We caught up on all the conversation and dropped them back via their horse yard. I drove there – Julia back. We came off the M25 and I navigated us across country through Effingham and Guildford centre and onto the A31 and home. We chilled and watched Strictly and a rubbish movie the Killer.
Raclette evening with the Flemings 14 April 2023
We walked 2. 5 miles to Paul and Gillian’s where we met Tom and Emma and Gillian did a raclette evening. It was lovely. Bryan the taxi picked us up at at 1030.
Seeing my Mum at my sister Linda's House 09 April 2023
Julia did breakfast and after James and I rescued his car, we drove in separate cars to my sister Linda’s. Oli arrived minus Emily a short while after. It was lovely and sunny, so we were able to sit outside. My mum was there which was the real reason for going. We stayed for a few hours, and then headed home.
Lex and Adam Wedding 08 April 2023
James and Dani arrived on Friday, and we had a pleasant evening. On Saturday morning, I made us scrambled egg and smoked salmon, while Dani had peanut butter on toast with bananas. We then all got ready and James drove us over to the Blacknest Golf Club in glorious sunshine. We had a drink in the bar and mingled. Then we attended a lovely ceremony. The couple looked fabulous, and then we had drinks outside and took some photographs and did some more mingling. Then we went inside for speeches and food. Then into the evening, the other guests arrived. Oli arrived without Emily, and didn’t drink as he was going home again. We took a Taxi home, and bed.
Dinner with Nigel and Suzie, Saturday 25 March 2023
We had planned to sail, but it was just too windy and on the nose, so we had a relaxing day, walking to the French Horn at lunch time and then driving to see Nigel and Suzie. I had planned to cook on board, so I took all the food and some pans so that I could cook there. Suzie has induction, so my pans didn’t work, but I cooked my cassoulet, and Suzie did a cheesecake, and we had a lovely evening.
We stayed over, but didn’t have breakfast as we were taking my mum out for lunch at the Bun Penny, and Nigel and Suzie also had a lunch out with some other friends
Lunch with Oli and Em at the Kentish Rifleman, Saturday 04 March 2023
We drove over to Kent and met Oli, EM and Winnie, their black lab puppy for lunch at the Kentish Rifleman. It was a lovely lunch – I had a pie and fries, Oli had fish and chips, Em had gnocci, and Julia had a burger. We then went for a walk with the dog, and then back to theirs. Oli and I walked to Tesco and got beer, and we had a couple before Julia drove me home.
A week in Cornwall 17-25 February 2023
Friday 17 February 2023
We had a 0745 alarm, and I got up and made tea. Then we made final preparations and were away to Cornwall. We left around 1000 and made the Otter Valley Ice cream place for lunch at 1200. I drove the first bit. It was a nice lunch – coronation chicken wraps. I had reasonable weather but as we went further west it got more grey and drizzly. Julia drove the last 2 hours and had some bad fog on the moors. But apart from one slow bit down to one lane, it wasn’t too bad. We arrived at 1500, and Aly and Graham were just walking back. We unpacked and had a cup of tea. Chilled out, and then went for drinks at the Muddy beach café, and then back to the house, where Aly did curry night. We had some drinks and watched Rick Stein on TV.
Saturday 18 February 2023
We lazed in bed until 1030, and Aly made us a cooked breakfast. I had a doze and the others went to the local shop. Later, Graham then drove us over to the North coast and we had tea and cake, and visted a teddy bear museum which was really interesting. Then we went back to the house, where we chilled and then changed and caught the bus into Falmouth. We had a drink at the PennyComeQuick pub, and then onto the Star and Garter for dinner. I was shocked by how limited the wine menu was and the memnu itself was limited but it all turned out ok. Julia had fish, Aly had duck breast and Graham and I had beef feathers – all very nice. We got the bus back and carried on drinking and listening to music.
Sunday 19 February 2023
We were up at about 0930 today. Aly made scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, and then they headed off. We then loaded more of our stuff in from the car and went into Pernryn to get the Sunday papers. We then came back and read them, and then as it was lovely and sunny, we went for another walk along the waterfront in Penryn. We found two tut shops that were open, which were fun and we even went into furniture shop. We walked up to Lidl and got some shopping and then walked back, and I had a sleep. We then started making our plans for food and visits. I booked St Michaels Mount for Tuesday. Then we did roast chicken for dinner, watched 2 Rick Steins and the last episode of Gold.
Monday 20 February 2023
We slept through until 0900. I made tea and we read the papers. Then after showers we made coffee – today with our machine, which we had lugged from home. Then after some time on our computers, we walked into Falmouth, and through the main street. We had lunch at the Chain Locker, which were nice sausage sandwiches and we booked the restaurant for us Friday night. Then we walked back to the Moor, and caught the bus back. We went into the country store and got a few things and then back to the house. I had a sleep and did some computer, and Julia did her jig saw. Then we cooked chicken kyev and watched TV. Vera tonight. This time I used my laptop directly.
Tuesday 21 February 2023
We were up at 0800 today as we were heading out for the day. We showered and made coffee, and then drove to Marazion where we parked, and headed across the causeway to St Michaels Mount. It was a grey day, but it tried to brighten up from time to time. It was a long climb up to the castle, but well worth it as it was nicely laid out and very interesting. We then walked back and into the Godolphin Hotel for lunch, and we both had crab rarebit, which was lovely looking out across the causeway.
Then we went back to the car, and set off for Carn Euny, an ancient village. We followed satnav (waze) and it took us up a track that got worse and worse, and although we were very close, it became too muddy, so I had to reverse back a long way to turn around. We then switched to Google maps that took us another way, and we squeezed into the last parking slot, in a very small car park. The ancient ruins were really interesting. Then we took the scenic route back and went into Sainsburys for some shopping and the local garage to top up with fuel. We looked again in the furniture shop and wanted to buy two chairs, but they said they couldn’t sell off the shop floor, and would have to order in, which we said was ridiculous and clearly not of interest as we were on holiday!
Wednesday 22 February 2023
Lazed in bed until 0930. Julia made tea, and we read the papers. Then we showered and I made coffee. This was a chill day, so we had no plans. I spent the day doing spreadsheets, planning for retirement budgets. Julia did painting and reading. We had lunch and enjoyed the sunshine outside. It was a nice day, but windy, and with spells of rain and hail in the afternoon. We had drinks about 1800, and I cooked up a chicken stir fry with coronation chicken. Then we watched spotlight, rick stein, and watched a movie everything everywhere all at once, which frankly, we did not enjoy.
Thursday 23 February 2023
We slept through until about 0815 when I made tea and we read the papers. It was grey today. We showered and made coffee and then headed for the bus to Truro. It was a nice trip, and the weather was improving, although it was colder. We got to Truro and mooched around the shops, and then went into the Bodega 18 tapas bar for lunch. It was a nice spot, and we had meatballs, pork, and aubergines as our first three dishes. Then three more, mackerel, fish in batter and cheese fritters. It was yummy! All washed down with some Tempranillo wine. We then went to M&S and then caught the bus back to Penryn. We popped into the country stores, and then back at the house, both had a sleep. Then we had bhajis for starters and Julia made tuna pasta. We watched some of Jeremy Clarkson’s farm.
Friday 24 February 2023
We were awake about 0815, and I made tea and we read the papers. Then we showered and made coffee and both did some computer stuff. Then we were off on the bus to Falmouth, where we swapped onto the small circular bus – 67, out to Pendennis Castle. That was lovely with superb views and the weather was nice too, although a bit windy up top. We then walked along the south beach road and saw where we stayed for Neil’s wedding, and then walked back into the end of town. We caught the inner circle bus – the 60 back to the Moor, and then a big bus back to the house.
Then Julia painted and I did some more spreadsheet work and had a snooze, and then I read for a bit. We then got ready and headed into town about 1745 and walked to the chain locker where we had pre dinner drinks. Then into a restaurant called Amanzi, which was South African, where we had booked, only she had us down for Saturday! Anyway, she got us in, and we had a superb meal. We both had meat cooked on a sewer and brought to the table hanging from a hook. Julia had ostrich – Ostrich Sosatie, and I had beef – Espetada. We enjoyed a bottle of South African wine that we had not heard of, and I had an Irish coffee. We then walked back up to the bus stop, and had a quick drink in the PennyComeQuick before boarding a crowded bus back. We then watched rick stein and the last Death in Paradise and bed.
Saturday 25 February 2023
Well – a lovely week came to an end. I was up at 0750 and in the shower. Then we had coffee and cleaned the house and drove home. It was a nice drive in sunshine for a lot of the way. We stopped for a sausage roll at the Otter Valley place and I drove all the way. The traffic was relatively light. We got home and Julia popped to the shops, and I had a snooze. Then we watched England struggle but beat Wales at rugby in Cardiff, and then I cooked us sirloin steak, chips and mushrooms. Then we watched a feel good movie – the bank of Dave.
Ella Mai and Elsie Birthday bash at the Thomas Residence - Saturday 28 January 2023
We then drove down to the boat late afternoon and put the heating on. We sat for half an hour and then took the bus up to Fareham and walked up to Andy and Jen’s. We were first there, and as it turned out, the only boaties as they had lots of drop outs, so it was mainly family, but we enjoyed the party to celebrate Ella-Mai’s tenth and Elsie’s sixth birthdays. We left about 8:30 and caught a 9 o’clock bus back. We had another glass of wine and bed.
The Sun Inn at Bentworth - walking out with Paul and Gillian Fleming Sunday 15 January 2023
A lovely sunny day today, but very cold. We lazed in and read the papers, and Julia went to Waitrose. Then we went over to the Flemings and donned our walking boots, and in bright sunshine, we walked 2. 4 miles to the Sun Inn at Bentworth – a lovely old pub, and had lunch there. Gillian and I had two starters, squid and pate, Julia just had the pate, and we shared fries. Paul had a roast beef. It was all lovely with good service. We walked back, but towards the end my achilles was very painful and I was hobbling. We had a quick coffee at theirs and then came home.
Non sailing weekend - seeing Paul and Gillian Fleming Saturday19 November 2022
We had a lazy day at home. I programmed for most of the day successfully completing the dot net maui course. We had toasted a sandwich and muffins for lunch. At 1800 we had a drink and then we walked the 2. 4 miles to Paul and Gillian’s. It was only us for dinner although they had invited 4 others. It was Curry night, which was yum - Gillian providing us with a grand asortment. We got the disco lights going and I blue-toothed my phone to the music system. Bryan our regular taxi driver picked us up at 2300.
Seeing Oli in London 15 November 2022
I was up at 0615 and on the 0715 train. I travelled light today without a laptop. It was raining hard as I left – so much so that I had to put waterproofs on just to walk to the station!The train was a bit late, and it was not raining too hard so was able to walk from Waterloo to Aviation House. I had a good Foundry meeting there. Then I walked to the Rugby Tavern and had a great lunch with Oli. It was Thai food – he had a pad thai, I had chicken red curry. We then walked to the Edgar Wallace pub, which was amazing, and Tom and Victoria joined us. We sank a few pints and some wine, and then I walked to Waterloo. I bought some food at the station and fell asleep on the way home. I was very tired when I got home, so I went went straight to bed.
Non sailing weekend - seeing Malcolm and Rob, Rosie and Matilda 5/6 November 2022
The weather was foul on saturday, so a quiet indoors day until about 1615 when we left for Malcolm's. We drove across country to avoid the spray on the M25, and the potential for Just stop oil protests. However, it was still a very shitty journey and took longer than planned. Anyway, we got to Malcolm's, and had champagne and then walked to the Crown - fortunately the rain had eased. We had a nice meal, I had ribeye steak, Malc had a chicken pie, and Julia had salmon. Julia and I shared cheese and Malc had ice cream. We then went back to his and watched Strictly. Well, in fact I missed a lot as I fell asleep, and even Malc was asleep at the end!
It continued to rain all night and after breakfast we took the motorway but there was a lot of standing water andso there was a 50mph limit most of the way. As yesterday, it was very tiring. We got in and read the papers and prepared roast. Rob and Rosie Taubman arrived with 2 year old daughter Matilda, and we had roast chicken. The weather improved but only briefly. I had some fun with Matilda once she overcame her shyness. They left and we watched have I got news for you and the strictly results, and started a new Netflix: the Alienist.
Trip to York to see James and Dani 14/15/16 October 2022
Friday, we had an early lunch and set off about 1315. There was very heavy traffic and every junction there were queues the other side and the weather was wet and miserable. We stopped for drinks and the toilet after 4 hours, and got to James and Dani after 5. 5 hours. We had a couple of beers and chatted and then James ordered pizza which came courtesy of Dominos, and then we watched Grand Tour.
Saturday, we were up about 0930, had some toast, and James drove us to the Air Museum, which was really very interesting. It was also very nice weather, athough a bit breezy with lots of sunshine. We came back for a grazing lunch, and then we went into York by bus as usual. For once James hadn't booked the Eagle and Child and of course, it was busy with a function. So we walked around and around and had to sit outside under a heater, so I was a bit grumpy for a while, as I was in a dfraft. Then we went into the Ivy which was really nice. I had ribeye steak and Julia had fishcake. Dani had vegetarian curry, and James had sirloin steak. It was bit expensive, but worth it. We came back to the house and watched Airplane.
Sunday, we were up at 0815 and away at 0915. We got to Towcester early, so went for a lovely walk along the water meadows in glorious sunshine. Then on to the Folly for a nice Sunday roast and then Julia drove us back. We made a mistake by going on the M4 for the last section as we discovered it was shut at the next junction,which was a pain and we had to crawl up to junction 11 and going around the big roundabout there was a nightmare. Anyway we got back home, and had a few drinks, a grazing dinner, TV and bed.
Rhodes Trip 01-13 September 2022
This is the third year we have been going to Rhodes where we are always looked after by Stratos and his family. This year the weather was amazing, and it was over 30 degrees every day with blue skies and a breeze, but never too much breeze. As ever Stratos, Marianthi and Yannis were so good at looking after us, and we enjoyed every day.
Rhodes Thursday 01 September 2022
We were up at 0200, but in all honesty, neither of us had any sleep. I showered and the taxi arrived at 0230 – Bryan again. It was a clear run and we got to Gatwick in just over an hour. There was not much of a queue to drop bags, but the machine was confusing and we needed help twice. Then we found security wasn’t too bad and we got through smoothly. What we did notice was that the place was heaving. We were lucky to find a couple of seats and Julia got a coffee. We went to the gate on time, but we could see time drifting, and we could see that boarding was a joke. It was overcrowded and they didn't call rows, so it was uncontrolled and they loaded from both ends so people were crossing along the plane. We were due to leave at 0610, but got away at 0650. Rhodes is 2 hours in front and we had a quick flight and landed at 1225 local time. We were through passports in short order but then had to wait an hour for bags, which was sad. Stratos very kindly came and picked us up, and we crammed into his Fiat Panda. We then stashed the bags in the room, and went down for a well earned beer, and had some lunch. We had Platini eggs benedict, which is fried eggs on toast with the hollandaise sauce!Then we went to the supermarket and spent 100 euros on booze and essentials and then had a snooze. We then got up and had drinks on our fantastic balcony (room 203) with our usual music from our Bluetooth speaker brought from the kitchen at home,watching the sunset - the first of many. We then went down to dinner at 1930 and I had BBQ pork contosouvli, and Julia had chicken schnitzel. We had 2 carafes of house red with it and then we went back to the room and watched a bit more of House of the Dragon on Netflixbut paused half way through and went to bed as we were so tired.
Rhodes Friday 02 September 2022
We slept in this morning and had coffees and Julia went to bag some sunbeds, although none had been bagged yet and this was 1130!How different to last year where it was a bit of a bun fight most days. At beer o'clock (1200 in this case, but it varies) I had a beer, and Julia an orange juice. At 1300 we came up for lunch and had the remains of her chicken schnitzel from the night before with mayo, and the pitta from last night. Then I had a snooze and we sun bathed. We were back in the room having showers about 1700 and then had drinks on our balcony with our music as usual. We then down to dinner and I had stuffed kebab and Julia had a lasagne thing called poistitsio, all washed down with 2 more carafes of house red. We then went back to the room and watched the other half of House of the Dragon and an Umbrella Academy and bed.
Rhodes Saturday 03 September 2022
We slept in until 0930 then I got up and shaved and showered and bagged some sunbeds as the only other ones with a shade had gone. Then after a bit, we went to the bakers and got bread and fresh orange juice and then into the supermarket again. We then back down to the sunbeds and had a beer and some perrrier and went up for lunch about 1345. We had ham and bread for lunch and then I had a snooze. We then went back down to the pool and chilled and sun bathed until 1700, when we came up and Julia showered. Then we went for a walk and booked a hire car and bought an ankle bracelet for Julia and into Stratos’ shop and bought some baklava as a present for Kevin and Jenninext door for looking after the flowers. Then we went back to the balcony to watch the sun set with beer and pink wine and Jax Jones on the music box. Then we went down to dinner and both had Moussaka, which was wonderful as ever washed down with more house wine. We then went back to the room and saw 2 episodes of Umbrella Academy to finish series 2 on Netflix.
Rhodes Sunday 04 September 2022
We slept in until 0930 and at 0945 I went down to get the sunbeds. I said hello to mama – Sophia. Julia came down a while later and we had the pool to ourselves most of the morning. At 1200 it was beer o'clock and then at 1300 we came up for lunch – today we had egg mayonnaise made by Julia with bread. In the afternoon we went back to sunbathing but the two girls from the family put some music on their phone which was quite close to me,which spoiled my peace a bit, so I had to go and get my headphones. We then went back to our balcony at 1700 to watch the sun set and have a couple of beers and some pink wine. Then we went down to dinner and both had whole sea bream with rose (pink) wine. Then we invited Oli and Hannah who we had been chatting to by the pool, up for drinks and they joined us on the balcony,and later we went down to drink and chat with Sophia and Stratos.
Rhodes Monday 05 September 2022
We were out on the sunbeds at 1030 this morning and it was nice and quiet. We then went to the supermarket and got a cooked chicken, and then back for beer o'clock. Today we had a slightly later lunch and then sunbathed. It was hotter today. We then went for a walk to Spohia’s dress shop and saw her there and had a chat and saw her new machine. We walked back along the beach and then Julia had a shower. Then we had drinks on the balcony and down to dinner for 1900. We had asked Yannis to get us steaks and he delivered with two huge T bones. It was too much to eat it all, so we took the remainder for a stir fry later in the week. Then we came back to the room and watched House of the Dragon.
Rhodes Tuesday 06 September 2022
We slept in a bit this morning,as we weren't bagging sunbeds and so got down a little later than planned and we had to wait 25 minutes for a taxi. But we got into Old Rhodes Town for about 1115. We noticed that there were many more people now that the pandemic has gone. I bought a Rhodes T-shirt, and we had orange juices in our usual bar and then we went on to La Veranda again, where we had pre-booked our table number 11. We got a very nice reception from the staff, and I had a beer and Julia had a tequila sunrise, and we ordered red wine and a shared plate of traditional Greek food. The meal was fabulous which ended with a nice moussaka in the middle. We sat and let it digest and they didn’t chase us for the bill which was nice. Then we shopped and found a nice gold chain shop where you can buy by the length. Julia got a proper ankle bracelet as the one I bought the other day disintegrated within a day, and after many years I decided I would go back to wearing a gold chain. It was 18 euros for Julia and 56 for mine and she sold us both for 70. We then walked down to the taxi rank and got a taxi back, dropping us off at the bakers, where we walked across the road a little to another supermarket that had Leffe and Stella, as our local one ran out of Stella and did not have a good range of beer. We then popped into the bakers and then back to the apartment. We met Annie out for a walk. She and her husband Christian we have met every year, but sadly this year he died. We then slept for an hour or so, and then Julia showered and we both did some time on our laptops. So much so we almost missed sundown. We had drinks and then we did Caesar salad, and watched a couple of Captures on iPlayer.
Rhodes Wednesday 07 September 2022
It was a bad night for me, as I couldn’t sleep well with the insect bites I have been getting which are huge and driving me crazy. Julia made coffee and I went down and bagged the sunbeds at 1000. We sunbathed all day and I read the Creek by LJ Ross in the day - a nice holiday trashy novel. It was quite busy by the pool today. Carly and family also arrived today. We got back up to the room and had a few beers and pink wine, and then down to dinner just after 1900 and the sunset. I had grilled squid, and it wasn’t as filling as some of Yannis’ dishes. Julia had a chicken and bacon kebab that was lovely, so I stole a couple of pieces and she still took 2 home. Back to the room and we watched an episode of Ridley but I kept falling asleep.
Rhodes Thursday 08 September 2022
Today was the first of two days car hire, so we were up and at the car hire place for 0915, and drove down to Ancient Kamiros where we walked around the amazing ruins. Then we drove down to Karimos proper which was mainly a strip of restaurants, and picked Dionysos Steki, and sat out on the terrace overlooking the sea. It was a lovely setting, and we both had a drink – Beer for me and iced coffee for Julia and then we had kalamari with chips. Then we had a walk about the grounds and then drove into Rhodes Town to go back to the jewellers and get another chain this time for Julia’s neck to replace her day to day one. Driving was crazy, and we passed a three car pile up. We managed to park right outside the gate and walked up and got a nice new chain at 30 euros, and then we drove down to Faliraki and Julia eventually found her old hotel again. Then we drove back to our hotel and had a few drinks on the balcony. We were saddened by the Queen’s death which was annoucned earlier today. Then we cooked a steak stir fry with the left overs from earlier in the week, which was lovely and then we tried to watch some TV but the internet – especially the BBC web site was overwhelmed by folk surfing about the Queen I think, so we gave up and went down to the bar and ended up chatting with Sophia Stratos, and Ron and Diana from Belgium and Carly’s mum.
Rhodes Friday 09 September 2022
Today we planned a day on the beach, and we were up and away shortly after nine in the car and got to Kallathea around 0945, which was a good time for picking a sunbed. We got a nice spot and discovered that the sunbeds came with a free juice, and 2 waters in an ice bucket which was a nice touch. We sunbathed and swam in the sea, and then at lunch time had club sandwiches in the restaurant. Julia had smoked salmon and I had chicken and bacon. We sunbathed until around 4pm, and then drove back, dropping our stuff off at the apartment, and then dropping the car back. We then both had showers and drinks on the balcony and watched another sunset. Carly came and said 'boo' and chatted to us for a while. Then we went down to dinner and we both had kebabs and then back up to watch a Suspect in ITV Player. BBC iPlayer refusing to work.
Rhodes Saturday 10 September 2022
We both slept well for a change. We read the papers and then I went down with my coffee to bag our sunbed spot and Julia followed later. We went to the supermarket and then had beer o’clock by the pool and lunch at around 1315 which was a mix of left overs. Then we went back to the pool and more sunbathing and book reading. We came in at 1700 and showered and took drinks again on the balcony and another stunning sunset. Then we went down to dinner to discover that our usual table was taken, which was a shame, and then the kleftiko we specially ordered wasn’t as good as we expected. We later discovered that it was made to a traditional greek recipe, which is what Yannis does, but we have been used to a different style back home with a lot less potatoes. We were both a bit tired amd so not getting our usual table and that made us both a bit down. We then came up to the room and tried unsuccessfully to view Shetland on the iPlayer and gave up as iPlayer just won’t work over a poor internet.
Rhodes Sunday 11 September 2022
I was up at 0845, shaved and showered and made coffee. Then I went down to bag a sunbed and read the paper and finished my book Paris by Starlight – it was a difficult book. Then we came up for lunch of egg mayo and ham, and then back to sunbathing. It was a very hot day. During the day we learned that our niece, Sammy had a baby boy. At 1700 we came up and showered and spoke to Neil and Jane on the phone about the planned sailing weekend with them. Then we watched the sun go down and walked to the Pizza place Napoli, where I had a meat lovers BBQ and Julia had ham, cheese mushroom and feta. It was a very nice meal. We then walked back and joined in the conversations in the bar and got to know Sanne and Chris from Holland, both in the Police and found out that Sanne was pregnant. We also spoke with Sophia, Carly and her folk, and the Scottish couple, who are always there for many weeks at a time.
Rhodes Monday 12 September 2022
We both slept well and got up at 0830. I went down to the pool at 0930 to bag sunbeds and read the paper. Julia joined me after an hour. We sunbathed and had beer o’clock and then came up to change and went out to lunch. We found Kostas at the end of the tourist street and had a lovely lunch which was beer, a carafe of rose and we shared seafood saganaki, kalamari, carlic bread and pitta. We were the only folks there. We walked back and resumed sunbathing, and started talking to Sanne and Chris our new Dutch friends, and we agreed for them to come to us for drinks and to have dinner together. They joined us on the balcony and we watched the sun go down over drinks. As usual Carly came and said boo. Then we went down to dinner and we all had the chicken and bacon kebabs. Then we retired to the bar and had a few more drinks and generally chatting to everyone.
Rhodes Tuesday 13 September 2022
We lazed in this morning as it’s our last day. I showered, and we went down to pay Stratos. Then we went for a long walk, and back for ouzo and an iced coffee, and after two croque madames, which were filling. Then we went back to the room for a final 20 minutes, and Stratos took us to the airport. We were in good time, and got through bag drop quickly, and straight through security. Then we bought some water and went through passports and then sat around for 2 hours. We got on the plane only 15 minutes late but then we had to wait whilst a helicopter delivered some VIPs to a private jet and that took off, and the helicopter left before we could go adding about 40 minutes. We then had a good flight and landed at 1930, whilst we were supposed to land at 1830. The bags didn't take too long to arrive, and we quickly found Bryan our taxi driver and were away from the airport shortly after 2000. It was raining. We got home just after nine, and ordered us a takeaway Indian from Miftas which we collected and Julia got some milk. So it was nearly 2200 before we ate, but the meal was nice. I had tandoori king prawn and Julia a tandoori duck tikka. We finally made bed about midnight.
Sunday lunch with Phil and Jane Ridgeway Sunday 31 July 2022
It was grey today and drizzling. We read the papers, and Julia popped out to Waitrose. Then we drove to Costco and sadly experienced some of the worst traffic I have seen outside of the rush hour! We then had to queue to get in the car park too. Anyway we did a basic shop and actually got away on time. We got to Jane and Phil’s and had starters of salmon and melon and then roast chicken. We sat outside for the main course, and the weather was not too bad considering it had been drizzling most of the morning. It was positively nice in some of the sunshine. We left at 1600 and Julia drove. When we got home it was the womens football euro final, but we read papers and kept an eye on the score expecting Germany to win. We had a light dinner, and then tuned in for the end of extra time and Wow! - England won 2-1 over Germany. We enjoyed watching the celebrations and then did a binge watch on Netflix to finally finish the Shannara Chronicles.
BBQ with Gillian Fleming Saturday 30 July 2022
We were both hungover this morning. I eventually got up and marinaded the pork and chicken and we had coffee. Julia went to the shops and it was a slow morning. I picked up Gillian at 1400 and the weather was nice enough to sit out. It was occasionally sunny, but although it was cloudy, it was warm. We had a pleasant drink and then I skewered the kebabs and did a great BBQ if I may say so. I got the meat just right and it was a lovely afternoon. Gillian walked home, and we watched some TV and were in bed by 9:30!
Oli came to pick up his stuff Friday 29 July 2022
We both had a light early lunch expecting Oli early afternoon, but he was held up by Em having the car. We sat in the sunshine and chilled. I popped out and got some more stella, and Oli arrived eventually at 1830. I then did a standard BBQ – sausages and burgers with baked potatoes. We drank a lot and chatted until late. Oli got up and left early the following morning.
Our 27th Wedding Anniversary Thursday 28 July 2022
Julia and I exchanged cards in the morning, but it was a work day for both of us. We both finished shortly after 5, and we had drinks and then went to Heaven’s Kitchen for rib eye steaks to celebrate. We came back home and watched the Shannara Chronicles on Netflix and then bed.
Alton Cricket Sun 26 June 2022
Julia and I had a lazy morning, and then walked over the Ridgeway to the Butts to see the Victorian Cricket, which was nice to see. It was very windy, with some sunny intervals. We went into the French Horn for a drink and discovered that the garden was sheltered and warm in the sunshine. So we sat out there for a while and then walked back.
Matilda second birthday party Sat 25 May 2022
We were up and away to my mum’s via the Co-op in Alton. We saw my mum for 40 minutes and then went on to the boat. I topped up the water, and the fuel, and loaded all the wine on board and moved stuff out of the focsle. Then we drove to Gilkicker and joined Matilda’s second birthday party on the grass with all our Area 15 mates. We took our chairs and a table and were very comfortable. A bit cloudy and cool, but nice when the sun came out. It was a lovely afternoon. Then Julia drove home, and we opened some St Emilion. I cooked a chicken teriyaki dish, and we watched a movie about whales / moby dick.
Grand Union narrow boating on Namaste 9-13 June 2022
Thursday 09 June 2022
Julia and I got away about 1430 and headed for Berkhamsted. The traffic was awful on M25 and at a standstill. So not a nice journey. We got close to bridge 143, and parked up all ok. Went aboard Namaste and learned that Chris wasn’t well, and would we help them get the boat back. Didn’t bother us much, so we said yes. We had drinks and went to Margos at the Old Mill, just up the road and had nice pizza.
Friday 10 June 2022
As plans had changed, we were going to have to push on and get through the miles, so we were up and away early. Because Chris needs to lie down a lot, we have been given the bed in the saloon, that doubles as a table. We actually found it nicer than the cabin! Anyway we were up and away at 0745, and I helmed until the locks, where I handed it to Gordon, and Julia and I did all the lock work. We stopped at Waitrose in Berkhamsted, and stopped for lunch on the way. Chris did cold meats and a salad. The weather was sunny but windy. We made it as far as Grove Lock, having started at lock 55, we made just above lock 28 and had one swing bridge on the way. The pub was busy but we did get a table easily enough. It was late so none of us showered, and we went out straight for dinner. Nice enough meal. I had ribeye, and Julia had lemon sole. Back to the boat for some more wine, and a whisky before bed.
Saturday 11 June 2022
Again we were up and away by 0745, and stopped at Tesco for more shopping. The weather was sunny but windy. We pushed on with me helming and doing the locks today and Gordon and Julia doing the gates. There was a big drama overtaking a very slow historic barge with a buttie in tow. I hit a moored boat! Anyway, no damage done, and I got straight back in the saddle and found a good spot for lunch too. Chris did bread and cheese and in the afternoon we pushed on through Milton Keynes which turned out to be nice. We had pre booked the Giffard Park whilst having lunch. On the way I had to overtake the pair again which was thrilling. We got there and parked right outside, and had drinks in the sunshine in the cockpit. Then dinner and it was a real cheap pub, but the food was ok. I had a sizzling skillet with pork belly and Julia had a burger.
Sunday 12 June 2022
We were up and away early-ish and Gordon did the first hour, and then I took over until all the locks towards the end of the journey, when we hit the flight to Stoke Bruerne. Gordon paired with another boat through those which was fun, and we had some help from the other crew. On the way to the locks, I had to overtake a slow boat, and that proved hard too. Parked just down from the Navigation pub and the Boat inn, ready to go straight into the tunnel Monday morning. It was sunny but windy again, but we were able to sit in the cockpit and have drinks. We also popped into the maritime museum. Then we had dinner in the Navigation, which was fine but they didn’t have the wine we wanted and the food was ok. Julia and I had rib-eyes that could have been better. Back for more wine and drinks and early bed.
Monday 13 June 2022
We were up and away at 0630 to get through the tunnel before anyone else. I drove all morning and so did the two mile tunnel. Nothing came the other way. It was a grey and cloudy day. Then we carried on for another couple of hours and we made it to Nether Heyford, their marina. We parked and Chris did breakfast, and then Gordon dropped us at Northampton Station. We paid £48 for two singles to Berkhamsted (!) and then a £4.30 taxi back to the car. The M25 was shit and parked again, and as we approached the A30 it was stopping again, so we came of and went down the old A30 to Bagshot and rejoined the motorways there. Back home about 1415, unpacked and enjoyed the sunshine with some drinks. Then dinner, TV and bed
York to see James and Dani 21-22 May 2022
Saturday 21 May 2022
We were up early at 0500 heading to York. We left at 0545 and stopped at Watford Gap and again at Tesco York for petrol and we arrived bang on 1000 as requested. James cooked us breakfast, and then we had a nap. Then we went into York on the bus. It was a sunny day with some breeze. I went to M&S and got a bow tie and braces, then we went to the Eagle and Child for G&Ts – James and Dani had rum. Then we all played mini golf, and then wnet to the sky bar – it was nice but a bit windy. Then we went to the Ivy for dinner which was fab and a super meal. I had Korean chicken, James and Julia Malanise chicken, and Dani a squash curry. Then we caught the bus back and watched the Grand tour (French one) and a film which I fell asleep in.
Sunday 22 May 2022
We were up and away about 0930, and got the papers at Tesco. Then we came off the M1 at Towcester and went for lunch at the Folly. it was lovely weather again, but with a slight breeze. It was a super Sunday roast. Then Julia drove back across country with me navigating. Unfortunately, similar to when she drove the Avensis another time, the brakes started screeching – lost pads and discs we suspect! We got home and sat in the garden where we were sheltered and it was lovely in the sunshine. Then we both had a sleep, and then read the papers, and had drinks and nibbles for dinner. Then TV and bed. Afternote: It was new discs and pads at £640 !