NEWS of SCORCH

Our 3 months in UK have been hectic and a roller coaster of emotions. After a very happy and noisy Christmas with the whole family at Rowena and Paul, in Kent, we knuckled down to count down for vacating the house. Chris had to sort out his 1924 Daimler, in readiness for its new home in Leicestershire. Until HP 4966 left us we were limited for storage space. Meanwhile the container at the stables was kitted out to receive household goods. We thought we had had a good clear out when we left the large house 5 years ago, but after giving away lots, followed by endless trips to the local tip we still have more left over than we need.

Finally we shut the door at No.3 Alberta Place. The house was left empty, fully decorated from top to bottom and absolutely ship shape for the tenants. Our social life was a whirlwind saying goodbye to our many friends and family. We don’t anticipate returning to UK much before summer 2008. We are now fully committed to our water gypsy life.

We flew from Cardiff to Monastir early Sunday 18^th March to a waiting reception. We have been royally fed and entertained by our Australian friends and it was so nice to be welcomed back with such enthusiasm by all that it feel as if we had never left. Scorch is now our full time home. It helps knowing that is snowing in UK whilst in Tunisia it is glorious sunshine and I have managed an hour sunbathing.

We had hoped for a week’s rest before hauling out the boat for antifouling but we need to get all the jobs done in readiness for the sailing season.

Our allotted slot on the hard came rather quickly and before we knew it Scorch was out having its bottom painted.

Back in the water we finalised various jobs and started looking towards leaving for Malta. Sadly the weather has been against us and whenever we thought of departing the easterly winds have been howling.

Whilst restaurants’ food is nothing to rave about, the fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat are marvellous and cheap. Therefore we have been cooking and entertaining chez nous a great deal.