We have had a lovely time seeing family and friends, going to parties and recovering in front of a warm fire. One of our standout trips out has been to Nottingham Castle, we had a very talented guide who really brought the place to life during our tour of the tunnels underneath. Highly recommened if you are in the area. We have also collected a number of parts to take back to Turkey with us, including a windscoop to fit to the hatch for those warm and still nights ahead.
It is said that a good plan only lasts until after the first engagement with the enemy, in our case the plan published in the last episode didn't even make it that far! To be fair the 'enemy' only takes the form of confirmation that we can get a berth in Monastir, Tunisia for next winter, something we had heard wasn't going to be available. We are now booked in there for a few months next winter. Monastir is a popular liveaboard winter hideout with what looks to be a very busy social scene to keep us amused. Getting a place there means we will save our trip to Montenegro and Albania until we are on our way to Monastir, rather than visit in the first half of the year. Detailed plan in progress but now looking like mid Feb to mid May will be Greek Islands followed by 3 months in Turkey, and then back into Greece following the plan published in the last blog episode. We are still keen to sail into Istanbul so will have to have a close look to see if that remains possible travelling against the Meltemi summer winds. I suspect I'll be tricky without motoring alot in the morning calms, not much appetite for that but we will see.
It's 3 weeks and 5 days until we fly back to the boat, not that we are missing it or anything! We are looking forward to it and to experiencing a slower pace compared to last seasons delivery trip. There are plenty of Greek Islands to explore and beers to drink on sandy beaches ahead!
Happy New Year to all.
