October 2014 – Going Home

Previously, we had been in Hythe for a few days.

3rd October  - Friday

On a beautiful, sunny and calm morning we sailed back to Southampton from Hythe, a short hop, which took just under an hour, as we had to re-negotiate the Hythe Marina Lock. 

We were a little sad in the knowledge that this was the last trip at the end of our Summer Sail, but felt accomplished that ourselves and the boat where returning safe and sound.

Over the next few days we re-organised the boat, looking in every nook and cranny to decide, with a tough eye, what was staying and what was going home.  The ‘if it’s not beautiful or useful’ moto was tested to its limits, we were ruthless.  The front cabin was filled with the items to be returned.

I must admit I had brought too many clothes for us both.  We have ended up with half a wardrobe each and the other half of the wardrobes are stacked with the Ikea zip boxes, with undies, t-shirts and shorts.  Even though I thought I had not brought many shoes 3 pairs went home too.

Sunday 5th October

We had our last walk to town which was buzzing and there was an even bigger market down the main street.  We had seen an advert online for a ‘Music in the City’ event for the weekend where music was being performed in unusual places.  Just before 2.00pm we went to the City Art Gallery, where 3 musical performances were to take place.  These events are free and open to anyone.  The room has a vaulted ceiling and the Southampton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic choir were assembled in the beautiful room ready to perform.  We managed to get a seat and settled for the performances.

We were treated to Mozart, Regina Coeli with Soprano Lucy Balderson.  Haydn, Symphony No. 39.  Stopford’s, ‘Do not be afraid’ (which moved us both to tears and is worth looking up if you have not heard it).  Eglar, Lux Aeterna and finally a Nimrod MashUp.  There was also a Flute Orchestra and a Quartet to finish the afternoon.  2 plus hours whizzed by.

 

Biggest flute in the world,

Back to earth with a bump and a quick Lidl trip.

Monday and Tuesday

More jobs before home.

Mick waterproofed the canopy.  Mended the computer. 

Our friend came on Tuesday night and we went for a Chinese Meal in Town.

8th October – Wednesday

Our very kind friend arrived at 9.00am and we loaded up his car for our trip north.  We also put three of our boat cushions in the boot which we are going to cover at home.  The car was full and the boat looked very tidy.

We arrived home at 3.00pm via a KFC stop at Keele, which is a longstanding tradition.  We cannot thank our friend enough for his generosity.

Icing on the cake – we were home for the Bake-off final.

9th October – Thursday

Big sort out at home to find a place for all the boat gear.

Had a lovely visit from Liz who brought us some homemade Jam and Chutney, to bolster our empty cupboards.  She really stayed in touch while we were away and it was very much appreciated, to have that regular contact from home.  Thank goodness for technology.

I packed for our weekend away, which was one of the reasons why we came home.

First W.I. meeting – AGM with supper.  Kay was elected President.

10th October – Friday

In the morning Mick had a meeting at work, I went for a good chinwag and catch-up.

We travelled to Jackie and Murray’s new holiday home in Annette and Julian’s campervan.  A real family gathering.  Jackie and Murray have had a static van on a Lake District site for many, many years and they along with several others on the site have upgraded their holiday homes this year.  The site is quite remote and this involved making a temporary road so it made sense for several homes to be transported at the same time.

The new home is really lovely and exceeds any idea of a holiday home, power shower, fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms!!!  Murray has excelled himself by building steps and a platform around the home which serves as access but also a lovely seating and lake viewing area.

Jackie treated us to one of her super curries on Friday and we went shopping in Ulverston on Saturday to get food for the Saturday night BBQ.  Murray is a BBQ legend.  On our return Jackie had made cake and scones, yum.

12th October - Sunday

We travelled back via Ambleside and a brew at Devils Bridge near Kirkby-Lonsdale.

Lovely weekend had by all.

13th October – Monday

Jackie, Annette, Murray and I went to PK Foods in Blackburn for spice stock-up and then to ‘Immanuel Fabrics’ in Burnley for Jackie to buy fabric.

14th to end of October

Craft n Chat meetings on 16th, 23rd and 30th, really lovely to see everyone.  Showed off the x-stitch they bought me for the trip.

Picture of completed lighthouse tapestry

Teddy Bear Fair on the 19th, to buy special Mohair for Caitlin’s bear.  Whilst in Bolton we went to the Fred Dibnah photo exhibition in the Bolton Museum and found out there is an aquarium there, who knew.

Over the following 2 weeks we had hair cut, visited Denise, visited Pam, made chutney, we visited Dave and Catherine’s new house, made brownies and carrot cake (I have missed baking and having a full sized, controllable oven), we visited Steve and Elaine, skyped Louise and Gordon, I went to the W.I. autumn council meeting at Blackburn King Georges Hall, made macaroons, we took a takeaway to Mark and Pam’s, went to Crafty Vintage event in Clitheroe, we had supper at Paul and Maria’s with Isabella and Luca, visited Karon with Liz, made 6 strings of Bunting, Mark and Caitlin collected her bear (Bethany), I cleaned the back of the house to remove the muddy football marks, Mick then chipped off the rendering and re-rendered it, Mick went to Training 2000, made Fruit Biscuits, went to Halloween bash at the local club.

Mick has researched and sourced, New water pump cover and seal for the engine, replacement tube for the boom vang (thing that hold the boom up), extension for WiFi aerial, hinge-covers for the hatches, polarity indicator for the shore power, insulation kit for the Eberspacer Diesel pump, new thermostat for engine frost heater for winter, new smoke detector.  Copied CDs into MP3’s for boat use.

People have asked how we are going to fill our days, so hope that helped.