Miggy takes to the air

No Miggy has not defected from sailing to flying, she has become a radio star!!. Those who can receive BBC Radio Solent 96.1 FM (also available on the BBC website) and get up earlyish may have heard her talking to Julian Clegg at o650 on the 14th of March about the planning of our trip. She is going to be a regular 'Sea Dog' on the program talking to Julian by phone from wherever we are about the joys of our voyage to the Mediterranean. Her next scheduled appearance is at 0650 on the 5th of April - the day before we set off!!. The one after is on the 22nd of April.

Miggy retired from work yesterday after 32 years service as a Nurse. She was given a good send off by most of Christchurch Hospital and is looking forward to a life of leisure although is somewhat sad about leaving her colleagues and patients.

The starter motor has been repaired at great (unexpected) expense - how unlucky can you get! Less beers in Cherbourg.

Warranty repair work has just been completed by Sea Ventures, the local Jeanneau agent, 8 months after delivery of the boat. I make no further comment.

We are now loading final bits and pieces on the boat. How it fits in we have no idea. We are taking very little food as we hope to buy fresh produce from local markets on our way down the coast. Imagine hot fresh bread every (or nearly every) morning.

We have not eaten out so much in so short a period. Friends are kind enough to have us to supper and family are visiting or being visited to say adieu for the time being. We went to see Neal's family in Kent a couple of Sunday's ago, Miggy's second cousin, Marion, in York last weekend, Susie and Johnny last Monday, David and Betsy, Miggy's Mum and Dad, are coming to see us this weekend and Beryl and Gerry, Neal's stepmum, are visiting the Sunday before we leave. It's great to see them all but we have to reassure them that these are not final goodbyes but that we are merely going on a long holiday where we can be in touch through all the modern gismos.