Blue Tarn is now loaded with stores and all the equipment we think that we might need. Our personal items will be loaded today and then we will be ready for departure. We are as ready as we shall ever be!

Departure brings very mixed feelings. Of course we are excited to be going. But there are also feelings of trepidation. Nothing ever goes entirely to plan. I wonder what the future holds? We also have cares about those we leave behind. We know they will cope, and that we have left everything in good order, but we are nevertheless going to be away for a long time and will miss them as we know they will miss us.

We aim to leave at 10am on Tuesday morning. The forecast is for fresh Westerly winds which should push us easily to Bangor in Northern Ireland. I wonder who will come to give us a send-off from the pontoon?