First a big hallo to Alan and Jos, I know they're watching.

 

It's Friday today, there has been a lot of action in the marina. I believe all the boats and crew are here now, if they're not it's probably too late. Susie and Billy are here with us now helping with all our last minute preparations. We don't have too much to do, we did our last shopping this morning for fresh veg and fruit, it won't keep too long so there is no point in getting too much, there is only the two of us. Most of the boats have 6 or 10 crew so they have barrows full of potatoes and fruit, eggs and bread rolling down the docks.

 

During the last couple of days the ARC have organized some parties and fun dos, (a photo below of some of our friends, Paul and Val, George and Jan). Some we attended some we didn't, fancy dress isn't for me,  we went out for a meal with Billy and Susie instead. The ARC also arrange seminars on downwind sailing, communications, emergencies at sea etc. We also had a lifeboat demo and flare firing exercise. The photos below show me with my 9mm gun that can be adapted to fire flares, and Non exiting a 6 man lifeboat, (they're not very big) . Liferafts though are really a last resort item, much better to stay with your sailboat even if its half full of water. It is said that you only get into a liferaft when you need to step up to it!  Hopefully we'll never have that experience.

 

Everyone seems to have a bicycle, many are the folding variety, the photos shows one we saw earlier. We don't feel the need for one at the moment.

 

Today was the day to leave a painting on the harbour wall. It has been a tradition in many transit ports like in the Azores whereby departing sailing boats paint their name on the harbour wall for good luck, we did ours today and Susie put some of the final touches.

 

Tomorrow is the day we check outof Spain with customs, that way we are ready for the off on Sunday without too much rushing, (we hope), it'll give us more time for an emotional goodbye  with Susie, but it'll only be 3 weeks and we can Skype her from St Lucia, we have the sat phone too so we can keep in contact briefly. 

 

It maybe a few days before I write again, need time to get into a watch routine, and I don't think I'll be able to send fotos.

 

The latest 10 day forecast I have is looking good so fingers crossed. Nerves are beginning to fray a little now with anticipation or shear fear Non says, everyone feels the same, all waiting to leave. Thanks Walter and Ruth and Colin and Brenda for the kind emails, speak again soon.