Fai Tira Blog

Fai Tira in Gibraltar Saturday 24/10 36:08.98N 5:21.30W

We start the Rally tomorrow morning at 10.00am.  This is what all the planning and preparations have been about over the last year since I retired.  I still have to pinch myself when I think we are actually going to do it.  It has been a major journey getting here not just on the boat sailing but emotionally to.  I am missing Judy my kids and Dad like mad.  We will be at sea when it is our 37^th Wedding Anniversary next Wednesday. 

Our next destination is Lanzarote.  Unfortunately the weather forecast is for light winds all week.  It is 620 miles to Puerto Calero which should take us a week to get there probably on motor most of the way.  We will only update the blog every other day to save on Satellite phone bills. 

We have been joined in Gibraltar by Bob Harrison and his wife Sue who have flown over to see us off.  I used to work with Bob in BT.  He tells me I got out of the company just at the right time. 

                                    Bob Sue and me

We have had a great couple of nights with them. Thursday night saw us playing ten pin bowls.  This was after an official reception given by the minister of sport. Very nice it was to.  Last night we were treated to a very nice meal by Bob and Sue before we headed off to an Irish bar drinking until the small hours. Friday night is party night after all.

                        Minister of Sport                                                                                 Bowling Match                                                                                    In Charlie’s Bar.

We just a few little jobs to do before we head off to yet another cocktail reception.

Just a little reminder.  From tomorrow it officially an adventure NOT a holiday.

                                                                        Our companions for the next twenty months

It seems ages since I made any contribution to the blog (bit difficult to when you’re not around)

Anyhow here goes.

The build up is almost over. The Blue Water Rally organisers’ involvement, with us since our arrival, has had the effect of concentrating the mind just a little. They’ve made sure, without removing all the fun, that we are prepared and aware for the start day. Their organisation and enthusiasm has been infectious and it’s only now, I think, that we’ve become fully conscious of the extent of the holiday (whoops.)

My own feelings about leaving Gibraltar are mixed. My desires to leave are tinged with the emotion of the goodbyes to Dee, Rebecca, Mark and the rest of my family, especially as I’ve found myself having to go through them more than once.

Apprehension over the prospect of the long journey with what might be involved and, even though I find that I don’t seem to do excitement much these days, just a slight flutter in the region of my stomach.

It’s been really good to meet Pete’s friends Bob and Sue. Strange feels like I’ve known them for ages and, although I know we’ve said it before, it’s just about now once more that the memories of all the help of the guys in Dartmouth come rushing back.

Not sure just how much sleep we’ll get tonight (Not due to partying this time though)

So there we are then, off to Lanzarote tomorrow. Dee and our friends Mike and Mary will be there to greet us, so not quite detached yet! Tomorrow will be the first of my mental bite size chunks, my own management system, with a whole load to follow.

Just a bit adventurous!!!

                                    Ready to go.                                                                                                                           All dressed and ready to go

                                    Big Chopper