Pictures

On 25^th September we got the keys and were able to go on board (although on the hard). We could begin to get organised and discover the quirks and fantasies of our new home. Keith and Angie (Caster en Pollux) were on hand to help.

Keith started by washing down the deck and getting rid of the bat pooh as they had found lodgings in the genoa and forestay sails. Not surprising after 3 years on the hard. Inside the clearing out process started.

This was vital to make way for the new and promised many shopping sprees both physical and through internet to get us to a stage where we felt at home.

The first expedition was a girls’ outing to the Ikea store about 2 hours away. After spending 4 hours we left with 3 filled caddies but the boat would be well equipped with bedding, linen, kitchen utensils, crockery, cutlery and a few other bits and bobs to make Escapade feel like home.

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We spent a hectic week checking over the boat and even had the surprised visit from Wulf who had originally bought the boat from Ancasta when Caryn was working for them. He was very helpful and gave us lots of tips and pointed out where potential problems lay.

The big day arrived and on 2nd October 2013 we were able to launch and take her to her winter mooring in Lefkas. Keith was on board for the journey whilst Caryn and Angie drove the rental car back to town. The boys tested the sails and even had time to anchor in the channel to wait for the bridge to open for the last stage of the journey

We moored in the harbour and then started thepreparations for our first visitor Svein’s daughter Ingvild. The weather until now had been kind but unfortunately the forecast was not so good for part of the visit. However we did manage to get in some swimming and sightseeing before she had to return North.

Activites have started and Caryn goes to exercise classes twice a week. Svein has checked out and repaired the plumbing for the toilets and showers, put in 6 new batteries, had the fridge checked and gas put in the compressor (a very expensive task), repaired hatches, found leaks, removed excess hoses and wiring and as is his wont found lots of other little jobs to do. He has also installed our latest purchase – a washing machine. It certainly makes life easier after 12 years of laundries!

We have both had a momentous time on the internet ordering goods – computers, food, kitchen articles, navigation equipment, chargers, etc. so we are now waiting for the goodies to arrive and it will be like Christmas.

We shall be doing our clothes shopping in the States when we go in November for Caryn’s nephew’s wedding.

Visitors have been numerous as in addition to Svein’s daughter we have also had Keith and Angie (Castor en Pollux), Kay and Doug (Swedish Girl) and Bruno and Judy (Pacific Pearl) visiting us.

We are exploring the town and getting to find our way around so winter should be interesting.

More pictures are in the folder on the picture section.

The next post will probably be after the trip to the States.