Hooray! We are back in the water! We thought it would be three nights on the hard but it ended up being ten! All because the sail drive needed parts and it took ages for them to arrive.
So for 10 days and 10 nights we climbed up and down the ladder, with a pit in my stomach every time I made a descent. On top of that we had to empty all our washing water into buckets to carry down the ladder to the sluice, and worst of all use a bucket for a toilet at night.
So yes, the views were lovely, but we were itching to get back on the water. The last few days we had strong winds so the boat was shuddering in the wind, and I would wake at night having anxious thoughts about the boat and us toppling down.
But today, finally, the parts arrived and our grumpy mechanic worked like a demon to get the sail drive re-installed, and then before we could blink we were back in the slings and the water. The mechanic joined us for the trip to the marina berth making sure there were no leaks and the engine was running fine.
Two marina staff were there to assist at our berth and with the strong gusty winds we were very appreciative!
What a pleasure to be here, and we are enjoying the sensation of floating again, and Silver Lining looks like she has been in the spa - all polished and painted and looking great!