Well we made it onto the boat despite the weather and British Rail trying to do its best to discourage us. It absolutely poured and hailed. We dropped our last stuff together with a food shop using the car, then Jim drove back to Surrey to catch a train back to the boat in Portchester. All was going well until East Croydon was reached then the dreaded train cancelled due to emergency engineering appeared.

A quick change of plan – the first train to 3 Bridges and then a change to Southampton back to the boat only an hour later than planned. Unfortunately the rain and hail wasn’t expected and a drowned rat appeared back in the boatyard. Alison had her own minor adventure having to drive the dinghy all on her own!!. Which way is left with this tiller thing and can I bail it out fast enough!!

Managed to find Jim after waiting and drying out in the boatyard loos - thank god for their hairdryer. Soon back on board - generator on – heating on and soon all warmed up.

Stir fry for tea then a look at the weather – not good at the moment for Friday as planned (depends whose forecast you believe) for the Channel Islands so probably Lymington tomorrow – Weymouth Friday and Guernsesy over the weekend. Only an aim – we wouldn’t dare call it a plan!!