If you feel that August is chaotic in European coastal towns, then September is a lonely month for you. The tourists are mostly gone, the kids are back in school and the café owners are now taking some time to rest themselves. It’s back to Steve & I and the old men in marina bars sipping espresso, drinking beer and watching football.

We’re just back from a much-too-quick trip (i.e., whirlwind!) to the states for my sister’s beautiful wedding. We had a great time and loved seeing as many friends and family as we did. Saddest was not getting to see Steve’s parents, but we’re glad they’re feeling better now.

So, we came back to pick up the boat in Premia Mar in the afternoon and then early the next morning move the boat down to Port Forum in Barcelona for it’s annual maintenance. What an interesting experience. They take this enormous travel lift and with two, wide slings around the bottom of the boat, they lift it out of the water and drive it into the boatyard where they gently set it on its keels. Pretty amazing to see the guy do it all with a handheld joystick. And, oh shucks, we weren’t allowed to stay on the boat in the dry dock. So, the Van Andas got to spend nearly a week in a hotel in Barcelona. Loved me some Barcelona.

But, alas, even with as much fun as we were having, after a month away, we were dying to get back to our day-to-day life on the boat. We were excited for Monday to come and for them to “splash” At Last back into the water for her return trip to Premia Mar.

It’s Wednesday now and just a few little things to square away as well as getting some laundry done and a little provisioning for the next leg. What is our next leg? Well, we’re heading towards the eastern coast of Sardinia and what people tell us is some of the most beautiful coastline.

We just passed the one-year mark and we’re still loving our life. It’s hard to explain what an adventure it is – so unlike visiting places on a vacation and yet unlike living abroad either. Simply magnificent! And to think I also get to do this all with my best friend. Thank you Steve for urging me to come with you on this crazy ride.