There is no denying it has been " one helluva of a year" and I personally feel that my patience has been stretched to the absolute limit. We seem to have spent weeks " waiting".

Having our wings clipped and not being able to go far has been trying, but we made the best of a difficult season and although we didn't go far, we still managed some good sailing and discovered some lovely bays, anchorages and tavernas. We visited 3 islands - Dhokos, Hydra and Spetses.

We had one horrendous storm during which we both thought Stiletto would capsize and we would die. Torrential rain and 60 knot winds. I have never, ever felt so scared.

The month of August was blisteringly hot with record highs of 42°C and sea temperatures reaching 36° C. You just have to give in, swim and lie in the shade.

We were also able to spend a lot of time with Aunt Koula and Cousin Joyce which was a real plus.
The medical attention Andreas has received has been absolutely fantastic. Urology, Cardiology and Diabetes specialists and not forgetting the torture sessions with Dr. Andreas. CT scans and Ultrasounds. All easily available, no waiting weeks for a appointment and very inexpensive. The UK can learn a lot.

With Stiletto out of the water, we rented the apartment again in Kilada for 3 days while we put her to bed for the winter. Always a lot to think about and we take our time and check, check and check again that everything is closed ( windows and hatches), shut off (gas, water and fuel) and tied down on deck. That all done and we left for the drive to Athens where Andreas had an appointment with a Cardiologist and we were due to meet up with Joyce and Kosmas for supper.

The drive home to the UK was easy. A midnight ferry departure from Patras to Venice arriving 34 hours later is the perfect time to unwind. We have a cabin for 2 nights and sit out on deck soaking up the last of the Greek sunshine (and someone else is checking the wind and sea conditions and the Captain was a female!!! )

Once in Venice we drive to Lyon through the Frejus tunnel. As it was a Sunday the roads were quiet. The Italians are 'push on" drivers and don't hang about . That night at a hotel then on to Caen. The French roads are a joy. We take the toll roads as they are in F1 racing track condition and for long stretches there is no-one in front or behind. We literally have the road to ourselves. Overnight in Caen and then the ferry to Portsmouth and a 25 minute drive to our bijoux bolt hole.

Home.

My thoughts for this post: Its been a trying year but we've got through it - we're still loved up and still married and already talking about next season !!!