Back in Simon’s Town, South Africa

 

Gold for Jeremy

Happy New Year. We hope it’s a good one for us all.

We arrived in Cape Town International Airport at lunchtime on 17^th January, 2023 after an overnight flight. The day before, our daughter, Emily, drove us to the National Express bus stop in Ipswich. After a four hour journey, we arrived at Heathrow Airport in plenty of time for our flight. Jeremy had arranged for Marlin to pick us up at Cape Town and he drove us to False Bay Yacht Club in Simon’s Town. We had a late lunch in the clubhouse.

Shooting party

Looking back to the two months we spent at home in the UK, we had lots to do. The main highlights are as follows:

Nephew James’ 50^th party weekend in the CB Inn, North Yorkshire stands out. James and Juliette had kept a room available for us, even though we thought we might not be back home in time. Forty people of several generations had a super weekend catching up with each other and meeting some people for the first time. Many enjoyed the Land Rover off-road driving experience, clay pigeon shooting and archery, while others had a more relaxing time visiting local hostelries and places of interest.

High Force in Teesdale

Various levels of competence were noted at the Friday evening pool competition. All were outclassed by teenage, Sylvie, a worthy winner of the pool trophy. The weekend finished with a delicious dinner on the Saturday night, where the three courses were interspersed with speeches and video clips. Thank you James, Juliette, Alice, Anna and Daniel for a memorable weekend.

Sophie, Ellie, Em and Ben near High Force

Our friend, Dale, invited us to her party on 21^st December. Jeremy booked a nearby Airb&b for the night. We drove to Bath and called in on friends, Cathy and Tony, on the way. The last time we saw them they lived in Singapore. That was 11 years ago. We caught up over coffee and a pub lunch.

Pub lunch with Cathy and Tony

Dale, Owen and daughter, Mimi were great hosts as usual. We met many interesting people and danced the night away until after midnight. 

In our glad rags for Dale's party

Then it was Christmas. Em, Ben, Ellie and Sophie had tea at our house on 23^rd December. We all went to the Carol Service in our local church, where I read one of the lessons. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day were spent at Em and Ben’s house. Santa came with sackloads of presents. It was lovely to watch the excitement as the girls opened their presents.

Christmas Eve lunch with Granny Beth, Em, Ellie, Sophie and Ben

Back home, we had a quiet and relaxing New Year’s Eve, before packing our cases for a short stay in the Isle of Man. Premier Inn South was booked at Gatwick for the night before our flight. Purple Parking was booked for 5 nights for the car. 

Litter picking on Boxing Day with Em, Ellie and Sophie

We stayed with my sister, Pat, and met up with my other sister, Sara, her husband, Geoff and some of our nephews, nieces and friends. It was great catching up with everyone.

Santa came for grown ups too

In quieter moments, we had flu jabs, Covid boosters, medical appointments and a visit to the dentist for Jeremy.

So here we are back on Sal Darago. She was in a different berth and our neighbours had been moved as well. A string had broken on one of the dodgers and there was a lot of growth on SD’s bottom. Otherwise all was well until a close inspection of the bilges revealed some wet and sticky fluid. It was beer. Several cans had ruptured inside their plastic packaging and unidentified tiny “things” were stuck to the cans. Although we were very tired, Jeremy set about cleaning up the mess.

Sal Darago in her new berth in Simon's Town

Now that we’ve unpacked, we’re starting to make Sal Darago ready for cruising again. Next week, we hope to sail to Royal Cape Town Yacht Club. When we’re ready we’ll check out of South Africa and make our way to Namibia and beyond.