So after a years planning it’s all happened according to schedule and we are moored up at the Tamworth cruising club, all set for the 2016 Sea Otter Rally. Approx 16 boats and about 26 couples in all will be attending. For such a little club it’s a good effort, all credit to the organisers and club members. T42 looks resplendent in her boxing Kangeroo flags with assorted wildlife hanging around, including an inflatable croc in the cratch, got to be careful how you say that. We’ve already had a look around some boats, all so different and all much loved. It’s amazing, and sad, that the company has finally, finally folded. I’ll post some more pics over the next couple of days. Cheers !

After an amazing thunderstorm last night, glad I wasn’t flying into Heathrow, the marina was almost awash. For once we were ready for Ray, 5.30 am start, but got soaked loading her with lightning and thunder still playing around. A 2.5 hour drive saw us at Kings Bromley Wharf, where the sun was out. After re packing T42 ice creams were in order before setting of on the Trent and Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction. After a quick stop for a swift half, we turned onto the Coventry Canal. Mooring up at 5 pm sees us only an hour from Tamworth and the Rally. We know we are in the right area as 2 Sea Otters have passed us already. Time for dinner, a shower and rest in that order ! It’s been a long day but we have had interesting conversations at locks already, there are some great people on the canals, and Hazels prefers the narrow locks, no ropes and well maintained paddle mechanisms.

R and R today, not for us but, revive and restore for T42 !

Hazel did some washing then carefully fitted our new floor covering which we had bought over from Australia. The old material will make a good mat for the rear deck. I washed, waxed and polished  the boat…….and had just enough energy to then polish the brass grilles and clean the windows. She is looking loved again. Tomorrow schedule includes a launderette and preparing for our lift to Tamworth for the Sea Otter rally.

We have made it back home onboard T42. As usual we lost data connectivity whilst in the Channel Islands, so I’ll have to blog retrospectively. After leaving the Scilly’s  we made a short journey across to the Channel Islands again, but this time Guernsey rather than Jersey. An early start saw us arrive on tender and depart immediately for the island of Sark. This tiny island, approx 4 X 2 miles has a population of 500, no motor cars or bitumen roads. Everything large is moved by tractors, people cycle and walk, whilst the tourists go by pony cart ! It has a wonderful yesteryear charm to it.

Robbie our horse did a wonderful job of slowing the pace down, a sort of canal boating on land. We then visited the magnificent La Seigneurie gardens. In full bloom they were a picture. After a quick whiz around Guernseys main town we were back aboard Voyager, ready for our final day at sea then Harwich. As usual we enjoyed every minute  on Voyager, her crew and passengers are a friendly mob. We hope to have a visit whilst “upt north” with new friends John and Barbara, we certainly greatly enjoyed their company. The next couple of days will be spent preparing T42 for our trail to the Sea Otter Rally at Tamworth, and subsequent cruise. Cheers for now…..

Just for Mini Cooper, the cute Lexie of Tobermorey…

Despite wet weather, a first on our cruise ! We were glad to stretch our legs after getting off Voyager. This involved the local, open, tenders. We made our way to Tresco Abbey gardens.

These gardens feature exotic plants to the UK, such as Echiums, Tree ferns, etc. Sound familiar ? Yes a lot of plants that we grow in TASSIE, even found some gum trees. What was done well were the contrasting foliage and tiered arrangements on the site. A well worth while visit, followed by a trip to St Mary’s for lunch with new friends. As the wind is increasing we have made our way back onboard to write blogs and prepare for another champagne supper with the Captain….Cheers !

We have just anchored at the Scilly’s, and at last have some data signal for the dongle. A quick review of the last couple of days……Isle of Skye was magnificent, and as usual Hazel has left a little bit of her heart there. The drive to Eilean Castle took us through some magnificent scenery, very hilly / mountainous compared to the outer isles.

We then had a short passage to the Isle of Mull, anchoring off Tobermory. A wet day was spent visiting Duart castle with its bloodthirsty history. Our Scottish guide was very particular with all the details, and came from a wee village called Glasgow. The day finished off with some shopping and cuddling Lexie……a beautiful Chihuaha. So much so on a return walk we called in again and she ran up to greet us and get another cuddle. We were tempted to dog snatch, apparently she likes to Kyak with her master and has her own life jacket. Just off to Tresco Abbey gardens, will attempt another post later on. Cheers Mark