I am still in the UK caring for Mum and trying to find a solution to the bureaucracy of social care for the elderly.
It has not been an easy time and I feel sorry for Mum who is loosing her independence whilst being sharp as a nail. I am proud of the way she thinks through problems and it has been good to spend so much time together but I am more than ready to return to my life with Tristan and our beautiful boat.
My daughters and granddaughters have been a joy. It was a first for us all to be together and we had a fantastic time at Elvaston Castle, a place where I spent many hours during my childhood.
Amy's bushcraft skills caused some anxiety!
Meanwhile on the otherside of the Atlantic in St Martin, Tristan has been carrying out essential maintenance on Meriva.
Tristan has made floors to replace the stressed bronze straps using purple heart. The glue cost more than the wood! It's probably one of the prettiest sites he's worked in carrying out repairs.
Joggled into position over two lunking great keel bolts, Tristan fitted the packers, and is searching for a log to replace the mast step and tie the new frames together for and aft.
If I'm in the UK much longer I may even get my cockpit table!
It's been unfortunate that we were unable to cross the Atlantic this year, but the planned work has gone ahead, the difference being is Tristan is working in 30 degrees heat and high humidity with the risk of a hurricane over the next few months! It's all good experience and it could be worse!
