Round Britain for the RNLI Blog

What a fantastic afternoon. Our good friends Anne and Paul took me out on their boat and we set off to meet Paul as he neared Plymouth. We met in the middle of Bigbury Bay for an emotional first sighting of our little boat that has carried Paul so safely such a long way. The engines never missed a beat either. I hadn’t seen the boat since May although I’d seen Paul of course about 3 weeks ago, and I’d forgotten just how little she is and how faithfully she has brought Paul full circle back to Plymouth.

The Plymouth lifeboat came out to meet him and escorted him back to their berth in Millbay Marina. Paul popped a bottle of bubbly and a few stories were swapped before I joined Paul on Stargate for the trip up the Cattewater to our dry berth at Yacht Haven Quay.

Paul and Anne then joined us for a pub meal, which was excellent, and then I drove Paul home. He fell asleep on the sofa he was so tired, but managed to get upstairs to bed (he’s not used to that!).

I still haven’t finished the window sill but I will. New front door today though. It’s been an amazing 63 days, during which I feel as if I have been as close to Paul’s experience as I could without actually being there. I am so proud of what Paul has achieved, in a tiny boat, on his own, with no permanent support team (although he received wonderful support from sponsors and supporters), and, as we discussed last night, with no autohelm or auto steering of any kind. He drove the boat himself every inch of the way.

Paul is nearly home! I still haven’t quite finished the window alcove, the front door hasn’t been replaced, I haven’t had the sofa resprung or the paving slabs sold or……oh well, I got loads of other stuff sorted out. It will be so good to have him home - we can enjoy Summer together.

I continued with the window today while catching up with the 20/20 finals along the way. I also fixed someone’s (who shall remain nameless) PC. Pushed the plug into the socket. Takes expertise you know.

I am planning a late night tonight. Andy Murray plays Nadal at midnight in the semis of the Toronto Masters Tennis.

Today I have sanded down the new plaster in the window alcove ready to paint. Dust everywhere of course. Hey I love vacuuming

The new front door was supposed to be fitted this morning by Mike, but it wasn’t until this morning that I found out they’d given him the boot. Mike apparently didn’t share his diary, so only Mike and I knew there was an arrangement. Hm, great system. But I stay calm.

So someone else will now be in touch. Let’s hope his employment lasts the week.

I’m glad Paul’s moved so I can see him on the webcam - nice. Pity about getting clouted - twice! I think he’s safer where he is now.

I went to Physio today. Knurdled again. I await the consequences tomorrow.

I took Jo to the station this morning to go on her way to her Summer Camp. On the way back I went to Focus diy and bought a tool box to keep my PC mending tools. Then Waitrose where I bought the ingredients for home baked shortbread biscuits. Eating one now. Never buying ready-made again - these are dreamy. Sadly a combination of flour, sugar and butter is not on my diet sheet - can’t imagine why not

I got back to repairing the window alcove again, after putting away the spare bed. It’s awfully hot though - too hot for very much activity. I may just have to relax

Well, I don’t know about some of the reviews for Mamma Mia, but that was the funniest, most enjoyable film that I’ve seen in a long time. The performances were all great, the backdrop of glorious sea and rocky island beautiful, and it just oozed fun and enjoyment. No of course Pierce Brosnan can’t sing, but he’s broadly in tune and when else will you see him in blue sparkly lycra? Everyone else was fantastic, Meryl Streep particularly, and the singing and dancing just made you smile all the way through to the rocking lycra-clad finale.

Superb.

Jo and I are chilling out today. I think that’s the fashionable description. I am a little delicate after a hot and restless night, and I want to feel ok later because we’re off to see Mamma Mia with Anne and a crowd. Jo is reading and planning a little sun ray capture later on. Another beautiful day although there are some clouds today.

Jo and I went to Plymouth today. I spent 1.5 hours having my eyes tested and Jo filled a prescription. No clothes of any description were purchased. This must be some sort of record.

Jo and I drove down to the coast today at Portwrinkle, about 10 miles from our home. There’s a lovely beach there, and the South West Coastal Path passes through the village. It’s a beautiful spot. We sat on the beach for a while and then walked a little way up the path. Once back at the car an ice-cream completed the holidaymaker experience. It’s been a wonderfully warm day, lots of sunshine and a gentle breeze to keep you from overheating.

We drove back via Seaton - another nice beach. Wish I’d taken my cossie with me.

Haven’t written for quite a while - sorry. Since I last wrote I have been away staying with friends on the Oxfordshire/Bucks border. I have a group of friends who I have known for 28 years. We meet 3 or 4 times a year and last weekend was one of those meetings. Since I moved down to Cornwall I have tried to attend at least one a year, and so I went up there and stayed for the weekend. We all went out on Saturday to Art in Action at Waterperry which was an extravaganza of art in all its forms - sculture, painting, textiles, etching, storytelling, you name it. I am not heavily into that sort of thing but it was an absolutely amazing day. The artists themselves are there creating their work in front of you, and you can ask them about it and how they do what they do. On every year, so make a day of it one year if you like the sound of it.

Yesterday then on my way home I drove to Reading Station to pick up Jo, my neice. Reading Station is a joy. Multiple exits, no idea where she might emerge, she can’t see any signs that might help me translate where she is! Met by mobile in the end and echosounded our way together. We now have 3 days to enjoy before she sets off to a Summer Camp in Gloucestershire. Girlie night in last night watching The American President together. Great film.

So more anon on our adventures during the next 3 days. Meanwhile Paul is still wind bound in Hartlepool with the rest of us it seems enjoying light winds and high temperatures. How frustrating this is.

Ok Fiona I know where you live   How she managed to knurdle me this much without me really noticing I don’t know, but today is going to be a gentle one.

I went to the theatre again yesterday with Anne. We saw The Price by Arthur Miller performed by The Tamaritans, the group I have recently joined. It’s a wordy play and a fascinating one - a great evening’s entertainment and performed really well by the cast of 4. On till Saturday if you’re near Plymouth.

Open golf may get watched today. Lovely weather there. Anyone seen a Summer lately?