An unexpected visit to the UK

 

When you see this building you know exactly where you are in the world.

We had to return to the UK for 2 months as both our mothers were very ill and subsequently died while we were home. It was not a complete surprise but still very sad. 

Rest in peace Alma, (90)  and Joyce (86)

It was all a bit of a mad rush to get the boat in a marina, extend our boat visa and book flights to the UK. But before we know it we were back in the cold.

Within minutes of getting off the plane this was a distant memory

In between all the sadness of hospitals, homes and funeral directors we managed to have a great time seeing family and friends.

The great St Georges hall and it's amazing organ

Got to see it when picking up my Mum's death certificate

And now for something completely different

Family meal

My three contributions to mankind

I get this photo once every 10 years or so

Out with my 2 sons for a meal and Richie just can't help himself to play the locals in chess.

Saw our mate Pete. A great traditional English pub night out.

Went for a walk in the snow in Wales.

Visited Anne and Trotty in their new building site

But what a view they have.

Had a walk around the Coburg marina with Shil where I kept my first boat.

Had a great time at Chris and Karens meeting old friends

Then it was back to sunny Cayman to get moving as we had missed 2 months of the sailing season and the hurricanes were imminent. 

Going back for 2 months made me realize what I missed most about the UK. Mostly family and friends but other things are Christmas dinner with family, pubs with real fires, Guinness, fish, chips and mushy peas, Madras English Indian curry and having a car. It also made me think about and appreciate, when sitting in a cozy pub, some of the wonderful places we have visited so far on our travels.

Our plan was to circle around to Grenada again for June. So after a week preparing the boat in Cayman is was time to say goodbye to Tim, Tara, Alfie, Pippa and Otis. I couldn't have had more fun, well I could if Tim liked boats and came sailing. Good job he has a nautical son. Thanks for all the fishing advice Alfie, see you all next year.

We set off to the Florida keys, a 6 night trip and arrived in Key West during spring break so the place was wild with partying young Americans. It's a stunning place, just like a movie set. 

We found a great anchorage in Fleming Key.

Until the wind and tide got up. The boat was heeled over side on to the wind because of the current causing all the boats to do these 40m orbits sometimes getting dangerously close to each other. It also made it very wet getting ashore. 

Boat jobs never stop. Greasing the rudder post.

Then we met Nick and Jen

Dinghy fuel got saltwater in it and outboard failed going ashore.

We were rescued and towed back to the boat by the super friendly US coastguard.

A great time had by all.

So many pelicans around, beautiful creatures, look like pterodactyls when flying.

Dodging fishing boats and shallows around the keys

This is why this guy is always welcome on my boat, he loves cleaning the hull.

We stayed in key West for a few days then sailed up about halfway up the keys to Marathon. 

Coming into Marathon. After Cayman and Key West I am getting used to having only half a metre below the keel. We stayed in a very protected anchorage with mooring balls and an amazing marina.

Picking up a mooring ball. Easy when it's calm.

So many facilities, amazing toilets/showers, a project room to fix things like sails, outboards, free push bikes, Amazon delivery, super friendly staff and an amazing dinghy dock. So many old sailors, I think I was the youngest skipper in the anchorage. Saw a guy getting off his dinghy in the disabled section of the dinghy dock with a zimmer frame. A great advert for this lifestyle. 

The best dinghy dock so far.

7 mile bridge

Porkys fish restaurant, busiest place in Marathon.

Crossing US1, not a trivial task. Before US1 was built there was a railway line feeding Key West with coal for ships heading to Cuba and south America.

Every sunset looked like the cover of Hotel California.

Drugs are illegal here but tell that to the locals.

I guess it was getting close to Easter

We even had a relaxing day on the beach.

After a week of so it was time to move on and say goodbye to our friends. Next stop the Turks and Cacos to meet Gill and Sandra. Now that's a story.........