Well, Koos has done it and we've finally got to the point when we can plan to leave for our somewhat delayed 'faring' holiday. But now procrastination has entered into the game of seeing how long we can postpone our departure. It sometimes feels as if we've got so used to having problems, we can't quite believe we can go and I, for one, am hesitating to name the day. That said, we have started ticking boxes and crossing items off our checklist.
The only trouble is, the list keeps growing. Every time I tick something off, we think of another essential item that we might or might not have. Is this procrastination? Possibly, but my excuse is it's just sense.
What, you may well ask, has led us to this point after so many months of disappointment? Well, the electric opvoerpomp supplied to us by the company we bought the engine from seems to be working well (hallelujah!!) and so we did a test run on the Hennie H yesterday, accompanied by two dear friends from Australia who serendipitously happened to arrive in Sas van Gent in the morning. I'm not sure they really took in the fact that we were testing the pump for the first time, and no one mentioned what might happen if it didn't work properly. To our good fortune (and my relief), it functioned perfectly, the Hennie H purred along and a good old catch up time was had by all.
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| The Hennie H at large at last |
Today, I've been stocking up on essential travel sustenance: a crate of chocolate milk, another of ordinary milk (both indispensable for keeping the skipper properly fuelled), and large quantities of coffee and biscuits. Then there are the other goods that we can store in some bulk, like tinned vegetables, eggs, potatoes and onions. The perishable items will be bought as soon as Koos has received his doctor's all clear. When man has pacemaker, man must make pace to collect all his support items (in other words, he needs his meds).
So when will we actually cast off the ropes and sail into the sunset (which in our case is Gent)? Maybe Wednesday, maybe Thursday, but unless anything drastic happens, it will be this week. Wish us luck and fair faring allemaal. It looks as if we're really on the way!
Yay! So happy for y'all. You have worked so hard to achieve this goal. Now...go. Enjoy! God bless. (Steph)
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you so much, Steph. We’re a bit nervous, but we’ll take it slowly :) xx
DeleteThanks for this lovely update, Val. It doesn't sound smack of procrastination to me. After all you've been through I think you're being very sensible to take your time over preparations. How exciting, though, I can't to hear about your forthcoming faring. Bon chance! xx
ReplyDeleteBless you, Beth. It’s going to be a but nerve-wracking for a few days, but I’m sure we’ll settle into it as time and faring go on :)
DeleteIn one day we get a "Fading Memories" featuring you and you featuring Mr. and Ms. Midge. That's a great day!
ReplyDeleteAnd good luck with the faring!
That certainly ensures our memories won’t fade, doesn’t it? Thanks you two! I hope you’re still enjoying the south and you have enough water in the canals down there!
DeleteI'm hoping that by now you're well on your way on the water. Looking forward to the next report and maybe some photo's along the way. 😊
ReplyDeleteThank you, David. My apologies for the late replay, but you'll find out why from my next blog!
DeleteHi Val - I meant to say (previous post) ... I love the cover of your new book - so pleased for you. Then glad here you're preparing for a long venture out - yet know the next post is somewhat different. Lovely to see and read about the chocolate milk! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDelete