Going to Paris in springtime delayed the start of our trip to Greece, but it was well worth it as we had a brilliant time exploring a city we had not visited for about 20 years and, most importantly, we celebrated the coming of a new decade with our very good French friend, other friends and his family. It was a happy and memorable occasion which we were delighted to be a part of.
Early on May 24th we left home with carry-on bags, took the train to Gatwick, boarded our midday flight and then sat on the tarmac for 2 hours waiting for storms to clear from the east before we were able to take off. Arriving late into Preveza we were unable to start the long list of jobs that evening, but it was great to be reacquainted with Déjà Vu, looking forlorn and dusty in the yard.
We worked long and hard for the next three days in temperatures around 30oC, sanding, antifouling, polishing and plenty of other tasks necessary before launching. Unfortunately none of this is documented in pictures as when togged up in a work suit with hood, goggles, mask and rubber gloves there is no place for a phone. In spite of full protection, Mo still managed to paint her face, hands, arms and hair not to mention completely destroying the paintbrush. Nigel did not fare much better, smattering any exposed skin with flecks from the roller. But job done, and cleaned up from antifouling, we then balanced on a 3m high scaffold tower with cloths, grinding paste, polish and a polisher. It was true team work and much concentration from Mo not to lose balance that we were able to transform the topsides into a mirror finish, gleaming state, ready for the new season.
We launched on Saturday 28th May much earlier than was planned as the yard guys wanted to make sure they finished early. We were grateful to be in the water at last. We planned to stay a couple of nights in the Marina to clean the inside of the boat and complete the wiring jobs that Nigel started in his March trip. Our first night was rudely interrupted at 4am when we both woke independently to the sound of feet, or so we thought. Worried that we were being boarded, we shot up to investigate. Nothing. We then thought about a four legged intruder, maybe a cat or worse still a rat. We continued to investigate. Nothing. Giving up and settling down to resume some sleep, the noise came again. This time Nigel was looking out of the back porthole to see dozens of small fish shipped onto our back step and wriggling furiously to get back into the water. Clearly there was a larger predator after them! This explanation had to be seen to be believed!
On Sunday a storm was forecast and to the minute it arrived with a vengeance. The rain and wind were of biblical proportions so we did have to batten down the hatches. Fortunately the boat remained watertight above and below the waterline, although in the height of the storm that distinction became blurred.
With cooler, refreshing temperatures we are nearly ready to go sailing! Tomorrow is a shopping trip to get supplies and a trip to the internet shop to kit up with sim cards, then we are setting off for a night or two before our family arrive for a one week holiday. We are looking forward to welcoming Guy, Faye, Rose and Martha on Wednesday and to having some adventures with them.
Deja Vu 
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