Hello you landlubbers!

We are well and enjoying life despite the odd hiccough with water pumps that don’t pump, cooker burners that don’t burn and a bilge pump that won't pump the  water out. All good fun and just to make things even better we usually get a  wet bum each time we go ashore cos the dinghy has developed an intermittent and very slow leak that needs attention. Winter is fast approaching and that is when we will solve the problems. Hopefully.

Rio Guardiana is lovely and blossoming with wild life. We are only at the mouth so far but will soon reach its uppermost parts. Last week another yachty saw a wild boar  swimming from one side to the other in front of them.

Well, we had an eventful day further up the river.  I was at the helm, and to my shame we hit a sandbank!  Dave tried and tried to dislodge us, but in the end we had to sit it out and wait for the tide to float us clear.  We spent about 10 hours with the boat on its side – life inside was different, to say the least!  The photos tell the tale!

This is me standing upright!

Still waiting on spares to arrive for  the water pump, cooker and echo sounder. All things seem to have gone at the  same time probably due to Kluut's static position in Sutton Harbour for a  while. We will get it sorted though.

Must say 'thank you' for all my birthday cards and gifts.  I had a memorable birthday in which the red beauty pictured below featured largely!

Hope you are well

All our love and missing you

Pip and Dave