The Final Countdown...

With just ten days to go until we set off on our three month Snow Goose adventure, we are trying not to question our wisdom in the planning of this trip.  The Great British "Summer" seems to be continuing with cool temperatures and gales, so are Ireland and Scotland really sensible destinations?  Oh well, we've bought the charts now, so I guess we'll have to go through with the plan.

Also, we are wondering if we are really patient enough parents to live in beautiful harmony with Eloise,  who is nearly three, 24/7 for three months..  Firstly, her favourite question is currently "Why?", followed closely by, "But why?..", and there just isn't always an answer.  Secondly, she can't get on the loo by herself, and the cry "Pee pee Mummy!" usually comes at a crucial moment.  Thirdly, her favourite boat occupation is face painting, which is good fun and I rather enjoy doing it, but she then likes to have a good look at the work of art on her face every few minutes in the mirror - which she can't see unless Angus or I lift her up there.  And then there's the issue of food and bits of playdough all over the cushions (my bunk!) and floor...

The other slight problem is that we really do need a bigger boat.  I have mentioned this to Angus but he says that with ten days to go it is too late, and he doesn't seem to mind that the boat is so full of tools, spares and flares, that there is actually no free space to store our personal kit, nevermind our food, or ourselves for that matter.  My bunk is perfectly big enough for now, but I am currently only 17 weeks pregnant, and things will be very different by the end of the trip when my bump will be considerably bigger.

Anyway, we've told work that we're going, signed Eloise out of nursery, had Snow Goose's official blessing, made a big song and dance about the trip, and are meeting Dad and Lucy in Penzance a week after our departure, so there's no going back now!  Here's hoping for some warm weather and not too many gales..

Laura