Unemployed as of yesterday.........

As of Friday 29th we are now semi retired or unemployed depending on how you look at it. It will seem strange not having to get up early on Monday morning but we won't be sleeping in too long as there is plenty to do before Thursday night. All our travel documents are now in hand so roll on Friday.

Just packing......

Next week-end is another hectic round of social engagements before we depart. We are spending most evenings still packing and sorting out what we are taking to the UK. One never realises how many belongings one has until one starts packaging them into as few boxes as possible. We realise that space on the boat is limited so we are trying to pack essential items first & then pack extra's or a few meagre luxuries in the gaps.

Au Revoir

We have just spent the weekend in lovely Otaki at a farewell party from members of the Heretaunga Caravan Club. Yesterday, club members had to build a narrowboat out of anything they could find lying around, these were then tested in the motor camp swimming pool. Two floated beautifully but alas the 3rd sunk like the Titanic. The first was called 'Tipsy Gypsy' , the second 'Derekdot' and the 3rd just plain 'Gypsy'. The evening eventually finished up with a nautical theme for dinner, Jenny and Robin dressed as the Lockeeper and his wench together with several pirates with skull and crossbones and of course the Ships Captain and ships girl. Fun was had by all & we were given a very fond farewell.

The dawning of Spring...............

After a long cold wet winter. Today dawns bright and sunny and the birds are all singing. The last few months of slips and floods are becoming forgotten apart from those that were hit badly. Derek has the garden almost sorted and the house is in an organised chaos of boxes and boxes ready for our move to the UK.
Last weekend I caught up with my friends of long ago over a long lunch and we made big promises to stay in touch from one side of the world to the other. This weekend we are travelling through to Otaki (minus caravan) for a farewell dinner with other members of the Heretaunga caravan Club. Our calendar is full at the moment and each weekend is fully booked catching up with everyone before we leave.
It is hard to believe that we have finally resigned our jobs and head forth into the unknown. Rather scary as it is a complete new life. We have not burned our bridges and have a home to come back to eventually, as my son Richard is looking after our home whilst we are away.
We are both looking forward to our life aboard Gypsy Rover.