New Season Update: loss and change.

The 2016 boating season is here for many, though for us it won't begin until a little later in April. But it's nice to see via FB and other social media sites, that lots of our friends have already ventured out onto the water in various locations in the Netherlands, France and Belgium.  This year, we decided to change our return date to the Netherlands and as a result, Pirramimma will go back into the water one month later than in 2015.  Sadly, we both find our enthusiasm is a little lacking this year. Though I know that will change once we are back on the water and onboard our beautiful Pirramimma. 

We are still reeling from the loss of our beloved Minnie a month ago. Our little four-legged one who always believed she was a human and who was our 'child', has left a gaping hole in our lives. To say we miss her is an understatement. 

Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

Pottle, our dinghy, will be re-named when we return to Pirramimma; either at Elburg or, more likely, at our new jachthaven in Friesland.  But more on that change when it has taken place. 

Another rather significant change for me is I have taught myself how to knit.  You may now gasp in shock or horror. Or both. I hated knitting as a child and my mother hated teaching me. I thought that worked out rather well at the time but when I was sitting, keeping Minnie company over the winter months I realised that I needed something to 'do' - to occupy my thoughts and hands rather than just sitting and reading books on my iPad. Cue Google, YouTube and a couple of basic books.  I've surprised myself (and the Skipper!) by how much I'm enjoying it.  Whilst I sat with Minnie, I knitted a throw made up of 42 squares in 4 different variations upon the theme of grey. "Minnie's Throw" will be coming with us; a useful addition and one that will be much used and enjoyed by me on cooler evening's on Pirramimma's aft deck. Here's a pic of part of the throw...

Minnie's Throw.  Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

And yes, I've knitted the inevitable scarves (surely every knitter's learning curve) plus hats, a jumper for the Skipper and about to start a jumper for myself. My mother would probably have fainted by now  :-) 

Critical stores need to be obtained: we're still trying to get some engine filter spares for the Perkins and tomorrow head to Levington Marina now known as the Suffolk Yacht Harbour near Ipswich to do just that; other important items such stocks of Tim Tam biscuits and Twisties have been ordered from the Australian store in London.  Rather more seriously, work for new anti-fouling paint on the underwater section of the hull has to take place, and we need to suss out whether or not we need to replace the anodes - hopefully the guys at Pirramimma's winter quarters will be taking care of that as requested.

Dutch lessons took a nose dive over the winter months sadly, so I need to focus on that one.  Especially how to say 'Congratulations' in Dutch as we have been invited to lovely friends' wedding in early June. What a happy time to look forward to!

Ferry crossings for the season have been booked and confirmed though I suspect there will be a couple more bookings for further cruising later in the year. Lists and more lists are being written. Both Skipper and Crew are looking forward to seeing some very special Dutch friends again and to catching up with all their news. Some of our other English/Australian friends will be moving their boats further south during the course of this season. Having purchased their boats in the Netherlands and having enjoyed a season of cruising in Dutch waters they will be following the sun, the wine and the food - with France as an eventual destination for most.  We're hopeful we will be able to catch up with some of them before they depart Dutch waters. And we look forward to all the new friends we will be meeting along the Dutch waterways in the coming season.

Cruising plans have yet to be finalised for our first cruise but as that will be from Elburg to Friesland, I'm leaving that till closer to the time and until I can check weather windows and the like. 

Photo copyright: Veronica Hayes

Our new Dutch courtesy ensign has arrived, along with our new WOB's flag - both to replace the previous somewhat worn and faded versions. A new KNRM wimpel will need to be onboard; ditto a 2016 Marrekrite wimpel will need to be purchased when we are back in Friesland. 

The countdown to our 2016 cruising season has started...