ALMA’s crew have been on holiday in France – a week near Sancerre (we travelled from Briare – famous for the canal bridge over the Loire – to Nevers) with our friends Peta and Steve on their fabulous barge (28 metres!!) cruising along the Canal Lateral de la Loire (and of course enjoying great food and wines esp Sancerre, Menetou Salon and Pouilly) and 3 weeks in the Alps walking, cycling, relaxing and catching up with friends Tim and Chris (from Reigate), Roy and Jackie (friends from our Singapore days) and Aubin and Jackie (who run a wonderful chalet in Les Carroz).

Now getting ready to return to the boat. We’re delighted that Michelle (elder daughter) is joining us on ALMA for the trip from S Portugal to Gibraltar. We’ve booked a visit to the Spanish Riding School in Jerez en route which we’ve heard is worth visiting. Might also have time to sample some sherry! Also would like to see Cadiz. Hope we get favourable winds (not easterlies!) in the Straits of Gibraltar so we’re not delayed – Helen and Michelle are scheduled to fly back from Gibraltar to UK (and then on to Malta for Helen) on 29th August. Douglas, Edward and Roy are joining in Gibraltar for the next leg to Ibiza – plan to arrive there around 2nd/3rd Sept and then have a couple of weeks pottering around the Balearics. Looking forward to seeing Ibiza and Menorca which we’ve never visited previously but we hear great reports about these islands (away from the clubs, bars and major developments) – esp great beaches and anchorages – and also keen to re-visit Mallorca. Then we plan to make the long trip across to Malta in late September. Will be great to complete the journey and sail into Grand Harbour Malta!!

Hope your summer is going well.
All the best
Helen and Iain