Wednesday 1st August 12

They eventually left utopia and headed back out to sea bound for Mahon, Menorca.  At 00:39 hrs The Kipper wrote:

'Now back on watch until 0400.  On our way to Mahon we should be there early afternoon.  Need to refill water and do a shop.'

By 13:34 hrs they had arrived and it was reported to be very hot and sunny.  Showers were apparently called for and needed. 

By 18:26 hrs, discussions were underway about the next few days.  Steve was in favour of waiting till Sunday in the anchorage but Little Bobbie D needs to move on because he has to get home.  There is little wind forecast for the next few days so that would mean motoring and they have been doing a lot of that.  It's proving to be expensive and boring but it is progress.  The Kipper is frustrated by the weather and their slow progress.  They decided to leave the next morning for Sardinia. 

The Kipper says that he has been looking at their options - parking the boat up somewhere near Mahon just isn't an option because it would be hugely expensive.  They are about 4 days behind schedule which isn't bad given the tough time they had getting down to Gibraltar.  I can fully understand Bobbie D's wanting to get home - I expect lovely Julie has worn furrows in the harbour wall waiting for him and it'll be blinkin hot wearing that Scottish Widows cloak in the height of summer.  Also, I think the dogs might need a walk!!  Steve on the other hand is one of those extremely lucky devils who is retired and living the dream so where's the hurry.  I will of course remind The Kipper that he has a job of work to come back to (wouldn't want him to forget!).

I'm afraid I very selfishly want The Kipper and the crew-of-two to finish this trip together so hopefully, the wind will sort itself out, they'll get some decent sailing in and make excellent progress towards their final destination.