8th September
We have Richard & Richard joining us…a bit like the two Ronnies, but funnier!
Richie is arriving later on this afternoon. We spent a bit of time cleaning and clearing up the boat ready for our guests’ arrival. The back cabin needs to be cleared up of all the paraphernalia we have piled in there. It is still extremely hot and the sun is burning. We are both looking forward to have both the Richards on board, especially Ian who is definitely in need of having some sensible conversations and ideas about all the technical stuff that he has done or plan to do on the boat.
Richie is bearing great gifts too, loads of boats bits, electrical and other as well as some food items we have not been able to find in our travels. We have been stocking up on dry food all the way around the med, trying to buy local stuff when it is cheaper… pasta and coffee in Italy was so much cheaper than anywhere else, here in Spain, the dry ham and chorizo are excellent value.
We had a great time catching up on news over a nice meal and a bottle of wine in one of the piazza out of the main drag. Richie is really excited to be on Mr X and to have a bit of a sail.
9th September
The other Richard, Hallahalla, is arriving also late in the afternoon. After a spot of shopping, we will need to cater for lads who will not take kindly to my healthy diet, the morning is spent with both Ian and Richie going over the boat and looking at stuff that needs doing, sorted out a few things, and added to the list of things to do before we set of on the Atlantic crossing. They had a ball.
With both of our crew finally on board, first thing we do is of course heading for the pub, al fresco on a piazza. The boys eschew all my attempts to exposing them to a bit of culture, they will not entertain the idea of wasting any beer time on making a small detour so they can see the roman amphitheatre. Over a beer, we get back to being together, sharing news and old stories, it has been a while but it really feels that no time has passed and we are still enjoying each other’s company, fooling around as per usual.