What a difference a week makes...

No.1 Son, Gary & his wife Claire (R&L).

Well it's been a couple of weeks since my last blog so this is a bumper edition starting from (not so) sunny Yokefleet and ending up to date here in Lefkas.

The strange looking people in the picture to the right are all going to a fancy dress 21st party, or so they claim.  On the right is our son Gary as Dr. Frank-N-Furter from "the Rocky Horror Picture Show" although he spends most weekends like this! On the left is his wife Claire with various other friends out of the village.  The next day I managed to crack my rib by falling over the tractor lawnmower and very nearly impaling myself on one of the levers.  Sandra wanted me to go to the hospital and get it checked out but I realised that hospitals have an habit of sending you home only to come back the next day and see a specialist.  This would have meant that we missed our ferry as we were due to leave the next day, and the knock on effect would have buggered up the hotel and ferry bookings in Europe.  Being the tight Yorkshire man I am, I decided I would put up with the pain and get going rather than loose loads of money.  Ain't I an hero!!  Anyway they don't normally do anything with ribs unless you puncture a lung or something so I reckoned on being fine after a bit of R&R.

First day at senior school for Lib's & Jo.

The day after we left to come back to Greece our twin Grandchildren, Jo & Libby started their first day at secondary school so this photo is all we have of the occasion.  We had been led to believe that they would be starting school a day earlier in which case we could have seen them off on their new adventure.  Good luck you two xx.

Jungle and crew set off for the Southern Ionian Rally

After regatta party on "Fraca III", Tree & Mike's Boat.

We had our now normal trip back to Greece which has been mentioned in detail in previous blogs so I won't go over it again.  If anyone wants the routes and costings them feel free to email me.  The total round trip (Vournikas - Yokefleet - Vournikas) cost without eating out ie. ferry's, tolls, diesel and hotels worked out at £1,140, with a total driving mileage of 1,950, this would be considerably more if we went from the south coast rather than catching the Hull - Zeebrugge ferry.

Liz's Daughter and son in law Sarah & James.

 As we left the northern European winds behind us it became apparent that southern Europe was having somewhat of a heatwave.  For the first time ever we travelled through Switzerland without continuous rain (or snow) and as Italy came up the temperatures started to climb.  Venice was basking in about 28 degrees and by the time we got to Greece on Thursday it was very

warm indeed and has been ever since with daytime temps in the mid to high 30's and night time in the mid 20's, and a tad sticky at times although not too uncomfortable.

I took Tony to Sivota on Monday morning for the start of the three day Southern Ionian Rally around the islands between Kastos and Lefkas which  is the precursor of the Southern Ionian Regatta held on Thursday.  I couldn't have sailed even if someone had begged me to with my ribs being in a bit of a state but none the less managed to see them off safely.

We went to see our old Greek friends in Assos on Tuesday and found out that Jorgos has had to close his filling station as a result of the "economy catastrophe", he was contracted to the EKO (ESSO) fuel company and they are stopping supplying a large proportion of their less profitable outlets so poor old George has had his income taken from him, he will however carry on with the cafe for now.  Despite this they are all well although obviously worried for the future.

A few drinks before the party.

Since we have returned the VAT has risen on food and drink items from (I think) 11% to 23% the standard VAT rate, this is having an impact on every one who lives here as food and drink are necessities and for taverna owner in particular at least a couple of whom are trying to absorb the increase themselves.

And the band played on!!!

Thursday, and the regatta sets off in the channel between Lefkas and Meganissi, this year there were around 120 yachts involved and a great days sailing with force 5 winds was had by all.  The regatta party was held in Sivota so Sandra and I attended and had a great night with wonderful friends.

P.S. Ribs are now feeling much better but I won't be over doing it for a while yet!