Preparing to leave Blazer.

Monday 9th September 2013

Lots of jobs today - mainly dismantling the solid fuel stove and the brass surround.
The brass sheet has become stained by sea water (somehow !!! ) - way beyond cleaning with Brasso or Brillo pads. - I took it all out and sanded it back to bright clean brass with 180 grit wet and dry paper.

When I reassembled it, I gave the brass a coat of yacht varnish to keep the water off - we will see if it's better - looks good for now - but I have measured all the pieces so that I can replace the brass with 316 grade stainless steel when funds allow.

We have considered our options regarding where to keep Blazer.

We have travelled about 360 miles from North Fambridge this trip and it would take a week to ten days to go back.

Our annual mooring fee is due for renewal at North Fambridge  - so it could be an opportunity to do something different.

We have decided to leave Blazer here in Guernsey !!
We have signed a winter contract with the harbour authorities for 3 to 6 months afloat starting 15th of September.

We have booked flights back to East Midlands on Friday this week  - we couldn't find a good way to get the car back from North Fambridge on the way - I will have to go down on Sunday to get it.

This gives us a great place to start next years cruise - going further south - perhaps as far as La Rochell - who knows!!

We can visit Blazer a couple of times through the winter - maybe a week after Christmas?
We could come by car and bring lots of stuff to fit her out for next year.

Tuesday 10th September 2013.

We bought a family day ticket for the buses today - so that we can go to Cobo Bay and meet our friends when they arrive at tea time.

We set off early - got off the bus at Vasson Bay and had a long walk.
We visited a restored wartime bunker with a big gun defending the bay - very interesting.

Our friends, Alan and Marlene arrived and we had a meal in the pub next door to their hotel - lovely to see them.

The last bus was due at 21.20 and we were very cold and wind blown waiting in the pitch dark for it to arrive - but it did arrive - a few minutes late and soon we were back on board - all cosy.

Mike and Jackie Smethurst.