Family and Friends

We had been looking forward to seeing Pete, in Leixoes but unfortunately he was working in the UK on the gravel boat and we were leaving for three weeks with family soon so it will be November before we meet.

In the meantime the boat has had a good clean up and canvas bags, dodgers and ropes have been washed and put away for winter.



Scruffbag and I enjoyed a long walk along part of the boardwalk which runs for miles up the north coast and we went out for a pizza ( something we have not eaten for over a year). Richard and Renata on the neighbouring boat are also here for six months and, like us they plan to spend December,  January and February somewhere warmer, in their case Renata's home country, Brazil.





A week after we arrived we caught the early morning (6am) flight to Stansted to stay with our daughter and to enable Mark to meet baby granddaughter Millie for the first time.

We went with Heather to collect Freya, aged two,from nursery in the afternoon and it was a delight to see that she knew us instantly from all the skyping and held my hand and chartered incessantly. We were to learn that chattering incessantly was routine, as was smiling. She is at the age of delightful comments such as, "you're very kind, Grandma"  " This is a bit tricky" "You help me" Scruffbag and Heather reckon things skip a generation as she is also very bossy and clearly knows what she wants.




We visited lots of amazing parks run by the outstanding Essex Wildlife Trust, including one with a Stickman theme and one with a Gruffalo hunt.

Near Gravesend a new wharf has been built and in recompense for lost salt marshes, a whole new area has been reclaimed and Essex Wildlife trust have developed nature trails, bird hides and children's play areas.

It was also great to see the less photo - willing members of the family, Jo and Andrew as well as a rare glimpse of Jack. Our eldest granddaughter Lauren is now buying a flat in Chelmsford with her partner, Jake so a visit and a bacon sandwich were enjoyed by all.

Our visit to Hornchurch was interspersed with a trip to the north east to see Scruffbag's mother, who is looking very well for her 91 years. We also caught up with long- standing friends in Saltburn and enjoyed a family lunch with the Shallows.

The time passed all too quickly and soon it was time to return to Erica and Leixoes to see what the weather would hold in late autumn in northern Portugal.