One day - maybe two - to go

Haydee in her cabin this morning

All the hard work is done and aside from some essentials - food, fuel and water - we're ready to head off tomorrow, or maybe Monday if farewell brunch with Shane's family tomorrow is a little too long and lazy. The house is empty and after two open homes and one false start we've found a tenant who's promised to look after it for us for 6 months, God bless him. It took us the best part of a week to sort the house into four piles - boat, storage, Salvos or bin. We brought removalists in to help move our ridiculous amounts of "stuff" to storage - they were great - and we outsourced cleaning as well - also fantastic, thanks Kiama. The kids have been great too; we've fed the poor things more take-away than anyone could reasonably bear in the last few days and they've not only put up with it but have also been amazingly helpful (Cameron was super-helpful in the garage and see Haydee's house-boat blog for an update on her special fridge-cleaning talent...)

We're working on stowing the boat now and in doing I have found all sorts of hiding places under floor boards, beds, seats and in cupboards that Shane always knew was there. I was worried all the stuff we packed to bring on board would sink the boat but so far we're staying afloat. Amusingly, we have too few sheets and way too many towels for some reason - we have about 7 towels each; I really don't know how that happened. One of the other marina occupants laughed at us and said we looked like a caravan as we each towed a small wagon full of boxes and bags from the car to the boat yesterday.

I've got through the last few days thinking about the peace, quiet and relaxation that would engulf me once we're underway but sadly the kids start school next Tuesday. The kids are looking forward to seeing marine animals and what-not; I'm looking forward to getting into a routine.

Finally, sincere thanks to everyone who has helped us out with our adventure - the Bushells, the whole Nicoll clan, Dave T (his name is Harold Holden, please look after him!) and our lovely neighbours in Brisbane. And a special mention to Bella Guthrie who will be a wonderful big sister when her little sister arrives in six weeks or so.