Friday 12th August

two weeks on board...where has the time gone?! We are now in Guernsey and trying to slow down, to remember that this is not just a holiday but a way of life!! Give us time...we'll get there! The Channel Islands are delightful, as always. We have just come back into St Peter Port today [and are enjoying their free wireless internet access] after 2 nights anchored off Herm's `Shell Beach' and one very bumpy night in `Derrible Bay' near Sark - and yes it was very derrible there!

The crew, Frankie and her friend Juliet, are well settled in the fore cabin. Much whispering and giggling!?! We feel very lucky to have aboard 2 twenty year olds who are happy to spend hours threading shells to make necklaces!!

The boat mascot, Dom [our Springer Spaniel], has really got his sea legs. He always knew that sailing would be hard work...but not for him!! He spends sailing time lying on his bed on the cockpit floor, snoring!! It's a dog's life, eh?!

We have enjoyed meeting up with our friends, Kate and Dave, who are here too. Their daughter, Adrienne, is 20 months old and just adorable! She in turn has fallen in love with Dom!! Also Dave's parents, Simon and Judy, who always give us such a warm welcome in Guernsey. We all went to Herm together - the weather was perfect and we lazed, swam and dug!!!

As for the sailing...the webb-wind has followed us as usual. Yes, you really can come all the way from Walton to Guernsey with a head wind!! We may have turned the engine off for at least 4 hours in the whole trip!! Just what are theses big white flapping things for anyway?!?

Thanks for so many e-mails!! Will be replying, but in the meantime this news will keep you up to date with `The Adventure' so far...