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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Joe Simpson wrote a book called Touching the Void based on his real life experiences when he broke his legs on a climbing expedition. He was presumed dead then crawled for 3 days down a mountain to get to the campsite just as the rest of the expedition members were preparing to leave. It’s a reasonably well know tale and even if you’re not interested in mountains, the book is a good read. And actually you don’t need to know anything about mountaineering to enjoy reading it.

One of the notable things that he mentions in the book, which he thought about during his three day crawl is that he wasn’t scared of dying, but he was scared of dying alone. That element of human contact is so important to feeling connected and valued.

I’m fortunate to come from a close family and have close friends who provide lots of love, support and smiles. I mention this as I returned to the UK for a couple of days this week to attend a family funeral. My Aunty Margaret was in her 80’s, had lived a full life and was always generously interested in what family and friends were up to. The tribute written by her three children, my cousins, Graeme, Sandra and Christine was informative, funny and loving. Spot on in fact.

I know funerals are by their very nature sad occasions so please take this next comment in the spirit in which it is intended. On the plane and train back to the boat, i felt I’d actually had a lovely time seeing family and friends and felt totally connected even if Dave and I are geographically distant from people. It’s comforting to know my Aunty Margaret was totally connected too. It was an impressive turnout.

Back to practical things, it’s a bank holiday in Spain today which explains why the supermarkets are shut. Timed that badly. We’re about to head to Baiona this afternoon. Probably have to motor as there’s not much wind. That means we are leaving the Spanish Rias behind. It’s been a pleasure.