Back on the mainland we were definitely feeling the weather beginning to change.
It was stormy and temperatures were dropping, both sea and land.
Our intention is for Ramukanji to eventually sail to Greece, but before heading there we had planned to sail to the Algarve where we own a house.
This had allowed us, partly due to the orca issue, to take the route down through France and along the Mediterranean coast of France and Spain, whilst also taking in the Balearics.
As a couple we are not always the most organised, but have a zest for travel and are always keen to have an adventure where we can.
The boat was not quite as prepared as Mike had hoped it would have been, but we had no major issues and it had served us well
At 9.6m long, we were happy with the performance and actually it proved to be more economical in the more expensive areas such as Ibiza, and we certainly had plenty of room even with a spaniel on board!
Planning for Ramukanji to be overwintered had been vague, as we really did not know where we would end up!
With the weather change it was not going to be sensible to sail for much longer past the end of September, so we decided to head back to Borriana Nova Marina where we had been assured a space at a good price and with a CA discount!
It was stormy and our departure was delayed by two days, this meant we sailed up to Valencia in one trip, there was a huge swell with little wind and it wasn't the most comfortable passage.
Valencia did not disappoint as usual and we visited some of the more modern sights and the famous aquarium.
Another day sail back to Borriana Nova, a decent marina and we managed to find a nicer part of town with a lovely beach and good cafes.
Ramukanji was tidied up ready for winter, lots of cleaning, removing our possessions and taking off the sails.
Our journey back to the UK was to be by car, train and ferry!
The train was booked from Barcelona to Paris with Sprocket on board, but he wasn't allowed on the train from Valencia to Barcelona...strange! And the only crossing to be done with a dog and a foot passenger is the DFDS ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven!
The journey back was great, the train pretty much followed the route we had taken down on the boat. The train seats were huge, even with a dog travelling with us, and we spent 9hours to travel what we had taken five months to sail!
Arrival in Paris was a bit confusing as we followed a downward arrow downstairs and should have realised it actually meant straight on... stupid us!!
A night in Dieppe, we were back in Northern Europe and it was cold and pouring down brrr.....Oh, and back in France, so even though the restaurant was open, it was before 9pm, there were people eating and we were staying the night... no we couldn't order food!!!
An easy entry onto the ferry with the dog, across the channel in 5 hours , and train back to Guildford, simples!
Next year we will return to Ramukanji, but we are not able to travel for so long as we have to earn some money!!
A possible trip to Majorca and Tunisia , ( EU VAT issues with boats meaning we have to leave the EU for 24hours on the boat!) and then a season in the Algarve.....
Let's see what 2025 brings..
Thank you to everyone who has helped make our trip happen and allowed us to make a dream become a reality😊
Loved reading about your adventures. Great pictures, it looks like it's been an amazing trip, how are you going to come back to Headley Down after this!!! Loved the fact you went to Ibiza, I love Ibiza and I am one of those who likes the load music, but it's actually a beautiful place too, which I think surprises people. See you in the Spring, enjoy the rest of your time away. Sharon