This winter we are staying in Bruinisse and so far we like it very much. It is nice and quiet with lots of space around us and the cars are nice and close. Throughout October the weather is mild and the cockpit tent is not up yet. From November we adopt the "winter mode" with double top windows and drying bags, regularly at night the dehumidifier on and the cockpit tent on. With the fine heating on, it is very comfortable and cozy on board.

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In October there is still quite a bit of life around us in Bruinisse from boat owners winterizing their boats. From December on we are mostly alone except for an occasional winter visitor on another dock. Now in December it does feel a bit bare and lonely without much atmosphere. But that doesn't matter to us. We are hard at work during the week and enjoy our cozy little "house" in the evenings. We also just enjoy the peace and quiet and nature around us. On the weekends we are often out and about and the next three weeks during the holidays we will be with our daughters in Asia.

 

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We also sail up the Oosterschelde to Burghsluis on a beautiful sunny Saturday in late November. We were the only passers-by and had a delicious meal in the cozy restaurant het Oliegeultje. On Sunday we sailed back, our first time with the cockpit tent on in cold wind and rain. It was good to try it out; it went quite well and was comfortably warm.

 

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Early October with Harry and Anja, when we finally visit them for a weekend at their vacation home in Belgium. Very cozy, with nice weather, beautiful nature and delicious food. Two weeks later with Inge and Mark near Hellendoorn. Unfortunately our plan to walk the Pieterpad together as sisters for three days in the area where we grew up is cancelled, because Inge broke her collarbone playing field hockey. Still, we go that way, visit our old neighbors Klaas and Ineke and have a delicious meal together at the bistro in Enter. On Sunday Toine and I walk 22 km of the Pieterpad from Hellendoorn to Holten, the first part with Inge and Mark. Again in lovely sunny autumn weather.

 

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We also signed the final sales contract for our apartment. Construction started in September and should be ready next September. We drive by it from time to time to take pictures. We secretly sometimes think "this is our last winter aboard for now" (until we get to colder areas while traveling). The next two winters we will live in the apartment.

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