First thing on Tuesday morning was a phone call with Keenan to get the latest updated on the COVID-19 situation in the household. With both of Brooke’s parents testing positive, the jury was out on Brooke, but her test indicated that she was negative; for how long remains to be seen. There is, of course, the scenario that Brooke had previously contracted COVID-19, but was asymptomatic and, therefore, is protected now through her antibodies. It was, however, a tad concerning when William started to complain that his eyes were sore and he had a runny nose; that turned out to be too much fun in the sun and he’s fine. Unfortunately, as of today, Brooke’s dad has started to show symptoms, but apparently it’s extremely difficult to access, given that the air quality is extremely poor in the Valley at the moment and he usually suffers from allergies. Guess time will tell!

After our phone call, Roy returned to Paw Paw to check on progress and to oversee a few remaining tasks, including the rubber trim re-fit after the gelcoat repairs and the application of the Propspeed on the propellers, since we’ve had a bad experience in the past where it wasn’t applied correctly, rendering it completely ineffective. The same situation pertained to the attachment of the saildrive boots. With everything completed by lunchtime, the only item remaining on the To Do List was to settle all the invoices, with the exception of the apartment. Paw Paw was ready to be splashed!

Elaine entertained herself by continuing her efforts on our latest video, and, once the afternoon squall had passed over, we both returned to Paw Paw to commence our tidying up and cleaning efforts. These continued for most of the day yesterday, but, by the time we called it a day, she was looking very smart indeed with her new navy blue bottom and shining topsides.

Another delicious lunch was enjoyed at Dean and Deluca. Elaine has definitely acquired a taste for the Thai cuisine, while Roy opted for a smoked duck and cherry tomatoes pizza; very unlike him, but a change is as good as a holiday!

On a brighter note, we’re happy to report that the hole in Elaine’s leg, from her allergic reaction to an insect bite, is healing nicely and we received a video of William enjoying his surprise birthday gift; a motorbike. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

Today was “Splash Day”, so we were up early to have breakfast and get ready. While Elaine packed up the apartment, Roy returned to Paw Paw to disconnect the shore power and water, as well as to get the docklines and fenders out. By 0920, Paw Paw was lifted off the chokes for a few last minute antifouling touch-ups and by 1000, knee deep in water this time, due to the very high spring tide, which resulted in the floating docks being higher than the boardwalk, we boarded Paw Paw while she sat over the launch bay and, within minutes, we were safely on our dock, where we’ll remain for the next week. It was all over in a flash and in the nick of time too, as another nasty squall came over just as we’d completed our dinghy ride to the apartment to collect the last of our belongings and stowed everything back on Paw Paw. All that was left was to re-dress Elaine’s wound, since it had got soaked as we waded through the water, enjoy a morning coffee and settle back into our sailing lifestyle; Paw Paw’s 10th birthday overhaul and facelift was complete! Roy did, however, have a “Mr Bean in Love Actually” moment when he stopped by Dean and Deluca, on his way back from settling the apartment bill, to get us a takeaway baked delight; carefully wrapped in decorative paper and sealed, then placed in a decorative bag, then placed in another paper carry bag. They were delicious nonetheless and were thoroughly enjoyed with our coffee for a job well done!