2012 with "Kinabalu"

Hi, we're back on board!  Actually, we arrived back in northern Cyprus at the beginning of March, but blogging wasn't high on the list of priorities and the internet connection was crap until Bob fixed the booster.

Hired a car for three days to collect us from the airport and so just camped on the boat while we did some exploring and reprovisioning.  We just love the wildness about northern Cyprus and that remote feeling, not everyone's cup of tea, but both of us enjoyed every minute of it.  As we explored the ruins of ancient civilizations, castles and even a basilica off the beaten tourist track, it was hard to imagine how rugged life must have been.  And then to think of Cyprus divided, playmates taken away to be resettled elsewhere!  We took a peek into Greek churches, some of which are still preserved and the candles are lit by those few who have remained.   True Cypriots, whether Greek or Turkish, hold EU status but still the problems exist and the border between TRNC and Republic of Cyprus remains.   We drove to Famagusta/Nicosia, the capital and walked through "no man's land" across the border into the Republic of Cyprus and the EU!  Our passports were stamped out and in twice and we hope the Greek officials won't mind when we check into Greece later in May.

Kinabalu was safe and well under her makeshift cover to keep out the ravages of the winter weather.  Inside, you wouldn't have known we'd been away, and we slowly began to put everything back together again.  A bit of cleaning was required under water, the deck scrubbed and stainless steel polished.  Bimini and dodger reassembled and sails, lazy bag and roller furler put back on and she looked like a real boat once again, ready to go!