Time for the off.

I guess that's it. I'm ready to go. Insurance done, ferry to Santandar booked. Sadie fit n well (apart from the grumpy footstep alarm which we can cope with quite happily thank you very much!) Yes, all done and ready to hit the road for some more Continental wandering.

Well actually; not quite all done.

We seem unfortunately, during this last few weeks, to have developed a worryingly consistent engine problem with, I am informed by t'internet, the possibility of sudden terminal failure. This has  financial implications including possible abandonment of current travel arrangements. All in all a rather unhealthy mix of personal anxiety and trauma.

Confusion is magnified even further as the engine in question is nothing to do with Sadie. That big lump of purringly sweet German engineering is raring to be off and is never happy with the silent cold stillness of stationery existence.

The engine in question is mine. My heart to be precise. Even saying that is unfair as heart itself is strongly beating away but giving firm notice via tiredness and odd bits of chest pain that ......

"Look mate. I'm actually under a bit of stress here. Errrr d'you not think it's time to get me properly checked out and serviced?' I'm good to go but some of the plumbing you've got round here is starting to creak & in need of a re-furb."

I know and am fully aware of this situation. A early life farm upbringing with ample supplies of rich Channel Island milk and cream liberally pasted my arteries with 'stuff' reducing both their capacity and flexibility. My heart attack in 2006 where I was fitted with one stent (little metal spiral that widens an artery) plus subsequent and regular medication has given me 8 years of wonderful health and wellbeing. Believe me, the difference to my life is, and has been, way beyond amazing.

However; in any system if you repair one weak link the system will, given time, throw another one your way.

So dilemma. Do I throw caution, but not common sense, to the wind and carry on as normal albeit it at a slower easier pace?
Or
Do I throw myself upon the uncertain expectations of the NHS knowing, once I do, then my present lifestyle will dramatically change for a few years or maybe for good.

A dilemma indeed.

I'm happy to report option number one as being strongly preferred. Apart from the symptoms mentioned my health is good and things seem stable, not deteriorating, plus I have all necesary medication and insurance in place.

I guess what I'm hoping is that warm sunshine, healthy food and plenty of relaxation will be as positive a prescription as any the NHS could hand out.

So wish me luck as I head off tomorrow for Portsmouth where my ship awaits.

Santandar and Spain here I come.