October 09

Our son Andy has just survived the Tsunami in the Pacific. He was anchored at Niutoputapu ( New potatoes!) when they were preparing to leave and they felt vibrations as they hauled up the anchor. 10 minutes later the 50 ft high Tsunami wave rushed into the lagoon and they just had time to motor into it and ride over the top and then out to sea as the back wash brought loads of stuff off the land.

They managed to get out into open water Ok but could do nothing for the Islanders ashore. Another yacht with a satallite phone did not get out so stayed to send messages for rescue.

Whilst this was happening we were on holiday in Magaluf, Mallorca. It was my birthday and we go there every year. We were able to meet up with lots of old friends who also go at this time of year. Alisha was singing in the Britannia Pub, the usual group in the Plaza with Bobby Alexander singing after 1.0 a.m. In Bobby's Tavern our favourites, 'The Raggle Taggle Gypsies' played every night and we were able to pratice our own version of Irish dancing! In MrsDoyles 'Mick the Fiddler' continued as ever with his , always fresh, Irish and other music.

Although it was hot we had quite a few thunderstorms but these soon passed by and we were still able to walk out at night without getting wet.

We met lots of new people and hope to see them again next year.