Townsville, 3rd December 2008

I have been aboard illywhacker for 6 days now, alone. Marina friends have been dropping by, offering condolences but embarrassed by my tears, scurry away to their own boats along the dock. With strength of purpose I rise early for a walk and swim, determined each day to make a start on the "list" of boat tasks. But all it takes is for me to hold one of her favourite things and all around me, paintings, artifacts, books scream out ... Lyndall selected me, Lyndall put me here, she's here, and here and here. I just don't know if I'll ever stop sobbing after such episodes. The day then takes on a desultory pace, the list lying discarded. As each day passes though, the joys of living aboard occasionally shine through and the promise of a sail on the sparkling waters of the bay offers just a little cheer. They say this sort of behaviour is normal - it's a first for me!