The relief was immense if not somewhat emotional

OMG...I can't believe it all came good in the end. Three flights cancelled and we despaired that we would ever leave Australia. But phoning airlines on a daily basis paid off. In fact, it was Qantas that helped us out in the end. After having one of their flights home cancelled due to Johannasberg closing borders they did everything they could to get us a flight with another airline. Qatar air wasn't even showing on the web pages until (we think) it was the change of heart by the British and Australian governments that decided to allow this airline to fly via Doha, a border that had not been closed. So after all the worry of having to stay in Australia, the flight was booked by a very nice and extremely helpful lady from Qantas who pulled out all the stops to get us seats.

Right up to the day of departure we were on tenterhooks. So many disappointments we didn't want to raise hopes. And then came the hard part of saying goodbye to my brother and Sally and not being able to give them big hugs. It was very emotional.

Sydney airport was a nightmare. So many people all trying to leave the country and a strict 1.5-meter distance were inforced. Only one entrance was used which meant queues before entry to the airport and then stretching almost all the way around the terminal just to do a baggage drop. (we had checked in online thank goodness otherwise even longer wait would have been our lot) As it was it took nearly 2 hours to get to the desk and so very glad we arrived a good three hours before the flight. This photo was taken from https://whatsnew2day.com/passengers-exercise-better-social-distance-against-the-corona-virus-at-sydney-airport/ but shows a very accurate picture of what we went through.

Arrival at Doha after a very long and turbulent flight (15 hours) was very welcome. Again long queues to get through to the transfer terminal,(the Doha officials did not seem too bothered about distances between each passenger) bags to be checked again etc and then looking at the departure boards a very unwelcome sight after only having had three hours sleep. Flight delayed for another hour! With another 7 hours flight before we land in Heathrow, this was the last thing we wanted to see.

At Doha airport

Plenty of planes parked up

This the Qatar plane from Sydney.

 The call came to say the flight was boarding, time was 08.30am and in disbelieve I looked at the information board which still showed a 9.40am departure so why all the rush? Now, I have mentioned this because in my haste to get everything put back in the backpack at the departure lounge, I must have dropped my mobile 'cos on arrival back to the UK I found the phone was missing!

Anyway, the seven-hour flight was very smooth and on touchdown at Heathrow, everyone clapped, more in relief that we had reached UK soil rather than the perfect landing by the Captain. A few passengers even shed a tear.

Terminal 4 at 15.00

Son Colin met us and had made very sure no nasty bugs would get to him. After the virtual hug and kisses, he bundled us into the back of the car where a plastic sheet was taped to the roof between the front and back effectively shutting us from him. He was a bit embarrassed by doing that but fully understandable considering we had travelled in a steel tube with some 400 others, some of which was coughing and sneezing, for the best part of 22 hours!

In the boot of the car were goodies! Lots of provisions for our 14-day self-isolation, including the much-needed loo rolls. In fact, (his words) he had to beat up two Grannies and wrestle with an expectant mother to get them😆😈

Doesn't seem much for 2 weeks but daughter Christine is visiting from afar to drop off more supplies!

So back at FS and the first thing was fire up the diesel heater, bed made up and the tank to fill with water. Then a shock to discover the filled water tank had horrible brown coloured liquid coming out of the taps. So nothing for it but drain the tank again but by now we had all but fallen asleep where we stood. 3 hours sleep in 39 had finally caught us up so we did no more than treat the tank with a capful of bleach, fill to about half and go to bed.

 So now our inactivity begins. Not sure who will be the first to reach for each other's throats. Two weeks in a 57ft boat with not enough width to swing a cat and confined for 14 days, well how, I ask myself, will that pan out!

Spring has sprung here in the UK and to think 36 hours ago we left Australia at the start of their Autumn. And by the bywash in the basin where FS is was a Swans nest. In it, 4 eggs were laid but no sitting mum. Today another egg appeared and today she started the incubation. So very hopeful for new life to appear in the weeks to come.