Friday 26 October 2012
Friday 14 September 2012
Who says that we over catered!
This is how much food is left after the trip!
Vanessa and I have challenged ourselves to see how long we can live on this!
Vanessa and I have challenged ourselves to see how long we can live on this!
Tuesday 11 September 2012
Statistics
Timing has never been my strong point.
Only I could have decided to sail around Britain during the wettest Summer on record!
Add to that the fact that I missed: Abigail's A levels, the first British winner of the Tour de France and the greatest Olympics/Paralympics ever - and you get my point!
Never the less, I would not have changed anything and have no regrets.
A few people have asked me about the statistics of the trip, so here they are:
Distance: 2,392.8 nautical miles
Sailing: 198.5 hours
Motoring: 340.75 hours
Days at Sea: 70
Days smoke alarm went off: 70!
Days Captain Rusty went missing at food time: 70!
Days emergency light fell in water: 70!
Days Captain Rusty retied fenders: 70!
Days giving TLC to engine: 70!
Non sailing days:
Waiting for weather; 36 Changeover/Olympics: 20
Average Speed: 4.4 knots
(speed is always surprisingly slow - you could jog around faster!)
Moorings (sailing days):
Marina: 35 nights
Pontoons: 4 nights
Buoys: 15 nights
Anchor: 6 nights
Wall: 4 nights
Canal: 4 nights
Cups of tea: 1,000
Kettle boils: 1,500
Fuel: 170 litres
Miles carrying Jerry Can: Too many!
Gas: 6 x 4.5kg bottles
Weather Forecast Checks: Thousands
Shipmates: 14
Only I could have decided to sail around Britain during the wettest Summer on record!
Add to that the fact that I missed: Abigail's A levels, the first British winner of the Tour de France and the greatest Olympics/Paralympics ever - and you get my point!
Never the less, I would not have changed anything and have no regrets.
A few people have asked me about the statistics of the trip, so here they are:
Distance: 2,392.8 nautical miles
Sailing: 198.5 hours
Motoring: 340.75 hours
Days at Sea: 70
Days smoke alarm went off: 70!
Days Captain Rusty went missing at food time: 70!
Days emergency light fell in water: 70!
Days Captain Rusty retied fenders: 70!
Days giving TLC to engine: 70!
Non sailing days:
Waiting for weather; 36 Changeover/Olympics: 20
Average Speed: 4.4 knots
(speed is always surprisingly slow - you could jog around faster!)
Moorings (sailing days):
Marina: 35 nights
Pontoons: 4 nights
Buoys: 15 nights
Anchor: 6 nights
Wall: 4 nights
Canal: 4 nights
Cups of tea: 1,000
Kettle boils: 1,500
Fuel: 170 litres
Miles carrying Jerry Can: Too many!
Gas: 6 x 4.5kg bottles
Weather Forecast Checks: Thousands
Shipmates: 14
Sunday 9 September 2012
Recollections of a crew-member
I have received the following email “It is now time to reveal my true identity … the mystery follower from Russia is none other zan me, Aleksandr, from Compare ze Meerkats.com. Yes it’s true. I haff been following you throughout your journey and I am pleased to announce zat ve will be adding to our cuddly toy collection, of, yes, zat’s right, Capitan Rusty…”
So that mystery’s solved.
But there are continuing mysteries such as: Where did Rusty go when it was time to cook? How clean can one person get the bilges? Is it possible that the engine contains Rusty’s DNA? How many people in Britain live in marinas? How can weather reports become compulsive listening?
The highlight has to be our visit to Whitby’s wand (sorry, pipe) shop. Much talk of pipe-lore and “The pipe chooses the smoker”. Incompatible pipes flew across the emporium, wrest from Rusty’s hand by invisible forces, as he stabbed the air with it to make a point. But eventually he settled on dragon heartstring and elder and became a great wizard. Actually I think I might be getting confused.
I’ll miss our evenings together watching quarter of a film (three times) on your laptop until it crashed. I won’t miss how cold it was on my first week. I’ll miss our conversations and shared experiences and stunning views. I’ll miss hearing your anecdotes (mind you, once I’d heard them 3 times that’s probably enough). But most of all I’ll miss us wrestling bare-chested on the cabin floor. I think I’m getting confused again.
Amy (daughter) keeps referring to you as “Dad’s bezzy” when I say “When I was on the boat with Captain Rusty…”. I really enjoyed my time on Crusoe Too and am glad to be numbered among the few. Here’s to the next adventure…
So that mystery’s solved.
But there are continuing mysteries such as: Where did Rusty go when it was time to cook? How clean can one person get the bilges? Is it possible that the engine contains Rusty’s DNA? How many people in Britain live in marinas? How can weather reports become compulsive listening?
The highlight has to be our visit to Whitby’s wand (sorry, pipe) shop. Much talk of pipe-lore and “The pipe chooses the smoker”. Incompatible pipes flew across the emporium, wrest from Rusty’s hand by invisible forces, as he stabbed the air with it to make a point. But eventually he settled on dragon heartstring and elder and became a great wizard. Actually I think I might be getting confused.
I’ll miss our evenings together watching quarter of a film (three times) on your laptop until it crashed. I won’t miss how cold it was on my first week. I’ll miss our conversations and shared experiences and stunning views. I’ll miss hearing your anecdotes (mind you, once I’d heard them 3 times that’s probably enough). But most of all I’ll miss us wrestling bare-chested on the cabin floor. I think I’m getting confused again.
Amy (daughter) keeps referring to you as “Dad’s bezzy” when I say “When I was on the boat with Captain Rusty…”. I really enjoyed my time on Crusoe Too and am glad to be numbered among the few. Here’s to the next adventure…
Saturday 8 September 2012
What next?
A few people have asked me if I will carry on Blogging.
I am not really planning to do much, but I will put a final blog on with all the statistics from the trip e.g. Mileage, days at sea etc.
Watch out over the next few days.
I have been looking at the destinations of the Blog followers.
All the usual places as you would expect but I would live to know who has been following in Russia?
I am not really planning to do much, but I will put a final blog on with all the statistics from the trip e.g. Mileage, days at sea etc.
Watch out over the next few days.
I have been looking at the destinations of the Blog followers.
All the usual places as you would expect but I would live to know who has been following in Russia?
Friday 7 September 2012
Homeward Bound
Well that's it. A fantastic trip and a brilliant experience - something that will live with me forever.
Most common question; 'Was it all that you expected it to be?'
Simple (but maybe boring answer;) 'Yes!'
Considering the complicated logistics - changing crew every week - and the time pressures that imposed, things went remarkably smoothly overall.
There have been lots of round Britain sailors but I bet that very few trips, if any, have involved weekly crew changes.
The trip took 3 years to prepare for and I have to say that the effort that I put into the planning has paid off.
Not only the route and the built in time contingency, but the equipment on the boat. I had everything that was ever needed, although I might not always remember! ( I found the dustpan and brush yesterday Barry!)
The typical conversation went like this;
Shipmate: 'It would be really useful if you had an "x" on the boat, to help us do "y".'
Me: 'Do you know what, I think that I may have one of those.'
I would then search around the various cupboards and find the object in question. Good planning, terrible memory!
The logistics were also made easier because the Shipmates were all reliable and flexible. I expected a few cry offs and travel problems, but everyone was brilliant.
The Shipmates were also great on the boat. Everyone was committed to the trip and did more than their fair share - especially in the galley! No bust ups, no big issues, all making it simple and enjoyable for me.
I have to say that it was not easy changing crew each week, but that was not down to individuals. It was more about establishing a routine with each person - mooring the boat, sailing skills, living - and then having to start from scratch again the next week.
No big drama but in the ideal world I would have had fewer changes I think.
Overall I was also really pleased with my sailing skills. Lots of very challenging navigation and difficult weather, but we completed each leg safely and no major dramas.
I was only really worried twice - not bad in 18 weeks sailing!
However the real star of the trip was Crusoe Too. We did 10 years worth of sailing in 4 months, with no major breakages. Not bad for a 30 year old boat.
This was in part down to all the hard work in preparation that Paul and Carol kindly did.
It was also down to the quality of the boat build and design.
As you know, I always like chatting up the old boys in the various harbours. They always ask me about the boat.
Old boy: 'Nice boat, what make is she?'
Me: 'Moody 29'
Old boy: 'Ah, thought so. Good solid make.'
And to think - if I had never broken my arms in that Penny Farthing race, then I would never have bought Crusoe Too (too long a story to explain here!)
The biggest revelation to me was the reliability of the engine. We had to use it a lot, and often in situations where it's failure would have resulted in disaster.
Entering the harbours at Lossiemouth and Wells Next The Sea were especially nasty and if the engine had failed, then we would have been wrecked.
I have to confess that I never have faith in mechanical things, yet it confounded my pessimism and chugged on for 337 hours.
It may have been underpowered, wept diesel and bled oil, but it always started first time and never missed a beat. My Bukh DV20 was the true hero of the trip!
Ok, enough ramblings for one day.
The final thing is to thank everyone.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me but especially to the Shipmates; I could not have done the trip without you.
Big thanks also to Tom and Mom - it was very special to sail with you both.
But the main thanks have to go to Vanessa and Abigail.
Despite it being Abigail's A level year, she sacrificed having her Dad around to support her during her exams. Thank you so much Abs; but no, I am not buying you a handbag as a reward!
Most of all though I have to thank Vanessa. Words can not express how much I owe her - she really is an amazing person. She will kill me if I get mushy here, but all I will say is that she has my love for ever.
Must go now, need to find a job!
Most common question; 'Was it all that you expected it to be?'
Simple (but maybe boring answer;) 'Yes!'
Considering the complicated logistics - changing crew every week - and the time pressures that imposed, things went remarkably smoothly overall.
There have been lots of round Britain sailors but I bet that very few trips, if any, have involved weekly crew changes.
The trip took 3 years to prepare for and I have to say that the effort that I put into the planning has paid off.
Not only the route and the built in time contingency, but the equipment on the boat. I had everything that was ever needed, although I might not always remember! ( I found the dustpan and brush yesterday Barry!)
The typical conversation went like this;
Shipmate: 'It would be really useful if you had an "x" on the boat, to help us do "y".'
Me: 'Do you know what, I think that I may have one of those.'
I would then search around the various cupboards and find the object in question. Good planning, terrible memory!
The logistics were also made easier because the Shipmates were all reliable and flexible. I expected a few cry offs and travel problems, but everyone was brilliant.
The Shipmates were also great on the boat. Everyone was committed to the trip and did more than their fair share - especially in the galley! No bust ups, no big issues, all making it simple and enjoyable for me.
I have to say that it was not easy changing crew each week, but that was not down to individuals. It was more about establishing a routine with each person - mooring the boat, sailing skills, living - and then having to start from scratch again the next week.
No big drama but in the ideal world I would have had fewer changes I think.
Overall I was also really pleased with my sailing skills. Lots of very challenging navigation and difficult weather, but we completed each leg safely and no major dramas.
I was only really worried twice - not bad in 18 weeks sailing!
However the real star of the trip was Crusoe Too. We did 10 years worth of sailing in 4 months, with no major breakages. Not bad for a 30 year old boat.
This was in part down to all the hard work in preparation that Paul and Carol kindly did.
It was also down to the quality of the boat build and design.
As you know, I always like chatting up the old boys in the various harbours. They always ask me about the boat.
Old boy: 'Nice boat, what make is she?'
Me: 'Moody 29'
Old boy: 'Ah, thought so. Good solid make.'
And to think - if I had never broken my arms in that Penny Farthing race, then I would never have bought Crusoe Too (too long a story to explain here!)
The biggest revelation to me was the reliability of the engine. We had to use it a lot, and often in situations where it's failure would have resulted in disaster.
Entering the harbours at Lossiemouth and Wells Next The Sea were especially nasty and if the engine had failed, then we would have been wrecked.
I have to confess that I never have faith in mechanical things, yet it confounded my pessimism and chugged on for 337 hours.
It may have been underpowered, wept diesel and bled oil, but it always started first time and never missed a beat. My Bukh DV20 was the true hero of the trip!
Ok, enough ramblings for one day.
The final thing is to thank everyone.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me but especially to the Shipmates; I could not have done the trip without you.
Big thanks also to Tom and Mom - it was very special to sail with you both.
But the main thanks have to go to Vanessa and Abigail.
Despite it being Abigail's A level year, she sacrificed having her Dad around to support her during her exams. Thank you so much Abs; but no, I am not buying you a handbag as a reward!
Most of all though I have to thank Vanessa. Words can not express how much I owe her - she really is an amazing person. She will kill me if I get mushy here, but all I will say is that she has my love for ever.
Must go now, need to find a job!
Thursday 6 September 2012
Week 18 - Thursday - Circumnavigation
Well technically I have completed the circumnavigation; I crossed my outward track at Abersoch last night.
We are on a mooring buoy in the bay, exactly 4 months after that soul destroying first day. If you remember, - Rob, Paul and I had to turn back due to bad weather, only to then have to bail out the flooded bilges.
The first day; we has sailed for 10 hours- only to end up 5 miles from Pwllheli! By far the worst part of the trip, but at least we got it out of the way early!
Mom and I left Aberystwyth yesterday in sunny, calm conditions. However after two hours, contrary to the forecast, the wind picked up to Force 5, on the nose. We then had a further 8 hours bashing into big waves, reducing our speed to less than 3 knots. Very frustrating and we had to endure a 10 hour day to cover just 30 miles!
Mother Nature showing who is boss for a final time i suppose; to stop me feeling too smug!
Mom learnt to steer the boat in these rough conditions and did a great job - but found that she could not steer and talk at the same time!
One last hop of 5 miles today, then home on Friday. Not sure how I feel yet, it will take a while to sink in!
We are on a mooring buoy in the bay, exactly 4 months after that soul destroying first day. If you remember, - Rob, Paul and I had to turn back due to bad weather, only to then have to bail out the flooded bilges.
The first day; we has sailed for 10 hours- only to end up 5 miles from Pwllheli! By far the worst part of the trip, but at least we got it out of the way early!
Mom and I left Aberystwyth yesterday in sunny, calm conditions. However after two hours, contrary to the forecast, the wind picked up to Force 5, on the nose. We then had a further 8 hours bashing into big waves, reducing our speed to less than 3 knots. Very frustrating and we had to endure a 10 hour day to cover just 30 miles!
Mother Nature showing who is boss for a final time i suppose; to stop me feeling too smug!
Mom learnt to steer the boat in these rough conditions and did a great job - but found that she could not steer and talk at the same time!
One last hop of 5 miles today, then home on Friday. Not sure how I feel yet, it will take a while to sink in!
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Week 18 - Wednesday - Aberystwyth
It was a fast passage to Aberystwyth yesterday, helped in the last 2 hours by a strong Northerly wind.
Things were getting a bit lively, when I had a 'fly past' from 2 dolphins. They then proceeded to escort me up to the harbour entrance; never had a guard of honour like that before!
I tried to take photos one handed but it was too rough and I needed the other hand for the tiller!
Before entering the harbour I had to rig the fenders and mooring line - not easy on your own when the boat is pitching around. Maybe I do need a crew after all!
I was here in time to meet Mom at the station. She is going to sail with me for the last few days.
Her brief from the family; 'make sure that he goes into the marina at Pwllheli, rather than carrying on around Britain again!'
One classic from Mom yesterday. She is well know for going into the wrong toilets in pubs, restaurants and public places. Many a man has been put off his stride as she enters the Gents Loo instead of the Ladies. I particularly remember an incident at Porthmadog in 1974!
Well she did a new one at Wetherspoons last night. She went off to find the Ladies and ended up in the kitchen!
Probably off to Abersoch today for a final night at anchor, before completing the whole adventure tomorrow.
Things were getting a bit lively, when I had a 'fly past' from 2 dolphins. They then proceeded to escort me up to the harbour entrance; never had a guard of honour like that before!
I tried to take photos one handed but it was too rough and I needed the other hand for the tiller!
Before entering the harbour I had to rig the fenders and mooring line - not easy on your own when the boat is pitching around. Maybe I do need a crew after all!
I was here in time to meet Mom at the station. She is going to sail with me for the last few days.
Her brief from the family; 'make sure that he goes into the marina at Pwllheli, rather than carrying on around Britain again!'
One classic from Mom yesterday. She is well know for going into the wrong toilets in pubs, restaurants and public places. Many a man has been put off his stride as she enters the Gents Loo instead of the Ladies. I particularly remember an incident at Porthmadog in 1974!
Well she did a new one at Wetherspoons last night. She went off to find the Ladies and ended up in the kitchen!
Probably off to Abersoch today for a final night at anchor, before completing the whole adventure tomorrow.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Week 18 - Tuesday - Fishguard
A 04:30 start this morning to beat the tide into Aberystwyth. Misty, cold and wet today but Captain Rusty feels good.
Finally did some thinking last night ( about time you might say!) and I am ready to come home now. I will leave the 'captain' behind on Crusoe Too but will visit him when I can!
I am 2 miles offshore in pouring rain and a fly has just landed on the boat. How does that happen!
Anyway, time to eat a bacon butty.
Finally did some thinking last night ( about time you might say!) and I am ready to come home now. I will leave the 'captain' behind on Crusoe Too but will visit him when I can!
I am 2 miles offshore in pouring rain and a fly has just landed on the boat. How does that happen!
Anyway, time to eat a bacon butty.
Monday 3 September 2012
Week 18 - Monday - Skomer Island
Who would have thought it - and these are words that may not have been uttered before - Milford Haven was beauriful last night!
I stole (borrowed!) a mooring buoy in Dale, which looks down the huge natural harbour towards Milford Haven.
Now it may be they have the biggest oil and gas terminals in the country here and that by day they are a blot on the landscape, but at night they are lit up.
Combine that with a full moon, lovely anchorage and no wind - what do you get - a beautiful sight.
The pictures won't do it justice, but hopefully give you a flavour.
Fog and little wind today - much more peaceful than yesterday. Off to Fishguard at the moment, just approaching the infamous Ramsey Sound. I hope that I got the tides right; if not I will be going backwards very soon!
I stole (borrowed!) a mooring buoy in Dale, which looks down the huge natural harbour towards Milford Haven.
Now it may be they have the biggest oil and gas terminals in the country here and that by day they are a blot on the landscape, but at night they are lit up.
Combine that with a full moon, lovely anchorage and no wind - what do you get - a beautiful sight.
The pictures won't do it justice, but hopefully give you a flavour.
Fog and little wind today - much more peaceful than yesterday. Off to Fishguard at the moment, just approaching the infamous Ramsey Sound. I hope that I got the tides right; if not I will be going backwards very soon!
Sunday 2 September 2012
Week 18 - Sunday
Tenby was a lovely place but I can see why it is not a yacht Mecca!
Both nights at anchorage were uncomfortable - even though the bay is very sheltered. Last night beat even St Ives for rollyness(!); stuff started falling off shelves onto me in my bunk!
This morning was an early start to catch the tide and has turned out to be one of those classically miserable sailing days. Drizzle, strong headwinds and big waves.
These sort of days always follow the same pattern.
1) After 30 minutes you start to feel fed up and start justifying why it would be sensible to turn back!
2) You then give yourself a stern talking to about cowardice and character building etc.
3) You then agree with yourself to ride it out a little longer.
4) The boat is handling the weather, so you start to feel more comfortable.
5) You switch into survival mode; brain to neutral and get on with it.
6) Eventually the weather improves and you wonder what you ever worried about!
However today had a sting in the tail.
I had 2 hours of the biggest waves that I have experienced in Crusoe Too. The wind and tide were pushing in different directions, leading to big seas.
There were a couple of waves that I thought we would not actually get over the top of!
Put it this way - this was the first time in 18 weeks that I have mentally rehearsed a Mayday call!
I decided to cut short the trip, and am now hiding near Milford Haven in a lovely place called Dale.
Not how I had envisaged my first day on my own!
I did wonder if I was more or less anxious because I was on my own. Although it would have been good to share the experience, I think that I would have been more concerned - having to worry about someone else too.
Anyway, hopefully it will be better tomorrow - off to Fishguard.
Both nights at anchorage were uncomfortable - even though the bay is very sheltered. Last night beat even St Ives for rollyness(!); stuff started falling off shelves onto me in my bunk!
This morning was an early start to catch the tide and has turned out to be one of those classically miserable sailing days. Drizzle, strong headwinds and big waves.
These sort of days always follow the same pattern.
1) After 30 minutes you start to feel fed up and start justifying why it would be sensible to turn back!
2) You then give yourself a stern talking to about cowardice and character building etc.
3) You then agree with yourself to ride it out a little longer.
4) The boat is handling the weather, so you start to feel more comfortable.
5) You switch into survival mode; brain to neutral and get on with it.
6) Eventually the weather improves and you wonder what you ever worried about!
However today had a sting in the tail.
I had 2 hours of the biggest waves that I have experienced in Crusoe Too. The wind and tide were pushing in different directions, leading to big seas.
There were a couple of waves that I thought we would not actually get over the top of!
Put it this way - this was the first time in 18 weeks that I have mentally rehearsed a Mayday call!
I decided to cut short the trip, and am now hiding near Milford Haven in a lovely place called Dale.
Not how I had envisaged my first day on my own!
I did wonder if I was more or less anxious because I was on my own. Although it would have been good to share the experience, I think that I would have been more concerned - having to worry about someone else too.
Anyway, hopefully it will be better tomorrow - off to Fishguard.
Saturday 1 September 2012
Week 18 - Saturday - Tenby
Today is the start of my last week, and I have just seen Griff off to the train station.
I am on my own now for a few days, working my way up to Aberystwyth to meet Mom on Tuesday.
The idea is that I will have a few days of contemplation, to think deeply about my future and the meaning of life.
In reality I will probably just sail, and catch up on some sleep!
I am on my own now for a few days, working my way up to Aberystwyth to meet Mom on Tuesday.
The idea is that I will have a few days of contemplation, to think deeply about my future and the meaning of life.
In reality I will probably just sail, and catch up on some sleep!
Friday 31 August 2012
Lost cause!!!
Well another stint over and what have we learned?
Since I was last with self styled "captain rusty" I have noticed some worrying trends. At first it was mildly amusing that he constantly refers to himself in the third person.,. Such as "captain rusty thinks or captain rusty wants or captain rusty needs" sadly this has become his standard modus operandi and I am slightly worried how he will reintegrate into normal society. It seems he can function well at sea, on land it is increasingly a struggle. Yesterday in tesco in Swansea where we had spent 30 mins we got to checkout, checkout lady asked for his club card , he looked at me, looked at lady in her tesco jumper and said "what shop are we in" the poor lady was a bit confused and started talking to me as if I was rusty's carer. I of course played along and we had A discussion that care in community is not really working!!!
So in summary, second great trip, really enjoyed it even the night sail from Padstow which was tough. At sea rusty is indeed captain, on land I pity Vanessa and kids having to reintegrate him to society,
Good luck for rest of trip, full of admiration for your achievement but time to become normal again.
Griff....
Since I was last with self styled "captain rusty" I have noticed some worrying trends. At first it was mildly amusing that he constantly refers to himself in the third person.,. Such as "captain rusty thinks or captain rusty wants or captain rusty needs" sadly this has become his standard modus operandi and I am slightly worried how he will reintegrate into normal society. It seems he can function well at sea, on land it is increasingly a struggle. Yesterday in tesco in Swansea where we had spent 30 mins we got to checkout, checkout lady asked for his club card , he looked at me, looked at lady in her tesco jumper and said "what shop are we in" the poor lady was a bit confused and started talking to me as if I was rusty's carer. I of course played along and we had A discussion that care in community is not really working!!!
So in summary, second great trip, really enjoyed it even the night sail from Padstow which was tough. At sea rusty is indeed captain, on land I pity Vanessa and kids having to reintegrate him to society,
Good luck for rest of trip, full of admiration for your achievement but time to become normal again.
Griff....
Week 17 - Friday - Gower
Finally a lovely morning, and we have escaped Swansea.
Lovely though it was, another day there would have meant boredom and me having to get out the Harmonica........and nobody wants that to happen!
Swansea marina is massive and to leave you have to go through a swing bridge and 2 locks. It was feeling a bit like Peel on week 1 - and the Hotel California - you can check in but never leave!
Tenby is the target today and Griff will get the train home from there.
Then a few days on my own to start acting my age again (!), with Mom joining me for the last few days.
Her job is to make sure that I do go into Pwllheli on Friday rather than sailing off somewhere else!
Lovely though it was, another day there would have meant boredom and me having to get out the Harmonica........and nobody wants that to happen!
Swansea marina is massive and to leave you have to go through a swing bridge and 2 locks. It was feeling a bit like Peel on week 1 - and the Hotel California - you can check in but never leave!
Tenby is the target today and Griff will get the train home from there.
Then a few days on my own to start acting my age again (!), with Mom joining me for the last few days.
Her job is to make sure that I do go into Pwllheli on Friday rather than sailing off somewhere else!
Thursday 30 August 2012
Week 17 - Thursday - Swansea
Now that I am coming to the end of the trip, I am naturally starting to be asked lots of questions, such as:
Was it what you expected?
What was the best / worst place?
How did you cope with the change of crew each week?
How did you cope with two weeks of Griff!?
To be honest I have not really done any reflection yet, so I hear myself giving not very good answers. The questioner soon gets bored!
Over the coming weeks I will give it more thought and come up with better responses.
One obvious question is: 'where did you experience the strongest winds?'
I had imagined that I would be saying something like 'The Moray Firth with Frostie' or 'Felixstowe to London with Tom.'
I never imagined though that I would be saying 'Swansea marina with Griff!'
However that is the unlikely truth!
We are at the far end of the marina, surrounded by flats. Directly behind the boat are some arches and a gap between the flats, facing the coast.
Well yesterday the wind was blowing directly through these arches and battering the boat. I recorded winds of Gale Force 9, and it was very uncomfortable.
As the boat snaked around on the mooring, I had to attach extra mooring lines - I was worried that the boat would break loose.
All of this is of course is ironic, as we came into the marina to escape the bad weather!
Fortunately no damage was done and it is a bit quieter now. It was certainly very exciting for a while though!
Nothing dramatic happening today, we will stay then off to Milford Haven tomorrow.
Was it what you expected?
What was the best / worst place?
How did you cope with the change of crew each week?
How did you cope with two weeks of Griff!?
To be honest I have not really done any reflection yet, so I hear myself giving not very good answers. The questioner soon gets bored!
Over the coming weeks I will give it more thought and come up with better responses.
One obvious question is: 'where did you experience the strongest winds?'
I had imagined that I would be saying something like 'The Moray Firth with Frostie' or 'Felixstowe to London with Tom.'
I never imagined though that I would be saying 'Swansea marina with Griff!'
However that is the unlikely truth!
We are at the far end of the marina, surrounded by flats. Directly behind the boat are some arches and a gap between the flats, facing the coast.
Well yesterday the wind was blowing directly through these arches and battering the boat. I recorded winds of Gale Force 9, and it was very uncomfortable.
As the boat snaked around on the mooring, I had to attach extra mooring lines - I was worried that the boat would break loose.
All of this is of course is ironic, as we came into the marina to escape the bad weather!
Fortunately no damage was done and it is a bit quieter now. It was certainly very exciting for a while though!
Nothing dramatic happening today, we will stay then off to Milford Haven tomorrow.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Week 17 - Wednesday - Swansea
I have to say that it was a relief to find that the dinghy's revenge had caused only minimal damage to the boat.
The thought of not completing the trip through boat damage at this stage is too grim to contemplate!
So it was a great to be able to finally leave Ilfracombe yesterday.
We had to wait for the boat to float before we could drop the mooring and head off to Swansea.
As we were sitting on deck, a larger yacht pulled into the harbour and promptly ran aground.
They managed to reverse out, and I shouted across that we would float in 30 minutes and they should be ok after that.
They were very chatty, but ignored me and promptly ran aground for the second time. They reversed off but then tried again.
Surprise, surprise - they ran aground!
To my amazement they kept doing the same thing. Each time getting closer to the mooring buoy but running aground.
We joked and chatted to them. They were off to Portugal and seemed experienced sailors .... 'I was on the first yacht into Vilamoura marina in '76!'
However it made no sense to me why they did not wait and kept putting their boat under the stress of bumping the bottom.
I therefore felt extremely smug when we floated and executed a flawless exit - exactly 30 minutes after they had arrived!
Had a great sail across the Bristol
channel to Swansea and are now sitting in the huge marina here.
No sailing today and possibly tomorrow, owing to the weather.
The thought of not completing the trip through boat damage at this stage is too grim to contemplate!
So it was a great to be able to finally leave Ilfracombe yesterday.
We had to wait for the boat to float before we could drop the mooring and head off to Swansea.
As we were sitting on deck, a larger yacht pulled into the harbour and promptly ran aground.
They managed to reverse out, and I shouted across that we would float in 30 minutes and they should be ok after that.
They were very chatty, but ignored me and promptly ran aground for the second time. They reversed off but then tried again.
Surprise, surprise - they ran aground!
To my amazement they kept doing the same thing. Each time getting closer to the mooring buoy but running aground.
We joked and chatted to them. They were off to Portugal and seemed experienced sailors .... 'I was on the first yacht into Vilamoura marina in '76!'
However it made no sense to me why they did not wait and kept putting their boat under the stress of bumping the bottom.
I therefore felt extremely smug when we floated and executed a flawless exit - exactly 30 minutes after they had arrived!
Had a great sail across the Bristol
channel to Swansea and are now sitting in the huge marina here.
No sailing today and possibly tomorrow, owing to the weather.
Tuesday 28 August 2012
Dinghy revenge update:
Just got under the boat to check for damage.
Bad news: there is some damage under the boat.
Good news: a piece of plastic has broken off the log (speedo) fin, so nothing to worry about.
Relief all round, plan is now to head off to Swansea once we float again.
Here is a picture of Captain Rusty in action;
Bad news: there is some damage under the boat.
Good news: a piece of plastic has broken off the log (speedo) fin, so nothing to worry about.
Relief all round, plan is now to head off to Swansea once we float again.
Here is a picture of Captain Rusty in action;
Week 17 - Tuesday - Dinghy Revenge
I have carried the dinghy around the whole country but have not used it very much.
This is because we have spent so much time in marinas.
The dinghy is strapped to the deck, so gets battered by the weather and lashed by the waves.
After months of under use and abuse, the dinghy decided yesterday to make it's mark on the trip.
After rowing ashore I pulled the dinghy under cover - a tunnel under the promenade - and tied it up.
It then rained solidly for 4 hours.
On returning, I noticed that that the dinghy had moved. It was also full to the brim with water, filled by a drain from the road above that was emptying straight into it!
The tide had come in and nudged the dinghy to the worst place possible - under the spout!
The dinghy was too heavy to move, so I had to use the seat to scoop water out, while water cascaded onto me from above! Lovely!
In time the dinghy was just about light enough to move from under the spout. It could then be emptied, without being refilled from the waterfall above!
Eventually it was light enough to lift and could be lifted and fully emptied - what a pain that had been!
Back on the boat after dark, the tide went out and we were once again resting on the keels on the sand. The mooring here dries out, so the boat sits on the bottom of the harbour at low tide.
Suddenly there was a bang underneath. I realised that it was the dinghy, which had floated under the boat in the shallows and had been slammed into the bottom of the boat by a small wave.
The dinghy was pulled onto the boat and then off to bed, with no further thought to consequences.
On closer inspection this morning, the dinghy had a few pieces of gel coat in it. Not sure where these came from but I have postponed the trip to Swansea so that I can inspect the bottom of the boat at low tide.
The dinghy had certainly taken revenge for my neglect of it!
This is because we have spent so much time in marinas.
The dinghy is strapped to the deck, so gets battered by the weather and lashed by the waves.
After months of under use and abuse, the dinghy decided yesterday to make it's mark on the trip.
After rowing ashore I pulled the dinghy under cover - a tunnel under the promenade - and tied it up.
It then rained solidly for 4 hours.
On returning, I noticed that that the dinghy had moved. It was also full to the brim with water, filled by a drain from the road above that was emptying straight into it!
The tide had come in and nudged the dinghy to the worst place possible - under the spout!
The dinghy was too heavy to move, so I had to use the seat to scoop water out, while water cascaded onto me from above! Lovely!
In time the dinghy was just about light enough to move from under the spout. It could then be emptied, without being refilled from the waterfall above!
Eventually it was light enough to lift and could be lifted and fully emptied - what a pain that had been!
Back on the boat after dark, the tide went out and we were once again resting on the keels on the sand. The mooring here dries out, so the boat sits on the bottom of the harbour at low tide.
Suddenly there was a bang underneath. I realised that it was the dinghy, which had floated under the boat in the shallows and had been slammed into the bottom of the boat by a small wave.
The dinghy was pulled onto the boat and then off to bed, with no further thought to consequences.
On closer inspection this morning, the dinghy had a few pieces of gel coat in it. Not sure where these came from but I have postponed the trip to Swansea so that I can inspect the bottom of the boat at low tide.
The dinghy had certainly taken revenge for my neglect of it!
Monday 27 August 2012
Week 17 - Monday - Ifracombe
After our overnight sail, we spent most of last evening trying to stay awake. We just about made it through the 'Inbetweeners' film before going to
bed at 22:00.
It is now 12 hours later, and I have only just woken up. Sleeping beauty is still asleep I think!
I have not slept that long for many years. I have concluded that there are two possible reasons:
1) The ravages of old age have stripped us of our resilience and stamina.
2) We have once again reverted to our 18 year old selves and sleeping late is a consequence of that!
Whichever is true, once up we will be spending the day here as gales are forecast in the Bristol Channel.
Today's photo shows First Mate Griffiths surveying the weather in Padstow. Either that, or he is looking for a pasty shop!
bed at 22:00.
It is now 12 hours later, and I have only just woken up. Sleeping beauty is still asleep I think!
I have not slept that long for many years. I have concluded that there are two possible reasons:
1) The ravages of old age have stripped us of our resilience and stamina.
2) We have once again reverted to our 18 year old selves and sleeping late is a consequence of that!
Whichever is true, once up we will be spending the day here as gales are forecast in the Bristol Channel.
Today's photo shows First Mate Griffiths surveying the weather in Padstow. Either that, or he is looking for a pasty shop!
Sunday 26 August 2012
Week 17 - Sunday - Ilfracombe
Well Griff certainly had a baptism of fire last night.
To avoid the gales forecast for later, we decided to leave Padstow last night with the rest of the gang.
This involved a night sail to Ifracombe in a huge swell and very rough weather.
It was not the scariest trip so far but was certainly the most uncomfortable.
It was a good job that it was dark, at least we could not see the waves!
However the sun came out this morning, the wind dropped and we had a pleasant last 4 hours of sailing into Ilfracombe.
It is a very interesting place , but exploration can wait - we both need a kip!
I know nothing about this place, please let us have any tips.
To avoid the gales forecast for later, we decided to leave Padstow last night with the rest of the gang.
This involved a night sail to Ifracombe in a huge swell and very rough weather.
It was not the scariest trip so far but was certainly the most uncomfortable.
It was a good job that it was dark, at least we could not see the waves!
However the sun came out this morning, the wind dropped and we had a pleasant last 4 hours of sailing into Ilfracombe.
It is a very interesting place , but exploration can wait - we both need a kip!
I know nothing about this place, please let us have any tips.
Saturday 25 August 2012
Week 17 - Saturday - Padstow
Well it is changeover day again, with Paul leaving and Griff being my last shipmate of the trip.
Griff travelled down yesterday with Paul's wife, Ann. They managed to leave Manchester early enough to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic madness!
However they arrived to find it in full swing here. Padstow is a small and lovely little town. The only problem is that it can not fit in all of the tourists who want to visit - so fighting your way through the crowds becomes a way of life.
The best times here are early in the day, when there is no one around and we on the yachts are not tourist attractions!
A great camaraderie has built up between the yachts in the harbour. We all arrived at the same time to avoid the weather and are all waiting for the perfect window to escape.
Conversations are friendly and always contain an element of intelligence gathering I.e: 'Have you ever been to Ilfracombe? Ah good, are their mooring buoys............'
Lots of discussion this morning about a possible weather window tomorrow. This is complicated by lock time here, either 23:00 tonight or 11:00 tomorrow (which shortens the day for a long trip).
I suspect that there may be a convoy leaving tonight. We may join, will see what the weather does.
Just had my last pasty of the trip. I am definitely 'pastied out' after a week in Cornwall!
Griff travelled down yesterday with Paul's wife, Ann. They managed to leave Manchester early enough to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic madness!
However they arrived to find it in full swing here. Padstow is a small and lovely little town. The only problem is that it can not fit in all of the tourists who want to visit - so fighting your way through the crowds becomes a way of life.
The best times here are early in the day, when there is no one around and we on the yachts are not tourist attractions!
A great camaraderie has built up between the yachts in the harbour. We all arrived at the same time to avoid the weather and are all waiting for the perfect window to escape.
Conversations are friendly and always contain an element of intelligence gathering I.e: 'Have you ever been to Ilfracombe? Ah good, are their mooring buoys............'
Lots of discussion this morning about a possible weather window tomorrow. This is complicated by lock time here, either 23:00 tonight or 11:00 tomorrow (which shortens the day for a long trip).
I suspect that there may be a convoy leaving tonight. We may join, will see what the weather does.
Just had my last pasty of the trip. I am definitely 'pastied out' after a week in Cornwall!
Friday 24 August 2012
Week 16 - Friday - Padstow
We had a pleasant run from St Ives to Padstow yesterday. No wind though, so it was yet another day of motoring.
The lock to Padstow did not open until 20:30, so we had plenty of time to anchor at a nearby beach and eat.
Paul has grown to really love anchoring during his week on the boat!
Before deploying the anchor, 30m of chain has to be pulled out of a narrow pipe and layed out (flaked) on deck. This has to be done neatly, to prevent the chain from snagging. It is a tedious and frustrating task, as the chain sticks in the pipe and also snakes across the deck. Once the anchor has been deployed and then raised, you have to patiently feed the chain back down the
pipe.
His 'love' of the process comes from the fact that I have asked him to flake out the chain, in preparation, a number of times, only to then pick up a buoy and render his efforts as wasted!
That said though, he is now the neatest flaker ever to set sail!
At 19:15 we set off to join the race to Padstow. This involved lots of boats, all rushing down a narrow, sand banked river towards the harbour.
Each boat had the same issue; padstow is the only safe harbour nearby to ride out the coming storm. Failing to get a mooring is not an option!
The radio crackled into life, as the first boat called the Harbour Master to check they there was space for then.
This sparked a panic with every boat then calling in, all quoting various times/dates that they had made bookings.
The ever patient Harbour Master just calmly repeated the same thing over and over; 'don't worry, there is lots of space.'
No one was totally satisfied but we all carried on, lining up in the same way that we British do in a supermarket - no queue jumping.
Finally the lock traffic lights turned green and with relief we all entered and found a berth, as promised.
Relieved, we are all now sitting here in a beautiful harbour, but with pouring rain and strong winds.
Based on the forecast for the next few days, I am going to get to know Padstow very well I think!
The lock to Padstow did not open until 20:30, so we had plenty of time to anchor at a nearby beach and eat.
Paul has grown to really love anchoring during his week on the boat!
Before deploying the anchor, 30m of chain has to be pulled out of a narrow pipe and layed out (flaked) on deck. This has to be done neatly, to prevent the chain from snagging. It is a tedious and frustrating task, as the chain sticks in the pipe and also snakes across the deck. Once the anchor has been deployed and then raised, you have to patiently feed the chain back down the
pipe.
His 'love' of the process comes from the fact that I have asked him to flake out the chain, in preparation, a number of times, only to then pick up a buoy and render his efforts as wasted!
That said though, he is now the neatest flaker ever to set sail!
At 19:15 we set off to join the race to Padstow. This involved lots of boats, all rushing down a narrow, sand banked river towards the harbour.
Each boat had the same issue; padstow is the only safe harbour nearby to ride out the coming storm. Failing to get a mooring is not an option!
The radio crackled into life, as the first boat called the Harbour Master to check they there was space for then.
This sparked a panic with every boat then calling in, all quoting various times/dates that they had made bookings.
The ever patient Harbour Master just calmly repeated the same thing over and over; 'don't worry, there is lots of space.'
No one was totally satisfied but we all carried on, lining up in the same way that we British do in a supermarket - no queue jumping.
Finally the lock traffic lights turned green and with relief we all entered and found a berth, as promised.
Relieved, we are all now sitting here in a beautiful harbour, but with pouring rain and strong winds.
Based on the forecast for the next few days, I am going to get to know Padstow very well I think!
Thursday 23 August 2012
Week 16 - Thursday - St Ives
Had a touristy day yesterday in St Ives, guided by Laurence and Liz.
Their hospitality was fantastic, even though we had gatecrashed their holiday! From breakfast bagels, to tour guiding, to a pub lunch; they really were very kind.
Later in the day they suggested that we used their shower. We were not sure if this was out of generosity or that they felt it was a necessity!
Our two nights on the mooring were quite uncomfortable, with a constant rocking and rolling in every direction.
It is hard to sleep in this way because your body keeps rolling around.
Lying in your bunk you hear an annoying rattle each time the boat moves in a certain way. It starts and stops, you try to ignore it or hope that it goes away, but it never does. Eventually you give up and get out of bed to find and prevent it.
It's a battery rolling around a shelf; so you move it somewhere else to silence it. Snuggling back into your sleeping bag, you close your eyes.
Suddenly another noise starts. Quieter than the first (the battery racket was hiding it) but distinct enough to be annoying and prevent sleep. Up again, a coat hanger tapping the wall this time.
Back to bed again; a new noise starts. Quieter still than the coat hanger, but still annoying. Up again, this time a cup moving slightly in the cupboard.
Bed again, a new sound; this time the kettle rocking on the cooker.
............and so it goes on until you have either silenced every item on the boat or fallen asleep through exhaustion! Whoever said that sailing was fun?!
Off to Padstow today, hopefully in the safe harbour before the weather changes tonight.
Good memories of St Ives, and many thanks to Laurence, Liz and family.
Their hospitality was fantastic, even though we had gatecrashed their holiday! From breakfast bagels, to tour guiding, to a pub lunch; they really were very kind.
Later in the day they suggested that we used their shower. We were not sure if this was out of generosity or that they felt it was a necessity!
Our two nights on the mooring were quite uncomfortable, with a constant rocking and rolling in every direction.
It is hard to sleep in this way because your body keeps rolling around.
Lying in your bunk you hear an annoying rattle each time the boat moves in a certain way. It starts and stops, you try to ignore it or hope that it goes away, but it never does. Eventually you give up and get out of bed to find and prevent it.
It's a battery rolling around a shelf; so you move it somewhere else to silence it. Snuggling back into your sleeping bag, you close your eyes.
Suddenly another noise starts. Quieter than the first (the battery racket was hiding it) but distinct enough to be annoying and prevent sleep. Up again, a coat hanger tapping the wall this time.
Back to bed again; a new noise starts. Quieter still than the coat hanger, but still annoying. Up again, this time a cup moving slightly in the cupboard.
Bed again, a new sound; this time the kettle rocking on the cooker.
............and so it goes on until you have either silenced every item on the boat or fallen asleep through exhaustion! Whoever said that sailing was fun?!
Off to Padstow today, hopefully in the safe harbour before the weather changes tonight.
Good memories of St Ives, and many thanks to Laurence, Liz and family.
Wednesday 22 August 2012
Week 16 - Wednesday - St Ives
Sitting on a bench in St Ives, looking out at Crusoe Too, moored out in the harbour.
We abandoned the Scilly's due to the bad weather and decided to head here instead. The Scilly Isles will wait for a future adventure!
We had an great trip round from Penzance, the highlight for me was seeing a basking shark, feeding in the currents.
Rounding Lands End was exciting, with huge confused waves attacking us from all directions. Add to this a rain and wind squall, and we really felt that we has earned the achievement of rounding the bottom of Britain.
We met up with some friends of Paul in St Ives who showed us great hospitality at their flat here. We are meeting again today to see more of the sites of St Ives.
There is a weather lull tomorrow, so we are hoping to get to the safe harbour of Padstow, before the weather closes in again.
We abandoned the Scilly's due to the bad weather and decided to head here instead. The Scilly Isles will wait for a future adventure!
We had an great trip round from Penzance, the highlight for me was seeing a basking shark, feeding in the currents.
Rounding Lands End was exciting, with huge confused waves attacking us from all directions. Add to this a rain and wind squall, and we really felt that we has earned the achievement of rounding the bottom of Britain.
We met up with some friends of Paul in St Ives who showed us great hospitality at their flat here. We are meeting again today to see more of the sites of St Ives.
There is a weather lull tomorrow, so we are hoping to get to the safe harbour of Padstow, before the weather closes in again.
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Week 16 - Tuesday - Penzance
Yesterday we made it to Penzance after a great sail from Falmouth.
We did a fly past of St Michael's Mount on the way and took hundreds of photos, none of which are probably any good!
We had to wait outside the harbour for several hours while they towed in a huge fishing lugger and manoeuvred it onto a tight berth. It was very entertaining listening on the VHF to the slightly stressed harbour master shouting instructions to the very laid back tug skipper. The only response he ever gave to any instruction or urgent plea was 'No problem!' in a very strong Cornish accent.
Penzance is a proper fishing harbour, with lots of old boats in various states of disrepair. Boat makeovers that will never be completed!
We found a very cheap Cornish flag in a tacky tourist shop, which after some modifications using cable ties, is now being flown as a courtesy.
Just about to round Lands End.
We did a fly past of St Michael's Mount on the way and took hundreds of photos, none of which are probably any good!
We had to wait outside the harbour for several hours while they towed in a huge fishing lugger and manoeuvred it onto a tight berth. It was very entertaining listening on the VHF to the slightly stressed harbour master shouting instructions to the very laid back tug skipper. The only response he ever gave to any instruction or urgent plea was 'No problem!' in a very strong Cornish accent.
Penzance is a proper fishing harbour, with lots of old boats in various states of disrepair. Boat makeovers that will never be completed!
We found a very cheap Cornish flag in a tacky tourist shop, which after some modifications using cable ties, is now being flown as a courtesy.
Just about to round Lands End.
Monday 20 August 2012
Week 16 -Monday - Falmouth
Paul is pleased to be back onboard, returning after his stint to the Isle of Man.
He has found a few old friends in the store cupboard - for example he has just eaten some peanut butter from week 1!
Yesterday was quite exciting with the fog but after motoring for much of the way, it ended up with some great sailing.
We became involved in a chaotic race into Falmouth, as everyone returned at once from a sunny Sunday sail.
Falmouth nightlife was a refreshing antidote to the drunken chaos of our last stop. Lots of happy people wandering around, each of them making half as much noise and wearing twice as many clothes as anyone in Plymouth!
Heading towards Penzance today, but the weather is closing in and we will have to decide if we make a dash for the Scillys.
He has found a few old friends in the store cupboard - for example he has just eaten some peanut butter from week 1!
Yesterday was quite exciting with the fog but after motoring for much of the way, it ended up with some great sailing.
We became involved in a chaotic race into Falmouth, as everyone returned at once from a sunny Sunday sail.
Falmouth nightlife was a refreshing antidote to the drunken chaos of our last stop. Lots of happy people wandering around, each of them making half as much noise and wearing twice as many clothes as anyone in Plymouth!
Heading towards Penzance today, but the weather is closing in and we will have to decide if we make a dash for the Scillys.
Sunday 19 August 2012
Week 16 - Sunday - Cawsand Bay
Well we didn't get too far this morning - we are currently anchored near the entrance to Plymouth harbour!
We set off at 07:20, to proceed through the lock and out of the marina. This ended up being a race against time, as the lock keeper wanted to close the gates as part of flood prevention measures!
He urged us to use max speed - 5 knots! - to get through before the gates closed. All very exciting.
Once out of the marina we were enveloped by fog. As we could not return, the only option was to head for Cawsand bay and anchor.
The only consolation is that we have sausages in the oven.
Plymouth truly was an interesting place. The nightlife and people out on the town has to be seen to be believed! It is a wild place.
We experienced it at a little too close quarters. Three drunks sat on a bench trying to throw bread across the marina. Their aim was to hit the boat and attract seagulls - to do their worst! Not sure that I handled it very well and they did land a few on target but no damage was done.
Hopefully off to Falmouth later, if this fog ever lifts!
We set off at 07:20, to proceed through the lock and out of the marina. This ended up being a race against time, as the lock keeper wanted to close the gates as part of flood prevention measures!
He urged us to use max speed - 5 knots! - to get through before the gates closed. All very exciting.
Once out of the marina we were enveloped by fog. As we could not return, the only option was to head for Cawsand bay and anchor.
The only consolation is that we have sausages in the oven.
Plymouth truly was an interesting place. The nightlife and people out on the town has to be seen to be believed! It is a wild place.
We experienced it at a little too close quarters. Three drunks sat on a bench trying to throw bread across the marina. Their aim was to hit the boat and attract seagulls - to do their worst! Not sure that I handled it very well and they did land a few on target but no damage was done.
Hopefully off to Falmouth later, if this fog ever lifts!
Saturday 18 August 2012
Week 16 - Saturday - Plymouth
Regular Blog followers will know that one of the features of the trip has been the constant need to bail water out of the bilges.
Well yesterday we took bailing to a new level. Vanessa spent a pleasant (!) hour bailing Lea and Perrin's sauce out of the bottom of one of the cupboards!
The entire contents of a bottle had leaked, filling the cupboard and covering all of the food stored within. Lovely!
She was well rewarded though - her favourite treat of a Devonshire cream tea, sitting on Plymouth Hoe!
Paul arrives today and Vanessa heads home on the train.
We hope to get to the Scilly Isles, weather permitting.
Well yesterday we took bailing to a new level. Vanessa spent a pleasant (!) hour bailing Lea and Perrin's sauce out of the bottom of one of the cupboards!
The entire contents of a bottle had leaked, filling the cupboard and covering all of the food stored within. Lovely!
She was well rewarded though - her favourite treat of a Devonshire cream tea, sitting on Plymouth Hoe!
Paul arrives today and Vanessa heads home on the train.
We hope to get to the Scilly Isles, weather permitting.
Friday 17 August 2012
Week 15 - Friday -Exeter Services
Vanessa and I set off very early this morning back to the boat in Plymouth.
An easy journey really at 04:00....we took 3 hours to get to Exeter and a cuppa at the services.
After a brew we walked back to the hire car, only to find that the key fob did not work I tried the key itself but that did not work either.
'Typical,' I thought, as I wondered what to do next. My phone and hire car documentation were in the car!
At this point a family walked over and asked us what we were doing.
'how kind,' I thought, people coming to help.
However they did not look friendly and the penny did not drop until they asked me why we were trying to get into their car!
Whoops!
Teach me to pay more attention in the future when I hire a car!
An easy journey really at 04:00....we took 3 hours to get to Exeter and a cuppa at the services.
After a brew we walked back to the hire car, only to find that the key fob did not work I tried the key itself but that did not work either.
'Typical,' I thought, as I wondered what to do next. My phone and hire car documentation were in the car!
At this point a family walked over and asked us what we were doing.
'how kind,' I thought, people coming to help.
However they did not look friendly and the penny did not drop until they asked me why we were trying to get into their car!
Whoops!
Teach me to pay more attention in the future when I hire a car!
Thursday 16 August 2012
Week 15 - Thursday - altrincham!
What am I doing at home?
It's A level day, so I came back last night to be here for Abs's results today.
No sailing in Plymouth for the rest of the week due to the weather, so it seemed a good opportunity. We hired a car and drove back.
Both Abigail and Vanessa were shocked to see me back, as we're Barry's family to see him.
The great news is that she got the grades that she needed and has been accepted into Sheffield. Clever girl.
Vanessa and I now have to face the reality that both of our children are cleverer than us .....not sure how I feel about that!
Excitement over, I am now in the launderette trying to dry my washing, before heading back south later.
It's A level day, so I came back last night to be here for Abs's results today.
No sailing in Plymouth for the rest of the week due to the weather, so it seemed a good opportunity. We hired a car and drove back.
Both Abigail and Vanessa were shocked to see me back, as we're Barry's family to see him.
The great news is that she got the grades that she needed and has been accepted into Sheffield. Clever girl.
Vanessa and I now have to face the reality that both of our children are cleverer than us .....not sure how I feel about that!
Excitement over, I am now in the launderette trying to dry my washing, before heading back south later.
Wednesday 15 August 2012
Week 15 - Wednesday - Plymouth
We made the right decision to run for Plymouth - the weather today is foul and winds are building for gales tonight.
There are 4 marinas in Plymouth, but I think that we picked the best one. They even laid on a firework display for us!
The marina is full of boats like us; a refugee camp of sailors, hiding from the bad weather. Lots of family boats desperately wondering what to do with the kids today. No such worries here, we have lots of films on the laptop!
Barry is settling in well, and is now expert at mooring, as well excelling as ships cook!
Not sure of our plans, but hopefully we will get some day sailing in later in the week, using Plymouth as base.
There are 4 marinas in Plymouth, but I think that we picked the best one. They even laid on a firework display for us!
The marina is full of boats like us; a refugee camp of sailors, hiding from the bad weather. Lots of family boats desperately wondering what to do with the kids today. No such worries here, we have lots of films on the laptop!
Barry is settling in well, and is now expert at mooring, as well excelling as ships cook!
Not sure of our plans, but hopefully we will get some day sailing in later in the week, using Plymouth as base.
Tuesday 14 August 2012
Week 15 - Tuesday - Brixham
We are doing our Usain Bolt impression today, sprinting for Plymouth before the gales arrive tonight.
We are not quite the fastest humans on the planet, but we are doing our best at 5 knots.........although thinking about it, that it probably slower even than a marathon runner!
I was hoping to get into Dartmouth and Salcombe this week but the forecast for the next 3 days is terrible - so Plymouth it is.
Barry is looking after me
brilliantly. Yesterday he cooked the biggest breakfast that I have ever had!
We walked it off round town, then we moved from Torquay to Brixham for a change of scenery.
We arrived in the marina and chatted to an old boy there.
'How far have you come today?' he asked, hoping for an interesting tale of our journey.
He looked very disappointed when I said ' 3 miles!'
Brixham has the edge over Torquay - more atmosphere and older buildings.
Just approaching Start Point.
We are not quite the fastest humans on the planet, but we are doing our best at 5 knots.........although thinking about it, that it probably slower even than a marathon runner!
I was hoping to get into Dartmouth and Salcombe this week but the forecast for the next 3 days is terrible - so Plymouth it is.
Barry is looking after me
brilliantly. Yesterday he cooked the biggest breakfast that I have ever had!
We walked it off round town, then we moved from Torquay to Brixham for a change of scenery.
We arrived in the marina and chatted to an old boy there.
'How far have you come today?' he asked, hoping for an interesting tale of our journey.
He looked very disappointed when I said ' 3 miles!'
Brixham has the edge over Torquay - more atmosphere and older buildings.
Just approaching Start Point.
Monday 13 August 2012
Week 15 - Monday - Torquay
Well, Barry certainly had the full sailing experience yesterday.
On his first day we had strong winds, a night sail and heavy showers. Add to that an initial bit of queasiness, the joy of trying to use the heads while at 45 degrees and a 14 hour day - it was certainly a tough initiation.
However after the sun came out and he found his sea legs, he started to enjoy himself (I hope!)
The highlight for me was passing Ladram Bay, which was where we spent many great family holidays. It is here that I found my love of boats and also learned to catch/gut mackerel.
We had a sunny final run into Torquay which looked very pretty. Not so this morning, strong winds and pouring rain are hiding it's charms. Maybe a sightseeing day!
The boat has certainly been tidier since Barry joined and he has made some great meals. I am not saying that he is the cleanest shipmate but he is the only person so far who has asked for a dustpan and brush
Not sure of our plans - I would like to get to Brixham today but only if the weather improves.
On his first day we had strong winds, a night sail and heavy showers. Add to that an initial bit of queasiness, the joy of trying to use the heads while at 45 degrees and a 14 hour day - it was certainly a tough initiation.
However after the sun came out and he found his sea legs, he started to enjoy himself (I hope!)
The highlight for me was passing Ladram Bay, which was where we spent many great family holidays. It is here that I found my love of boats and also learned to catch/gut mackerel.
We had a sunny final run into Torquay which looked very pretty. Not so this morning, strong winds and pouring rain are hiding it's charms. Maybe a sightseeing day!
The boat has certainly been tidier since Barry joined and he has made some great meals. I am not saying that he is the cleanest shipmate but he is the only person so far who has asked for a dustpan and brush
Not sure of our plans - I would like to get to Brixham today but only if the weather improves.
Sunday 12 August 2012
Week 15 - Sunday - Weymouth
Early start today, after a sightseeing day in Poole yesterday.
In the morning the boys left for home and Barry arrived with the food. He brought lots of frozen stuff, having emptied his mum's freezer of anything tasty! We can now survive 40 days and 40 nights with our supplies!
Barry then showed me round his home town and we visited some of his old childhood haunts.
It was a good sociable day and rounded off by a visit from Sue Forder and Chris. It was good to see them and we managed - quite easily actually - to avoid talking work!
It did make me realise though that I am going to have to make a return to the working world soon!
04:00 start this morning to make it round the infamous Portland Race at the right time. Coming out of Poole in the dark was quite an exiting start to Barry's first trip.
Just had sausage butties and I am off for my third snooze of the morning!
After a long day - 15 hours - we will hopefully be in Torquay tonight
In the morning the boys left for home and Barry arrived with the food. He brought lots of frozen stuff, having emptied his mum's freezer of anything tasty! We can now survive 40 days and 40 nights with our supplies!
Barry then showed me round his home town and we visited some of his old childhood haunts.
It was a good sociable day and rounded off by a visit from Sue Forder and Chris. It was good to see them and we managed - quite easily actually - to avoid talking work!
It did make me realise though that I am going to have to make a return to the working world soon!
04:00 start this morning to make it round the infamous Portland Race at the right time. Coming out of Poole in the dark was quite an exiting start to Barry's first trip.
Just had sausage butties and I am off for my third snooze of the morning!
After a long day - 15 hours - we will hopefully be in Torquay tonight
Saturday 11 August 2012
Week 15 - Saturday - Poole
Had a great run to Poole yesterday after a bit of a dodgy morning.
We had an early start and I woke up to hear fog horns blasting in the Solent.
It was misty but the creek was clear, so we decided to head off; we had a tide to catch at Hurst Point.
We set off into the mist with visibility of about 1 mile. However after 30 minutes we watched a huge bank of fog start to eerily creep across the Solent towards us.
We raced it down the Solent and managed to pick up a local buoy that was empty, just as we were enveloped; phew, that was close!
The upside of this was that it gave Tony a chance to cook one of his amazing breakfasts, as we waited for the fog to clear!
The sun burnt through and we slipped our mooring. It was an easy run to Poole, with the added excitement of 4 mackerel caught on my lucky fishing line.
Barry was waiting for us on the Quay, hopped aboard and we cooked the fish. Food does not get fresher than that!
The boys are off home today, with Barry joining me for the next week.
It has certainly been a fun week and we have laughed a lot.
Steve and Tony are like a double act; part comedian, part competitive, part married couple!
One minute they are laughing at old stories, next they are arguing over the use of bomb blast doors in the Royal Building, then they are squabbling about the whereabouts of the big sharp knife!
Never a dull moment and all very entertaining.
They have been great company and I hope that they enjoyed themselves.
Weather next week looks a bit dodgy, so it will be a case of rushing across to Torquay as soon as we can.
We had an early start and I woke up to hear fog horns blasting in the Solent.
It was misty but the creek was clear, so we decided to head off; we had a tide to catch at Hurst Point.
We set off into the mist with visibility of about 1 mile. However after 30 minutes we watched a huge bank of fog start to eerily creep across the Solent towards us.
We raced it down the Solent and managed to pick up a local buoy that was empty, just as we were enveloped; phew, that was close!
The upside of this was that it gave Tony a chance to cook one of his amazing breakfasts, as we waited for the fog to clear!
The sun burnt through and we slipped our mooring. It was an easy run to Poole, with the added excitement of 4 mackerel caught on my lucky fishing line.
Barry was waiting for us on the Quay, hopped aboard and we cooked the fish. Food does not get fresher than that!
The boys are off home today, with Barry joining me for the next week.
It has certainly been a fun week and we have laughed a lot.
Steve and Tony are like a double act; part comedian, part competitive, part married couple!
One minute they are laughing at old stories, next they are arguing over the use of bomb blast doors in the Royal Building, then they are squabbling about the whereabouts of the big sharp knife!
Never a dull moment and all very entertaining.
They have been great company and I hope that they enjoyed themselves.
Weather next week looks a bit dodgy, so it will be a case of rushing across to Torquay as soon as we can.
Friday 10 August 2012
Week 14 - Friday - Newtown Creek
Yesterday was one of those great days on the water.
Leisurely start, easy fuel pontoon - no queues - hot, sunny, gentle trip down to Newtown Creek.
This is a shallow, marshy creek; very pretty and therefore popular.
As we motored through the narrow entrance, the creek was absolutely rammed full. As we passed the occupied moorings, we passed a lady on deck who hailed us and said that they were leaving. What luck.
We moored up in bright sun shine and Steve persuaded me to have a swim. He dived in but my entry was a bit pathetic - a slow climb down the ladder!
It was lovely in there - a touch of the Med but in England.
After another great meal from Tony, we pumped up the dinghy and
motored a mile up the creek to the pub.
The tide was falling and after a few pints we rushed back to the dinghy, before the creek dried.
There was just enough water to float but with the weight of 3 of us, the dinghy was scraping along the bottom.
We managed to punt along until we finally had enough water under us to use the engine.
15 minutes later and we would have been stranded on the mud, with a 2 hour wait! Perfect timing.
A good old chat and a laugh in the cockpit rounded off a great day.
Leisurely start, easy fuel pontoon - no queues - hot, sunny, gentle trip down to Newtown Creek.
This is a shallow, marshy creek; very pretty and therefore popular.
As we motored through the narrow entrance, the creek was absolutely rammed full. As we passed the occupied moorings, we passed a lady on deck who hailed us and said that they were leaving. What luck.
We moored up in bright sun shine and Steve persuaded me to have a swim. He dived in but my entry was a bit pathetic - a slow climb down the ladder!
It was lovely in there - a touch of the Med but in England.
After another great meal from Tony, we pumped up the dinghy and
motored a mile up the creek to the pub.
The tide was falling and after a few pints we rushed back to the dinghy, before the creek dried.
There was just enough water to float but with the weight of 3 of us, the dinghy was scraping along the bottom.
We managed to punt along until we finally had enough water under us to use the engine.
15 minutes later and we would have been stranded on the mud, with a 2 hour wait! Perfect timing.
A good old chat and a laugh in the cockpit rounded off a great day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)