Big Al's last blog (maybe)

Saturday.  I dont actually remember going to bed last night but am told I was spark out at 930. Best sleep ever but woke up for the Shipping Forecast, at the crack of 5.55 this morning, with no assistance from clocks, watches or alarms. 

Trip from Brighton started with me standing on the pontoon (at 5.55) considering the revised weather forecast. Not good. Even the last leg was 'playing up'. Was seconds from aborting then put my fingers in my ears, started engine, untied ropes and shot out into the twilight waves of Brighton. I set the autohelm for 'home' ( rough direction) then layed down behind the sprayhood and ......ate an apple. 

4 hrs later I spotted what turned out to be The Isle of Wight. This was, yet another, emotional moment ( a very good one) ; the first land I had recognised for couple of months. I was also delighted that the force 7, as advertised, had failed to turn up, especially as, for once, I could have nipped into a close by harbour (Chichester) if it had got too rough. 

Anchored off Hayling Island for half an hour to knock up a quick Viking and allow time for Francesca to arrange a 'truly amazing'reception crowd at Portsmouth harbour. This short break also allowed me to pack a bag and give my mum a chance to put the finishing touches to her 'banner'. 

It was a lovely moment, entering Portsmouth Harbour entrance. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e5c60sz89kj6ofz/Video%2013-09-2013%2015%2000%2020.mov

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ihy1mpbi54wgkq0/Video%2013-09-2013%2015%2003%2024.mov

Not a blubbering moment, as I had dreamt. Just lovely. Mellow etc. Guess I'd worked through the emotional stuff already. Great to get a wave from a good chum (and a few, press-ganged, strangers) on the castle at entrance. Thanks for the photos. 

Next, the comedy club. The welcome committee was like something off of Fools and Horses. As I neared the Gosport shore Francesca, Sam and my mum turned up in dribs and drabs, in ' their own time'. Apparently they had trouble parking then didnt have change for a ticket. Francesca appeared first, waving furiously whilst trying to explain to my, partially, deaf mum that I was here. There was lots of pointing and 'ear cupping' and 'pardon's?' going on. Finally, Sam came bounding up from the horizon. Apparently, he'd gone get change for the parking ticket. After several minutes they finally focused upon the arrival of an intrepid explorer and waved the 'banner' like nutters; and that was it. Priceless and made me laugh so much ! 

Despite my 'lack lustre' reception at Portsmouth, Francesca managed to coordinate a 'surprise' event at my local, The Seahorse. Really great to see some friends and a great turn out considering the uncertainty of my arrival time. It was lovely, starting to recall some of my experiences and interesting to hear how popular my blog was with them. Strange for me as it was written kind of 'in isolation' so difficult to imagine others 'following' it. It made me really, really proud of my blog when my chums were able to recall there favourite bits ! Thanks, guys and apologies for my unkempt and totally knackered appearance. I'd just got back 20 mins earlier. 

Now for a slightly more serious bit and, for anyone who has followed my adventure, I would hope, an interesting bit. I shall adopt a classic Q & A approach :

Did I 'enjoy' it  ? - sorry, can't answer that with a simple yes or no. Clearly, I have struggled to get Alexandra Louise and myself home, ever since popping out into The North Sea, by the distant colony of Inverness. I cannot say that I have enjoyed this in the traditional sense of constantly laughing and nodding off to sleep with a smile on my face, relishing the mornings. I can say, however, that the challenge has been amazing. Forcing myself through my own fears, complex navigation, trying to work out the next moves, combating fatigue and keeping Alexandra Louise and her ageing mechanics 'on the road'; all have tested me and the immense feeling of pride I have is enjoyable. I have also had some fantastically enjoyable experiences. In summary, I can recall bad bits, exciting bits and good bits. I cannot recall a single boring bit or a lonely bit. 

OK, smart arse, what bits didn't you enjoy ? 

1. Leaving Portsmouth on the 14th July.  Just after waving bye and turning right, at the harbour entrance, I was in a right state. The boat wasn't really ready. The sail needed fixing, there were bags everywhere and, heres the biggy, I was thinking 'what have done'. Horrible feeling. 

2. The pressure of having to sail almost every day, from Inverness, in order to get back before Autumn weather. 

3. Being a bit scared, sometimes, for many hours. (Bristol Channel and fog trip to Eyemouth. Oh, and leaving Wells)

4 Missing home. 

5. The last few days because I knew I had no real option but to get up at 5am and sail. You dont sleep that well. Giving up would have been ridiculous so the pressure was high. 

And the exciting bits ?

1. The departure from Portpatrick and the following fast sail to Troon

2. Arrival at Eyemouth Harbour entrance in thick fog

3. Rounding Lands End

4 Crossing The Humber Estuary shipping lanes at night

5. Getting hit by a squall near Inverness

What bits were good ?

1. Anchored in glorious sunshine at Cawsand, Plymouth. 

2. Reaching Scotland

3.  Meeting other 'intrepid explorers' (Steve, Tony, John, Sam, Rich, Hero and, of course, the Newcastle gang and all 7 Scottish Harbour Masters that were called Jim)  plus many, many other lovely folk who appeared interested in my efforts. Thanks to all x

4. Rounding North Foreland, into the English Channel after crossing the Thames Estuary. 

5. Takeaway curry at Inverness. 

6.  Having nothing other than the weather to think about. 

7.  Anchoring by The Ty Coch Inn , Porthdinllean, Wales. 

8.  Arriving at Eyemouth in thick fog ( arriving !!)

9. Sailing down the centre of Loch Ness at 9 knts

10. Climbing Goatfell (Arron, with Sam)

11. Sunset at Holy Island

12. Getting to visit some amazing places, by sea

13. Actually, there are thousands !!  I'll conclude with ..... The feeling I now have. Whilst not everyone's cup of tea I know I have done something a 'bit tricky'. It feels good .....

As final comments I would like to thank all concerned for various encouraging texts and Emails. They have really helped. Also I have enjoyed keeping a blog and appreciate that some people have shown interest in my travels. From my perspective I have loved the daily ritual of recording, and sharing, a few bits and bobs. It has also insured that I have a brief record to go with this lovely map that has been created by mission control. The little white stickers are very 'concise' and include detail such as 'crying again' and 'saw whale'. Priceless. 

Just for me, I would love to know who some of my 'regulars' were so please, if you can,  spare a moment to say hi / bye etc to my personal Email - pompeystone@gmail.com.  Also, if anyone is interested in either buying a boat or employing me I can assist and am available the moment I manage to sort my hair out. Just found a fitting, final clip of our singing barman finishing for the night .....

https://www.dropbox.com/s/q716fweh8abwfiv/Video%2029-08-2013%2022%2002%2016.mov

Straight back into a classic Saturday. Sam and I 'nipped' up to Burton on Trent to see the mighty Pompey get their first away win of the season. Yes !!!!!!

The finish !

Back. Landed at 4pm. All fine. Blog to follow tomorrow.  Really happy. Big sleep first. X

Brighton

Yep. Brighton. Massive day. Up at 530 and made myself leave at 6. Just getting light. Scared, as usual but, as the sun came up and the sea stayed reasonably calm, I got in the swing of it. Passing the busy entrance to Dover kept my full attention 

Rubbish photo and have taken video clip but can't get wi fi in Witherspoons ( Dover) without filling in endless electronic forms that gather tons of info that is then used to try and flog you stuff for ever. That's why it's just the pic. 

Later, passed close to Beachy Head and these cliffs look mighty high from sea level. 

Final marina of the trip, maybe, is Brighton and it was also, potentially, the most expensive marina in the world. When the chap told me how much I was stunned. Fortunately, I regained some composure and, of course, 'talked' the 'man' into a half price deal. Quite tough work though. I nearly had to resort to plan d ( 'I don't care, chum. Thats a ridiculous price and Im not paying it') It was that expensive. 

So tired tonight hence short report.  Am up again at 5 am and , with luck, will finish tomorrow but, as always, depends on weather and my resolve. All a bit strange. So looking forward to kip. I will, of course, provide a well crafted ’ending' to my blog, in due course. I just need to gather my thoughts and keep my eyes one long enough ! 

Reach for the Sky

Another day of strong winds and here's the evidence in case I get accused of slowing down to avoid coming home to financial ruin and calls to sell the boat. 

On a related note .... There's a famous  nautical saying, 'Men and Ships Rot in Port'.  The ship bit is obvious : use it or lose it. The 'men' bit (apart from being open to accusations of being 'sexist') is far more complex. In 'the olden days' the sailors used to hit the booze and become troublesome. Heaven forbid. But there's a more, deeply psychological phenomenon amongst single handed, intrepid explorers. I've alluded to this in earlier reports and today, yet again, another solo sailor confirmed my view that, if you stay in port too long, it's possible to lose your bottle. Despite making it this far, I am suffering this particular malaise, as I write. Ridiculous to get 'stage fright' after 9 weeks, but true and just one of the many things that have made this trip unforgettable. (Good to meet you, Sam - in the Round Britain gang - thanks for your humour and honesty)

Anyway, today I bought another load of diesel with the dregs of my redundancy loot and made a rough plan to leave at 6am in the morning. I then had a leisurely breakfast, ' Viking 'style (an interesting combination - to be honest it was not brilliant) then decided to visit the aircraft museums at RAF Manston. Started with the Spitfire exhibition, which was free.  

The adjacent aircraft museum was £1.50  Great fun if you like planes. 

Spent a couple of hours walking back to Ramsgate because the Purple Bus (no 38) only runs every 2 hrs. Got cut to shreds taking a 'short cut' as per iPhone walking app. Then ended up on motorway hard shoulder then on muddy bank then back through some more bushes then back to a main rd, 2 mins from Harbour and, then, the Purple 'flip in ' bus came  past. Would have cost 80p. 

Ended day with lovely chat and beer with John (chap who fixed my generator who I thought was Steve) and final ( I hope) visit to Yacht Club. 

Apologies for the planes and museums but Im just trying to take my mind off not making a pigs ear of the last 130 miles !  Night 

In the footsteps of Turner and Dickens.

Up at the crack of 10am. Weather howling so a day off was fair enough. Pocked my head out to check the score and chap, on a boat next door, hailed, 'please don't be offended but your wind generator blades are back to front. I'm surprised you get any power at all'. I didnt get offended and listened.& My first thought was that I had, personally, spent several evenings rebuilding the said generator and was very proud of the fact that Id 'done it myself'. I guess the next thing that crossed my mind was that, if he was correct, my generator had not been working for 7 years. My latest 'best mate', Steve, had just sailed from Spain and offered to fix the problem straight away. Within 20 mins he'd changed all of the blades around. He even produced a ladder to climb up to it. Immediately, Alexandra Louise 'sprang to life' with power running through her veins. The lights were brighter and the fridge started working. 

On to the cultural bit. I googled the area and decided on a bus trip to Margate to visit the Turner Gallery. I also decided that I could then walk the Turner and Dickens Trail to Broadstairs, culminating in a visit to The Dickens House. Importantly, I chose the wind direction to save what's left of my hair; prevailing winds from behind. All went to plan and, whilst not particularly knowledgeable about art, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was surprised at how long I spent there. Amazing how artists can specialise in certain areas and the stuff really is Interesting. The theme was :

I would thoroughly recommend a visit. You don't need to be an art expert. It's fascinating. 

Next I walked to Broadstairs  on the Turner Dickens way. Rocked up, in pouring rain, at Dickens House, and it was just shutting. Chap at door said they were closed but, as it was 1649 ( closes at 1700) but I went in anyway and had a quick look. Got 'loop bus' back. £3 for a days pass. Fantastic  value and buses arrive every 7 minutes. Brilliant but they have taken it too far by including a timetable (they come every 7 mins ). The timetable takes up the bulk of the bus shelter. . 

H

Howling 30 kits  here tonight.  Maybe leave at 5an onThursday.  Night  

Back in The English Channel !

Yep. Landed at rainy Ramsgate, by the skin of my teeth. I arrived at 1pm and, by 2pm it was blowing 34knts and pouring down. I'd made the decision to leave Harwich at 6am on the basis that the forecast of force 8, issued at 5am, said the word 'later'. Now 'later' in nautical speak means 'over12hrs' from the forecast time. With more bad weather forecast I wanted to get to The Engish Channel before, possibly, sitting sight. Them bods at the Met Office could have killed me. 

'Interesting' ( Sir Robin speak) through the complex waters of the Thames Estuary. Hundreds of massive wind farms, huge sandbanks and monster cargo ships.....and me. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0957r6tjdhhc314/Video%2009-09-2013%2008%2051%2055.mov

A busy morning. If interested, the grey circles and line are (roughly) my route. A lot of places to run aground in the Thames approaches. 

As I reached land, Margate (I think) then rounded the corner to Ramsgate, I immediately realised that I was back in The English Channel and would be heading West for the remainder of this trip. I have to say that I was a 'bit emotional' and, feelings like that have, I hope, made this trip worthwhile ( eg ' 'signing on', next week, might not feel so bad )  To keep this simple I felt really proud of myself. I must be careful because I am not back yet and have a few tough days ahead. 

After a desperate bit of parking, due to problems with the rising wind, I had a shower, popped the heater and radio on, then got cooking. Absolutely pouring down outside but cosy in here. Alan's 'Dish of the day' is perfect for tired people who couldn't be bothered to get wet ( going to chippy) and are happy using up the rubbish left in the cupboards. 

Ingredients - 1  x freshly baked baguette ( part cooked - I finished it - from Happy Shopper)

                     2 fried eggs

                     1 fried tomato ( found rolling around under the sink)

                      2 x tablespoon jalapeño peppers

                      Chilli pesto sauce

                      Stuffed pasta

                      Lashings of Lurpac butter

                      1 x can of Fosters ( optional)

Lets call this 'The Viking Lunch', to continue an earlier theme. 

Ramsgate looks quite pretty. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ftjmyt52mbagp5v/Video%2009-09-2013%2019%2018%2032.mov

Lots of old buildings and 'boaty' pubs. I popped in one called The Artillery. Apparently it dates from the days of Nelson. This window must be worth a few bob. 

Today's proceedings have ended in the Royal Temple Yacht Club, another classic old building, overlooking the marina. I was, of course, asked to fill in the Visitors book and have, with great pride, written my yachts name, Alexandra Louise.

If I stay tomorrow Ill check out the bus tours. Night all. 

I think Im in Essex

Amazing how 40 miles south, by boat, puts you in a place where people have totally different accents. I've turned up at a pier in Harwich and everybody is talking like Stacy Soloman ( X Factor lady with the teeth). Even the blokes sound like her, although with deeper voices. Probably better I keep quite about that one  

Set off at 6am and an un eventful, fast trip, with the tide. I can tell Autumn is coming; a nip in the air and cold winds. This spooky looking cloud didn't come my way but...... 

may be something to do with the Sizewell Nuclear Plant I got chased away from. I wondered what the big red ring was on the map. I think the people on the speed boat, with their flashing lights and sirens, thought I could have taken them more seriously, as I tried to get a decent pic on my ipad. 

 Im trying hard to get home now as I've just realised that, today, young Sam kicks off the new football season. I'm so sad not to be there and am determined to get back as soon as possible now but the weather is a bit 'all over the place'. The cold wind and sun low in the sky is also not good for morale. I have learnt the value of warm sun and blue skies on this trip. It's a massive tonic ;  Priceless and free. 

Am moored up at the Town Pier. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hfjmbwgi8hxoyhw/Video%2008-09-2013%2018%2047%2048.mov

A bit fiddly getting in but it's a good launch point for a possible assault on the mighty Thames Estuary, at first light (weather, as always, permitting). Once again, another long trip with no other ports of safety, should the weather play up. This just doesn't happen in The Solent : there is always somewhere to stop within half an hour or so. 

Decided to go to the pub (yep, me) and have found a proper locals haunt. All so friendly. As long as I resist the urge to mention the singer with the teeth, I may get back Ok. Oh, and Alexandra Louise 'of Ipswich' is nearly back in her home port, despite living with me at Portsmouth. No hero status for me around here as people think I've sailed 4 miles. 

Stop press - Sams team won !