Portpatrick - SCOTLAND !!!!

After a phone call to the Harbourmaster, 20 miles away, The bridge was raised and off I shot, at the crack of 6. Even though the open water crossing was 25 miles I could clearly see the Scottish Isles, Northern Ireland and The Isle of Man at the same time. Sailing up the coast of Galloway, I have started to realise just how remote some of these places are, when compered to the South coast. Portpatrick 'harbour' is the only place on a 40 mile coastline where  boats can take refuge in bad weather. I am pretty chuffed to have entered it at low water, through a gap in the rocks, 25 ft wide. I am also the only visiting boat here. Says it all, really. Here's a vid AND and a pic https://www.dropbox.com/s/upfwafcrbh95nr6/Video%2031-07-2013%2016%2037%2013.mov

Despite it drizzling this is a lovely little town ( och aye it is, the noo, by the way etc) and Im already ingraciated with the Landlord of The Crown. Just complimented him on serving the best plate of massive, fresh scallops wrapped in smoked bacon. So good, I nearly passed out with sheer joy. Bloody fantastic. Anyway, I kind of put that across to him and he seemed pleased. Told me about a traditional band on later. Only problem is that band includes a bagpipe player and I've never quite  'got' that, particular instrument. To be fair, it is an unusual sound. I may try and get a clip. Walked back to boat in pouring rain, to descend a vertical ladder, about 20 ft down. Trouble was that the tide had risen so all ropes were loose and boat was miles away from the wall. By the time Id worked out a cunning plan to board, I was bloody soaked. 

Before I forget, it all kicked off in Peel, last night. Massive fight near the beach. I watched the action via the safety net of a pair of binoculars. Lots of scouse female shrieking and swearing interspersed with the occasional 'it im Gary' Went in for ages. Oh, also when the motorbike bloke and his wife left, my 'new' chums (the next unlucky sods to sit next to me) were a couple from Sunderland. By that time I wanted to chat about football and launched into expressing my deep regret at not visiting St James Park when Portsmouth were in the Premiership. As the words left my lips I sensed I'd 'dropped a clanger'. Great comeback from the bloke - as he and his wife left he smiled and gently said ' don't worry about Pompey. They will be back and, one day, could even be as good as Southampton'. 

Looking forward to tomorrow as, en route to Troon, Im going to visit my first, proper, uninhibited Scottish island. It's called Ailsa Graig. I'll take some pictures. Right, time for a doze then up the ladder for the bagpipes. 

Definitely leaving tomorrow

                                                  Should have left but didn't. That's the trouble with stopping. Dunno whether its just me but thinking about shooting out to sea on your own is, usually (cough, Bristol Channel, cough), worse that doing it. I, therefore, trust that I'll be fine once I get going.......tomorrow at 6am. There, I've said it. I'm going to sail to bonny Scotland. I'm aiming for a place called Portpatrick, at the start of the, grand sounding, Firth of Clyde. Wow. This should also be my last open water trip until 'the other side' (North Sea). From Portpatrick I should be sailing really close to some amazing scenery.

Got a bit more organised today and, after fixing more things, managed lunch at 2. Nap at 3 then off to cashpoint to top up ships safe.

What a muppet - got back to boat before I realised tat the Isle of Man has its own, special money. Spent the next couple of hours 'money laundering'

Oh, and now I've discovered that the Pub has Internet he's my mini clip of nighttime Peel 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gka1jyfsl7gft6r/Video%2028-07-2013%2021%2018%2043.mov

Whilst in pub got talking to an old chap and his wife. A few pints after, and we are talking motorbikes and turns out he runs one of the Isle of Man TT teams.  He's also a mate of  Mike Grant, who will mean absolutely nothing to anyone reading this but, to me,, he was a hero as he used to do battle with the late, great, Barry Sheen, a motor racing legend from the seventies. And I was there etc.....

Well 'oiled ' and back to back to boat for meticulous preparations for 5 Am departure (assuming bloke 20 miles away answers phone and his remote switches work). Scotland, here we come. 

A 'no news' day in Peel

 

Lovely day off (from sailing), in sunny Peel and, subsequently, my daily report may not present as a thriller.  Visited launderette and got lots of help there from various folk. At one point I nipped out for some shopping only to find that someone had emptied my dryer and folded my stuff up. Actually, a bit like home. 

When I was in the Post Office , today, I noticed, momentarily, a nasty pong. In fact, it stirred memories of my recent working life ( room 5). Automatically, I attributed it to the most downcast member in the queue (as you do) and thought no more of it until .....it came again when I was in the Co Op. Later, on board, it reared its ugly head again. At this point I became confused and, more than a little anxious as I had just washed everything I owned. Well, after about an hour of desperate sniffing, that even included my phone, the answer was right there, on my bloody foot. A 'blown' rubber flip flop. A total shock. Never knew a flip flop could turn in such an ugly manner. Life's full of surprises. 

 Anyway, big news for me is that my son suddenly appears very keen to join me now he's stumbled upon the news that Im nearing Scotland. He doesn't hang about and plans to fly up on Friday. I was, initially, amazed at his keenness to 'learn the ropes' and brave the elements, just like his hero dad. Later, however, it was 'slipped in' that he would be arriving with ...... a full set of golf clubs. 

Amazing how the time goes. I'd planned a massive salad for lunch then read, maybe a cold 'Pinot'and a nap. Ended up spending the afternoon fixing a navigation light and topping up on fuel. Had lunch at 7. No Internet connection of The Isle of Man so I have been paying for extra data. This goes at an alarming rate so the the video of 'Peel by Night - The Irish way' shall have to wait. May have a shot at Portpatrick, on the west coast of Scotland tomorrow but a lot depends upon finding reliable weather forecasts as I had been relying on the Internet. If not, I'll stay an extra day.  In either case I leave before the Harbour Office opens and have been asked to ring an office, 20 miles away, who will open the bridge for me, by remote. How cools that. Oh and one other thing. Obvious really but it doesn't get dark here until 1015. Oh, and Im just having a swift half in here. 

Isle of Man

Amazed that I managed to get going today as didn't get to sleep until past one. Set off at 9, straight into the depths of The Irish Sea. Good crossing but, as always, delighted to sight land. Am also delighted that I managed to press on to Peel Harbour. Not only is it quite pretty, and situated by a castle, it happens to be on the west coast and, therefore, a great spot to blast off for either Scotland or Northern Island. Fascinating to be in a position where I have such a choice. I got to Peel 10 minutes before the lock closed (at 6) and the Harbourmaster gave me reasonably easy mooring, presumably because he was worried that, being on my own, I could cause havoc trying to park. A couple with a massive powerboat gave me a hand with ropes and, the moment all was secured (about 30 seconds)invited me for an ice cold beer and a chat. Lovely. 

Had a quick wander and quickly established that Peel is a popular holiday destination for the Irish. Lots of loud voices, a fair bit of swearing and the occasion sound of glasses getting smashed. 

Oh, forgot to say, a bloody great whale surfaced next to boat, today ! Massive black one with white nose. Think it might be a Pilot Whale. Was a bit worried when it vanished  in case it decided to mate with my keel. Really interesting that they are about. Too tired tonight so short and sweet. Night. 

I've run out of Wales

Nice scene when I popped my head out, this morning. I've really enjoyed anchoring as you get to stay in truly unique places such as this. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xcl1sqxm2c4qahf/Video%2027-07-2013%2007%2035%2053.mov

 I've just discovered that the pub (from yesterday) was voted by someone as one of the top 10 beach pubs in the world and the Best Pub in Wales !!  Commodore of Holyhead Sailing Club has just told me that ( although he has had a few) but, because of his info, I just Googled it and 

Ty Coch Inn, Porthdinllaen

www.tycoch.co.uk/

The Ty Coch Inn is arguably the best pub in Wales and OFFICIALLY in the top ten beach bars in the world... according to a recent survey 

Nipped round to Holyhead this morning. Pretty straightforward with the exception of the last 3 miles. I past a headland called North Stack. A bit playful.  I moored at Holyhead for 5 hrs before I found the motivation to row ashore then changed my mind and had a nap. I'm starting to like living aboard and every time I arrive somewhere I have developed a  routine for putting things away, cleaning and cooking. In addition to my  seeking a future income by writing a 'Top Seaside Pub Guide'  I may  also try my hand at a  ' No Fuss' cooking guide. Ive developed my breakfast to a point where Im  happy to post this photo. 

Great eh ? The reason is to do with  colour, simplicity, speed and, of course, flavour. The beans (on left) need no explanation. The pan on the right is the clever one. Start by popping some veg oil in pan. Add bacon and broken off chunks of a wholemeal bread roll. Fry to brown then chuck in 2 x eggs. if you slightly burn the  fried stuff you can flip it straight onto a plate and the pan is left spotless so no washing up. Genius. 

Anyway, got picked up by Sailing Club launch at 8 pm and had a really brilliant night watching a band in Clubhouse. Everyone so friendly and hilarious coming back in the pouring rain, people all shouting 'mines the white one' etc. A couple of 'well oiled' scousers were telling me that they were off to Ireland on Monday. They both got off the launch into a boat not much longer than them. Didn't bat an eyelid. Amazing the differences in how people perceive danger. 

I may leave at 8am, for the trip across The Irish Sea, to The Isle of Man, but given that Im writing this now, I may postpone until Monday. 

Escape from Pwllheli

Finally got on my way again and shot out of Pwllheli Marina into heavy sea and strong wind. Sailed for 3hrs in the knowledge that, if my plan didn't work, Id have to sail all the way back because there is no where else to go on this coastline. The wind blows towards this south facing shore so anchoring is too risky. There are 2 ways to get through Bardsey Sound ( the dodgy bit I need to get around). You either go at Low Water or High Water because, in both cases, the entire Irish Sea, pauses for 15 minutes before shooting north or south, through this narrow gap, with great gusto ( a lot faster than my boat can go). The basic idea is that, during this 'golden 15 mins' the sea is not like Victoria Falls. If going north, which I am, you go at Low Water then, once through 'the gap' the tide pushes you on your merry way. Because I didn't want to do this manoeuvre at night (like I would) my cunning plan meant trying my luck at High Water. Timing is everything because I could have got pushed back. I got through by the skin of my teeth, all sails up and engine about to explode. Now Im anchored in a one pub bay, hopeful of reaching the outpost of Holyhead by tomorrow afternoon.

 

  

Got here at 4pm and had a little nap before rowing ashore to see what 'people' look and sound like. It's important that I am mindful of my eventual rehabilitation back into the Guildford community. It's  also important that I practice speaking in preparation for my sons eventual arrival if / when I get to Scotland. Actually, scrub that. He'll probably feel more at ease if, in fact, I do just grunt ( joke, mate ! ). Actually, during my row ashore, my old mate Keith rang. Despite his Liverpool origins the call gave me some basic speaking practice.  It was also.however, a slightly sad reminder that 'Thursday night is pub night' and Im not at The Kings Head. Oh we'll, can't do everything. To keep the tradition going, Keith, I've found a pub !  Its on the beach and there's bloody sand everywhere. Can't stand the stuff. Has interesting name but suspect, in English, it's called The Sheep Shearer's Arms. Hope that's not racist. 

Hopefully, tomorrows edition of Stone Around the UK will be presented from Holyhead, the gateway to The Isle of Man and beyond. Here's a link of the start of today's dodgy bit. Be assured that it got A LOT worse but, having already drowned an iPhone, I'm wary of filming when the water comes over. https://www.dropbox.com/s/sloi7tgvoh7067e/Video%2026-07-2013%2013%2002%2025.mov

I am not a number ............

I am a free man !! If you are under a certain age this will mean nothing. Rest assured, however, that, one day, you will have your own versions of nostalgia. Today, I loved mine. I took a bus from here to Porthmadoc then another to Port Merion, the location for the seventies series, The Prisoner. Been meaning to go for years and, because of my current navigational predicament, I had both the time and inclination. I thought the place was stunning and, a couple of days stay at the waterfront hotel is must, if I ever get employed again. 

I managed to get a guide, all to myself, and he made the place come alive despite the fact that he looked like an undertaker. Why do they all have such big feet ? I thought the place was magical but also recognise that such a feeling is an attractive alternative to dwelling upon how the hell I'm gonna deal with The Irish Sea. 

I intended to spend today fixing things. Alexandra Louise is nearly 50yrs old and, realistically, deserves a wealthier owner. The reality is she's got me but at least she's getting a trip out ! Anyway, I'll fix things tomorrow because, today, I needed a day away. 

My 'navigational predicament' is how to get to Holyhead from here, given that there is not enough water for me to leave here at a time that gives me a fighting chance of getting to Holyhead before the tide turns and pushes me back. This problem is compounded by the fact that I need to round a  very dangerous headland at a specific time to avoid massive waves. Oh, and then there's the wind. No wonder I got on a bus. Anyway, as I write this Im hatching a cunning plan. Maybe leaving tomorrow at 11am. Destination top secret. Goodnight, from number 7. 

Pwllheli, boyo. Theres lovely, isn't it

 

Woke at 630, starving so a real toss up whether to go in search of a fry up or pull up the anchor really fast to catch the tide across Cardigan Bay. Yep, another little 'bay'. 57 miles of it, miles from land. I decided to go on the basis that I will treat myself with a couple of nights at Pwllheli Marina. The good thing about anchoring is that you can be on your way in 5 minutes and I now tidy up stuff and deflate my dinghy 'en route'. Smooth crossing but, once again, Im surprised to spend 8 hours without seeing anyone; not even another boat. 

Arrived at 4pm, looking forward to fresh water and a plug socket. The Marina also boasts a launderette. Nah. Couldn't get my boat in as not enough water. Had to anchor until bloody 8pm and watch , helplessly, as all the boats with shallower keels, nipped in, probably to nick all the best curries. 

Anyway, while waiting I listened to a local Welsh station that was reporting from The Royal Welsh farming show. Fascinating. 65000 visitors over 2 or 3 days. Amazed at the passion of the commentary for the sheep shearing contest. The shearers were  compared to athletes and it was claimed that they were fitter than marathon runners. One of the top guys whipped off a sheepskin in 14 (or 40) seconds ! Apparently the sheep do get the occasional 'nick'. 

Writing a lot today. That's because I'm still sitting here, waiting for the bloody tide. Oh, I can see the mountains of Snowdonia. I'll pop a pic on here but they look a bit grey because, in Wales, it rains. 

Can't believe I've got here, from Portsmouth. All a bit of a dream but the further I get the more I fancy my chances of getting around. Just one more offshore passage then thats it for a while; the trip to the Isle of Man. I'll think about that later. 

Anyway, finally found an Indian Restaurant. 3 independent sources were unanimous in their praise for this gaff. You can tell when people mean business because they stare you in the eyes and voices become deep and solemn .........The 'Polash'. Fantastic curry, slightly marred by the fact that I was sat facing one of those chaps that, unless you are on a death wish, you cannot afford to make eye contact with. Now I know that 'stereotyping' can be problematic but I'd prefer to rely on experience and I kept my head down. Back on boat now. Blowing a gale and raining hard but I'm happy to be tucked into a safe marina. Night all. 

Top bit of navigation and a good day 'back in the saddle'

L

Right, this was the view at my scheduled 5am departure.  Needless to say, I popped back down and went back to sleep; fog is a no go when there are rocks about. Now, as it happens, I was leaving at 5 on the advice of the locals. Everything I had read told me, however, to leave at 1pm. I left at 1pm and navigated two of the most treacherous 'sounds' in Wales. I guess the bottom line is that, with matters to do with sharp rocks and strong tides, the decision lies with the Captain ( eg me). A believe a 'sound' relates to a narrow shortcut and, In areas of big tides, the water can become extremely disturbed and dangerous as it funnels through such narrow gaps. I am really chuffed that, today, I got it right. 

Sailed from Milford to Fishguard in 6 hrs and trip included Jack and Ramsey Sounds. Wind and tide were together and this usually means flat seas. I've taken another 'high tech' clip to show this. Stick with it. I'll get better. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5xf0p0a9z9a576/Video%2023-07-2013%2018%2045%2048.mov

Turned up at Fishguard about 7.  By the time Id fixed another electrical problem and tidied up it was a rush to shore for r& r. Enjoyed a hot shower at Fishguard Sailing Club but no food for miles and local pub stopped serving. Went back to boat and had tin of steak stew, topped with jalapeños, washed down with a small whiskey. 

Old Fishguard was used for Moby Dick (with Gregory Peck). Chap in Yacht club told me that and, when I looked interested, went on to say that his grandad was the local baker who supplied the film crew with 40 loafs of bread a day to attract seagulls for some of the scenes. Village also featured in a Thomas Hardy film but too tired to remember the name. Pretty village but a shame that it has zero in the food/ pub/ Indian restaurant dept. Knackered. Night. 

The Griffin: my spiritual home

Warm pub:  So friendly. I 'happened' to pop in again today, on my day off. I enquired about a picture of a rugged looking old chap by a seat in the corner. Didn't catch his name but barmaid gazed up and said, with true reverence, diluted by the Stacy( Gavin and Stacy) accent, that was 'big bills seat' (or similar). Said if he ever found anyone in his seat he'd gently pick them up, off the ground, and thank them (really nicely) for keeping his seat warm. She said 'big Bill' had hands like shovels. Cracking black and white photo. Looks like a film star. Also met Pete, the local fisherman. Ge told me exactly what time to tackle the infamous Jack Sound ( Google if interested) tomorrow. Surprisingly he seemed more scared of the sea than me and that hasn't helped. 

Woke late today. Didn't dream, thank goodness. Today's another day. Immediately burst into action, determined to 'cram' as much in as possible. Started by hoisting my special flag - hope this doesn't make me racist. Never sure nowadays. 

Then fixed a few bits and bobs, including the outboard engine. Just as well because a very long row to village against massive tides. Couple of things I've started to notice ( as a 'man of the sea'). Firstly, my hands are cut to pieces. Secondly, apart from the occasional, sea induced, horrors this is quite relaxing. It's taken me 8 days to even consider saying that but I'm starting to see some attraction. 

It's difficult to consider a world beyond my little world. Very relaxing except yesterday when the sea nearly popped in to visit ( sorry but it was that bad I'm having trouble 'moving on' - thanks for listening!)

NEWS FLASH - My son, Sam, has finally noticed I'm missing and ...... phoned me !!!!! Didn't say much but he is14. Love you xx

Right, aside from going to the Griffin and fixing things I've spend a couple of hours going 'hi tech'. I'm gonna start putting video on blog, if this clip works.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqovwjm10xs25jj/Video%2021-07-2013%2016%2009%2023.mov

It's poor quality but bits a start and the dolphins are real. 

Hopefully leave for Fishguard at 5am, weather dependant

P

Wales

 July 21st - Very rough crossing. Very glad to be here. 

I'm sure ill have some more 'dodgy' bits but crossing the Bristol Channel was a challenge. Problem was that its 70 odd miles across and it got rough in the middle. I simply had no option other than to sit there, for hours, , looking at the carnage around me,  hoping it was all a bad dream. On top of that everything got soaked and even trying to pop down in the cabin for food or drink proved dangerous as the boat bucked and rocked so violently. A funny old sea in the Bristol Channel.

Hats off to Alexandra Louise - she's seen far worse in her time and just bashed through. It's a shame that I haven't and felt like weeping !! Anyway, onwards and upwards.   

I landed at Milford Haven, on the South West tip of Wales.

After a tidy up I rowed to this pretty village, just in time for a pub snack at 'The Griffin'. Dunno what I'm going to do to tomorrow but probably won't have anything to do with the sea. Oh, just remembered, when he seas were at their worst a couple of dolphins popped up 'for a play'. I took a short video but not top quality as my hands were shaking. Also, the ships phone has had it. Bloody great wave swamped it and now wont even turn on. Short one tonight cos I can't keep my eyes open. 

 

A day, anchored, at Padstow

P

Woke at 7am and slightly regretted not setting off on the 'big one' but probably a safe decision given that Wales is nearly 70 miles away, on the other side of the Bristol Channel. 4 gallons of diesel is hardly a comfort blanket should the winds subside 'out there'. I have never intended to sail everyday but am very aware of a low pressure system approaching.  This may provide enforced opportunity to end up sitting tight, hopefully somewhere nice. 

Lovely day relaxing and sorting out the stereo. I can now play Abba at full blast.  In The Bristol Channel....... no one can hear you SING ! ( or spot the dodgy sun bathing attire ). Rowed over to  get diesel at 4 pm. Surprisingly, the Harbourmaster gave me short thrift for 'illegal parking'. Apparently nobody anchors where I am because of the fast flowing currents. He also said Id have to pay harbour dues. presumably for mooring on his 'manor'. Against all odds he then said I should have planned my arrival to coincide with the lock gates for Padstow Harbour. I apologised for arriving  20 mins late but couldn't resist explaining that 'sailing is not an exact (flip in)science' and, given that the trip had taken all 'flip in' day and that I was 'flip in' knackered and that my world famous 'lasso technique ' had drained the last of my my 'flip in' resolve, aside from drifting across the 'flip in' Atlantic, my options were, rather limited, at the time. He came good, started smiling and asked if I was leaving early tomorrow. I said yes and he said 'no charge'.  A close call but finished all square. 

Oh, couldn't resist a snack at 'Ricks'. Just opted for his chip shop and ate on the quay. Cost £8 for Cod and chips and worth every penny. Even came with a large tub of freshly made Tartare sauce. Fab. 

Big day tomorrow. Very nervous but equally excited because I know how good it can feel to complete such a mission. Looking forward to reporting a safe arrival at South Wales, tomorrow.  

Oh, and a late pic of the day I left. 

Lands End - A scary place

I was always a bit worried about rounding Lands End because it is where ships hit rocks, seas can be massive and the wind can gather pace over  the huge granite cliffs. All can cause small sail boats to strain. Today, even with the settled weather, I experienced a hint of how foreboding this area can be. Only by being there, alone, could it sink in that, if my engine had packed up, I'd have crashed into the rocks. Was so glad to start heading north east. 

I arrived at Padstow after 5 and the Harbourmaster had gone home. Problem was that the water was all running away. Really fast. I tried to pick up a vacant mooring buoy but, having forgotten to pack a boat hook I resorted to using my world famous 'lasso' technique (I went on a sailing course, once, and it was the main thing I remembered) Anyway, 5 failed attempts were rewarded with a 'securing'   I was so elated then but the ferry boat man came over and said it was his. In the end I dropped my anchor - should be OK and guess ill know soon enough if I end up drifting to Wales in my sleep. 

This is where I parked, today.  Planned to head for Wales tomorrow  but, once again, nowhere to buy diesel. That made my decision to leave it a bit. I've just bought bacon and eggs. for tomorrow's hearty breakfast. Night  all 

Beyond the 'Lizard'

                         Thursday, July the 18th. Another long day but made Penzance !

Up at 7 and away. Could have spent a few months there but too early to give up. Must visit Cawsand again, now I'm 'retired'. Decided to make some decent progress and set a course straight for The Lizard. 

This is the most southerly point in mainland UK and, when rounded, the Atlantic seas 'kick in'. The course meant another offshore day and didn't see a sole. It was good to pass the Lizard because, in certain weather, ships sink there. Today, conditions were perfect and yet the seas were still 'playful'. As a point of interest ( to me) I've always noticed that the superhero sailors such as Sir Robin and Chay Blythe etc, use such terms as playful,  boisterous or 'interesting' to describe conditions that would reduce most most mere mortals to quivering wrecks. Rather than bullshit, today seas were similar to conditions found at Guildford Lido - flat with just the odd splash. 

By rounding the Lizard I've sailed past the magical Helford River, my really, really favourite place where I was going to spend the next 2 months if I'd had a nightmare trip to date. Penzance is now the furthest I have taken Alexandra Louise.

 'Parking' was fun, tonight. Unlike cars you can't just stop a boat and wander off for food etc. you need to locate somewhere safe from the prevailing wind and the (potentially) playful seas. I've 'parked' with a load of 'well ard' Cornish fisherman. 

Place is littered with fish heads and seagull pooh but great fun and full of charcter.  The harbourmaster is a diamond - couldn't have been more helpful. Told me that the Cornish Fisherman would 'rip the teeth from yer head', given the chance. 

From now until Padstow, I get to stay within viewing distance of shore. Tomorrow, with 'luck and a fair wind' I round Lands End. 

Whoops, I've done it again....Cawsands gonna be a tough place to leave !

                                 July 16th - Stayed put to recover from yesterday. 

Don't remember going to sleep, last night. Do remember my confusion, at 8am, when a lady with a loud, posh voice, knocked on my hull (hull) asking if anybody was in. I duly popped my head out of hatch to find I'd gone through some kind of time warp. I was surrounded by small ships from Hornblowers era. Seems I was in the middle of a film shoot and they wanted me to move. 

Aside from a bit of a hangover and being woken 'with a start' there were two 'issues'. The first involved the act of moving an anchor location that has proven to work; I hadn't  woken up on the rocks. The second 'issue' related to the totally un related fact that I was low on diesel. Old habits die hard and you can guess the rest. I moved and 5 gallons were hand delivered within the hour. 

My plan is to do another long day tomorrow. The destination is secret as I can then bottle out at will. As always, with this kind of mission, it's easier to stay put than to venture offshore. Finally unpacked everything and can see the floor. Really hot today so I rowed to the pub to sample a pint of Cornish cider, laced with some kind of sleeping potion. Nodded off for a while, looking at this view

 

Across the 'Bay'

                                                 July 16th - A fair old trip

Set off at 5. Had no idea that it actually starts getting light at 4 but now I know. Cleared 'Old Harry Rocks' and shot off under full sail ! That lasted about 10 mins as wind died and I spend the next 15hrs with a bit of engine. Sailing boats are designed to work with the wind so a tough day but I managed to get to a lovely place called Cawsand, Plymouth. Just on a 100 miles and, hand on heart, seemed every inch of it. As I started across Lyme Bay a sea mist emerged and I didn't see a sole or land until Start Point. Started to hallucinate as the sea was oily calm, like a vast desert in the clouds. 

Thought I saw a bloody camel and hoped for an oasis.  Anyway, on I went, deciding to avoid a detour into Dartmouth in favour of pushing on to anchor at Cawsand.

Arrived at 8pm. Engine wouldn't start again so spent an hour fixing a dodgy wire. Blew up dinghy for 100yd row to pub. I was starving. As I hit the beach a massive wave rocked up and tipped me out in front of the, already pissed, holiday punters. Roars of laughter along the prom but I struggled to reciprocate as jeans soaked and knackered. Waddled into pub and.......you know the rest. Food finished. Well I  kept my cool and ordered......1 x Pinot (bottle) and a large packet of Sea Salt crisps. Might have a break tomorrow. 

July 15th - Gentle start ( cont) : Studland Bay to ...... nowhere

            

So lovely here. Woke at 7 with the best of intentions but so nice, gazing up though the hatch at the blue sky. Lovely, warm breeze blowing through the boat. Meant to get going but must have nodded off ! Had a good look at the tides etc and, all things considered, have decided to try and tackle the mighty Portland Bill and pleasant sounding Lyme 'Bay' at first light tomorrow.  For anyone interested in the practicalities of sailing west, both the previous locations are, potentially, horrible. The Portland Race is a tidal 'thingy' that needs some thought. Google it !  Lyme Bay sounds quite 'sweet' but, once in it, you are obliged to sail for around 6 hrs, 20 miles offshore, before reaching Devon. I've done it before but still easier, as demonstrated, to oversleep. Spent day repairing sails and unpacking the food I'd nicked from home. Beans, soup and pasta didn't do it for me so tried to get back to the pub ( on basis that chips were ok) but outboard packed up so I ate the beans. At around 5pm a couple, anchored by me, rowed over. By an amazing coincidence they were the people I bought Alexandra Louise from, 9 yrs ago ! They just happened to anchor a 100yds from me on their way home from Spain. Andrew, if you read this, I meant to pop over for a drink but couldn't face the row. Catch up soon. 

Getting started !

               July 14th - A gentle start : Portsmouth to Studland Bay, in Dorset

Gone and done it now. Left work on Friday. Had the leaving drinks at local pub and enjoyed this occasion far more than I had expected Already I'm smiling as I remember the many work chums with whom I've shared both banter and professional practice.Thanks guys and girls (assuming anyone from my ex job is reading this)

At this moment I'm anchored, in the truly picturesque Studland Bay, having decided not to leave Portsmouth until the noon tide. Having spent the past few weeks trying to make Alexandra Louise seaworthy I have been unable to test everything. It was all a bit of a rush today but, 'go now' has been advice followed by many intrepid sailors and ill try and sort the mess out as I go. At least I've started. Sitting at a pretty pub with a sensational view, eating what can only be described as a can of dog food. Blackboard said 'hand made chilli' and a snip at£12,95. Early night. Just gotta find the boat now before it gets dark. Knackered.