A day, anchored, at Padstow

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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.