Continuing from late, last night. My brief report was sent from the pub as we left to find the dinghy. It was a pitch black, moonless night and, predictably, the torch had a flat battery. At the end of an old stone jetty, where I had tied the dinghy, there was just a bit of sea 'where it used to be'. The dinghy had gone and, given that Holy Island is virtually shut at that time of night, a bit of a shock. Managed to find the way back to the Pub and the very helpful landlord made a few phone calls to local fisherman who might have helped out, for a substantial fee. He dscovered that the dinghy had been recovered by the local coastguard and now resided at the corner of a cold, wet and very black, beach. In the event, the coastguard took us in his car and we shot off, into the darkness, tracked by his car headlights. All a bit surreal, especially as the ghostly wails persisted (the noises are made by the local seal colony.........I hope)
Back on board it was necessary to have a small whiskey to calm the nerves and count our blessings. This moment, however, was interrupted by a mobile call from a disgruntled blog reader (Francesca) 'demanding' to know why my blog was late and rubbish. She suggested that my trip had gone downhill a bit and that it was time Keith got a 'flip in' train home. Keith looked a bit hurt on hearing this news but then shrugged his shoulders and got tucked into a second whiskey, before nodding off.
Today's sail started at the crack of 6am and this was the view as I started to take up the anchor. Apologies for a lot of 'sun' pics but this place, I think, warrants such.
I, finally, got the tide right and, by 8, we passed the Farne Islands. Lots of wind and calm sea so a fast and enjoyable sail. About time the North Sea gave me a break. Oh, and no fog. Dunno what's going on. Trip culminated in docking at Blythe, just short of Newcastle. Very industrial but, the jewel in the crown, is the Sailing Club Lightship
In The Lightship - Newcastle banter and humour is priceless. To hear 7 blokes, in the best pub ever( the bow an old Calshot lightship) about the merits of Martins Pies ; like talking about holy relics. Crying with laugher. Just pies but the funniest time ! Also, the Newcastle delivery and timing of the word 'bastard' is remarkable.
I now want to move to Newcastle ( assuming I have such fun at the footie on Saturday)
And please, please listen to this. The barman sang us a song and I promise t was him.
Night all
1 comment:
Hi Alan
See you have nearly reached Newcastle- how long will you be staying for? We met you in Portpatrick and had a laugh at the Bagpipes Night. Could maybe meet up for a pint or two
Dave and Dawn
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