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 ! 

A windy day 'at ease'

As predicted, by the weather people, the wind is howling, directly from the south. 

 Even in a marina, as posh as this one, the boats are leaping up and down and the constant creaking of rope is annoying, to say the least. The seas are breaking heavily over the local sandbanks so I'm tending to look the other way.  Spent the morning fixing things then popped into the yacht club to explore and take some pictures. I could happily spend a weeks holiday staying here. Its such a lovely building and such a lovely place to relax. To give an idea of how 'complete' the place is let me start with this...

Is this the poshest men's toilet ever ? A truly mind blowing experience. When confronted by this I was tempted to pop outside and find a bush........out of sheer reverence. Apparently this copper thing is part of the original 1880 building and is listed. Im afraid I have nothing much else to report, other than the fact that I want to get home soon, If more bad weather is to halt my progress I hope it happens a bit nearer Portsmouth ( eg Brighton ! ) Anyway,  I've taken the liberty of including another pic of the loo and the bar. 

This afternoon, I enjoyed another glass of wine in the yachtclub before listening to football on the radio. The mighty Pompey' were performing again. Clearly, they were desperately unlucky and the ref was dreadful. Moving on.... I then spent half an hour planning tomorrow's trip to an anchorage in the 'Blackwaters' near Harwich. The significant point with this is that it was just half an hour. Before this trip began, I would have spent days planning such a trip because there are hazards everywhere.  Now, I just do it. This is a snippet of yesterday's approach chart

In the  red bit there were about 50 wind turbines ready to chop up anything that happened their way. The reality of this bit was that I followed a fishing boat. I figured he knew what he was doing. 

1030 now and the wind appears to be dying down so, hopefully, I'll cast off at 7am. Night 

Lowestoft !!!! Yes yes yes !!!!

P

As you may see,by the title, Im chuffed to bits. I might even sleep tonight because getting across this bit of the UK has been a 'bit tricky' (to use another of Sir Robins terms). Breaking the trip, by stopping at Wells, meant that I had to leave at high tide. Without going into'the mysteries of the deep' this meant that a very strong tide was against me for 7 of my 10 , sailing hours. In short, it was a mission, especially. after areasonably dramatic start. 

 At 7 am this morning a couple of chaps from Wells Harbour Office led me most of the way, back out to sea. The narrow channel is over a mile long and leads straight out to terminate at a pole, planted in the North Sea. Once as the end I was on my own and turning back would have been very difficult because the shallow harbour would be starting to empty, again. Also, once out, Lowestoft was the nearest safe harbour, 54 miles away, so another 'leap of faith' required. On the way I though I noticed some flashes of white, breaking sea, in the distance. I started to 'smell a rat' when I overhead the chap leading me out, talking to his boss on the radio. His boss said ' I reckon he might come straight back'.  I then overheard the chap leading me say, 'I haven't mentioned anything to him. It's his decision'. Now, call me paranoid but ....when I, finally reached the sea the waves were horrendous; I didn't turn back, partly, to spite them and mainly because I want to come home. As it turned out, the huge waves only lasted a short while and were caused by deep water meeting the shallow entrance channel. Unfortunately, the severe jarring made my autohelm break so I had to hand steer for a couple of hours and, of course, this stops me doing anything else at all. After a fair bit of thinking things through I managed to 'fix' it with standard yacht equipment ( gaffer tape). 

I think this is a place called Cromer but navigation is not ( on my boat) an exact science. 

Long day but so relieved to get here. I can now go with he tides again and will, with luck and a fair wind, make Ramsgate in two legs. Probably not tomorrow (Saturday) as strong headwinds forecast. Have moored at The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club. The is, by far, the poshest place I've stopped at. 

The 'clubhouse' is like a 5 star country house hotel. They even have a members bar and a visitors bar.Apparently, you are discretely asked to 'sling your hook' if you get the bars mixed up.  Shortly before calling it a day, after watching the England game at a local pub,  I managed to infiltrate the inner sanctum and strike up a conversation with them without getting evicted. They asked me where I was heading and where I had started from. I say, Portsmouth and the Portsmouth.  As ' the penny drops' ( 'what...you've gone right round?') I do admit to starting to feel a little proud. I might try and smuggle a camera in later (Saturday evening). 

And finally, a thanks to a couple of chums, one old and one new, who sent me messages 'en route' today. Helpful and encouraging comments could not, I promise you, have come at a better time.  Night ( Sat morning cos fell asleep). 

Wells-next-the-sea

To continue from the Humber ....  up at 5 to tentatively peer out of my 'bedroom' hatch to check upon my whereabouts. Was it all a dream ? Probably not because, with a little dawn light, it became obvious why I couldn't see much on arrival. The Humber entrance is miles and miles wide and I was about a mile out from a flat shoreline; thankfully clear of the shipping lanes. The 'controller' was obviously correct and real. 

Shot out across The Wash and spent 8 hrs with not a thing to look at. I could hear the  RAF were busy practising dropping bombs and stuff in the Humber Practise Ranges so I needed to avoid that. If anyone reading this is a Syrian spy then, I guess, I may have given the game away. At some point it dawned on me that, to push on, against wind and tide, for several more hours, would not be clever. The waves were building and, crucially, as I was using the engine more than planned, wouldn't  have enough fuel to reach Lowestoft. I'd used up reserves yesterday and was extremely unlucky with the wind direction. I ended up diverting to Wells, the one place that most yachtsman avoid as a stop off. It is extremely shallow and can only be entered at certain times. The Harbour launch actually guides you in. Amazing what you do when you want to get off a boat. As luck would have it the place, in this weather at least, is stunning. Despite being keen to get on, I decided to take a day off. Hopefully, a good call. Now for the really good bit. I'm moored next to a classic Dutch sailing barge. She is 'The Albatros' and , apart from being a classic vessel she turned out to be 'a little bit more'

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ypqw2q9txhl5nni/Video%2005-09-2013%2013%2001%2020.mov

Her owner is something else ! Fabulous Dutchman called Tom. A right character and really  friendly and helpful. The pub is really popular for food and has live bands, 3 nights a week, down in the hold. Also does B & B ! 

 Folk band tomorrow so if weather closes in...........

A relaxing, lovely day and Im pleased to have crossed The Wash to Norfolk. This '7 in morning' clip was today when I moved from the commercial dock (last night) to the town (with a lovely name)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yntaepywlevoh99/Video%2005-09-2013%2007%2020%2009.mov

Hopefully off in the morning (Friday!)

Phew. That was straightforward.

I think that one of the fundamental things on this, particular mission, is the sheer variety of things that can trip you up. Situations change, things break, the weather changes etc etc And then there are silly things that can develop into 'not silly' things, in a flash. There. That's the intro .....

Yesterday morning I left Scarborough at 8 am, bound for the Humber. At 815 I was out in the bay, putting fenders away an coiling ropes 'en route' , as I do. I did notice that my favourite rope had 'done a runner' and, as per standard procedure, I quickly stopped the engine in case it was wrapping around my propeller  Having done this, however, I wasn't sure what was next, short f getting he bus home. I decided to restart the engine and take a chance. Within about 3 milliseconds the gearbox shuddered

and all was silent. My day was looking dodgy but, if you think that's it .....

A passing solo yachtsman came to my aid and offered a tow the 300 odd yards back to the marina. I accepted but it was always going to be a gamble because the tide was going out. Ill just put a picture on. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2vwhc4m0q5vp8us/Video%2003-09-2013%2010%2009%2020.mov

Without another yacht, strapped heavily, to the side, like a massive float , it could have been game over. This is because Alexandra Louise may have flooded before gaining enough buoyancy to lift. As the tide went down there was plenty ok creaking ropes, as taught as iron bars. The good news was that I got to remove the rope from the prop without getting wet. I gave the glum looking diver that I organised on the way in, £20 for turning up. Sorry Kevin. 

And I got to meet Steve and experience his Saxon Breakfast. I think the unique feature is top right.

The moment we knew that the boat was saved he suggested this and knocked it up. All a bit surreal, looking back. 

But there's more. I ended up re floating 5 hrs after my planned departure. This meant that I ended up crossing the Humber shipping lanes at 10 pm. The Humber has a kind of air traffic control for boats because it is so busy. They had me on radar and, literally talked me across the lanes saying things like 'head south NOW' and ' stop at buoy XVC NOW'. It was one of the most exciting and, a bit like earlier, surreal experiences. The controller finished with ' sir, you are clear of Humber VTS. Good evening'. I then motored at full throttle against a strong outgoing tide, for hours, then dropped anchor where Steve had, earlier, suggested. Couldn't see a thing. All done on trust. Fell asleep and, if the boat had drifted off, I was past caring. 

Today ( to follow) I ran short of diesel and had to detour. This was because I had to motor so hard at Humber because Id arrived later than planned. This was because I ran aground because I was towed back with a rope around my prop. All because, when I threw it onboard, a little bit dangled in the water. As I said earlier, never sure what's coming next. 

Only saving grace re my seamanship was that the sandbank I hit was recently 'a hit' with others ! 

http://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/local/lifeboats-called-out-as-coronia-runs-aground-1-5986078

No blog day but Im still about.

11pm and I've just dropped anchor somewhere in the inky black Humber estuary. Lots of stories today but just too tired and may not get a chance in the morning.   Will do a 'double spread' later to include getting a rope around my prop and running aground with alarming results ! 

Scarborough

Couldn't leave Whitby until a swing bridge opened at 1.30 so spent morning having another look for Drac. The only thing Whitby has about him is the Dracula Experience. Only £3 but when I went the door was locked. I knocked and a bald bloke with a roll up stuck his head out of a window and said that The Count had popped out for a sandwich. I didn't bother, especially after seeing comments on trip advisor. How rubbish is that. 

Anyway, as mentioned yesterday, the Abbey was a bit spooky so thats something. 

Another fast and furious sail today although only to Scarborough.

 Really windy and, whist the speed is good, very strong gusts make it exhausting work on your own. Also, if things go wrong they go wrong fast so a 'tad' stressful. Tomorrow the winds are forecast for a more manageable  force 4 and this should mean I get to Grimsby. I need to leave at 7 in morning. 

Scarborough, as approached from sea, looks a proper seaside resort. It's even overlooked by castle. This short clip gives the gist (and the wind)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/q6f0jej7q19hgzd/Video%2002-09-2013%2016%2011%2014.mov

 It doesn't include what's left of the holiday makers laughing at the state of my hair as I 'landed'. I feel a beanie coming on. 

Ive popped ashore, up the pontoon ramp, to enjoy a chilled Pinot in a seafront bar. Its pretty good but  my mind is focused firmly upon the next few days. Boat is stocked with 'pie, wine and diesel'. Kind of make or break for me because its time I saw the end in sight. Hopefully I can make good progress before the next bout of high winds. The holiday towns are starting to look a bit threadbare as the kids return to school. Also, on a trip such as this, it is evident that days are getting shorter and nights are getting chilly ( except, of course, in bloody Guildford). Actually, as I write this, The Richard The Third wine bar has just called last orders.......... at 9pm. Game over. Time to get south !  Night. 

The Count and I

B

Like another, famous (infamous) 'chap on a boat' I have found myself in Whitby, due to the weather. 

Maybe, I should not have left port, today, but I am driven by a possible day of good weather, forecast for Wednesday. I want to be in a position to blast off from an anchorage near Grimsby and head for Lowestoft. This is an 18 hr trip so Id like the water 'flat'. Anyway, before leaving Hartlepool, a couple of issues reared their ugly heads. First this ....

To summarise this, the '8' is not good but I ignored it. Sometimes, in life, you pop your fingers in your ears. For a variety of reasons. The second issue was that, just before I was due to enter a lock to depart the Marina, I picked up on a faint 'jingling' in the engine dept. Turned out that a big bit was about to fall off. I managed to fix (bodge) it but lots of work. Finally left and found myself 'in' a yacht race. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/eyi5c7a72ln742b/Video%2001-09-2013%2011%2024%2009.mov

Dunno what they thought of me, as they were all fully crewed boats, but I got past some of them. It then got too windy and I spent a few hours planning how I was going to stop the boat; I was going faster and faster. At one point it gusted 37 knots. That's a fair bit. 

Fast forward - decided I wanted to get off the boat so passing Whitby wasn't an option.  Another narrow entrance and, once again, the sudden contrast with being somewhere a 'tad alarming' to flat calm seaside resort with hundreds of people lining the harbour, eating, drinking and pointing, probably all wondering what happened to my hair. 

I went in search of 'old toothy', starting with the 199 steps ( Google Dracula for specifics) to the Church. That was OK but no mention of Drac. I then continued to the Abbey ruins. Undeniably spooky but didn't justify 6 quid entrance fee plus a  5 quid guidebook that didn't mention Bram and his toothy mate, once. Instead, the whole thing focused on .........the  'Chomley family'. Yeah, the Chomley family. 

What on earth have they got to do with the Count ? Rip off. 

Trying for Scarborough tomorrow. Only force 7. I feel a pint coming on.