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 !!!!!!