Never a dull moment

 We left Newlyn on Tuesday at 7.00 am for a long journey to Neyland at Milford Haven.  Our first bit of excitement came as we were rounding Lands End and were effectively cut up by The Scillonian.  Even before this, the Scillonian was not my favourite boat. We took it some years ago with Ellie to St Mary’s and Roberta and I were very ill.  Anyway on this occasion The Scillonian decided that rather than leave two small yachts to port, she would come up between us, travelling at great speed.  Issie took decisive action and the upside was that the ferry passengers enjoyed the show. 

Yet again the wind was against us from the north, so we had to motor sail.  Wind aside it was an enjoyable part of our journey but as the day turned into evening, the wind picked up (still against us!) and the sea became rougher and the boat a bit more uncomfortable.  Despite the movement of the boat, the crew managed very efficiently to add 10 litres of diesel on the move, without either spilling the diesel or getting water in the fuel tank.  As the sun started to go down and it became colder Issie and I were weren’t really feeling like dinner and poor Issie’s sea sickness got worse.  She was brilliant - very stoical and just got on with it.  We took three hour watches and I think all of us were longing for the end of our watch when we could lie down in the warm.  The bucking boat didn’t worry us when we were lying flat.  I think we all slept well in three hour snatches.  

Roger and I finished our watch at 5.00 am and had the best surprise when we woke at 8.00 am to find the sea calmer, the sun shining, and best of all finding our boat surrounded by porpoises playing along side us for at least an hour.  It was so joyful. 

As the wind died down as we approached Milford Haven.  Once you reach the entrance of the river it is still another 8 miles to the marina at Neyland.  We were happy and tired to reach our berth and joy of joy, have a shower after our 36 hour journey.  The staff at the marina and the local OGA members were fantastic and we had a lovely welcome.  We had dinner at the end of the day at the local yacht club. 

This morning we had a great lie in and then Issie cooked us a wonderful breakfast of bacon and tomatoes.  Life is good.  

By late morning Issie and I went out for a run along a disused railway trail called the Brunel trail. Well, when I say we went out for a run, Issie ran and I did my usual walk run.  Issie ran backward and forwards sheep dog style and did of course run a lot further than me. We both really enjoyed it.  

Rachel and Alan are now in Milford Haven, staying in a cottage until Sunday - tonight we are all going up there for spaghetti bolognaise, after the welcome drinks reception hosted by the local OGA. The local members are working so hard to make our stay here a good one. 

Photos of the porpoises, courtesy of Ricks, the beginning of our run and Indian Runner in Neyland marina. 





Newlyn to Nayland        129 nms


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