Its 4.30am and I have just finished my watch which started at 2am – I feel as high as a kite as I have just had a beautiful sail!
I woke naturally at 1.50 and was ready to take over my watch at 2 – Chris had a brew waiting for me. I emerged into the cockpit and asked who had switched the stars on – magnificent! Could just make out a smattering of lights on the land in the far distance – the North Cornwall coast, there was no moon and the stars were brilliant! Orion’s Belt was clearly seen – only of only a few instances in my life where I have been in a position with such little light pollution to be able to see it clearly – then the moon started to rise. Fred took over the helm for a few minutes while I tried to photograph it
A new moon rising - look hard!
Not a fantastic photo – but it is a reminder for me at least! I took back the helm and gave Fred a few lessons in sailing. He made us another brew and I kept him entertained with my stories for a change…..he is an attentive listener and laughs in all the right places!
Shortly before our watch finished I thought I could hear Dolphin breaking the surface, thought I’d imagined it – but no – suddenly had several dolphin swimming along with me – I had a big beaming smile on my face – it was 3.45am, Im out at sea with a new moon shining over the water, the sails full of wind and dolphin to keep me company – the world is a very lovely place sometimes! Time for sleep before my next watch at 8am – bye!
9pm – Croseo y Gymru!
Arrived in Milford Haven – 24 hours after leaving Scilly Isles – we are all in fine fettle and have really enjoyed the sail. Moored up near Milford Haven in a place called Dale – took the tender to the shore and enjoyed the facilities at the local yacht club.
We all enjoyed the nights sailing, but there were a few interesting moments during handover of the helm and the dolphins were fooled when we managed a 360 degree turn!
Our friends – the dolphins joined us on many occasions during the journey – and I tried my best to photograph them along the way – didnt manage “the one” but at least the fact that we saw them!
As we entered Dale – I played an album called “Voices of the Valleys” – Mvanwy, Sospan Fach, Men of Harlech and the National Anthem. Fred has asked for me not to mention this fact as his friends (if he indeed has any) would not speak to him!
Photo to be inserted here when receive better internet connection so watch this space…..(dale)
Now enjoying a pint in the yacht club and losing the debate about sailing up the Welsh instead of the Irish coast!
We are heading to Ireland tomorrow so my posts might be sporadic as Vodaphone will charge me loads on my dongle to connect – so see you very soon……..
