Good morning everyone! My alarm sounded at 5.50, I scrambled out of bed, quickly dressed, popped the kettle on, set the porridge on to simmer (it had been soaking in milk all night – thanks for that hint Tank!) then went to wake the boys. I gave each door a sharp knock, taking my lead from Chris yesterday – and each answered after just one knock! My first move as “Skipper of the Day”!
They seemed grateful for the hot tea, but there was a mixed response to the steaming bowl of porridge which was placed in front of them. I added a sprinkling of sultanas for flavour and although Chris called them “foreign things” he managed to eat every bit. You will be grateful to know that I didnt photograph this particular meal! Lets call this “Beckett’s Eyeoateymouth”!
During breakfast I gave the briefing, which, if you know me or are a regular reader of this blog, wasnt too brief! It even included the lunch which I had already prepared for them – home made chicken soup and crusty bread – a most important part of passage planning I think is ensuring everyone is well fed, look after peoples bellies and they are generally happier folk!
Once that was completed, we prepared the boat to leave. We tip toed around trying not to wake the guys on the working boat next to us, but their heads popped up just before we left wishing us a good trip! Yet more friendly people we have met on our travels!
I was very grateful today for much better weather conditions as we headed out of Eyemouth to Blyth, I had sufficient challenges today – as I had planned for us to stop for lunch in the Farne Islands, as I had always wanted to see Holy Island (Lindisfarne). This meant an extra pilotage, an anchorage, and pilotage through islands as well as a long trip.
My preparation payed off as I brought the boat out of the harbour, and down the coast to The Farne Islands.
We were all very impressed with the coastline as we moved from Scotland into England, and all agreed we would like to explore this area further – it seems to be the forgotten part of the coastline.
The Farne Islands came into view, and I learned another lesson (for every day is a school day isnt it!) I became convinced that Lindisfarne was in the distance, but all the signs told me different, it was blatantly obvious, but you get an idea in your head and there it sticks! Then I realised I needed to check it on the chart and make certain where I was. I realised that we were already alongside our destination, and, giving myself an inward slap, I gentle maneouvered the boat to an anchorage into Lindisfarne.
The air was still, the sky was blue, it was warm and I ALMOST put my bikini on! We all felt like we were in heaven, the weather was beautiful, seals were popping up all over the place, we had fabulous views and we were on a great boat – life doesn’t get much better than this!
(Photos to be included here)
We felt we wanted to stay here for the night, none of us wanted to leave – but we reluctantly raised the anchor, and we made our way out through the Farne Islands. I was very taken with this area.
I tried my hand at more wildlife photography as a Guillemot tried to take flight and used up so much energy trying to keep alongside!
(Photos to be included here)
Further down the coast, we passed via Bamborough Castle and Seahouses and I was reminded of a lovely walk I had with my girl friends (Steph, Frankie, Sharon and Carolyn) last October!
Mike isnt very well today, he has “man flu” and, after initial activity, took to his cabin to rest for most of the trip. This meant I did a double watch to cover for him. I didnt mind a bit, the weather was good, and I was really enjoying the trip today, and I was happy of course for him to keep well out of the way with his germs!
We considered sailing to Newcastle and spending 2 nights there, but we felt we would learn more bytaking in another place and have experiencing at berthing – and it would just be a short trip to Newcastle tomorrow. I could see Blyth from a long way away as it is marked by wind turbines, and I almost didnt want the day to end!
I contacted Blyth Harbour on the VHF upon our approach, and it is so interesting to hear such a distinct change of accent in so short a space! I just love the Geordie accent! I can’t imitate it unfortunately, apart from “why eye man”!
We brought the sails down in the entrance to the marina, and planned to berth at the stern of a youth training boat called “James Cook” As I approached the pontoon, I could see 2 men waving frantically and pointing to the space we were to occupy – they didnt seem to think I was heading there, but I was only positioning the boat to glide in there. There was a hammerhead finger at the end of the pontoon, so just a space between there and the James Cook, and maybe they were unconvinced the boat could be brought into that space as they saw a female at the helm? Anyway, I tried to ignore them as I ferry glided RBE into the space – they looked up at me and said “perfect” I said “of course” ahem ahem! I didnt tell them I have only just discovered what “ferry gliding” means! Another new skill!
Phewee! Another school day, another berthing and another day nearly over!
Time for dinner!
Chris cooked us an English “Blythfast” for dinner – consisting of Lorne sausage (even though we are no longer in Scotland), Haggis slices (ditto!) black pudding, eggs, mashed potatoes and beans – all good healthy fare, a month worth of sins at Slimming World! Following this, John was busy writing his passage plan for tomorrow, I was busy writing the blog, and Mike was busy washing up!
Feeling satiated, we headed to the Northumberland Yacht Club – it is set upon an old Norwegian Pilot vessel
(Photos to be included here)
but were so disappointed to find he had closed early – did he not know what wonderful customers he had missed out on? Unable to contribute to this local economy, we headed back to the boat ready to fall quickly to sleep, ready for another early start tomorrow – this time, just a local hop to Newcastle – and right into the heart of the city! Goodnight!
