We decided to treat ourselves this morning and have a lye in – and stay in bed until 7am – yippee! What do you know, we were all awake at 6am waiting for the call from the “Skipper of The Day”, John, to rap on the door to wake us!
We have only a short journey today – sailing to Blyth, which is just down the coast from Newcastle. As you know, we made the decision yesterday not to head straight to Newcastle, but to stop off short and benefit from yet another pilotage and opportunity to berth the boat. We still wanted to get into the city early enough so we could get a look around as we were passing – it would be rude not to after all!
John had been busy last night preparing his passage whilst we were busy looking for the barman to open the yacht club! He gave us a briefing this morning in a cheery style starting with “dearly beloved brethren, we are gathered here today to sail to Blythe” He shared his meticulous passage planning with us and we busied ourselves preparing the boat.
John ensured we had permission from Blyth harbour control
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
and brought the boat out beautifully and we headed out to the sea. The wind was on our nose, so no chance today of sailing unfortunately, but the sea was very lumpy and the winds were strong, and just motoring in these conditions was great experience for us.
John guided us beautifully, he knew exactly which landmarks to look out for and we headed in the entrance to the Tyne. It was interesting steering into the Tyne as the sea bounced us around, and I tried to keep us from becoming involved with the piers at either end!
What a joy as the conditions improved and we navigated up the Tyne.
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
There were still lots of challenges lay ahead of us, and we needed to keep a sharp look out as motored along.
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows) John kept a close watch and kept referring to his careful passage plans
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
And I hoped they wouldn’t get blown away in the wind! He directed us up the Tyne
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
It was good to see the activity on the River Tyne
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
to see that industry is not dead
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
And the interesting ships along the way
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
And the not so attractive ones
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
Having a skipper who has travelled so much, and been in the merchant navy is an advantage as he is a good guide. He identified this
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)\
As an old oil or gas platform and told us about the survival craft – the Brooker Capsule (can you see it on the side) and they seem like life rafts – but a little larger than the one we used in the swimming pool when we did our personal survival training.
We all enjoyed our motor up the River Tyne, and tried to forget the awful Northumberland weather!
We radioed through and requested permission to moor up at the town quayside. They told us they were busy right now and we would have to raft up alongside. We didnt expect to have to raft onto a pleasure boat – but it turned out just fine
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
And made an interesting route out into the city up our own little ladder and onto our very own pleasure boat!
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
We all loved Newcastle and had a good old wander around. We found the original Marks and Spencers Penny Bazaar
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
I loved the architecture and enjoyed photographing
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
And juxtaposing the old with the new
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
Which seems alot of which Newcastle is all about.
Newcastle also has its hoodies – but it appears they are “Goodies with Hoodies”!
(Photo to be inserted here when internet allows)
Back to the boat to cook some tea – we had New Chicken Fajicastles! (that was a struggle to make that one up!)
So, here we are, a Friday night in Newcastle, the city is bouncing with life, and we are sitting on the boat eating, drinking, (blogging) and watching “Proms – Last Night Celebrations In Scotland” featuring Alfie Boe on the TV – we know how to have a good time! How could a lively bar in Newcastle compare to this – here I was on a boat with 3 men to keep me company, and another to sing to me!
You do get tired when you have been on a boat, so we can be forgiven and it was never our intention to be night clubbers on The Round Britain Experience!
That said, we need to get to bed at a reasonable time as we are sailing tomorrow to Whitby – goodnight!
