Is this summer ?

Sunday 16th May

We awoke to rain and grey skies but the forecast said better later in the day. A little bit of deck cleaning was carried out between the showers and we were undecided as to whether to stay where we were or to head off up the river. Eventually we decided that it was brightening up so decided to go as soon as the tide turned in our favour.

As we left the yacht haven the sun peeped through the clouds and grew stronger as we headed across Carrick Roads towards the narrower river at it’s head. As we neared the pontoon I had hoped was sheltered the wind eased and as we tied up the cloud dispersed to give a clear blue sky. There were two boats already on the pontoon but shortly after we arrived they left (was it something we said?). It left us with a perfectly peaceful afternoon and evening, sitting out until dusk arrived.

Monday 17th May

About half a mile further upstream from the pontoon is a landing stage where you can tie up your dinghy and after a short walk enter Trelissick Gardens. This we decided to do and what a pleasure it was to walk around the grounds and enjoy the very varied plantings there, especially the Azaleas and Rhododendrons. After a coffee in the attractive café we returned to the boat for lunch. Shortly afterwards our friend Nigel on Xenia (a Sadler 32) joined us on his way back up river after a sail, bringing a bottle of red wine with him. An enjoyable couple of hours was spent chatting and putting the world to rights. As he left for his mooring we spotted a seal in the river about 100 yds away, totally unperturbed by passing boats. Apparently it is a regular visitor around the turn of the tide.

We ate on board again as the nearest pub/village was about a mile away would not have been better food and certainly not as attractive surroundings.

What a lovely day it has been, this is what boating is all about!


Tuesday 18th May

A slow sail to Fowey, using the engine at times due to the light winds. We took a look in at Mevagissey on the way but it didn’t look too tempting to stop so we continued on. Had a good sail, goosewinged (sails out on opposite sides of the boat with the wind from behind) all the way from Mevagissey into Fowey. Still a bit rolly but more comfortable than last time. Our plan is to move on to Looe tomorrow after a leisurely morning, hopefully meeting our friend Ian on Eonmor there.